MSN-education vs. administration

zenman · Dec 5, 2004

I've got experience in 2 of these areas. Kinda depends on what you'll be happiest doing, teaching, managing or clinical practice. Teaching is the lowest paid but does have it's benefits and you can always pick up clinical hours, particularly if you're off during the summers. The most money will come with management and NP.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2004

I would think that would be up to the individual. We have some administrators with great careers making fantastic money and love it. Personally, I loathe anything relately associated with administrative work.

Many people love to teach, others don't have the patience.

Many NPs love the one-on-one care that NPs get to do.

Each has it's pluses and minuses, but I think that each has excellent long-term career opportunities.

I'm no help. Good luck though! :)

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2004

We had this discussion the other day with one of our graduate instructors and someone brought up the issue of pay for educators........ she pointed out that the "pay for an instructor is based on a 9 month pay year", as some of the instructors take the summer term off.

Im like some of the others though, administration, away from all direct patient care is not for me. I have been working as a supervisor, but I still get to do patient care. Depends on what kind of administration you want to do.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 5, 2004

I'm currently in an MSN program in Leadership and Management and feel I have the best of both worlds. Right at the moment I'm a case managemer and though I like it, I'm looking to go into management soon. I had considered teaching and still might think I will do it part time. However, in my area you need a PhD in order to be considered for tenure.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 6, 2004

For me, a big factor in choosing between educator roles and administrative roles has been the 24-hour accountability factor. I HATE being on-call 24-hours a day and responsible for running a unit 24/7. As an educator, when my workday is done ... it is done ... and I don't have to worry about getting phone calls at all hours of the night. Also, I don't have to worry about how many people call in sick on a Saturday night, holiday staffing, etc.

As far as the money goes ... why not use the educator tract as a springboard for a career in nursing staff development. That's what I have done. In fact, my hospital has a role that is somewhat of a combination of staff development and a CNS. As a staff development nurse, I get the higher pay associated with working in a hospital, not a school of nursing. However, I don't have the 24/7 management responsibility for a unit and a lot of the other disadvantages associated with management roles. Staff development roles can also allow you to stay close to clinical practice as you serve as a clinical consultant and/or help with various hospital projects.

Better money than a faculty member ... fewer stresses than an administrator ... a nice "fit" for some of us. I never understood why more people don't choose either a staff development role and/or CNS role.

llg

alphil · Aug 8, 2011

if you want to move up in administration whether it be in the hospital or any place of employment in the nursing field , which degree would be of better use at this time , a MBA or MSN in administration / education ??? any info will be appreciated folks

Trauma Columnist · Aug 9, 2011

Let me move this to the Graduate Forum.