MSN Nursing Education - Worth it?

Specialties Educators

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Hi! I have been a RN for almost 2 years and I recently got an amazing job opportunity. My previous BSN instructor recommended me for a departmental opening - a faculty position in the skills and simulation lab at a ranked BSN program. So far I love the job. I love teaching. It is the first time I have ever had fun at work. I am still floored that I got this position with only my BSN. I have recently been accepted to a MSN in Nursing Education program at Walden University. What I'm trying to figure out - is it worth it? I know I need a masters degree to teach my own classroom based class (a long term goal) but is that the best route to go? I would eventually like to get my DNP as teaching + direct patient care / clinical based research is something that interests me. Am I making the best decision going this route? Or am I better off waiting to do a NP Program to then get the DNP to teach at the masters level? Any thoughts on my best route would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Specializes in Nursing Education, Psych, Med-surg.

I do not regret getting my MSN-ED. My plan is to combine it with a post-Master's certificate in Psych-MH NP. You could get your MSN-ED and then get a post-Master's in FNP. I learned a lot about curriculum development, learning and teaching with the MSN-ED. Congratulations on getting your new job! It sounds awesome!

 

1 Votes
Specializes in Operating Room , Home Care Nurse , Nurse Educator.

Upon reading all the post! I am reluctant to get a MSN in Education. It’s very informative and real. To know what’s the prospect for job opportunities. As well as how we are treated in the Nursing world. Thank you ! So I will go NP route. 

Specializes in Education, Skills & Simulation, Med/Surg, Pharm.
3 hours ago, MF1679 said:

Upon reading all the post! I am reluctant to get a MSN in Education. It’s very informative and real. To know what’s the prospect for job opportunities. As well as how we are treated in the Nursing world. Thank you ! So I will go NP route. 

If you have a desire to teach, at least go somewhere where you can get a nurse educator certificate. I hate how higher education places NO value on teachers knowing how to teach. It doesn't matter how amazing of a nurse or NP you are -- teaching is a different skill set. I got my master's in nursing education and now I am getting my doctorate in healthcare education and leadership (EdD). My employer couldn't care less and will view me as equal to someone with a DNP even though my degree is almost identical to a PhD. Many people think I am nuts but I will always do what is best for me as an educator first and foremost. 

3 Votes
Specializes in Operating Room , Home Care Nurse , Nurse Educator.
14 minutes ago, HOPEforRNs said:

If you have a desire to teach, at least go somewhere where you can get a nurse educator certificate. I hate how higher education places NO value on teachers knowing how to teach. It doesn't matter how amazing of a nurse or NP you are -- teaching is a different skill set. I got my master's in nursing education and now I am getting my doctorate in healthcare education and leadership (EdD). My employer couldn't care less and will view me as equal to someone with a DNP even though my degree is almost identical to a PhD. Many people think I am nuts but I will always do what is best for me as an educator first and foremost. 

I’ve taught already. As a Surgical Tech clinal instructor. It was great ! I loved it. I’m passionate about teaching. 

Specializes in Education, Skills & Simulation, Med/Surg, Pharm.
Just now, MF1679 said:

I’ve taught already. As a Surgical Tech clinal instructor. It was great ! I loved it. I’m passionate about teaching. 

I still highly recommend the nurse educator courses, especially if you desire to go beyond clinical instructor. The knowledge is invaluable and you'll already have a leg up! ?

1 Votes
Specializes in Operating Room , Home Care Nurse , Nurse Educator.
2 minutes ago, HOPEforRNs said:

I still highly recommend the nurse educator courses, especially if you desire to go beyond clinical instructor. The knowledge is invaluable and you'll already have a leg up! ?

Where will I find one ? Google huh! And thank you for the advice BTW!

Specializes in Education, Skills & Simulation, Med/Surg, Pharm.
Just now, MF1679 said:

Where will I find one ? Google huh! And thank you for the advice BTW!

Lots of schools offer a post master's certificate or you can complete it alongside your MSN or DNP to become an APRN! 

Specializes in Operating Room , Home Care Nurse , Nurse Educator.
3 minutes ago, HOPEforRNs said:

Lots of schools offer a post master's certificate or you can complete it alongside your MSN or DNP to become an APRN! 

✅??This is the reason I appreciate this Networking website .Dedicated to us. Thank you very much for your knowledge and advice. Stay safe and blessings!

Specializes in critical care, med/surg.

Going to school and working as you know is difficult under the best of circumstances. I think you must ask yourself...how much stress am I willing to tolerate to get where I want to be?

Specializes in PD,Nxstage,hemo.
londonflo said:

Let's just start off with.. Your friend and you  (or rather as you put it 'me and my friend')  are eligible for employment teaching nursing at a community college.

 

Maybe leadership and education MSNs are what your employer needs (the one paying the tuition, remember them?)

And do you have no qualms for the 'bait and switch'?  What about your classmates who will be learning WITH you and have projects WITH you?

So true!

 

I have worked with NPs who cannot find an NP job and turned to education. Most did not get tenure because they did not understand the underpinings of nursing education and were NO HELP when accreditation time came.

 

Agreed!  I've seen the same.

Specializes in PD,Nxstage,hemo.

To each their own.

If your passion is academia then going the MSN-ED would be the way to go over NP because the curriculum focuses on curriculum development etc.. and the NLN core competencies, which will serve you well in your role as faculty.

With that said the NP can get a job in academia, how ever may struggle with the above stated. 

I choose the MSN-ED route and I've had a zero issues with job opportunities.  Currently working in a very reputable BSN program and also teaching in a RN-BSN program online.  I choose not to do the NP route because I had no desire to keep up clinicals hours working bedside.  In the classroom is where I want to retire.

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