Graduate education

[MaleRN123]

Hi all, I've seen this topic posted a lot on this forum; however, I'm wanting to seek some insight from anyone who can offer some information. I'm a BSN prepared nurse who has 2 years experience at bedside. I've worked at a public hospital and now a federal facility. My question pertains to returning to school for graduate studies. I'm very interested in going into (and this is why I'm writing) one of several avenues. I'm very interested in administration, specifically, hospital departments, hospital administration, executive leadership, so my interest has been an MHA, master of healthcare administration. I'm not necessarily interested in being a nurse manager (so I can eliminate an MSN-admin focus) OR my other option is staying in a clinician role as an NP, more than likely psych. My challenge is, I'm trying to look long term (hours, on call, liability, old age, supply and demand, etc) Can ANYONE offer insight what possible outcomes would be for both-a clinician OR executive with a nursing background? Anyone on here have experience with any of the above or both? And again, options with both degrees, others that I haven't mentioned? Thank you

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to post-grad student forum

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I can certainly understand your trepidation about advancing age & maintaining a clinical practice. We all get there eventually.

I would advise you to investigate the wide range of higher-level roles available to nurses... it's much more than CNE or NP. We have leaders in areas such as Case Management, Infection Control, Quality & Safety, Informatics, Clinical Risk, Accreditation, Occupational Health, Financial Services/Reimbursement, Patient Experience - etc., etc. Nurse Leadership roles in those areas are rewarded with very good salaries - and they don't have the stress and headaches of Nurse Administrators.

Advancement into these roles will require practical experience as well as educational credentials. Best wishes on your career advancement.