Deciding between Masters in Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership?

[Success89]

I currently have my BSN and I work full time on a postpartum/maternity/newborn unit. I have been thinking about going back for my masters degree but I am so undecided as to what I should specialize in. I am not interested in being a NP. I do enjoy teaching , as it already encompasses a large part of my role but I am not sure if I want to get my masters in education. I have been told by several colleagues that I would make a good leader, I have been "ushered" to apply for management position within my company but I have never felt comfortable with the thought of being a nurse manager etc. I am the charge nurse on my unit very often and I get good feedback but that is about as close to any  "leadership" role that I have done. I really enjoy being the charge nurse on my unit however! I have had fleeting thoughts about applying to be a manager etc just to get a feel. 

My direct question is , should I get my masters in education or nursing leadership? What degree do you think would open more doors in general? Also, can I even get a leadership degree without having management/supervisory experience? I would hate for that degree to be null and void if I have not held any necessary direct leadership positions. I also enjoy teaching as I said, so I'm really stuck on what to choose! Thanks!! 

 

[mdsRN2005, ASN, BSN, RN]

Disclaimer, I don't have either of these degrees but have considered both in the past.  Here's a few things I've noticed, although be aware this may vary greatly regionally.  Nursing ED jobs tend to be easier to get, but often don't pay much more than staff nurse (especially if you have several years experience, specialty certs, night/charge diff, built in overtime, etc).  Definitely something to consider if you'll be taking out $20k in loans for the degree.  Although with the schedule being so good, you could easily keep a PRN job.  But just be aware it may be a big up front expense without an immediate return.  Nursing admin jobs, especially VP level and higher, are harder to come by and may require waiting a few years until one becomes available, or moving to a different area. However, they're more likely to be a bigger pay increase.  Finally, some (not all) schools of nursing are not so picky about which concentration you have, so long as you do have a masters.  Some list nursing ED as a hard requirement, while others only list it as a preference and would consider any MSN (especially if you get a post-grad certificate, which is usually just a few more courses).  Meanwhile few high level admin positions will consider a nursing ED masters.  Again, this may vary greatly based on region, but I hope it gives you an idea of things to consider.  Ask around in your area to get a feel for all these different questions.  Finally, look into programs that offer joint specialties or a concurrent post-grad certificate in the opposite.  Hope this is helpful!