MSN ed- are you happy with your degree?

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I am stuck between which MSN to finish and THINK i have made a very informed decision to finish my MSN-ed. I am currently in a job that I really really like, and although the MSN would not help me directly in THIS job, it could potentially help me later on to enter deeper into the industry.

I am thinking that I will try to use the MSN to get an adjunct type position (there are 4 community college programs within good driving distance of me), and do adjunct instructing.

I'm just wondering, of those of you here who finished a MSN-education, are you happy with the degree, are you using it like you wanted to, did you have to return to do more training, etc? I appreciate all input, as these responses will weigh into my decision. I have very few professional colleagues around me with any degree beyond the ADN, so I appreciate your input.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Hospice/Palliative Care.

I have my MSN in education, I recently finished it. I adjunct in addition to my full-time weekend job.

In my opinion, it is challenging to be an adjunct. I almost feel like I don't have a "home" when teaching -- I'm there one day then gone the next! This is hard since I like routine and building relationships. As a full time faculty, you can build the rapport and respect because you are with the students and they see you so much more.

It is going to be what you like and what your goals are -- is your goal adjunct? Do you mind being there short days/hours/not as often? Are you super outgoing?

Just my thoughts :)

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Specializes in nursing education.

Just my experience here, but I graduated from a program with dual Ed and CNS coursework, but all CNS practica and role socialization. Now that I'm working as an adjunct, I wish I would have gone CNE/ed. I could have benefited from test question writing, curriculum development, etc in practicum.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I am currently not using my MSN ed. I did have a temp adjunct position that has since ended, but have yet to find a permanent one. Part of the issue is the fact that I don't want to give up my current clinical position, which does limit my availability. I don't regret getting the education (more education is never a bad thing and it truly was more of a planning for the future thing), but I am concerned about when I'm ready to move out of direct clinical care and into non-bedside positions full time as being viewed as a "stale" degree holder.

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Thank you for responses so far. I too am in a job that I really like and don't necessarily want to leave anytime soon. I am seriously thinking about getting the MSN-ed and trying to find an adjunct type position and maybe later looking at moving deeper into my industry OR going the doctoral route and full time teaching. I wouldn't mind an adjunct position because it would really expose me to the ins and outs of teaching while staying in my current position. I have a pretty outgoing, fast paced type personality. wouldn't be a problem to just jump right in!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

I don't regret it. Finished my MSN Ed degree in May 2013...still working as a staff nurses but I do 1:1 senior precetorships for various schools and am looking to adjunct in the fall for my alma mater possibly.

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Specializes in Education, Skills & Simulation, Med/Surg, Pharm.

Have you thought about getting your MSN in a NP or CNS or CNL role and just taking 9 credit hours of electives in nursing education to qualify for the exam to become a CNE? I recently switched from nursing education to FNP because I found that schools wanted a MSN and CNE was valued, but being in nursing education specifically didn't seem to matter. Plus I wanted my DNP and the nursing education master's degree won't get me there.

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thanks for the good input. all good things to consider. i am still torn. i feel like if i go for the FNP, then i HAVE to go practice as an NP as soon as i'm licensed. no option to ever go back to the job i am in now. while this is very exciting, it's also very scary because i am good at this job. On the other side of the coin, i also feel like getting the MSN-ed won't make much of an immediate change in my life and may never really result in any career advancement...i have this spring to decide so i am constantly meeting with advanced trained nurses, talking with them, shadowing, etc. i am confident that the right thing will present itself.

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Specializes in Education, Skills & Simulation, Med/Surg, Pharm.

I work in nursing education currently. I fully intend to always work in education. I hope to eventually teach FNP students. I do not intend to leave education just because I'm a FNP. I do plan to work part time or contingent as a FNP. The vast majority of the professors where I work also work part time or contingent in direct patient care.

thanks for the good input. all good things to consider. i am still torn. i feel like if i go for the FNP, then i HAVE to go practice as an NP as soon as i'm licensed. no option to ever go back to the job i am in now. while this is very exciting, it's also very scary because i am good at this job. On the other side of the coin, i also feel like getting the MSN-ed won't make much of an immediate change in my life and may never really result in any career advancement...i have this spring to decide so i am constantly meeting with advanced trained nurses, talking with them, shadowing, etc. i am confident that the right thing will present itself.
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Specializes in Tele, Stepdown, Med/Surg, education.

I finished my masters in nursing education in 2012. I was already teaching in a LPN/LVN program. I have taught in a diploma and ADN program as well. I also tried the staff development role. I'm very satisfied with my degree. I have also worked adjunct but feel that you are just the hired help and you really have no invested interest and like stated earlier its hard to build relationship.

I work PRN - 2 days a month and plan to do this until my body will not allow it. I do not want to let my clinics skills go.

I am now researching so I can take the certified nurse educator examination. I have no intention of getting my doctorate nor can I afford it. But I do plan to stay in education.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Shemelle

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Specializes in FNP- psych, internal med, pediatric.

I absolutely LOVED my program (UND) and having the freedom as an adjunct instructor to work any specialty that came to mind is a BONUS :up:. The issue I have, and others have testified as well, is that this profession is not about $ unless you are a PhD. With my MS-NE, I was offered FT 9-month tenure positions frequently, but for the number of hours I would work with committees, lecturing, clinicals, and other nursing dept meetings, I couldn't sustain myself, let alone a family on the wages. It is a great field, a rewarding one too, but that is MY only qualm with any of it. I am very happy being engaged with students, but also staying at bedside while I teach and staying out of hospital politics is another personal point of satisfaction!

I always had a goal to go on once more for post-MSN FNP though, and now is that time. Ideally, the FNP will keep me at bedside more as I miss it, but this is only a PT plan because I would still do the Ed thing PT too. They are just 2 loves I can't see myself without. If there's anything you'd like to discuss personally, feel free to PM. ;)

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