MSN in Nursing and Healthcare Leadership jobs

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 16, 2018

My understanding is that an MSN in anything is still an MSN and jobs open to one kind of MSN will likely be open to another. In fact, many BSN prepared nurses are able to receive the same positions an MSN prepared nurse obtains because many nursing positions only require a BSN. The only positions that I am aware of requiring an MSN outside of some management positions are academic positions at the undergraduate level and Advanced Practice RN positions (CNS, NP, .. etc). Thus, the same positions you have available to you now will pretty much be available to you when you graduate.

By the way, I am studying for a similar MSN. However, I am in management already (BSN prepared) and very much a geek about becoming a better manager. Also, my employer will soon change requirements to MSN only for management positions so that is another motivator for me. Good luck!

InquisitiveAPN · Oct 17, 2018

I get a lot of calls from head hunters for various NP jobs, and about every few months I'll get a call about some admin job somewhere. Usually they pay less and the NP positions - unfortunately.

Golden_RN, MSN · Oct 19, 2018

Teaching, writing, quality management, infection control. Even if a job requires only a BSN (as my current job does), an MSN will give you an edge over competitors. School nurses in my area are required to obtain an MSN within a certain time period after accepting a job. If you think outside of the hospital, there are a lot of opportunities. Teaching (in acute, LTC, colleges) has a lot of jobs to offer for those with an MSN.

jrt4 · Oct 22, 2018

I graduated with an MSN about 4 years after my BSN. It has opened a lot of doors for me professionally that I don't believe I would have been able to pursue if I hadn't completed the MSN. At least not so early in my career. The MSN program can be as valuable as you make it. In general I found the MSN program to be pretty easy. If you wanted to skate by, most of the programs are online so its not difficult to do but if you want to learn something, do the readings and take the assignments seriously. Now I personally do not have any motivation to go back for a DNP. I am going to pursue an MBA soon.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 23, 2018

Now I personally do not have any motivation to go back for a DNP. I am going to pursue an MBA soon.

I noticed that some of my peers in my graduate program are doing the combo program. And I have read a few posts on here where MSN prepared RNs are wanting an MBA too. Thus, I am happy that I already have one. I think it is a much better looking combination in management then any other degree with an MSN, right?

-[insert name here] RN, MSN, MBA, [insert certs here]

klone, MSN, RN · Oct 23, 2018

If I were to do a business type degree, I would want it to be healthcare focused. Either a healthcare MBA, or an Master's in Healthcare Administration. There are quite a few certificate programs out there as well, including one at Cornell, that's not super expensive, and less time intensive than a whole other degree.

jrt4 · Oct 23, 2018

I noticed that some of my peers in my graduate program are doing the combo program. And I have read a few posts on here where MSN prepared RNs are wanting an MBA too. Thus, I am happy that I already have one. I think it is a much better looking combination in management then any other degree with an MSN, right?
-[insert name here] RN, MSN, MBA, [insert certs here]

I think it depends what you are wanting to do in your career. I would like my options to be open outside of nursing if I ever choose to go that route. An MSN can be a business degree but the entire curriculum is around nursing. In combination with an MBA it can give you a leg up if wanting to apply for a position like COO or some sort of other operational leadership position. Having a nursing background I find is always helpful. I don't know what I want to do in my career but I do believe an MBA gives me more options than a DNP.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 25, 2018

I think it depends what you are wanting to do in your career. I would like my options to be open outside of nursing if I ever choose to go that route. An MSN can be a business degree but the entire curriculum is around nursing. In combination with an MBA it can give you a leg up if wanting to apply for a position like COO or some sort of other operational leadership position. Having a nursing background I find is always helpful. I don't know what I want to do in my career but I do believe an MBA gives me more options than a DNP.

I know two CNEs who are also COOs (covering as interim for now, but may choose to be permanent or be chosen to be permanent) and both are MSNs with a combo of MPH or MHA. One of the two is earning a DNP.

In fact, most of the executive level managers in my organization are going back to school for DNPs. Plus, our major competitors have senior level and executive level managers who are DNPs. So, I think it also depends on the type of organization you work for or plan to work for and what that organization values in their upper level management nursing team.

jrt4 · Oct 25, 2018

that is a good point. It really does depend on the region. When I was working at an academic medical center many director level had DNP or were working on it...mainly because it was free to employees and academic medical centers often have better support around student employees. Its less important at smaller regional medical centers. Most of the director levels have a MSN where I am currently working. I don't know of any with DNP but most also have MHA or MBA. More education is never a bad way to go. I think you just have to look at what you want to do. I don't see a DNP advancing my career with my current experience but someone with 20+ years looking for a CNO position may have different opinions.