Master's degree

kayakqueen · Dec 16, 2015

Kayakqueen -
This almost seems too good to be true! What state are you in? Did you have any trouble having the degree recognized by your job or state's Board of Education?

I can see why you'd say that! I thought the same thing myself before I finally enrolled. I'm in TN. The only downside I found during the entire program is that you don't get letter grades, but rather pass/fail, or basically a 3.0 GPA on the trascript. This could pose a problem if you are planning to pursue a PhD or perhaps with a post-Master's NP program. I'm not planning to do either, so I didn't worry about it.

I didn't have any problem with my degree being recognized. I presented my diploma and transcripts to my district supervisor and got put on the masters pay scale immediately. WGU is fully accredited by the CCNE so I wouldn't anticipate problems with it at any workplace.

Again, in order to get the program done so fast and for so little money, I put my nose to the grindstone!! I cannot emphasize that enough. I did away with FB and other hobbies/time wasters, left things undone around the home that I never had before, and so forth. But I managed to accomplish it with 2 kids, a husband, and a full time school nurse job. Hope that helps!

RegularNurse · Dec 17, 2015

Currently half way done a MSN in nursing education. After employer reimbursement, I pay 500/month for the program. It is just a grind, but a necessary one if you want to be competitive for most non-bedside RN jobs.

nurseactivist · Dec 17, 2015

I looked into it and decided against it. However, I was not going to see any financial increase and basically resented the fact that for 60K I could buy a degree. There is something really wrong with our advanced degrees in nursing. If you have a real financial incentive and can afford it, I think it is reasonable to consider. However, I would look for the most affordable option to get it. The trend seems to be that everybody and his brother has an MS and so many have Phds. I don't buy into education/knowledge with the online system of today. Just me??

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Dec 17, 2015

I looked into it and decided against it. However, I was not going to see any financial increase and basically resented the fact that for 60K I could buy a degree. There is something really wrong with our advanced degrees in nursing. If you have a real financial incentive and can afford it, I think it is reasonable to consider. However, I would look for the most affordable option to get it. The trend seems to be that everybody and his brother has an MS and so many have Phds. I don't buy into education/knowledge with the online system of today. Just me??

Agree!

blumuffy, MSN, RN · Dec 17, 2015

I do. Got it in Health Care Systems Management from Loyola New Orleans. They actually offer the program online as well as being a brick and mortar facility. I work in a corporate setting and this is the best job I ever had. The position I hold is the only one in the company and I am the only person to ever have it. I know I am extremely fortunate (until they cut me loose of course) to no longer sob softly while driving to work. To me it was worth it as I got a big salary increase, but most importantly I got peace of mind.

RatherBHiking, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2015

No Master's Degree nor any plans too. I wouldn't make enough extra with a Master's to make it worthwhile. I did get my National Certification which was much cheaper to get and gives me a small raise and a little recognition. :)

chasinRT · Dec 21, 2015

Nope, no Master's degree. It wouldn't get me a raise in my current job. I have, however, thought about switching to the transportation department and driving a bus. THAT would get me a raise lol!

Windchaser22 · Dec 21, 2015

I looked into it and decided against it. However, I was not going to see any financial increase and basically resented the fact that for 60K I could buy a degree. There is something really wrong with our advanced degrees in nursing. If you have a real financial incentive and can afford it, I think it is reasonable to consider. However, I would look for the most affordable option to get it. The trend seems to be that everybody and his brother has an MS and so many have Phds. I don't buy into education/knowledge with the online system of today. Just me??

Sorry, this is from my phone. I'm doing mine online in a program that just re-received full accreditation for another 10 years. Takes getting used to but I much prefer it over brick and mortar and mindless death by power point lectures.

txbootsy · Dec 24, 2015

I have a master's in health education and healthcare administration and I'm a certified maternal newborn nurse.

ockyrn07 · Dec 27, 2015

I am 3 classes short of my Nurse Education MSN. I have been 3 classes short for 4 years! I think about getting my MSN in Public Health it is more in tune with school nursing. I only get paid $50 a year and the increase would definitely help, even after working here 8 years...but like everyone said...I get over it and go on with my work.