DNP vs Health administration

[LookForward]

I realize I don't want to be an NP long term as I realize there is no ladder to climb in this field.

I would like to lead one day. I definitely know for sure I desire a leadership position.

However, I am not sure whether I should pursue a DNP (already accepted into a program) or do masters in nursing/health administration.

Which degree is better if I would like to be a nursing director one day?

Thanks

[WhoDatWhoDare, BSN, RN]

I've seen DNP be in leadership positions in my hospital.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

DNP is a degree- not a role. There are DNP programs that do not lead to advance practice roles- I have my DNP in Educational Leadership. I am not now, nor have I ever been, an NP/ CNM/ CRNA/ CNS.

Go for the degree that will support the role you want to eventually attain.

[jlambirt]

100% go for MSN in Administration. Alternatives are an MBA or Master's in Healthcare Administration. These degrees deal with business and management. That's the advice I got from my DON and CEO (BSN with MBA).

My BSN did nothing for that role. I too decided I'd prefer admin over clinical. I'm doing my MSN in Admin/leadership at Capella online using their FlexPath program. I'm on my 4th of 13 classes and I'm already using it at work. I'm the NOC shift House Supervisor and meet with the DON and nurse managers every morning after my shift.

The talks are all about staffing issues, legal issues, our high turnover rate, deciding to hire/fire staff, why we have medication errors, why certain staff can't seem to properly complete an admission or discharge, etc.

I hope this sounds inspiring instead of cruel....most nurses are average and average doesn't cut it for Nurse Practitioners or Managers (hopefully). When you get into management, most of your day is spent handling deficiencies and keeping your hospital...average. No medication errors, no sick calls, and an uneventful day are considered a win.

Oh, and whatever you're currently doing, get into a supervisor role immediately. 3 years as a shift supervisor with a BSN is low entry point, better to have 5 years and a MSN. Depends on where you are. My managers came up inside the hospital as CNA, LPN, ADN, and then nurse managers with no experience and it shows everyday.

[Bbtj]

Wow thanks so much I'm not even a RN yet but I graduate in March and like to plan ahead. I've always said I probably end up in a administrative role eventually, this really helped me to understand the path I should take !