If you could get your Master's Degree...What would you get it in?

[LPNtoBSNstudent]

I'd like to know what "Nurses" (any and all!) would get their master's degree in and why? There are SO many choices out there, so many routes to go, it is mind boggling. This group of nurses (you) have so much experience and expertise...fill me in on what route you would take if you could...and why. How would it advance your career or your personal aspirations? What's your dream degree? Thanks!

I'll start first:

I'm (as my name might suggest) a BSN student right now. I am a LPN with experience in long term care, hospice and home health. I love geriatrics but don't think I want to work in LTC anymore, unless it is at the corporate level, maybe. I've done most of what I am interested in LTC (not that I'm not interested in it rather it doesn't challenge me as much anymore). If I got a Master's degree I would want a MSN NP in Gerontology or a MSN in Nursing Administration I think. I know that in my future I would really like to teach nursing, but not for a long time yet. But for some reason I am not interested in a MSN in nursing education. I'm not sure what I would do with either of these degrees if I did get it but those are my dream degrees.

Next...?

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Education/FNP

[Kiwi, BSN, RN]

I look forward to pursuing graduate studies in Nurse Anesthesia. :wink2:

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

MSN Nurse Anesthesia, starting the program full-time next fall!! Whoo hoo!!!

[live4today, RN]

I want a masters degree so I can teach in the public health field. I'll be starting back to college sooner than later, and I'm totally hyped about it! Gotta keep me brain cells nourished ya know...don't want them to die a quick death from not enough use.

[zenman]

My school offers an online course called 'Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing' in which I'll enroll in the future.

I'm considering this program just for the heck of it. What have you heard about it?

[danu3]

I'm getting my MSN in nursing education (patient focus) but in my next life I'd like an MLIS degree.

(Masters of Library and Information Science). :)

Hmmm... Library and Information Science? With a nursing background, you can become what they call a "medical searcher". It is a specialize area in Library and Information Science.

-Dan

[talaxandra]

I've got a Masters in health ethics and am in the process of a second ethics-based Masters (glutton for punishment that I am!), with intentions toward a PhD to follow. If I had money and time to burn, though, I'd also like to pursue paleoanthropology, linguistics, education, women's issues, sociology - maybe a Masters of Letters, if they're still available!

[KailuaNurse]

Honestly, if I had my choice (and someone was willing to pay me a salary for it) I would love to be a full time student. There are so many interesting subject areas out there. I am looking at going back for a Masters in Nursing to either become a nurse practioner (family or pediatric) or an Advance practice forensic nurse specialist. Both sound incredibily interesting to me.

[Ross1]

Comment:

First off, just to reiterate what others have said. One does not need a PhD to be a licensed psychotherapist. In fact, in some ways with today's reduced insurance reimbursements for psychotherapy, it is harder for PhDs who command higher rates. In most states, clinical social workers with the M.S.W. degree are eligible for licensure to practice as psycho-therapists. The title of the license varies from state to state and the most common are: L.C.S.W., L.I.S.W., or L.M.S.W. as well as a variety of others. Also, psychiatric nurse practitioners with MSNs are able to practice as psychotherapist and have the added bonus of being able to prescribe meds. Finally, in many, but not all states, folks with Master's degrees in counseling are now eligible for professional licensure. Sometimes they will have the credential L.P.C. and other times I've seen M.F.C.

Question: Clearly, if one wants to advance his/her clinical skills, the M.S.N. is the way to go. But if an RN is interested in Nursing Administration, would an M.B.A. be more valuable? I was thinking that an RN, BSN, MBA combo could enable one to get management level positions both inside and outside of health care whereas an MSN in Nursing Administration could be more limiting. Just a question.....would like to hear from others.

[tjello]

Art History. My Art History professor in college was my idol. She was an incredible person....and had the most exciting life. :)

[joannep]

Hi,

I did my Master's in Nursing Leadership. I have found it very well received by employers and other managers. I am currently employed as a Director of Nursing, and I believe I owe my position to my Masters degree.

Joanne :)

[lady_jezebel]

I'm applying to MSN program, NP in infectious diseases.

If it was a dream world however, and I could choose anything, I would go to medical school or be a world-famous physical anthropologist!