Is MSN really necessary

[EDNurse74]

I recently transitioned into a Management role at my facility. I would like to start a Masters program this year and have been doing my research. I really like the curriculum of the Masters in Healthcare Administration programs. I have found one online dual MSN/MHA program that is doable, but I am not crazy about the MSN curriculum. I currently work at a Magnet facility and they have announced several promotions of current staff that have BSN, but their advanced degrees have been MBA and MHA, with no associated MSN as I have asked them. It seems in my facility the MSN is not required to advance, although I was under the impression Magnet facilities required MSN for advancement. As long as we have our BSN, my facility seems to be OK with whatever advanced degree we choose. In my 5 year plan I will probably be leaving the area I live in and will move to another state. I also do not have my heart set on working in Magnet facilites, but I do not want to rule myself out for a decision I am making today. For other Magnet facilities do they hold applicants to having that MSN in addition to any other advanced degrees for management (more in admin side) positions?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Per Magnet, only the CNO must have a Master's Degree, and it does not have to be an MSN. They must hold at least a BSN, and a Master's degree (no discipline specified).

At my current facility (not Magnet) I'm one of the only managers who holds a Master's degree of any sort (mine is MSN Leadership).

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

OP: As you have suspected correctly, an MSN is not a requirement for most middle management nursing positons, but a Bachelor's degree is a requirement where a BSN is preferred over others. Plus, with magnet status, you are correct too that a BSN is required but a masters of any kind is preferred for middle management. On the other hand, a masters of any kind is required for upper management. Therefore, an MSN is not needed if you have an MBA or an MPH or whatever along with your BSN to further your career with a magnet status hospital or one that does not have that status. Therefore, earn the degree that will make you happy, but do not forget to think about return on investment. :)

For example, I personally loved earning my MBA and my BSN. In fact, I plan to receive an MSN soon to make me even happier because 1.) I wish to pursue a terminal degree in nursing eventually (for more happiness) and 2.) my organization will pay a huge chunk (90%) of my MSN. Otherwise, I would not bother earning an MSN because my MBA will suffice to move up in the world of hospital management through my organization and my pay will be the same with or without a MSN vs. my MBA.