MSN- which one? HELP with alphabet soup!

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in community, oncology, tele, PEDS.

HEY!

So I am an ADN RN, and I'm pretty sure that's not all I want for the next 45 years.

I'm planning on working on my BSN, towards my masters, but I'm not sure which way to go with my MSN.. as in NP (what I was thinking of doing), CRNA, etc? or even PhD in nursing?

Please help, too much alphabet soup! What's different with these professions, what different jobs will I have? What other "alphabet" soup is there?

Thanks!!!!:p

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Specializes in OB.

There are almost too many possibilities to name! There are all kinds of nurse practitioners: acute care (work in a critical care situation), primary care (work in a practice or solo), psychiatric, neonatal, women's health, pediatric, geriatric, etc. You can also become a certified nurse midwife or a certified nurse anesthetist with a master's. You can also get a master's in nursing education and be a clinical instructor. With a PhD, most people go into research or become professors, or both.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

You can be a MSN and practice many different ways. Some practice as Nurse Practitioners and others do not qualify or apply for an Advanced Practice License. Depends on what you want to do. PhD is mainly involved in teaching and research. Not every nursing school hires them so you would need to have some idea where you want to live/work with a PhD. I believe by the time you get your BSN you will have a better idea. Good luck!

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Specializes in community, oncology, tele, PEDS.

Thanks!

I know I love peds... will just have to decide if I wanna be a manager, or NP, etc. Hoepfully I will find out more about the diff between NP and CRNA while getting my BSN.

Don't think PhD is for me, not big on research...I like hands on pt care..

Thanks again

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