What Program to Pursue? Help!

Specialties Educators

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Hello!

I am an RN BSN who has been working at the bedside for 6 years now with an interest in going back to school to get my masters in nursing education. I would love to work part time as a clinical instructor and / or in a nursing school. I find it very difficult to discern which masters programs would be the best for me: I have no desire to work as a nurse practitioner; should I stick to programs that are specifically for masters in nursing education? Or should I opt for a better program and just get my nurse practitioners with the intent of using it for educational purposes only? I hope I don't sound too stupid here - I am only starting to explore my options here and actually find the whole thing very confusing. Any advice current MSN holders or current educators have regarding this would be so so helpful! Many thanks!

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

MSN Ed is the way to go! Don't take up NP program space if it's not what you want to do - you waste your time and money AND someone else's opportunity. Besides, you will not get the education core in an NP program.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I agree with MMJ, do an MSN with the nurse educator focus. There are tons of programs out there, make yourself a spreadsheet/list with the ones that interest you, pros/cons, tuition costs, accreditation (program and regional), etc. Good luck, and it's awesome that you have decided to further your education!

I agree with the comments above. I enjoyed my MSN Ed program! It really opened up opportunities for me.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

I agree with the MSN Nurse Educator track! Education was the whole reason I wanted a MSN--I had no interest in being a NP (and still don't) which is why I took that MSN Ed route. Some nursing programs (mine included) allow you to teach clinical part time with your BSN--you may want to investigate this to get experience while pursuing the MSN program. My program even allows me to teach an online lecture course with my MSN--as long as I am part time!

Specializes in Assistant Professor, Nephrology, Internal Medicine.

Also agree with meanmaryjean. Don't waste your time with NP if it's not what you want to do. I'm actually exploring options for didactic education in nursing ed, as I didn't get actual formal training during my NP and DNP education. I'm full time faculty, and I feel insufficently trained to be a theoretical educator with my current training.

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