Are my MSN dreams shattered?

[MereSanity, BSN, RN]

I decided to return to school for my MSN in Leadership/Administration/Quality (one of those). Anyway, much to my dismay, I discovered that nobody where I work has an MSN in any of those areas. And, all of the universities require so many preceptor hours! There's no way that I'm going to be able to find anyone to be my preceptor ☹️ I feel like my goal of earning my MSN is shattered. I have a ton of experience and I'm certified in numerous things (CNOR, RNFA, TNCC, ACLS, etc), I was also always a straight A student in nursing school. I'm not trying to get out of work. I just don't see how this is gonna happen now and I'm heartbroken. I'm looking for an online MSN program with a fast track and very little clinical hours. I've done many searches online, but I'm not finding one. I realize clinical hours are important but after 20 years of being a nurse, and with all my previous experience, it really doesn't seem necessary.  Anyone have better luck than me?

[mdsRN2005, ASN, BSN, RN]

The "clinical" hours are not to observe clinical care, but rather the upper level admin role which you don't have experience in.  Any reputable MSN program will require this.  If no one at your facility has a MSN, you may have to do your clinical elsewhere. Although when I was researching MSN admin roles, one program director said that they will consider letting students shadow the CEO or a VP (even if not a nurse) since their intent is for you to see the business side of healthcare.  But if not, you'll definitely have to look at other facilities.  Your instructors may be able to make recommendations.  And if your university is a teaching hospital, then you should be able to shadow someone there.   But transferring to a different school will not eliminate this requirement, and will likely also result in you losing progress.  

[Sandy O]

I don't think you will find a graduate program that doesn't require clinical hours, as they are an essential part of the degree process. It doesn't seem like your workplace is able to provide a preceptor, and most schools require students to secure their own. I would recommend using an online service that can connect you with either an in-person preceptor in your area or a virtual one, depending on the school's requirements. I hope this helps!

[MereSanity, BSN, RN]

mdsRN2005 said:

The "clinical" hours are not to observe clinical care, but rather the upper level admin role which you don't have experience in.  Any reputable MSN program will require this.  If no one at your facility has a MSN, you may have to do your clinical elsewhere. Although when I was researching MSN admin roles, one program director said that they will consider letting students shadow the CEO or a VP (even if not a nurse) since their intent is for you to see the business side of healthcare.  But if not, you'll definitely have to look at other facilities.  Your instructors may be able to make recommendations.  And if your university is a teaching hospital, then you should be able to shadow someone there.   But transferring to a different school will not eliminate this requirement, and will likely also result in you losing progress.  

I'm currently considering an MHA which doesn't require "clinical" hours. It's unfortunate as I would rather earn an MSN. I may not have another choice though.

Sandy O said:

I don't think you will find a graduate program that doesn't require clinical hours, as they are an essential part of the degree process. It doesn't seem like your workplace is able to provide a preceptor, and most schools require students to secure their own. I would recommend using an online service that can connect you with either an in-person preceptor in your area or a virtual one, depending on the school's requirements. I hope this helps!

Do you know of any of these online services that are reputable and legitimate? Thank you so much for your input!