CNS or Education?

[Stella_Blue]

Im so torn on what I should go back to school for. I know I want to go back sooner than later. I %100 know I don't want to be a NP. I recently intervied for a nurse educator in my department, and I think if I am hired it may help sway my decision.  

Anyways, I feel in my heart of hearts the CNS is right for me. I've wanted to do it for years. I also know bow difficult it can be for CNS roles, especially here in rural Indiana. My hospital system utilizes them well though. The only school near me that offers the program is rather far and its a mix of online and in class, but again I can manage that.

On the other hand theres the educatuon route. I know you can do so much with a MSN in education. I don't want to teach in university, I want to work with nurses.  I feel like an education degree is a little more flexible.  Also, I can do this degree online at home.  Im driving myself crazy and cant decide which route to go.

Any insight from anyone who has experience with either is so much appreciated! 

[londonflo]

I went to a University that used Rush University's Teacher/Practitioner model. Our MSN degree covered both roles. I am not sure any university still uses the education.al model

https://www.rushu.rush.edu/sites/default/files/Academic Affairs/Practitioner teacher model GFA conference July 2012 poster draft7-30.pdf

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

Like londonflo, I took my masters in (cardiovascular) nursing but took electives in education design, student teaching, and research because I wanted to teach. It was a perfect choice that has served me well in a variety of settings over the years.  I worked in some places where the CNS was expected to be an educator, so the clinical education worked well with the ED components; I also worked in nonclinical settings where the education part informed a big part of my communications skills.  

University of Washington in beautiful Seattle. 

[pro-student]

I think you want to be a CNS. Part of CNS practice includes staff development and education which sounds like what interests you more. CNS are often encouraged to maintain involvement in clinical practice too which helps make one a better educator. Most nursing education programs are focused on preparing faculty at prelicensure programs which you’ve said you’re not interested in. As others have mentioned, if the school you attend also has education classes, you could probably pick up a few as electives or part of your CNS program.