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I have an MSN in Nursing Education. I am currently employed as a full-time nursing faculty member in an ASN program.

I originally started out in an FNP program and just was not sure it was the route for me, and I switched to education. My background in adult ICU.

I know that if I want to continue in education long-term, I will need to complete either a DNP or PhD. I am having difficult time rationalizing the cost of a DNP or PhD against the benefits. Being realistic, I think a PhD is out of the questions at my age and with my work, home, and financial situations. The DNP will be the more realistic option.

I do not have to tell anyone here that education does not pay well. That is a real struggle for me, especially when I am looking at the long-term choices of continuing as a nursing educator or continuing my education. I am again throwing around the idea of completing a post-Master's NP while that is still an option. I need 6 classes to complete the NP.

If I wanted to continue to teach, I believe I could complete a DNP as en educator or NP after the post-Master's? The NP would give me more options for supplemental employment and additional teaching opportunities.

Has anyone here completed a post-Master's NP WHILE teaching? How did you manage to get the clinical hours in? What specialty did you choose and how did you reach that decision? I am considering acute care vs family. Certainly, my nursing experience is acute, but I hear over and over again that family is more marketable.

Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated.

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Well you can get a non clinical DNP degree.

That would certainly be another option. Far less clinical intense than an APN DNP, though you wouldnt actually be licensed as an NP

Im pretty sure they have DNP programs in education as well, and it doesnt have the same emphasis on research as a PHD

Id check it out at least

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Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

Before writing yourself off as "too old" or PhD as "too expensive", look into what financial aid (scholarships/fellowships) is available. You might be very surprised. I'm 54, just about to finish my classwork in a PhD program at a large research university. I've been able to obtain scholarships without too much trouble, and even a fellowship (I didn't even have to apply for that one) that pays my tuition plus a stipend and health insurance. Realize also that there is this little thing called the Nursing Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) that will loan you money to attend school and forgives 85% (over 4 years) after you graduate, as long as you stay in a full-time faculty position. I took that loan out for my first semester only.

I don't know how old you are, but like I said, I'm 54. I'm not even the oldest one in my cohort......remember, nurses tend to have a different trajectory toward PhD than other professions, so even if you're older than the "average" PhD student, chances are you'll fit right in with nursing PhD students. Good luck with whatever you decide.

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Have you considered moving into hospital education? Perhaps a certification of some kind (CNS, etc)?

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When I say I am too old, I am more referring to the cost benefit analysis of getting a PhD. It is expensive, it will limit how much I can work (I cannot live on a stipend) and limit my time with my children. I am currently receiving student loan repayment through the HRSA. I do not believe you can be dual enrolled in HRSA and the Faculty Loan Program simultaneously, so that would not be an option for me for at least a few years. I have vowed to myself that I will not accumulate more student loan debt.

If you are currently in a PhD program, are you teaching FT as well? Or working in another capacity?

I have found a very affordable DNP (in education/leadership) that may be an option. I can do that program part-time. I do think I would have to take out some loans though, which I am really not wanting to do.

I have considered moving into hospital education. I don't feel a passion for that, but I do think it is something I could do. I do enjoy teaching, but I do not know that realistically, with the low pay, that I can continue indefinitely.

I am trying to decide, if for my financial and professional future, I should consider completing a post-Master's NP. I can complete it for a relatively low cost (out of pocket), but there will reach a point where I would not be able to continue teaching FT while completing the clinical hours. I believe I would have to return to the bedside as an RN for the year it would take me to get through the clinical component.

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Specializes in Gastroenterology; and Primary Care.

I also have a MSN in Nursing Education and employed as a full-time nursing faculty member in an ASN program. But it is not for me as a full-time job, so next month I start my Post MSN certificate program for FNP.

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Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

If you are currently in a PhD program, are you teaching FT as well? Or working in another capacity?

Yes, I teach full-time in an academic setting. I won't say it's been the easiest schedule, but it will allow me to take a year-long sabbatical next year to devote time to completing my dissertation.

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That is another issue, my current employer does not decrease your course load in order for faculty to pursue further education. Ironic, but that is the way it is.

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Are you quitting your FT faculty position? (The reply feasture is not working for me, this was to Melody).

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