MSN/FNP advice

[bamaguy1989]

I have been a nurse almost 3 years now and just finished my RN to BSN program last month which I really enjoyed and did well in and am already thinking about returning to school next year for my master's degree. I am torn between leadership and FNP and was wondering if anyone has any advice as I start to research my options on the different programs out there.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Happy to see you doing some research before making such a big decision. So many people don't make that effort up-front and end up regretting their choices later. My advice is:

1. Don't be in a big rush. Give yourself time to settle into being a professional nurse first before making the decision. One year of experience might be enough for you -- but there is nothing wrong with taking a little more time.

2. Since "leadership" is on your list of possible options, get some experience working on unit-based projects, hospital committees, Charge Nurse, Precepting, etc. before making a decision. There are a wide variety of jobs out there that a leadership degree might set you up for (not just straight unit management) and give yourself an opportunity to interact with those folks and see how you like those types of activities. Talk to the people you meet about their roles, what they do, what they like about their role, what type of education they have, etc. That might take a little while as there is such a variety of options.

Good luck to you!