New here....MSN in Clinical Nurse Leadership?

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Specializes in critical care.

Hello,

I have been all over the place with my Master's degree. I originally started out in a NP program, but after a lot of soul-searching I have found that is NOT the path for me. I am applying to a Clinical Nurse Leadership MSN program (with my specialization being education). Any experience with this degree? It is a little different than a traditional MSN in Nursing Education.

Thanks!

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There are a few existing threads here about the CNL role. You may want to do a search if you're interested in looking at what's already been discussed here.

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Specializes in critical care.

All the threads I find are about direct-entry MSN programs. I am trying to find out whether this would be an appropriate degree for someone who wants to be a nurse educator in or out of the hospital setting.

Thanks!

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Specializes in critical care.

I should add that I am a RN/BSN with 9 years experience. I am not a direct-entry student. The university I am looking at (Ball State) only offers nursing education under the CNL program.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

You're right, most of those threads are about direct entry CNLs and their ability to practice in leadership roles as new grads.

So the question of an experienced RN seeking a CNL degree is very relevant.

I, like you, want to obtain my MSN. But the longer I spend in nursing the more I don't want to be an NP. So I was leading towards CNS. But the CNL thing is interesting as well.

And experienced MSN prepared CNLs out there?

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Specializes in critical care.

Yes, I shadowed several NPs and it just isn't for me for a lot of reasons. My employers offers an on-site MSN in nursing education, but I have to commit for 5 years (3 for the program and 2 after graduation).

I could do the program on my own for 22K! Or I found this program at Ball State and it would cost me next to nothing after tuition reimbursement and there's no commitment. But I don't know if a CNL/Education degree is "enough" to teach at a college? I am sure it is acceptable to be a nurse educator in a hospital.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

That's what I want to do!

Have you looked at CNS?

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Specializes in critical care.

I have looked at CNS. I am concerned that I keep hearing they are being "phased out". Also, the role that I am familiar with them being in is not what I am interested in. I just keep fooling around, taking one class here and one there and not accomplishing anything!

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Here's some more information on the CNL: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/faq.htm

I have heard the CNL is a "dud" - not much employment potential. It is a new, experimental role and has not been taken very seriously in the real world. Of course, this is my personal perspective - maybe others will chime in with more information.

The CNS is much more respectable, an advance practice specialty, that has been in existence for decades. Some information about the CNS role:

http://www.nacns.org/Educators/ResourcesforEducators/tabid/139/Default.aspx

http://www.nacns.org/AboutNACNS/FAQs/tabid/109/Default.aspx

CNS employment opportunities: http://www.nacns.org/Resources/CareerCenter/tabid/87/Default.aspx

The CNS role is very active and in demand at my local area teaching hospital. I have several friends/ acquaintances with satisfying CNS careers in this facility.

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Specializes in ICU, Education.

There are many online accredited programs that offer MSN with a focus in healthcare education. I went to University of Phoenix--only because I live here- but when I interviewed, I realized they had an online program that offered me a great deal of the flexibility I needed. It worked well for me. I am not pushing UOPHx. But have you checked the online programs for MSN/ ED? I believe there are a lot.

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Specializes in critical care.

Yes, the program I am looking at is online. Here is the description, now I am not sure it is truly a "Clinical Nurse Leader" program at all.

Leadership Track Plan of Study (Educator or Administrator)Leadership Track Plan of Study (Educator or Administrator) Research Core

NUR 607 - Data Analysis (3)

NUR 604 - Nursing Research (3)

NUR 697 - Research Paper (3)

Nursing Core

NUR 603 - Nursing Theory (3)

NUR 605 - Nursing and Information Technology (2)

NUR 610 - Concept Analysis 1. Health Promotion (3) (*45 hrs clinical)

NUR 611 - Concept Analysis 2, Clinical Decision Making (3) (*45 hrs clinical)

Role Core

Role Focus (choose one option)

  • Educator (9)
    NUR 620 - Curriculum (3)
    NUR 622 - Teaching in Nursing(3)
    NUR 626 - Program Evaluation (3)
  • Administration (9)
    NUR 640 Nursing Administration Theories (3)
    NUR 642 Administrative Management for Nurses (3)
    NUR 643 Financial Management (3)

NUR 672, Practicum - Selected Role (4) (*225 hrs clinical)

* Clinical hours

Total - 33 credit hours required for this track.

http://www.bsu.edu/cast/nursing/article/0,1894,28331-4398-44716,00.html

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Specializes in critical care.

Okay, nevermind, the school has confirmed this a MSN in Leadership with a concentration in Education. It is not a CNL program.

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