Furthering my RN education

[Jennyfour]

Hello all!

I was curious if anyone could explain the different advanced degrees you can get in nursing. And recommendation for a good school? How long does it take? Why does each degree allow you to do extra or allow any more opportunities? I have heard so Manu different things and just want some clarification. I don't want to be a 12 hour shift work nurse all my life so I'm looking at my options. Any suggestions or knowledge is greatly appreciated! Thanks,

Jenny

[snoslicer8]

I've just applied to go back for my MSN with Family Nurse Practitioner certification at SLU. There are tons of options for you:

Any of the Nurse Practitioner focuses (MSN prepared) - Family, Pediatric, Acute Care, Psychiatric, etc.

Any of the above, at a doctoral (DNP) level

Nurse Educator

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A better idea to point you in the right direction is to ask yourself what you'd want to do when moving away from the "shift work" of bedside nursing. Do you still want patient contact? Want to become a research rat? Would you rather assist other nurses further their clinical knowledge? Do you want to practice independently, or still report to a medical staff?

Most MSN degrees can easily be sought in an online format (from very respectable schools) if that's your bag, so you don't necessarily need to stop working.

[Jennyfour]

Thanks! I know I don't want to continue doing shift work, regular hours would be nice. I just thought that getting an MSN really won't look that appealing unless you want to teach but those requires doctorates now. Ugh. A vicious cycle. I love teaching and mentoring but still uncertain which track to pick.

[snoslicer8]

There is an MSN track called Family Nurse Practitioner with Education. It would allow you to practice as an NP with the option to teach if you saw fit.