Job prospect with MN degree

Trauma Columnist · Oct 10, 2009

Can I ask if this is an MSN? I'm unfamiliar with "MN." What will be your concentration? For instance, I have a Masters Degree in the Science of Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in management and leadership.

GirloftheSun · Oct 11, 2009

It's an MN degree, not an MSN. The focus is leadership and education.

elkpark · Oct 11, 2009

Well, then, presumably you can teach nursing or move into administrative positions with the degree. However, I don't mean this as a criticism, just simple curiosity, but, how did you end up enrolling in a graduate program without a clear idea of what you want to do (and will be able to do) with the degree? Any graduate degree in nursing costs a lot of time, effort, and $$$. What led you to enroll in this program in the first place?

GirloftheSun · Oct 11, 2009

@elkpark:

That's why I'm reconsidering the program now, prior to paying tuition and investing time. I think it is a critical statement to make the assumption that I did not consider what the endpoint would be. How can one really know for certain what the future will hold with a nonspecific degree, unless he or she is in a position that requires a masters degree for his/her job? For example, one attends nurse practitioner school to be a nurse practitioner. A pharmacist goes to school to be a pharmacist. Sometimes rather than spend months and years thinking about what to do, just go for it and give it a try sometimes. You never know unless you try, right? I had some ideas prior to applying and I spoke to at least 10 nurses with a master degree. In fact 60% of them discouraged obtaining this degree. Their careers ranged from nurse educator to inpatient manager to pharmaceutical development to inpatient nursing.

I've decided to withdraw from the program. However, I'm still interested to know what your jobs are with a masters degree.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 11, 2009

I think that is wise given your uncertainty. Its rough to go to school w/o a clear goal in mind.

Believe me, I know: I did my MSN in management and leadership at University of Phoenix and thought I wanted to go into management...uh nope, hate that.

So....maybe I want a clinical components. So, I do an adult health CNS and start working at a nephrology practice. Like that, but miss the ER.

Ooops, for ER, ya gotta be able to see peds: so.....back to school for a peds CNS.

Should have stopped to think before I started all this.

GirloftheSun · Oct 12, 2009

@TraumaRUs:

Thank you for sharing your story. It makes it more real to know that I'm not alone. It's difficult to find the right fit in life. I may decide to do something completely different next year, or better yet, maybe my employer will pay for me to go to school! Now wouldn't that be nice?

allnurses Guide · Oct 12, 2009

What is your end goal?