MSN leadership and NP

[aphillipi]

Is it possible to get my MSN in leadership and management (online) and then get a doctorate of np or do you have to first get a msn in nurse practitioner? I'm interested in leadership/management and I have an opportunity to do that at work in the next few years but my dream has always been to be a NP. I can do the online msn in a year but a np program would take much longer with my work schedule. Thanks for any advice!!

[RegularNurse]

I have been told that the MSN in nursing leadership is a soft degree and not recognized by many large employers as equivalent to something like an MHA or MBA. I would get an online MBA because you will get legitimate training in finance, economics, and accounting.

I cannot intelligently answer the NP questions.

[benegesserit]

It depends on the program. Some DNP programs (or post-master's cert NP programs, which are intended for people who already have an MSN and are interested in changing emphases) require a clinical MSN (such as NP). Some require any MSN. Some don't require an MSN of any sort and go directly from BSN to DNP, in which case some of your MSN credits might transfer, or they might be totally irrelevant.

So, you'll have options, but not necessarily at all possible schools.

I'm pondering this, too. I want to get more education, and NP is an eventual goal, but not something I feel ready for yet. I'm undecided whether a non-clinical MSN is ultimately worthwhile or a big investment of time and money with little return.

[RocknRollYogaRn]

I'm enrolled in the BSN to MSN leadership and management. I want to advance into management so for me I don't think it is a waste of time. My job is also paying for almost all of it too so that is a big incentive. I was thinking about going to get my NP after this nonclinical masters degree but am not 100% sure yet. Honestly, I just want to make a significantly more amount of money.I have been in nursing since 1993 and desire more money. I feel I have topped out in pay. I don't really like hands on nursing and so management will be best for me I think. I like nursing and I see the value in being a good hands on nurse or bedside nurse but it just isn't my passion just too much politics.

[benegesserit]

If my work was paying for most of it, I'd definitely be less concerned about the money aspect :) It's not that I think it's a waste - gaining education is generally a good thing. I'm just not sure an MSN that does not increase my scope of practice, and perhaps not even significantly increase my earning potential or job options, is worth the cost.

I also don't think an MSN in leadership is a waste if that's where your interest lies. MHA and a leadership MSN have some overlap, but are inherently different focuses. Everywhere I've worked, Administrator/CEO and Director of Nursing are separate jobs.