Get MSN/MBA?

[learningnsgstudent]

Hi all!

I wasn't too sure where to put this, so apologies if it's in the wrong place.

Just wanted some advice on furthering my education. Has anyone gotten an MSN/MBA dual degree?/Has anyone gotten an MBA? How has getting those degrees furthered your nursing career/career in general?

NP route isn't for me. But I do want an advanced degree. My thought process is getting a dual degree allows me to still be marketable at a higher level in nursing, but the MBA allows me to branch out into other fields if I find that I need a break from nursing or something of that nature.

Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks in advance for all the guidance

[llg, PhD, RN]

I don't have that degree myself ... but I have worked with people who do ... and I like it a lot. They have been knowledgeable about the business side of things while also having some advanced knowledge about nursing. Most people I have worked with with only MBA on top of their BSN are weaker because their knowledge of nursing is limited.

While there are always individuals who are good to work with regardless of their formal education ... many of the BSN, MBA folks I have worked with have become "bean counters" whose sense of nursing is weak: they seem to have left nursing and/or abandoned their nursing values. Most of the MSN/MBA combo folks I have worked with have remaining "nurses" while developing their business knowledge.

Just my $.02

[Buyer beware, BSN]

OP: Oh, yes. A dual MSN/MBA would make you so marketable, especially in this thriving health care environment and economy. Because, and this is a well kept secret, there aren't enough masters prepared people in nursing today. No really! That's a fact. Just look around.

And besides, with this masters preparedness, you'll be able to run rings around your peers if you could even find one. Good luck with that.

Remember, above all, it's the dreams that are important and everything else will take care of itself.

And after that, a DNP would definitly seal the deal and provide the key to easy street.

[Dgaytan90]

I'm interested too for MSN/ MBA. Were you able to find a school to do the program? I'm checking some schools but haven't decided which one. Need some options.

[Dallas Stars RN MN]

Hi

I have my MSN from a top tier school and have been away from the clinical bedside a few years now. The MSN gave me the opportunity to work in more admin roles, and has definitely opened up doors for me (even if it wasn't a specific job requirement). I've also worked in the corporate world post MSN- there is alot out there in pharma, health IT companies, managed care, and the business side of health care organizations. Health care is a business, and for nurses to have a seat at the table and push for patient centered care, we have to understand how business works.

I'm about to go back for my MBA. Mainly because I'm naturally interested in the content and this will help round me out professionally. I can also take that MBA and cross over into other industries. Plus the material is practical and not filled with the fluff you find in so many nursing programs. There may come a time when you want to work in an industry other than healthcare.

I am wary of the hype surrounding these DNP leadership programs, especially if you aren't an NP. Outside my circle of nurse acquaintances, no one knows what a DNP is- But everyone knows what an MBA, MHA, or PHD is. Likely there is alot said on other posts about the value of the DNP.

Good luck on your journey and I hope you find a great program.