The ultimate goal-now a confusing place

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Hello fellow nurses!

I know I am not the only one out there who is no longer certain of what they want their long-term goal to be. Just curious if other nurses out there are struggling with this concept as well?

I am in an RN to BSN program, and many ask me "why didn't you skip and just go do an RN to MSN program". Well...you have to know what you want to be when you grow up to spend that amount of time on a masters degree, at least in my opinion. Education is no longer a cheap endeavor, and with unstable times, it seems that it makes more sense now to evaluate the benefits of furthering education in light of no financial returns. Student loans are beginning to rear their ugly negative heads that "education is not always a worthwhile investment" if it results in no new job opportunities.

In light of this I have always loved learning and think education is a fantastic thing. I just find it sad that we now have to limit ourselves and our goals because of the fact that learning just isn't cheap.

In any case, I've noticed that many nurses strive to become NPs or CRNA's or some other advanced practice role. The word now seems to be that such advanced degrees now have few opportunities, because there is an overabundance of programs pumping out an overabundance of these nurses without any sight of increasing job opportunities. I myself know 2 recent NP graduates who have yet to find employment. I also know another RN, who left her NP job because she ended up making more money as a floor nurse and her student loans were as such where she needed the increased income.

Just curious if others have put advanced aspirations on hold because they just don't see the benefits outweighing the risks?

Specializes in public health.

I think it depends on what draws you into nursing intialy. Money is a nice incentive, but it's not the only thing that attract me. NPs have a different scope of practice than RNs. I want to be a NP because it allows more autonomy in care. In a lot of cases, NP almost act as a MD. Do what you feel passionate about. If a job is just a way to pay back your student loan or bills, you will never get any satisfaction out of it, and it doesn't matter what title or job you have.

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

also depends on your local market. What is in demand in one area may not be in another. I believe the new healthcare reform bill calls for utilization of more nurse practitioners so there may be clinics springing up that will compete with general MD practice.

Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Yeah, you keep hearing that. I didn't go into nursing for the money, I love my job. But I wanted to go for an advanced degree, but at this point I already have so many student loans to pay off, I really can't go back unless it nets a higher income. I just find it interesting that the advanced degrees don't really seem to net more money. I believe I really want to go into teaching, but it's a pay cut straight across the board, which I can't afford right now.

Maybe someday. :)

Specializes in ER, Trauma.

There are infinate variables for nurses education. No matter which you choose, someone will suggest another as better. The only correct answer to this is doing what YOU want. The market for nurses at all levels is always in flux. Don't worry about comments about there being too many this or that. Be what you want to be and you'll be happy. Be a nurse and you'll always find job opportunities. Right now jobs are scarce in some areas, but other areas are begging for nurses. Good luck, have a long happy career.

+ Add a Comment