I want to grow my career - What's the best way to advance?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello Nurse Beth,

I am an older student and former fire fighter. I graduated 2 years ago with a BSN. I already had a bachelor's in Fire Administration. My first thought was to proceed by going to NP school. However, I do like management and I have now been considering the MHA degree so that I would have more options for career choices. Besides, all the Nurse Managers (MSN-Admin), I know seem overly stressed and some do not last long at those positions. What would be your advice? I want to grow my career and grow with it. Of course, making a good salary would be nice as well. I just want to enjoy my career while having the opportunity to advance in my chosen company. Is there any advice or ideas you could provide?

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Dear Best Way to Advance,

More than one type of advanced degree can serve you well in nursing leadership, and such is the case with both a Masters in Nursing Administration (MSN) and a Masters in HealthCare Administration.

Both will prepare you for a leadership role in healthcare administration. Realistically, if you are applying for a nursing leadership role that requires an advanced degree, the employer will not differentiate. What they really want is an advanced degree and the right candidate.

However, the MHA is broader, and right or wrong, may be respected more by non-nurses. A nurse with an MSN degree can be seen as having a more narrow focus than a nurse with an MHA degree depending on what you are applying for.

I have even seen a combined Masters in Nursing Administration/Healthcare Administration” degree which solves the problem.

You like management, you are going to get your degree- next you need to start building your resume by landing a management position. Directors, CNOs, ACNOs and other high-level healthcare leaders typically start in management and move upwards from there. To be seen as a candidate for management, start as Charge Nurse and take on unit based projects.

Best,

Nurse Beth

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with Nurse Beth on this. I like the dual degree Master's Degrees. I have seen both the Nursing Admin. + Health Admin combo and also the Nursing Admin + MBA combo. I think either combo is stronger than a single major alone. Sometimes, people with no advanced education in nursing have trouble "connecting" with nurses who have advanced degrees. While the MBA or Health Administration major knows the business side, their knowledge of nursing is still at the "entry-level degree" level. The people with advanced degrees in nursing can see that and it can cause difficulties.

I also agree that you should start getting the practical experience to support/inform any advanced education you choose to get. In addition to assuming Charge Nurse responsibilities, it would be helpful to become in whatever projects are going on around you -- Shared Governance, Quality Improvement, Evidence-Based Practice initiatives, etc. Involvement in those things give you a track record of experiences as well great networking opportunities. It also exposes you to a variety of people who work in roles you may never have considered pursuing yourself -- but that you might like.

[Eschell2971, BSN]

I am also thinking about pursuing an MHA. I actually did not know about the combination MHA/MSN for nurses. Also, what is the best way to document and suggest even small projects for your unit? For example, I have some ideas about how to improve processes on the unit that will not add costs or time, in fact, they may save time. But, I don't want to make my suggestions yet, as I want to be properly credited for the ideas. Also, do you have any suggestions for the combination programs? I would like to start looking into those.

Lastly, how does one even begin to get involved or get experience (i.e., an internship) in the management arena? How do we get experience if we're not given the chance?

Thanks

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I am also thinking about pursuing an MHA. I actually did not know about the combination MHA/MSN for nurses. Also, what is the best way to document and suggest even small projects for your unit? For example, I have some ideas about how to improve processes on the unit that will not add costs or time, in fact, they may save time. But, I don't want to make my suggestions yet, as I want to be properly credited for the ideas. Also, do you have any suggestions for the combination programs? I would like to start looking into those.

Lastly, how does one even begin to get involved or get experience (i.e., an internship) in the management arena? How do we get experience if we're not given the chance?

Thanks

To make changes, start by talking to your manager about your ideas. He/she will probably love your enthusiasm and guide you. If possible, use groups that are already in place, for example, unit based councils or performance improvement workgroups. Part of being a successful change agent is to bring about change through others.

Don't be overly concerned with getting credit for your ideas, as you have no control over that, and typically people will know the ideas are yours.

Go online and google dual nursing master's programs. Check to make sure the programs are accredited.

To get started in management, let your manager know you are interested in becoming a Charge Nurse. It's a great way to start being exposed to productivity, budget, and unit management. Meanwhile, remain committed and engaged, and it will be noticed.

Best of luck to you, I wish you the best :)