Masters in Nursing- which specialty to choose?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Someone please help me to make a decision. I have been a nurse for 2 years, currently enrolled in RN-BSN program, 2 weeks more to go and I am done. Anyway, I have been thinking about Masters in Nursing however I am clueless about the specialty. Initially I knew what I wanted to do, closer to graduation, more confused I am. First I wanted to be a CRNA, but I am being realistic and I always knew I needed ICU experience and lots of luck to be accepted to the program. After finishing nursing school in 2009 I had a problem finding ANY hospital job whatsoever so after finally getting a Med Surg/Onco/Ortho job i was excited. I somehow placed the dream of becoming a CRNA on the side and started considering other options but never forgot about wanting to become CRNA (I love independence that this type of job requires and high responsibility). As soon as I could I applied to ICU/CCU and got accepted. That somehow gives me more chance of getting into a CRNA program but again, I am being realistic.

Then I was considering to go to FNP program, but after I heard of DNP requirements from 2015 (I am sure you guys heard of it as well) I got discouraged. I understand I will be grandfathered in if I finish before 2015 however there will always be a competition for me in the future. People will be having DNP degree as opposed to MSN. Also I dont want to HAVE to go to school later for DNP (especially in my age, I wanna start a family, clock is ticking ;)). I like being a bedside nurse, but for example being a Nurse Practitioner doesnt give u as much respect as you deserve. In my age I really want to have a CHOICE of continuing education, i dont want it to be a requirement.

Then I thought of Nursing Education, but... how many nursing instructors are needed out there, seriously? Plus I can recall from my nursing school how much the professors had to kiss the Director of nursing school butt. I am not an ass kisser, never have been and never will be (that somehow caused a problem in the nursing school, the way I talk etc. I mean I am TOO MUCH straightforward). I even received an email right after graduation from one of the instructors that advised me "to be more diplomatic" in the way I talk.

I would say i am so much Personality A, I am a perfectionist. I dont like to play a BS, I am straightforward and VERY fair, I will ALWAYS say things the way they are. I don't care what other people say or think about me, it is very hard to make me angry, you really need to pull on my nerve strings hard if you want to annoy me because most of the times I ignore just little bit of annoying people however I hate stupidity in people, I have a very low tolerance to stupid individuals, and I am not being offensive right now, just honest. In addition I am very ambitious (maybe more than i should I guess) but I am focused on my goals. I believe nobody will think about me if I dont do it myself, I started my 19 months RN-BSN program working in a nursing home and now I am ending this program working in Critical Care Unit and having other per diem job in other hospital. I had 5 nursing jobs within 6 months of graduation from my nursing school in 2009, jumping from 1 to the better one each time. I have no problem with changing work environment, I quickly adjust to new things around me.

Because of all these traits, I thought of Nursing Administrator program, but...observing the DON in the hospital that I work at I feel bad for her. Again, kissing ass is on a daily basis, but you guys may say it depends on the facility, however I have been in MANY facilities and EVRYWHERE you just have to be kissing asses, otherwise you are out, sooner or later. I dont want to regret later what I chose to study. I am also very observant and I figured a while ago it is not worth to be loyal to your employer, because they will do with you whats convenient FOR THEM.

I have to add I am in a very stable financial situation so money is not a problem for me, I am just confused about the specialty. I hate regreting things later on. I always wanted to have a job that I will love, even if the salary is not as good, I really dont care. I believe that if I spend almost a whole day at work I need to AT LEAST tolerate it and somehow like it. I love challenges, I will quit a boring job without blinking rather than the one that pays less but is more challenging.

I will appreciate every comment, just dont advise me to sit at home and do nothing due to my financial situation. It is not me, I need to be in motion constantly ;)

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Specializes in Hospice.

I think you are missing something about being a professional. Every job will require what you refer to as 'ass-kissing' if you want to develop professional relationships. I do a lot of 'ass-kissing', but I don't think of it that way. I am heading a certain direction and I want that journey to be as smooth as possible. Having a lot of partners through developing professional relationships will help me, and if that means being nice to people I don't care for, so be it. I will not tolerate people doing things I don't agree with, but if it is just a personality conflict than I just go with it and am nice to them.

As far as what to do- if you want to be a CRNA, be a CRNA. Don't make excuses, just do it. If you weigh the options, and decide that is not what you want, look closer at the BSN-DNP programs. These are generally 4-5 years, and may be worth it, particularly as you mentioned you want to be autonomous and have lots of responsibility.

As far as the MSN programs- my school offers the educator or admin track. After looking into them both, I just chose the one I thought would be most interesting, and that was education. Looking back, if I had known where I would be today, I would have chosen the admin track. But my school offers a joint MBA/MHA degree that I may get in a year or two if I am in administration. As far as educator jobs- yes there is high demand for these jobs. It is difficult to get people into nursing education because it is long hours for little pay. In my area, every local nursing school is hiring at least part time faculty. But if you choose education, realize that a Masters degree limits your opportunities. For example, at most universities you can not be tenure track without a PhD. Also, as one of my faculty members said 'a PhD behind your name means you can say and do what you want and people have to listen to you, at least in acadamia'.

Well, this is a tough situation, and one that I went through. I finally decided I needed an advanced degree to open some new doors, and I wanted it to be cheap and fast. My MSN will be done in 2 years and for a little over $12,000. Definitely worthwhile, and school gets more and more interesting the farther you go (in my opinion).

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Specializes in Psychiatry, ICU, ER.

My opinion as an MSN-public health turned MSN-FPMHNP student, it boggles the mind why anybody would do a non-APN Master's in nursing. I mean, really. It infuriates me to think about how much even my education as an APN student is filled to the brim with such stupid, inane, and worthless crap. You'd be better off wiping your butt with dollar bills than shelling out a dime on a useless Master's.

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My opinion as an MSN-public health turned MSN-FPMHNP student, it boggles the mind why anybody would do a non-APN Master's in nursing. I mean, really. It infuriates me to think about how much even my education as an APN student is filled to the brim with such stupid, inane, and worthless crap. You'd be better off wiping your butt with dollar bills than shelling out a dime on a useless Master's.

I'm curious (seriously- not being "negative")....what is your ultimate goal? What do you see yourself doing when you're done with the useless education? :)

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Specializes in Psychiatry, ICU, ER.
I'm curious (seriously- not being "negative")....what is your ultimate goal? What do you see yourself doing when you're done with the useless education? :)

I'm a psychiatric NP student. I didn't say my education is useless. My clinical courses are challenging, at least the psychiatric ones. Nursing theory courses, however, are another story and a waste of time. I am very bitter about spending large amounts of money and time on total garbage and now only having 2 semesters of psychiatric clinical coursework to learn everything I need to practice as a psych NP.

I also have a non-nursing undergrad degree and non-nursing graduate experience, and it's embarrassing what passes for graduate education in nursing. Advanced psychosocial nursing, nursing phenomena of concern, health policy, advanced meaning of enchiladas I... yawn, are we there yet?

To each his or her own, but I really think that if you want to go for a Master's and teach patients or students, you would be better off gaining clinical experience as an NP or CNS rather than opting for two to three years of earning some rinky-dink MSN in Face Wiping. If you want to work in an administrative capacity, get an MBA or MHA. Spending $50-75k to earn a non-APN degree based on nursing crap that won't be worth the paper it's printed on... I just don't get it.

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I'm a psychiatric NP student. I didn't say my education is useless. My clinical courses are challenging, at least the psychiatric ones. Nursing theory courses, however, are another story and a waste of time. I am very bitter about spending large amounts of money and time on total garbage and now only having 2 semesters of psychiatric clinical coursework to learn everything I need to practice as a psych NP.

I also have a non-nursing undergrad degree and non-nursing graduate experience, and it's embarrassing what passes for graduate education in nursing. Advanced psychosocial nursing, nursing phenomena of concern, health policy, advanced meaning of enchiladas I... yawn, are we there yet?

To each his or her own, but I really think that if you want to go for a Master's and teach patients or students, you would be better off gaining clinical experience as an NP or CNS rather than opting for two to three years of earning some rinky-dink MSN in Face Wiping. If you want to work in an administrative capacity, get an MBA or MHA. Spending $50-75k to earn a non-APN degree based on nursing crap that won't be worth the paper it's printed on... I just don't get it.

OK- thanks :)

I don't want to go for anything :) But was curious- and you clarified something I misunderstood :up:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Progressive Care.
I also have a non-nursing undergrad degree and non-nursing graduate experience, and it's embarrassing what passes for graduate education in nursing. Advanced psychosocial nursing, nursing phenomena of concern, health policy, advanced meaning of enchiladas I... yawn, are we there yet?

Sorry your having a suboptimal experience in your MSN program.

My experience getting my MS in nursing was rather different. I also have a non-nursing undergrad degree and experience with graduate level courses outside of nsg. My masters program was challenging and I learned a great deal about generating and utilizing nursing reserach in addtion to the clinical aspects of assessing and managing disease.

That said, I do agree with your suggestion that the OP attend an APRN program. I have advised friends interested in mangement to get get an MBA or MHA.

OP - I would urge you to focus on what you want your practice to be. That will dictate what education you need. IMHO you are going about this in the wrong order by focusing on what kind of degree to get before having a clear idea of what you want to do.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

The dual MSN/MBA degree is what is getting people jobs in my area.

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Specializes in Government.

My suggestion? Get out of school, practice first and then see what you want to do. I offer this after 25 years as a nurse and having seen legions of my friends get MSNs that ended up getting them 1. no better jobs and 2. no more money. Most just ended up back doing hospital nursing.

Make sure there is a market in your region for what you want to do. Think about if you are willing to move to where the jobs are. Best wishes to you in your career.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I strongly agree with Quickbeam. If you don't have a clue as to the type of career you want ... then it's best not to spend a lot of time, energy, and money on an education that might not be suitable for you. Get some experience actually BEING a nurse and find out which aspects of nursing (teaching? direct patient care? managing? inpatient? outpatient?) etc. fit best with your particular strengths and preferences.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I think you need to practice a while before getting an advanced degree. I would be wary of hiring you based on your education alone.

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Anyone else notice the tone of superiority (low tolerance for stupid people), etc, here? I am also concerned with all that job hopping in a matter of months. I really think you need to stick with one thing for awhile, get experience, and eat some humble pie. A lot of nurses have many positive traits, many of which you referenced, but the best nurses I've met don't call attention to them.

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