Non NP MSN types

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I was hoping you guys could help me decide about which MSN to get.

I want to do leadership/administration. I got into a college that is not in my state (MY GPA is 2.66 ) The tuition is going to be 25k total.

SOO I started looking in my state and found a couple colleges that have tuition 7-10k totals.

Problem is they don't have leadership. They have CNS, or education as their tracts.

So does it really matter what you specialize in with you MSN, just as long as you have one? Like I could just use the education one for my an administrative position? I read the description of CNS/CNL and it seems to be a bedside one with some research on best practices.

I am so confused on all of it.

I thought I had it all figured out, until I paid attention to tuition price and it was outrageous... sooo trying to look into other things but my GPA isn't that strong so I'm wondering if I should just stick to what I have since I got in.

Thanks for all your help. I searched the boards many times but couldn't find this type of question.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I does matter what you get your MSN in. Each one is different. If you get one in education, it won't teach you anything about nursing leadership in a clinical facility. etc. The content of the courses is different because the work they do is different and it requires a foundation of different knowledge.

However ... having said that ... there is an overlap in some of the graduate level courses. And any GOOD program will teach general (but advanced) nursing knowledge about research, theory, nursing issues, etc. Any GOOD program should increase your problem-solving skills and your ability to learn new things on your own so that you can handle a wide variety of situations. So maybe I should say, "It matters 70% ... and doesn't matter 30%."

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So I guess my more appropriate question would be, Am I qualified to be in a leadership position with an Education MSN? Or a Clinical Nurse Leader/specialist ?

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So I guess my more appropriate question would be, Am I qualified to be in a leadership position with an Education MSN? Or a Clinical Nurse Leader/specialist ?

That would be entirely up to individual employers. Some might consider you qualified. A lot would not. Graduate degrees in nursing pretty much lock you into a specific professional role and career path. It's important to put the time and effort in up front to make sure you're getting a degree that's going to get you where you want to go, career-wise.

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Thanks so much for the response. That helps a lot.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I think you need to figure out what position you want BEFORE you commit to an MSN program.

I was stupid when I did my MSN. I have an MSN in management and leadership. I started a dual MSN/MBA and regret to this day (11 years later) that I did not stick with the MBA portion. So...I have an MSN in a non-clinical specialty.

Then...(again dumb me) decide ooops I don't like management. So...off to school I go for a post-MSN adult health CNS. Then...a few years later...I need to see kids...so yet another post-MSN Peds CNS.

Then...a few years later, ANCC in their wisdom (NOT!) decide to RETIRE both my certs. Well, even though I'm old, I 'm not old enough to retire (lol) so I must be VERY careful to obtain the required practice hours and DOUBLE the CME in order to keep both certs current.

Learn from my mistakes....don't be like traumaRUs!

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Oh man!!!!!

I see what you are saying. Maybe I am still trying to figure out the details of my career path.

I know I want some type of administrative/leadership role. Not sure if that means Nurse manager, Clinical Administrator type things, DON maybe? or even working somewhere in Administration ....I have even dabbled in some LNC stuff, so not sure how/if that would benefit me either... I just want to get on the correct path with my education. I am okay if my mind changes in a few years.. which I am sure it will but I can just keep going on my path, I'll feel good about that. Thanks for your valuable input.

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Oh man!!!!!

I see what you are saying. Maybe I am still trying to figure out the details of my career path.

I know I want some type of administrative/leadership role. Not sure if that means Nurse manager, Clinical Administrator type things, DON maybe? or even working somewhere in Administration ....I have even dabbled in some LNC stuff, so not sure how/if that would benefit me either... I just want to get on the correct path with my education. I am okay if my mind changes in a few years.. which I am sure it will but I can just keep going on my path, I'll feel good about that. Thanks for your valuable input.

If you know that you want to go into administration, then you should do an MSN in leadership/management. Better to have the appropriate degree that matches your career interests than to get the convenient or cheaper degree and then spend your career trying to convince people they should hire you even though you don't have the "right" degree and credentials.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

If you're into administration, forgo the MSN and get a MHA.

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Specializes in nursing education.

For what it's worth, you can teach with any MSN so that can always be an option later.

Some hospital systems like and hire CNSs, some like and hire CNLs so if you are vested somewhere, find out which of the two your employer prefers before committing to one or the other.

PPs have given good advice for you..

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
Oh man!!!!!

I see what you are saying. Maybe I am still trying to figure out the details of my career path.

I know I want some type of administrative/leadership role. Not sure if that means Nurse manager, Clinical Administrator type things, DON maybe? or even working somewhere in Administration ....I have even dabbled in some LNC stuff, so not sure how/if that would benefit me either... I just want to get on the correct path with my education. I am okay if my mind changes in a few years.. which I am sure it will but I can just keep going on my path, I'll feel good about that. Thanks for your valuable input.

Re-read Trauma's post. I think a little more work experience will probably solidify your choices rather than going for one degree at this time. If you do not know what leadership area in administration you want to set as your career goals, then get a job in leadership. You do not need an MSN for your initial leadership position. Initial leadership positions are Charge Nurse, Assistant Nurse Manager, House Supervisor, Clinical Supervisors, etc. Those positions require a few years of Staff RN, committee/volunteer quality improvement project work, and a BSN.

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Know what you want to do any focus on that and that particular program; a little bit more money for the program will not affect you in the long run and will prevent you from going back again.

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