MSN Education track or Leadership track?

Nursing Students Western Governors

Published

So I am wrapping up my BSN with , and plan to immediately begin MSN classes once done.

My question is, which track do I want to take if I plan to go Post MSN FNP?

Which one will be better for me in the long run and provide me with the most rounded education, as well as the best possible outcomes for the future in terms of diversity and employability?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Why put the time, effort, and $$$ into an MSN that isn't in the concentration you know you want? Why not just go to an FNP program??

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would take the education track if it were me. That way I could move into education when I become too old/tired to keep up the pace of full time practice. If you know that you would hate to teach however I would take leadership. I am in a similar situation so keep us posted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Why put the time, effort, and $$$ into an MSN that isn't in the concentration you know you want? Why not just go to an FNP program??

Because I would like to save myself $20,000. If that's not too much to ask.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

What kind of work do you want to do? (education or managment?) Does management appeal to you? Do you like to teach? What experiences do you have with these functions? Have you been a Charge Nurse and/or served on committees that would give you a glimpse of management life? Have you been a preceptor and/or served on a committee that planned educational programs? I would do some of those things at a staff nurse level first to get an idea as to which type of jobs would suit me best. You may have done some of them already. Which roles/functions did you enjoy the most?

I wouldn't be spending any more money until I knew the career path that I wanted to take.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can understand not being sure what area you want to specialize in but being sure that you want an advanced degree. With the "avalanche" of applications to MSN/DNP programs it might be a very good idea to get started before the tuition and competition get any steeper.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
What kind of work do you want to do? (education or managment?) Does management appeal to you? Do you like to teach? What experiences do you have with these functions? Have you been a Charge Nurse and/or served on committees that would give you a glimpse of management life? Have you been a preceptor and/or served on a committee that planned educational programs? I would do some of those things at a staff nurse level first to get an idea as to which type of jobs would suit me best. You may have done some of them already. Which roles/functions did you enjoy the most?

I wouldn't be spending any more money until I knew the career path that I wanted to take.

As previously stated, I plan to continue on with my FNP; I know exactly the career path that I want to take. I just want to know which path is going to benefit me the most as I continue on. The road not taken.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I can understand not being sure what area you want to specialize in but being sure that you want an advanced degree. With the "avalanche" of applications to MSN/DNP programs it might be a very good idea to get started before the tuition and competition get any steeper.

Just another reason why I want to continue with ! :) CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP, and quality education.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
As previously stated, I plan to continue on with my FNP; I know exactly the career path that I want to take. I just want to know which path is going to benefit me the most as I continue on. The road not taken.....

If you are still not sure of which track you want to take at the MSN level ... I still think you should try a little of each role to see which one suits you best. Some FNP's do a lot of teaching: others do more management work. You should pick the one that suits you best in order to like the career options that you will have later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment