MSN (not CNL) as a bedside nurse- thoughts?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I completed my MSN Ed last year, and because of budget cutbacks and all, have not been able to get into staff development as planned. I dabbled in academia for a while, but it's not really my thing.

So, I continue to work at the bedside. I LOVE patient care, and love teaching as well. So I serve a preceptor, do research and present inservices.

Our hospital's clinical ladder program last year added a level 5 for MSN-prepared bedside nurses. I was the only nurse to achieve this level. (800+ bed tertiary care facility in an urban area)

The more I consider it, the more I am convinced that there IS a place at the bedside for the MSN-prepared RN to do direct patient care.

Thoughts?

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I recently completed my MSN and am working at the bedside. Though, to be fair, it was a second career degree for me.

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I wouldn't want to encourage them to think now one needs an MSN to work at the bedside, so in that respect I'm against it. You have to do what makes you happy.

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My only complaint is that some facilities are not compensating the BSNs for their education. Will they pay MSNs for their education or is it going to be the next minimum to get in?

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I completed my MSN Ed last year, and because of budget cutbacks and all, have not been able to get into staff development as planned. I dabbled in academia for a while, but it's not really my thing.

So, I continue to work at the bedside. I LOVE patient care, and love teaching as well. So I serve a preceptor, do research and present inservices.

Our hospital's clinical ladder program last year added a level 5 for MSN-prepared bedside nurses. I was the only nurse to achieve this level. (800+ bed tertiary care facility in an urban area)

The more I consider it, the more I am convinced that there IS a place at the bedside for the MSN-prepared RN to do direct patient care.

Thoughts?

Why not? Like yourself, I found it only enhanced my practice (have since moved on to other endeavors). That's great that your hospital's clinical ladder recognizes this achievement.

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Specializes in Urology, ENT.

I want my MSN, but I wondered what I would pursue since right now, I love bedside nursing. I guess I could become a preceptor when I feel I have enough experience, and I don't mind getting my MSN to do so. I was never that interested in becoming an NP, and I don't know if I'd want to be a case manager.

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My comment has consistently been - - who wants to spend 40-100,00 bucks on an education to work weekends, nights and holidays, ad infinitum? If you do, then so be it. But is there compensation for your education?

Best wishes!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
My comment has consistently been - - who wants to spend 40-100,00 bucks on an education to work weekends, nights and holidays, ad infinitum? If you do, then so be it. But is there compensation for your education?

Best wishes!

I spent under $7k on my MSN- (Western Governors) and I got a substantial bonus for my clinical ladder achievement ($5k+). Whether or not I got a raise was not really an issue for me- i wanted the degree either way. My thought has always been- why get the degree to go into academia and make substantially LESS than an experienced bedside nurse?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
My only complaint is that some facilities are not compensating the BSNs for their education. Will they pay MSNs for their education or is it going to be the next minimum to get in?

To be clear- I am NOT advocating MSN being the new BSN-entry-to-practice hurdle/ argument. Far from it.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

It would be different if we were paid on our degrees but we aren't. I have a masters and work bedside, for the same capped out salary people with my years if experience have. I lost my position as educator with cuts and stayed at the hospital because I am so close to retirement that leaving now would be stupid. But I will be 51 when I can retire so I can go out and use my degree.

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As an ADN who is struggling to work, go to school and pay for my BSN knowing that its becoming the new requirement, I know that soon it will be MSN required, and then maybe even Doctorate. Hell, why don't we all just become Doctors? You are probably not even safe with your MSN lol. There are those RN-MSNs getting their Doctorate ready to push you on down the line :) I mean we are not qualified to care for patients just for passing NCLEX right? Not without that solid gold edumacashun? Not without those special letters behind our RN? I am sick of paying and going to school lol... TAKE YOUR DESK JOB and leave our jobs alone ;)) I am kidding. You earned your degree and your license. Work where you are happy.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Heck I won't even get any extra monies for my BSN which is costing me out of pocket. :( It's not even on my name badge. I have to agree with the others. To pay even more money out of pocket (especially at 50 yrs of age) to get a degree that will keep me where I am with no financial kickback, I cannot endorse it for myself.

We had a manager that wanted all staff to have a minimum of MSN to work the floor. Maybe that would be great if staffing was adequate enough to practice the theory of nursing whilst doing patient care. If there is no staff, it doesn't matter what theoretical education you have under your belt. Even a MSN prepared nurse won't get breaks or a lunch.

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