Is a Masters' degree worth it??

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I'm an LPN, I will be starting the bridge program in August of 2006. I want to go back to school to get my BS and then Masters, but what are the benifits of get your masters instead of BS? Is there an increase in pay? If, soHow much more? Any information will be helpful!!

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I'm an LPN, I will be starting the bridge program in August of 2006. I want to go back to school to get my BS and then Masters, but what are the benifits of get your masters instead of BS? Is there an increase in pay? If, soHow much more? Any information will be helpful!!

Congratulations on going back to school! I definitely think that a Master's degree is worth the effort. I don't necessarily make more money since I am an educator but a lot more doors open to you with a Master's degree. You can be a clinical nurse specialist, nurse administrator, nurse educator, etc. Nursing faculty are in demand since so many are retiring and there are few entering the field. Hope this helps!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I'm an LPN, I will be starting the bridge program in August of 2006. I want to go back to school to get my BS and then Masters, but what are the benifits of get your masters instead of BS? Is there an increase in pay? If, soHow much more? Any information will be helpful!!

Hello, seselant02,:balloons:

Yes, it is worth obtaining the MSN. If you are desiring to pursue teaching especially. And, if you are wanting to get your NP.

As for pay in a hospital, no.....unfortunately there is not much incentive to obtain this degree. Some "perk" pay, but, not normally. You are an RN with or without the MSN. And, that is all the employer wants.

And, the decision to obtain the MSN is a very personal issue for some. We/they just want this.........

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Specializes in M/S, OB, Ortho, ICU, Diabetes, QA/PI.

at my hospital, you get an extra $1 per hour with a BSN and $1.50 for a Masters - not much when you figure in the time and money spent on getting your degree but the first hospital I worked at didn't offer any differential for degrees so it just depends on the institution

if you know what your ultimate nursing career goals are and they require a Master's, go for it - even if your dream job currently only requires a BSN, it will probably require a Master's not too far in the future - either way, I feel that education is never wasted - I have an MSN and neither of the positions that I currently hold require that level of degree but previous jobs I've had did and I also have lots of options for the future..........

since this is in the nursing educator forum, I guess I'm assuming that nursing education is possibly a future goal for you - this might help put things in perspective - currently, our local community college has an opening for a full-time instructor in their ADN program - to even qualify to apply, you must have a Master's or at least be working on it with at least 6 credit hours achieved already - hope this helps

good luck with whatever you do!!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

There are more benefits than just getting paid more. Education is never a waste! Also, are you going to get your masters in a specific Field? Eg MSN with a CMN or FNP? Think of this too: When you get older and are tired of bed side care, you do not have to simply quit nursing...if you have a masters you can teach in nursing programs at the community college level (at least here in California you can)

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What is the role of a nurse administrator and clinical nurse specialist?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
What is the role of a nurse administrator and clinical nurse specialist?

Hello, seselant02,:balloons:

The CNS normally divides their time amongst five areas: clinical practice, consulting, research, teaching, and, management. And, they develop highly focused assessment skills, sometimes even more so than the NP, for they do focus on one problematic speciality area. They normally select a couple practice areas in which to focus: Women's Health, Acute Care, Psychiatric, Rehab, Adult Nursing, Geriatric Nursing.....just to name a few of many offered.

They have prescription privileges and can practice as independent providers.

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Nursing Administrators must possess knowledge and skills necessary for management positions within today's complicated health care delivery system. They have to utilize technology effectively (computer and software systems, management information systems). They also require specialized knowledge and practice in the areas of conflict management, financial management, cost/benefit analysis, program evaluation, health law, negotiation, managerial decision processes, monitor/tracking mechanisms for specific patient populations, CQI/TQM, continuous performance improvement, organizational assessment, strategic planning, and marketing.

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