Advance Practice Degree?? I'm Confunsed...

[Heather, BSN, RN]

Hi!

Im in the process of applying to graduate school but confused by essay questions and the definition of an advance practice degree. Im applying to the MSN Administration program but 3 of the 8 essays I have to write involve an advance practice degree question.

1) Identify and analyze your reason, or reasons, for pursuing an advance practice degree.

2) What are your advanced practice role goals upon completion of this program?

3) Describe your professional background and explain how your clinical nursing career, including clinical skills and clinical leadership, has prepared you for advanced practice education. Give at least one example of how you have provided culturally sensitive or patient centered care during your nursing career.

I was under the impression that an advance practice degree were for NPs, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and CRNAs. Am I wrong? So these questions don't seem to pertain to my degree of choice. Any ideas? I'd ask the college but dont want to look confused or like an idiot if my degree really is an avance practice degree. Thanks!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

The college is probably using a generally application for all of the programs. Any degree about the BSN, or and graduate level education is being considered advanced practice here. Whether or not an MSN in administration is really an advanced practice degree, you can still easily answer the essay questions.

1. Why are you pursing an MSN in administration?

2. What are your career goals after you graduate? OR How do you intend to use this degree?

3. How have your clinical experience prepared you for graduate level education. Describe one clinical example of how you have provided culturally sensitive or patient centered care.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Moved to the post-grad forum (vs. the GN forum) to encourage responses.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with Ashley. They are probably referring to ANY advanced degree as an advanced practice degree. If it makes you feel better, preface your resonse with a statement clarifying the issue.

Not all of us agree with the designation of those four roles as being the only ones that are "advanced practice." Some of feel that educators and administrators are also practicing in advanced roles. It's just that some advanced roles involve "expanded" practice and some don't.

[Heather, BSN, RN]

thank ya'll so much! i figured they were putting every msn in that category since there is only one graduate school application for nursing, and i have already answered two of the questions but i was just wanting some clarification on them. i love this website!!! yall are such a great help!