Is this career course worth $597.00?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a RN currently working in the field. I am thinking about going back for my masters but unsure where to begin. I came across a nurse RN coach offering a class on crafting  dream career: https://offers.wholelifenurse.com/cydc?fbclid=PAAaY6Wwr_NV0cbQslNiyRpcYm2Zz9yxt19ZPLmE2x02wBzDeGScxbBpXF64M The class is $597. I feel like the price is pretty steep and I’m not sure if it is worth it. On a separate note I have recently been interested in the idea of becoming an Occupational Health Nurse, but am unsure where to begin this journey. I have looked at jobs online and seen that clinical hours and a certification is required but want more information and am unsure who to get in touch with. Thanks for any help you can give in advance.  

Dear Steep Price,

I looked at the advertisement for the course. It claims to be valued at $3,567.00 but is being offered at $597.00.

It's 7 self-paced modules that can be "completed within a week". The nurse selling the course claims to have helped more than 80,000 people achieve more joy, more freedom and more money. On average, nurses who complete the course are "earning $2.50 an hour" more as a result.

It promises to teach you how to negotiate, make more money, reveal jobs you may not find out about otherwise, land an interview, pursue an advanced degree....and more.

These are a lot of broad promises, and when spending money based on promises, it's always good to try and substantiate such claims.

If you choose to spend $597.00, please let us know how it worked out for you and if it meets the claims.

As far as changing fields, you must look for a job in Occupational Nursing that doesn't require a certification. The certified occupational health nurse (COHN) has experience and has demonstrated competency and expertise in the field.

So you are eligible for certification only after working in the field about 3,000 hrs. Typically 2,080 hours is considered one year of full-time work for a 40hr/week  employee.

Your challenge, as always, when breaking into a new specialty, is to land your initial job without experience in the speciality. You may have to make several applications, activate your network, and persevere.

So if you are thinking about getting your Master's degree and also thinking about getting into occupational health, it's important to have narrowed down your interests. In other words, your career choices should support your educational choices, and vice-versa. There are many choices for MSN specialties, such as NP, education, leadership, and many more.

You say you are interested in occupational nursing, and I would ask, what is it that interests you? The patient population, office hours, the outpatient setting?

Knowing your passions and talents helps guide your career decisions. 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth