I want to get my Master's - now what?

elkpark · Mar 30, 2008

We seem to get quite a few posters here who have decided they want to get "a" Master's, but have no idea what degree they want and want people here to tell them what they should do, or how to decide what they should do. It seems to me that a graduate degree should be a natural. obvious "next step" in one's nursing career. You say that you are very happy in your current staff nurse position -- how did you decide that you want to go to graduate school? What is pushing you in that direction? What is it that you want to do, that you can't do now?

Where are you wanting your career to go, and what additional degree(s) will you need to do that? IMHO, that's how you decide what degree to take in graduate school.

You may be able to find some good info in the Advanced Practice forums here. I know there have been discussions about CNM vs. WHNP on the CNM and NP forums. Best wishes! :)

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 30, 2008

I agree with elkpark. What types of jobs are you looking to move into? Are there some people in your current environment who have jobs something like that? You could meet with those people to learn about the job market in your area -- and also the various educational programs that got them where they are today (which is where you want to be.)

I would also suggest getting involved in local or regional nursing groups that are relevant to your field or desired career path. Make contacts through those groups and talk to those people to learn even more.

Finally, browse the nursing journals (and websites such as this one) for discussions of the types of roles that interest you.

As you put all that information together, develop a tentative career plan that makes sense given your talents, interests, and local job market (unless you want to move to another area.) Then, start talking to specific schools. Write for more information, arrange to meet with an admissions counselor or faculty member, etc. Look at the faculty in detail. Do a literature search and find some of the articles they have written to become familiar with the type of work they do. etc.

Gradually, all this information should begin to start fitting together in a plan that is right for you.

pebbles1977 · Mar 31, 2008

Thank you. Yes, I was looking for which resources are helpful in making these decisions. I know it would be nice if I could just ask you guys to tell me what to do! But I'm a little smarter than that. Sorry if it came off that way.

The reason I decided to go for my master's is I really miss learning in a "school" environment. You know, you learn a lot on the job, but there's something a little more in depth when you're in class. And I also want to broaden my knowledge and the way I look at things in my career. As a staff nurse, you're pretty "task oriented" most of the time, and I like the thought of the whole picture.

Now that being said, it would be hard to beat my hours (2 12s) and the compensation is pretty good for those hours I do work. I'm a bit spoiled. I suppose that is my hesitation with the midwifery program. It would be hard to go from 24 to 60 hour weeks. I think about that, then realize school and clinicals will take up a lot more of my time!

So *sigh* I will figure it out. Thanks for being so helpful! I will definitely take your advice!

mcbismark · Mar 31, 2008

If you work while getting your masters you will be stunned by the time you have available *after* you graduate.

BTDT in a Technology Management MBA (I too knew I wanted something else; to bad I didn't figure out that it was nursing until 7 years after that MBA!).

Mark

kkjet · Apr 5, 2008

Pebbles1977,

I understand how you feel about wanting to expand your knowledge by earning your Master's degree. I'm researching what opportunities exist to do the same. It's become a personal goal for me although I don't forsee making a job change once I earn my Master's (I'm a clinical research nurse). That raises the question, is it worth all the time & money just to put MSN after my name??? I just don't know & that's where I wrestle. What do you think of the on-line programs...University of Phoenix, Drexler, etc? The negative, I assume, is that a Master's from one of these programs would not be acceptable for admission to a PhD program but I doubt seriously I would ever pursue a PhD. Yet, who knows? I didn't think I would pursue a Master's! As you, I'm not looking for anyone to make a decision for me. I just need to thrash around ideas & hear about what others did to help me sort through what is best for me.