How to decide on which postgrad nursing degree to pursue

[nurselynn20]

Hi everyone,

I am set to graduate with my BSN in July of 2017.

I am going to take a semester off and then work on my MSN. The problem is, I am not sure what to pursue. I'm thinking either a focus in education, get my NP or go into case management. Any recommendations on what I should do during my six month break to help me decide on my focus for my MSN would be great as this is a tough and life changing decision I will be making for my future career.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You are too early in your career to know which career path would be best for you. You should choose the path that fits your strengths and preferences best -- and you can't know that until you actually practice nursing for a while.

Get a job. Actually become a nurse and become competent. After you have done that, start exploring different advancement options to find your "best fit." It's like trying on clothes. You can't tell by just looking at them on a hanger. You have to actually take them into the dressing room and try them on to see how they look and feel on YOU -- which might be very different than how they look on the hanger. You might find that you like being in Charge and/or directing the work in your department. If that's the case, nursing management might be the best fit. If you like precepting new nurses and/or working on quality improvement projects, staff education or quality management might be a perfect fit. If you prefer to work in an outpatient setting and assess/treat several patients in one day, NP might be your best role. etc. You won't know until you actually try out a few things and figure out "who you are as a nurse."

Give it a year or two ... or three ... and then you will be in a much better position to make that important decision.