MSN as Nurse Educator or FNP?

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

Hi all!

I started my educational adventure in nursing with the goal to become a nursing instructor. Somewhere along the way in my BSN program I got the idea to become a nurse practitioner.

The majority of my nursing experience is in psychiatric and addictions treatment. I thought becoming a psych NP would be for me. However, it has been difficult finding a program that I did not have to travel to. The online programs require a minimum of 1-2 times on campus. These programs are in Illinois, Alabama, Colorado, Pennslyvania, Ohio. I live in Florida. I also have one Psych NP program in Miami at Florida International University. This is a 2 hour drive one way for me, and the program is not online.

Then I returned to the idea of FNP or ANP in order to have more opportunities.

Then I realized that my original goal for all this was to become a Nurse Educator. So, my question to all you Nurse Educators is this:

Is the MSN in Nursing Education the way to go at this time? In all advanced nursing programs now the Doctorate degree is held as more desireable. Will I be obsolete before I finish school? Will having a FNP or ANP MSN enhance my opportunities for teaching assignments?

I am 55 years old, have been a nurse for 15 yrs and also have cardiac telemetry and ICU experience.

Thank you all, in advance, for the academic advisement!

Elizabeth

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice.

I am not a Nurse Educator, only a FNP student but I think that if the Nurse Educator role was your initial intention you should go for it. As a 55 year old nurse, I'm not sure you would get the full benefits of being a NP and honestly there is a need for Nurse Educators. And furthermore, there is talk about making the doctorate the entry level point for NP so you should go with what you really want to do. You have 15 years of priceless experience that is sorely needed in today's nursing education arena. So I say, go for your original goal.

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

Thank you for your insight!

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I have considered the same options.

I came to this conclusion.

I can work as a fnp or instructor with a msn fnp. Fnp classes can be more time consuming and difficult.

I can only work as an instructor with the nurse educator msn.

Me personally, I like having the most options possible, so I am for the msn fnp route. Your choice either way! :)

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Specializes in nursing education.

I too choose the MSN and am an educator. I am 53. I have had my MSN for 3 years. I thought about the fnp but truly love teaching. I didn't think I would get enough benefit from a doctorate. If you stay in a community college an MSN is perfect. If u wish a university then you would need to consider a doctorate.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I am an FNP student in my last year of my program and I have debated back and forth being a nursing instructor. I honestly could see myself teaching clinicals and loving it. I figure if I do end up in education at least I will have a strong science background to help teach but will also have options if I decide to use the NP

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

Thank you. This was the direction I was leaning!

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Different states are cracking down on people not using their degrees for what they were intended for. I have checked a lot of jobs for Nurse educators, as I am pursuing my MSNed, and 90% of the jobs are asking for specifically a MSNed or that you obtain a certificate in Nurse Education if you're a NP.

This same concept is happening to NP's in not only needing a DNP (tons of programs switching over) but also practicing under their scope FNPs (outpatient) ACNP (inpatient). So I say go for the MSNed as it prepares you to TEACH nursing, not just provide the skill set. You can also work in the hospital setting as a unit or hospital educator, deal with new grads and new hires and many other possibilities with that degree outside of just teaching students. Best of luck to your decision. Just my 2 cents :smokin:

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Specializes in Addictions/Mental Health, Telemetry.

Thanks for your 2 cents! I agree that one should practice within one's scope of practice. This is why I intend to get a post grad certificate in nursing education. I really have decided to follow my heart and become a nurse practitioner but also be able to teach. I know teaching does not pay very well, thus we have a shortage of educators! To be able to teach and have the ability to also earn a better living is highly desireable. I need the extra bucks to pay off these student loans!!

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