I need direction!

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I am graduating next week and I think in the future I want to get into the more administrative part of nursing. What is the best way to go about it? How can I climb the ranks the fastest?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Are you graduating with a BSN or MSN? You will need that for management.

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I am only graduating with my ADN but I have heard that it may be more beneficial to graduate with a business degree rather than a BSN or MSN in nursing. What do you think?

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My personal opinion is that one should practice what they preach. In other words, get some experience before you try to run the show so you know what you are actually doing. As for the advanced degree, I will defer to those who have them though it probably depends on the institution you desire to work for(or run).

Good luck.

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Specializes in NICU.
My personal opinion is that one should practice what they preach. In other words, get some experience before you try to run the show so you know what you are actually doing. As for the advanced degree, I will defer to those who have them though it probably depends on the institution you desire to work for(or run).

Good luck.

I agree. No one is going to respect a nurse manager with little nursing experience. Since you will have your ADN, I'd try to start working on your BSN while you work and once you get that, then start on your MSN. There are some MSN programs out there that specialize in nursing management.

A business degree would be good if you plan to run your own nursing agency or clinic, but to be a hospital administrator, I don't think it's as good as a BSN or MSN. There are a few classes in the BSN program that stress management and leadership that you might not get in an ADN program.

In the meantime, try to become a charge nurse for your unit or floor as soon as possible. On some units they'll start nurses as charge within a few monts - I'd be wary of doing it that soon though. After a year or so you'll begin to have the experience need to be a true resource, which is what the charge nurse should be. Join some committees, too.

Good luck.

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BSN with an MSN in management.

Meanwhile, go and do your requisite year of med/surg.

:)

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