MSN/MBA vs MSN/NP then MBA

[SCS NJ]

i have seen a lot of posts regarding mba/msn programs and what they mean but...

i am a critical care rn with an end goal of cno. i have been looking at the different pathways but would like some input from anyone with experience or knowledge in administration. what is seen more or more respected/desired an msn/mba or a full msn with anp then pursuing an mba.

i'm not so concerned with time invested but what will give me the greatest opportunities.

thanks

ps. can you get an np with the msn/mba?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

If you want to become a CNO, there is no benefit to becoming an NP. CNOs need a completely different set of knowledge, skills and abilities than those required by other areas of practice. You'd be better off with an MSN focused on nursing administration.

You will need to focus on getting your foot in the door as a first line manager and then 'climbing the ladder' with increasing areas of responsibility (shift --> dept --> multi-dept --> service line --> division, etc). From what I have seen, it usually takes ~ 2 years at each level to be considered for the next step. I have never met a CNO of a large organization with less than 15 years of experience. A good way to start is to become involved in task forces or committees in which you will learn more about clinical operations - this will also make you more visible to the people who can help your career advancement.

Nursing administration is a bazillion times more stressful than patient care - and without the positive feedback that comes from interacting with patients and their families. But we will always need competent nurse leaders who can make sure that nursing has a voice in organizational decisions.