Masters Degree in What!???

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 13, 2013

The current "Clinical Nurse Leader" degrees are at the Master's level and provide a strong foundation for a variety of types of jobs. That might be a good choice for someone who doesn't know exactly what type of job they want in the future. If I were a young nurse today, it is probably the route I would take.

Many years ago, when I was getting my MSN ... I was a NICU staff nurse who got my MSN in Perinatal Nursing with a minor in Nursing Administration and with elective coursework in Nursing Education. That provided me with a really broad general background that has been sufficient for many different roles. However, MSN programs are a lot shorter today than they were back then and you can't combine fields anymore like I did.

I became a neonatal CNS ... then went back to school and got my PhD. I ended up in Nursing Professional Development (what used to be called Staff Development). If that sounds interesting to you, an MSN in Nursing Education would be a good match (but be sure to choose one that lets you do work in staff development and not one that only allows you to focus on undergraduate teaching in colleges.)

Case management is another option that might suit you.

WoundedBird · Feb 14, 2013

The current "Clinical Nurse Leader" degrees are at the Master's level and provide a strong foundation for a variety of types of jobs. That might be a good choice for someone who doesn't know exactly what type of job they want in the future. If I were a young nurse today, it is probably the route I would take.

I'm beginning a CNL program in June and what llg mentions is why I chose CNL after talking with admissions along with faculty and students. I know I would like to focus on trauma / emergency medicine, but I'm not sure if I want to focus on peds or adults. I also have a lot of friends who swore up and down that they were going to be a such and such nurse but had that one clinical that changed their path, so flexibility was key since my background has been 13-22 year old athletes for almost the past decade.

Hope this insight helps a little.

Tinabeanrn · Feb 19, 2013

Do you want to do clinical stuff or only administrative or both?

MrsP106 · Feb 20, 2013

I'm doing case managing right now for hospice I rly like it and am prob looking more along that avenue for my career. Uthsc offers a RN to MSN program for administrative management but here's my thing I don't want my job to be my life :/ I don't want to end up being a director of a unit and having no life... Not sure what other jobs with a degree like that

Guest296136 · Mar 6, 2013

Then don't go into administration!! Stick with something that allows for flexible hours. The politics of administration is brutal, I work as RNCM for hospice also I was offered management positions but the managers make less money and are stuck at a desk. I am out in the field and make my own hours. Our director is worthless and does nothing but play politics to keep her job and will not stick up for the nurses. I am thinking of going for my APN or NP if I can stay in hospice.

Psychcns · Mar 6, 2013

Then don't go into administration!! Stick with something that allows for flexible hours. The politics of administration is brutal I work as RNCM for hospice also I was offered management positions but the managers make less money and are stuck at a desk. I am out in the field and make my own hours. Our director is worthless and does nothing but play politics to keep her job and will not stick up for the nurses. I am thinking of going for my APN or NP if I can stay in hospice.[/quote']
I did administration for several years and I was relieved when I stopped. I think it takes a special person to please both the staff and the bosses and be effective. I felt burdened most of the time.

Tinabeanrn · Mar 16, 2013

Well said Psychcns.