Is an MSN worth it?

Sour Lemon · Feb 18, 2019

9 minutes ago, dani2tall said:
Hey everyone!
I have only been a nurse for about a year, and while I'm on night shift I'm thinking about going ahead and getting my Master's online. Is it worth it? I honestly have no clue what I want to end up doing in nursing..I kind of want to do everything. But if I had a job d/t my master's degree, would I be taking work home? Since I've heard most master's positions are managerial? Please give me any and all wisdom. Thank you!

People always ask, "Is it worth it?" without defining what "it" actually is ...and while providing no clue to what their actual, long-term goals are.
I wouldn't spend time and money furthering my education without a specific goal in mind. And what I'd have to give up to accomplish the goal might be very different than what you would have to give up.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Feb 18, 2019

If you have no clue what you want to end up doing, why would you bust your hump and spend thousands of dollars?

Formulate a goal. Number one is .... why do you want to further your education?

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 18, 2019

I agree with the previous posters. It is a bad idea to throw money (time and energy) into an education that doesn't prepare you for a career that you want. What a waste!

However, MSN's can definitely be worth it if you choose a program that prepares for a career doing work that you want to be doing. For most nurses, the MSN is the credential that gives them opportunities that include a jump in salary and/or a better work schedule and/or a better work-life balance.

But before you jump into "any old program" and throwing your money, explore your long-term career options. Figure out the type of work that you want to do for a long-term career. And then choose a program and focus for your MSN that will support your long-term career plans.

You don't sound ready for grad school at the moment. But if you feel you are ready for some sort of "next step," then look at some of the opportunities in your current place of employment to either advance up the ladder a bit ...or explore other aspects/roles within nursing ... or simply explore other patient populations to work with.

Get involved in unit activities, committees, etc. Precept, take a Charge Nurse role, etc. You also might want to get certified in your specialty. Certification can be a valuable credential. Delay grad school a little until you know what type of career you are going to want long term.

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2019

Definitely wait to go back until you have a specific goal in mind. A lot of MSNs are for leadership, but there's also education, some programs for NP, population health, etc. I didn't plan on getting my MSN, but - surprise - just signed up for my first class today because I found a program that interested me and I could enjoy a career in. Higher education is great and all, but truly not worth it unless you have a particular reason for pursuing it.

I would give yourself a little time to think about what else you want to try in nursing. Talk to people, learn what's out there. Maybe you can accomplish your goals with a BSN. If not, that's when you should start thinking about a Masters.