Masters in Nursing- which specialty to choose?

[jo1010]

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

[jo1010]

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.

You can describe me that I feel "superior", it doesn't bother me at all. Of course I am confident in what i am doing, but I realize there is still a lot to learn.

Anyway I was job hopping and apparently it worked out pretty good so far. Why would I stay in 1 place if there is possibility to have a better job and learn a lot more? There is nothing worse for me than having a boring job. I know a lot of nurses that have been on 1 floor forever and they just stagnate there till retirement, that's not me though.

[tcvnurse, BSN, RN]

Just so you know, job hopping--especially 5 jobs in 6 months, would get your resume round filed at my unit. It is absolutely a sign that one has problems at work, and frankly shows no respect for the time and effort on the part of others who must first train you to a new job, and then replace you after you've walked off with no notice. Flighty, flighty.

[LTV950rn]

You didn't stay at any of those jobs long enough to learn anything, much less judge if they were boring or not. The nursing community is small and it will catch up with you eventually, along with the attitude. I'm thn

[LTV950rn]

Pardon me, I hit reply too soon. I'm thinking the instructor who gave you advice to be more diplomatic was right on. I'm still really bothered by your statement about "stupid people," especially since those may be patients you take care of, just have not had the advantage of your education and background.

Good luck in your endeavors.

[jo1010]

Just so you know, job hopping--especially 5 jobs in 6 months, would get your resume round filed at my unit. It is absolutely a sign that one has problems at work, and frankly shows no respect for the time and effort on the part of others who must first train you to a new job, and then replace you after you've walked off with no notice. Flighty, flighty.

"Effort on the part of others"??? You are kidding me, right? My current employer knows ALL these places, therefore I didnt have a problem to be accepted. Plus ALL of the orientees left that particular place in within the 1st year. That place in fact is looking for RNs every week, they orient 20 RNs at a time but arent able to keep them there. 3 of these jobs were in the nursing homes where LPNs were my preceptors- LPNs who knew they will be replaced by me and other newly hired RNs (that was officially announced by a DON). Now, imagine what kind of orientation they gave me... Need I say more? In other nursing home during a code I saw a supervisor doing CPR mouth to trach! Unbelievable, no equipment whatsoever. Another job was great, I loved it but it was not a hospital job which i wanted. I would have stayed there but my current hospital called me for an interview and I got accepted. If you dont know the facts, don't judge me. AMEN.

[jo1010]

Pardon me, I hit reply too soon. I'm thinking the instructor who gave you advice to be more diplomatic was right on. I'm still really bothered by your statement about "stupid people," especially since those may be patients you take care of, just have not had the advantage of your education and background.

Good luck in your endeavors.

First of all I needed advise regarding my career path, not your opinion about my personality. If you dont feel like sticking to the subject, don't respond. Thanks for your effort though.