Advice for me?

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I am just finishing up my BSN online and I can't believe I'm considering my next degree, I feel like I've been in school forever. I am a fairly new nurse, my interest is maternal child health, ob/gyn surgeries, babies, possibly NICU, L&D. I picture myself helping women and children, would love to work in a clinic setting also, really enjoy teenagers, std clinics, planned parenthood, WIC, that sort of thing. I also have my Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) to augment my current job as a postpartum nurse and would like to be a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) as well when I've gotten enough hours and taken the test, so that's definitely an interest as well.

I am definitely not interesting in administration or being one of the chiefs, I like patient contact and patient care, at least at this point in time. Also I really enjoy working odd hours and three nights a week, not thrilled about the traditional 9-5 job. Nursing instructor (esp clinicals in OB) or nursing educator might be intriguing but I hear the pay isn't very good.

I had considered the CNM (Nurse Midwife) but lately was pondering just the Masters in Nursing (MSN) or even Masters in Public Health (MPH). Given what I've said about my interests, does anyone in the medical field have any recommendations for me? Not sure which way to go, or which degree goes the farthest.?

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hello MsTigerLily!

Wow, it certainly sounds like you know what you want! {{I am not an expert, just sending you my good thoughts and my two cents, for what it is worth at 0130 hours, hahaha}}. I also received my undergrad BSN degree via the distance route (smile) and I am presently in a distance-based Nurse Practitioner program

Are you presently working? Forgive these pointed questions, but if you are working and are relatively happy, then you have a way to "pay the bills" while you contemplate the future. With your background and your interests, perhaps you might look at advanced programs in Womans Health? Check out this website (in case you were not aware of it): www.Petersons.com

You might find a program that fits you. They have listings for both on-site and distance-based graduate programs.

Whatever you decide, Stay Safe.

Respectfully,

athena

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Wow, only one response. Maybe I put this in the wrong category? Anyway, thanks for your response. I am working as a postpartum nurse and I enjoy it but always thinking about what I may want to do in the future. I want a more autonomous feeling eventually but I definitely want to stay in the women/infant health arena. Thanks for the links!

Hello MsTigerLily!

Wow, it certainly sounds like you know what you want! {{I am not an expert, just sending you my good thoughts and my two cents, for what it is worth at 0130 hours, hahaha}}. I also received my undergrad BSN degree via the distance route (smile) and I am presently in a distance-based Nurse Practitioner program

Are you presently working? Forgive these pointed questions, but if you are working and are relatively happy, then you have a way to "pay the bills" while you contemplate the future. With your background and your interests, perhaps you might look at advanced programs in Womans Health? Check out this website (in case you were not aware of it): www.Petersons.com

You might find a program that fits you. They have listings for both on-site and distance-based graduate programs.

Whatever you decide, Stay Safe.

Respectfully,

athena

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