Having trouble deciding on a masters degree

[tartay0211RN]

I have my BSN degree and have been in pediatrics for about 3 years now. I am looking at pursuing my masters degree but am having trouble deciding which route I want to go. I am not that interested in NP but I would consider it if it looked like my best option. I am looking at an online degree in nursing education but I am not sure how well this degree is accepted when I go looking for a job. I am currently a traveling nurse and think this type would fit where I am in my life right now, however I do not want to do the work and not be able to get a job. I am also interested in becoming a CNS in peds but I dont even know if or where this is offered at a university. If anyone has any insite into this or has an advanced degree, specifically in peds and knows what my options are I would greatly appreciate it. Does anyone have an online degree, and can help me with that aspect, the school I am looking at is fully accredited. Thanks so much!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I got my degree online from Univ of Texas. No problem with job hunting as opposed to someone with degree from Excelsior or some such. Check out other universities. This is the way things are now. You might consider Education or Administration. A clinical nurse specialist in pediatrics would be in good demand at a children's hospital. If you got your MSN in education you could get certified in a speciality area, such as peds. Lots of options. I thought the online thing was fabulous! You are responsible for your own learning and have to be self-motivated but I think a travel nurse is probably already there. Good luck.

[llg, PhD, RN]

If you decide to go online, look at schools that also have a strong "brick and mortar" program -- and/or one with an established reputation in graduate nursing education. That way, your diploma will be recognizable and respected by future potential employers. Avoid programs that are new -- unless they are attached to a well-respected university.

It might be worth it for you to "settle down" temporarily in a single place to be near the campus of whatever school you choose. It's nice to be able to meet face-to-face with your professors now and then. Also, most graduate programs do require some clinical work -- and hospitals are reluctant to offer "free clinical placements" to students who are not employees and seem likely to stay in that area after they graduate. I've known many students of online programs who have to arrange their clinical placement -- and struggle to arrange them because the local hospitals have no established relationships with the schools they go to and/or the hospital has no reason to expect that the student will work for them after graduation.