Are non nursing graduate degrees beneficial to a nurse?

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In a hypothetical situation, a registered nurse first assistant, pediatric acute care NP certified, obtains a graduate degree in neuroscience or neurobiology. Does this offer any benefits to this particular highly skilled nurse practitioner?

What about graduate degrees in criminology, criminal justice, psychology, social work, or forensic psychology? Are there any benefits for a nurse to possess a non nursing graduate degree?

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Specializes in ICU, Med-Surg, Post-op, Same-Day Surgery.

I know that a JD can be extremely beneficial as there is a market for medically and legally trained people.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

I know that most extra degrees won't help much, but I think it will vary by degree/situation.

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Specializes in CTICU.

Depends entirely upon what job you want to do!

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Specializes in CRNA.

Furthering one's education is always beneficial dude. Even for a hypothetical registered nurse first assistant pediatric acute care NP certified guy with graduate degrees in neuroscience, neurobiology, criminology, criminal justice, psychology, social work AND forensic psychology. Again, being educated I think is a good thing. Having the skillz and quick thinking to perform your job is something else. This is what often separates educators from clinical practitioners.

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Specializes in ER.

I sure hope so! I am going for a non-nursing graduate degree in the liberal arts. I have no desire to do a MSN. I already have 2 nursing degrees I don't want another one! I don't want to be a NP or educator so I am getting the degree more for management down the road. Having a graduate degree shows you can think well, write well, and solve problems well. Those skills are applicable to any field.

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Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

HOWEVER, to manage in nursing the graduate degree MUST be a MSN. Good LUCK.

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU, Surgical, LTAC.

you can manage as a nurse with a graduate degree in business as well

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Specializes in Addictions, Acute Psychiatry.

look at the job postings; some say msn or equivalent. if it's a degree associated with your practice and you're only an associates; you're still management material

many ceo's and administrators have MBA's

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Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

I was a Director with MPA 10 years ago. Today in my state and at magnet facilities it won't fly. MUST be MSN. I remember back 25 years ago our VP of Nursing had pHd in Anthropology, no longer acceptable. They are also talking that minimum for teaching be pHd as is required in Universities and other Professions. Perhaps in states with nursing shortage and very rural area you can get away with not having MSN, but not HERE. Remember, every state sets own requirements.

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