I want to go back to school?!

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Hi all! I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I am trying to decide different routes to go with nursing. I am currently in bedside nursing, with only about 3 months experience. I realized that I need to get much more experience before I move positions, but to be honest, I am very unhappy in bedside. IMHO life is too short to be unhappy and I could really use some advice! Eventually, I want to be on the administrative side. It's something I've always had a passion for. I know I need to go back to school, but I'm not sure when the right time is. I'd rather it be sooner than later. Have any of you managed working 3 days a week with Master courses? I'm also wondering if it would be more beneficial to get a Master in Business Administration or a Master in Health Care Administration, or if I should get it in something else. If anyone has any personal stories or advice, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you!!!!!! :)

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

A lot of being successful will depend on you, your obligations, and your support system. I was able to complete an MSN program while working 5 8-hour shifts per week plus taking call and working a lot of overtime. However, I have no children, no spouse, and essentially sacrificed my social life during those years.

I would investigate administrative positions- many may specify that a masters in nursing is required. There are a few options for a dual MSN/MBA degree if that would interest you.

That being said, you only have 3 months' experience. Generally, it is going to take you at least a year to feel comfortable and competent as a nurse. Have you looked at why you are unhappy? Sometimes, changing shifts, units, or facilities can make a world of difference.

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I work 4-5 8 hour shifts per week and am doing my masters. I have to work every single weekend and don't have that much free time. This would not be doable if I had kids or any other significant commitments.

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Rose_Queen, I entered a new grad program at a hospital and had to sign a 2 year contract. I know some of it has to do with where I work, but I also dislike a lot of the extra dirty work (a lot of my patients are total cares) due to the lack of support by my co-workers. I don't like taking care of people who are so ill that they cannot do anything for themselves. I would rather focus on preventative care or administration.

It is good to know that most require an MSN. I was hoping that I could cointinue gain some experience while in school. I'm also considering FNP.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Have any of you managed working 3 days a week with Master courses?
I just finished my first semester of an online MSN program with a 4.0 GPA while working three to four 12-hour night shifts every week. However, my MSN specialization area is nursing education.

Many people juggle full-time jobs with graduate degree coursework. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Dialysis.
Rose_Queen, I entered a new grad program at a hospital and had to sign a 2 year contract. I know some of it has to do with where I work, but I also dislike a lot of the extra dirty work (a lot of my patients are total cares) due to the lack of support by my co-workers. I don't like taking care of people who are so ill that they cannot do anything for themselves. I would rather focus on preventative care or administration.

It is good to know that most require an MSN. I was hoping that I could cointinue gain some experience while in school. I'm also considering FNP.

Most reputable FNP programs require 2 years acute care experience. You would have to look at individual schools. Also, your contract could cause issues if you cut and run

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

I am currently working 5 days a week while in my last semester of my MSN in Nursing Education. Yes, it is a huge time commitment. Plan to study at least 4 hours per credit hour per week. That said, there are many online programs in Nursing Leadership that you can begin now and take slowly course by course. As you gain experience you will also find it helps in your studies. Good luck!

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