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I took an MSN in order to become a child psych CNS (after working for years as a staff nurse in psych). The MSN is a minimum requirement for advanced practice. In addition to clinical practice as a psych CNS in a wide range of roles and settings, I've taught psych nursing in ADN and BSN programs.
Apart from possibly an MPH for a public health nurse or an MBA for someone who wants a career in administration, Master's degrees in other disciplines aren't likely to help a nursing career much (as is true in most disciplines).
Looks like I'm the odd one out here. I work as a staff nurse now. I plan on pursuing a master's in social work/counseling next year. I will always keep my RN license current, but I want more options. I don't want to be a floor nurse forever, management doesn't appeal to me, I don't want to be a NP/CRNA, and I don't have a particular urge to teach. So social work it is! I have an interest in case management and counseling so I think this will be a good fit. It is a parallel field and I will pick up per diem shifts in nursing to stay current.
Darjeeling22
48 Posts
Hello, nurses!
I was wondering about those of you that have pursued master's degrees. Did you do an MSN? A degree in a different discipline? As a student still, I'm just curious about how an advanced degree has helped (or not helped!) in your work. Thank you in advance!