Is Nursing for me?

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 3, 2005

I've spent much of my career as a CNS in neonatal ICU ... and I have to say that I am a little concerned about some of these "alternative entry" programs -- not all of them, but some of them. Your question illustrates why I have those concerns. Some students are making huge investments committing themselves to specialties and specific roles without having a clue about whether or not they are well-suited to that role. There is much to be said for trying something new on a limited, beginner-level basis before committing major resources to pursuing it on an advanced level.

Will you have the opportunity to "pause" after the first year and reconsider your long-term committment to the Master's program? No one knows whether a particular field (or a particular role) is right for them until after they have given it a try and/or at least seen it up close. Will your school give you a chance to do that early on the program so that you can quit or change specialties before you have made a huge investment if you decide that it is not for you? If the school has allowed for that possibilitly, then I wouldn't worry. Give the program a try and see how you like it. Switch specialties or quit if you don't like it. But be sure you understand what those options are for changing your mind before you "sign on the dotted line."

Personally, I have enjoyed CNS roles and similar roles in staff development. I like the variety they offer. On some days, a CNS can be very involved in direct patient care. On other days, that same CNS might be writing a lecture or article for publication. It's really a "jack of all trades" role and requires a very well-rounded education that is strong in both clinical experience and broad-based "book work." The CNS is the person that everyone turns to for help -- so, you have to be prepared to help your colleagues regardless of the nature of their need. If you like problem-solving, investigating, being a resource to others, etc., then the role might be for you. But you won't know about this role ... or about nursing in general ... until you give it a try.

Good luck,

llg

elkpark · Mar 3, 2005

I strongly agree with everything llg says. I am a child psych CNS who was a "traditional" MSN student (I had many years experience in child psych nursing before entering grad school as the next logical step in my career) in a program that also included direct-entry (non-nurse) students.

Whether or not nursing is "for you" is a question that only you can answer, and it would probably be better to answer it for sure before you commit to a lengthy and expensive educational program. Nursing is certainly not for everyone! Have you sought out opportunities to explore nursing and healthcare settings in general (general research, volunteering, "shadowing")? How much do you know about nursing, and what is it about the advanced practice role that is appealing to you? Unlike "basic" nursing school, where you have the freedom as a generalist RN to change specialties as much as you like over time, grad school locks you into a specialty (e.g., although I have many different possible options and roles as a child psych CNS, I can't just decide next week that I'd like to try being a PNP ...)

Best wishes for your journey --