Fallout of Obamacare Question: Best Advanced Nursing Degree To Pursue?

[asiangal]

I'm an RN of 32 years old with 6 years of experience. I'm motivated and looking to further my education and marketability as a nurse. As I'm pondering my decision, obviously one must look at the fallout of Obamacare will have on the future of an advanced nursing degree.

That as a foundation, my questions are as follows:

1) Which advanced nursing degree would be wise to pursue knowing the Obamacare is just around the corner? I know you should choose a career path that best caters to your passion and strength.....but I'm just just seriously curious overall on what everyone's opinions are!!!

2) CRNA versus Nurse Practitioner - Which Nursing Professional (in your opinion) will benefit more (and get a greater Return on Investment) with their advanced degree? I know these 2 positions vastly differ in many ways...but my sense is one would be in more demand than the other. Based on my research, this is what I'm sensing:

1) Nurse Practitioners will be in greater demand because of the many doctors may getting out of the profession...causing a greater demand for Nurse Practitioners. More demand...equals more job security and pay.

2) CRNA's will be in less demand (and maybe get less of a Return on Investment) with this advanced degree than an Nurse Practitioner. The medical field seems to be going to the more "home health care" and the extreme causes related to Hospitals may force hospitals to have less budget to pay for CRNA's. Yes...I know that there will always people needing surgeries ect. But with many people going for CRNA's....the market could be much more saturated then the Nurse Practitioner

3) Masters in Science in Nursing (MSN) - Not sure how Obamacare will effect this but would appreciate anybodies input if a MSN is a better degree to pursue than an NP or CRNA. To me, common sense tells you, that getting a NP or CRNA would be better.

In closing, thanks for letting me share all this as I'm a person that thinks as I type. In terms of a potential decision, I've learned that some of the best choices you make are the ones you didn't make. After thinking things through a little bit more, perhaps (just perhaps) Obamacare will lesson the salaries of these Advanced Nursing Degrees and people won't get a good return on investment with their degrees. That said....perhaps its best to just be content where I'm at :)

Thoughts/Opinions?

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

I don't think the ACA is going to have a significant impact on advanced nursing practice for the foreseeable future. You should pursue which ever path interest you more, as they are vastly different and have virtually nothing in common.

[asiangal]

I understand the I should pursue my interests...THAT ASIDE....which one will have more of an affect on Obamacare?

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

As I said, I don't think either will be deeply impacted.

[Poochiewoochie]

And it's not Obamacare-It's the Affordable Care Act. Obama actually ran on the one payer system like Medicare but caved in when he knew he would never get it passed. The Affordable Care Act is actually based on what Romney got passed in Massachusetts when he was governor.

[asiangal]

Any other thoughts out there?

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I don't understand what the ACA has to do with anyone's career choices?

Follow your interests. Do what you love.

Always the best advice.

[froggg123]

When I was going for my NP I thought about this, I was originally going for Acute Care NP and then switched to Family, I dont see anything "in writing" but it seems like most physicians are going into specialities and my world domination plan is that NPs will be primary care and physicians can specialize.

Froggg123 for president in 2016

[VICEDRN, BSN, RN]

I don't think the ACA will have an impact on the various and sundry roles of providers. Personally, I think the MDs are just whining. They will have to stay on board whether they like it or not. Ha ha.

I think in general, midlevels will continue to see an increase in demand for their skills. This would include the CRNAs.

[asiangal]

So, under ACA, how do you think the role of the CRNA will change? And the FNP? Obviously, I've given my opinion....but I'm not saying I'm right. Would love to hear yours.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Hospitals are what they are - they want to make and keep money (this is bad for nurses). Insurance companies are what they are - would rather people not be patients in hospital because they don't want to pay out $$$$$ benefits.

If there was no Obamacare, everything would still point to less healthcare benefit, and more out of pocket for patients. This as well as attempts to keep patients out of hospitals. Nobody wants to pay for inpatient care. You will pay more, and get less no matter what/who. The best way to do that is keep you away from the hospital.

Sooooo. Outpatient is probably the way to go.

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

What we are telling you is that no one thinks either of the roles is likely to change much, if at all. What is possible, is that your state practice act may change. You should check with your state BON and state professional AP org and find out what kind of legislation might be pending, or is being discussed. The ACA isn't going to have much impact, but APNs in your state may be vying for change completely independent of it. We are telling you to look at the big picture. The ACA should not be significant to your decision.

Good luck.