Family Nurse Pracitioner vs. Nursing Education

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 12, 2016

Also ... keep in mind that with a degree in Nursing Education, you can also teach in hospital staff development. No, it's not the same specialty as academic education. But I know a lot of people with MSN's in Nursing Education who work in staff development. Such a job might be the link between what you are doing now and teaching for a college some day.

You might want to look into the Nursing Professional Development field to see what it has to offer. They are often attractive, well-paying jobs. Some people prefer them over teaching at the college level. It may not be your first choice, but if you ever find yourself on the job market ... your options in education are more than just teaching in a school of nursing.

allnurses Guide · Sep 12, 2016

Hello,
My name is Lauren and I wanted to seek the advice of some people who are in these programs, or out on the job market currently. I am very interested in getting my MSN with a concentration in Nursing Education. I love college students and I enjoy teaching. However, I am concerned about being too limited with this concentration, and possibly not being able to find a job when I get out.
I also think that being an FNP would be enjoyable, however I just feel drawn to teaching. I know that I could also teach as a Nurse Practitioner, but feel like the MSNed would give me a leg up on being more prepared to educate. Any advice? How is the job market looking? Do those teaching at colleges enjoy it? Thanks!!

Shadow some NPs and see if you like the NP role, that will help you decide.

I remain active in academia as a practicing NP; I do a small amount of didactic teaching both in nursing and medicine, as well as clinical teaching which I enjoy the most. If you like hands-on 1on1 teaching than you can be a practicing NP and do clinical education very easily.

Most college/university teaching positions are going to be looking for terminal (doctorate) degrees.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 12, 2016

I have a Masters in teaching but when it came time to figure out what I wanted to do in higher nursing education, I a getting my MSN (then DNP) in Informatics. With the DNP, I can teach at the university level, if I wanted. I am interviewing for a clinical Ed job. I like teaching, but I did not want to limit myself with a MSN in nursing education.

I think there are more options with getting your DNP in advance practice, then you can choose what you want to teach. You can get certification in Nursing education with any advanced nursing degree. Just my 2 cents :)

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 12, 2016

I would call any decent school which is close enough for you and has both FNP and MSN/Ed programs and make appointment with admission officer. These guys are surprisingly honest regarding job prospects, career limitations, etc. if asked personally and directly.

Also, if you are working in a place where nyrse educators exist, try to get friendly with them. I bet that they will be happy to "share" with you some of their work after a while, so you can get some taste of what nursing ed really looks like.

In my experience, if you really enjoy teaching, you can find a way to do it without investing $$$$$ in it and then getting career limitations lasting forever.