What to be when I grow up?

[GoECU]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in an accelerated msn program. Phase 1 is your basic nursing courses and you take the NCLEX after this, then progress to phase 2 which is where you decide what advanced practice role you would like to go into (ANP, FNP, NNP, CNS, Leadership, Education, or Midwife). I am getting toward the end of Phase 1 (I will take NCLEX in August), and I still don't have any idea what direction I want to go! I do not want to pursue the education route because I already have a master's in teaching so I can already teach at a college level. I just don't feel ready to choose a specialty yet because there is just SO much to learn about nursing, even before thinking about advanced practice! Can anyone give me some advice or suggestions?? It would be greatly appreciated!!!:uhoh21:

[Be_Moore]

I don't suppose Acute Care NP is an option...doing that would give you the most freedom with your practice. Midwife...well, you should already have a clue whether you want to deliver babies or not, hah. That's pretty cut and dried. Education is out. Leadership and CNS will take you out of the "bedside nursing" role and put you more in a business attire. Leadership is geared towards becoming a DON at a hospital. CNS is kind of new, but from what I understand is geared toward writing policy and procedure type stuff, developing care plans, protocols, etc. CNS is probably a great degree if you wanted to be an in-house nurse educator. Or if you wanted to start a business as a consultant. The problem with CNS (not really a problem with the degree as much as a problem for you attempting to decide) is that it, like NP, is very specialized. Critical Care CNS, Emergent Medicine CNS, so on and so forth. NNP is going to be like the Midwife issue, methinks. Either you want to work with moms/babies or you don't. FNP and ANP are going to more likely put you in the clinic setting, 9-5 treating runny noses, strep throat, and the flu. You could also get an ER type job doing the same thing with those degrees.

Going straight through to MSN without actually working as an RN and figuring out what you want to be...ouch. Best of luck to you. I'd almost reccomend (if this is possible) to drop out or take some time off to work as an RN until you actually have an idea of what goes on in the nursing world. Dunno if that is possible (graduation requirements/hours, etc).

[GoECU]

I know I don't want to do midwife. I'm struggling between NP, CNS, or leadership...I think! Its just hard to see myself doing any of these when I have so much to learn! I have several core courses I need to take before I start taking specific courses for what I choose, so I'll be stretching this out to gain as much experience as possible. I guess it will fall into place.

Thanks for your response Be Moore. Anyone else have any advice?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Congratulations on your success!

It makes me sad that you have so quickly opted out of pursuing an MSN with education focus. Education is a valid 'advanced practice' also - but we continue to be ignored. Educating nurses is not the same as pure academia or El-Hi.. my family is rife with public school & college educators, so I do have a good basis for comparison. Our nursing faculty ranks are dwindling rapidly & we really need to add more qualified educators.

[GoECU]

I do think I would like to teach in the future, I just don't know if I would be repeating what I've already been through??? Wouldn't I be able to teach with any MSN plus my previous masters? I'll look into this option more too, I do agree we NEED good nursing instructors!

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

NP, CNS, or leadership?

I personally would go for NP because they get a broad area to further specialize in, IMO. Cardio, Resp, family practice, etc. You could work at a clinic like Ideal Image or work at the hospital.