Does MSN make a difference?

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I don't even have my BSN yet and wasn't even considering an MSN, but I really did like being in school and was just wondering if there are any major reasons to do it. Also, I'm slightly confused.....is NP the same as MSN? (sorry if that sounds stupid....:o)

Specializes in Med-Surg/Oncology/Telemetry/ICU.

How long after BSN does it take to do MSN and NP (if I feel so moved)?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I had no idea you could specialize within the MSN, but that's great because I love OB and it would be a fun thing to do.

Many areas of educative track with MSN:

Forensics

Legal Nurse Consulting

Education

APN (CRNA, CNM, NP, CNS - latter 2 with subspecialties)

Life Care Planning

Nursing Informatics

Nurse Administrator

Healthcare Leadership

Community/Public Health

Clinical Research Management

International Nursing

To name a few.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Approximately 2 years, nursekatie22

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Specializes in Emergency.

Ohhhh, International nursing? What exactly does that entail??

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
That's an important thing to point out, Tweety. It's the nature of the work that changes when one is "promoted" to a job that requires an MSN. The compensation doesn't always improve much. However, I have found that most of those MSN jobs involve better hours and working conditions than staff nursing. Many of those jobs are also easier on the body as a person ages. That may not be universally true, but it is often true.

I agree. That is why I'm moving on with my educational goals at the age of 47. I might not be able to do this floor nursing thing with overtime for 20 more years. :lol2:

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Ohhhh, International nursing? What exactly does that entail??

Here is a link to Emory University which offers dual degrees in International Health/Nursing. Gives some information that you might find interesting:

Emory School of Nursing

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Many areas of educative track with MSN:

Forensics

Legal Nurse Consulting

Education

APN (CRNA, CNM, NP, CNS - latter 2 with subspecialties)

Life Care Planning

Nursing Informatics

Nurse Administrator

Healthcare Leadership

Community/Public Health

Clinical Research Management

International Nursing

To name a few.

Hi Siri,

Do you have any more information about Life Care Planning or where such studies are offered? I'm currently in an RN to BSN program and would like to continue with my education after that but I'm not really sure what I'd like to do. Thanks!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hi Siri,

Do you have any more information about Life Care Planning or where such studies are offered? I'm currently in an RN to BSN program and would like to continue with my education after that but I'm not really sure what I'd like to do. Thanks!

Hello, SweetOldWorld,

Kaplan and Excelsior have post-grad certificate programs as Life Care Planners:

Life Care Planning - Certificate Programs from All Nursing Schools

As I have stated in previous threads, I've utilized certified Life Care Planners as expert witnesses in my medical-legal consulting business.

Here is an informative link that explains Life Care Planning as seen from the legal stand point of view:

Life Care Planning - FAQ's

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