Advice about pursuing a MBA degree

[Indigo7]

Hi everyone, I want to start out saying that, as a novice nurse, I'm realizing that bedside nursing is not what I see myself doing forever. I have about one year of experience at a rehabilitation hospital and recently, secured a staff nurse position on a rehab floor of a hospital. That's not to say that I hate the profession, I've loved the science and pathophysiology of it all, and enjoyed researching EBP topics during my BSN. Sure it was all tough, but the content was enjoyable.

That being said, I'm looking for the next step, and I'm finding that it's been hard to consider what I might do since I only have a general vagueness for the roles and responsibilities of other healthcare positions filled by unit managers, supervisors, administrators, officers and directors. I understand any of these would require additional school and experience, but I just don't have the foundational understanding of what these positions entitle.

I've been playing with the idea of pursuing an MBA, which I understand would be a lot more business oriented, but I can't conceptualize what a person with a BSN-MBA would do, and what positions would be available to them. I also have minimal nursing experience and no leadership or managerial experience. I wonder if I should wait to have more of both before I even try to advance my degree. I'm attracted to the broadness of an MBA not limiting me to just the hospital setting, but I worry I won't enjoy the rigors of a business centered curriculum or work place; or maybe I'll love it. I know that an MSN degree is also an option, but I don't think I would mind stepping away from the nursing side of things.

I have plenty of time, I'm not married, I don't have children, and my job will pay for a significant amount of the tuition of the degree I choose. I really just want to move forward, but so much of what's in front of me feels obscure. I plan to research the job descriptions I'm not familiar with and reach out to my office of employee advancement at work to possibly speak with those in leadership about what they do and what is required for their position.

I'm interested to know what this online community has to say about hospital organizational structure. I also have many questions about the direction I should take with grad school. What can be accomplished with a BSN-MBA degree? What roles would a MBA degree open up as opposed to an MSN, and vice versa? Is it best to gain RN and leadership experience before attempting to pursue a higher degree? I would appreciate any advice! Thanks!

Michelle

[TriciaJ, RN]

What is it you actually see yourself DOING? What are your interests now? If bedside nursing isn't ringing your chimes, what would? Are you a member of ANA? Do you receive their publications? They often recognize nurses who have advanced degrees and occupy non-traditional nursing positions. Find out who these nurses are and interview some of them, if you can. Or at least read articles written by and about them. Since you seem to be at a bit of a loss at present, that might be a good direction to start in.

Good luck.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Ideally ... the degree you choose to pursue should flow from your desire for a certain type of career -- NOT the other way around. Figure out what type of work you want to do, and the choose the type of educational program that will further that type of career.

By the way ... the are programs that offer dual degrees MSN/MBA. You might also consider getting a degree a Heathcare Administration if that interests you. There are lots of options. Don't just jump on the first bandwagon that you see. Take some time to figure out your career interests before investing lots of time and money in a degree that may or may not be suited to what will make you happy in the future.

[ChryssyD]

There is a profound overlap of nursing and business. The healthcare administration route sounds particularly appropriate to me, but an MBA is useful in any number of areas, and healthcare is definitely one of them. A CFO or administrator who can draw on both financial and nursing knowledge would be a significant asset to any healthcare facility. If you feel drawn to the business side of things, by all means go for it!

[Boomer MS, RN]

One year of experience is not very long. I advise you to stay at the bedside for another year at least for the experience and to decide what it is you want to do. There are MSN/MBA combined programs out there. An MHA (master's in health administration) might be another option. Search the curriculums of the MBA and MHA. If you like science, another graduate program to consider is an MPH. Since you're without other responsibilities, it is an ideal time to pursue further education.

[caliotter3]

There was an individual in my class with an MBA from an Ivy League school. I never once remember this person making reference to any plans to combine the two areas. Make certain that you have a clear picture of your career goals before you start making expensive (time, effort, and money-wise) commitments.