Oh, to MSN or not!

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I just finished RN-BSN but now I don't know if I should go on. Things are changing at work and I think I need to have aback up plan. I LOVE my job! I am just worried things might get hairy. $$$ cuts. I am a relatively new nurse so I think I am ok. I have a hx of teaching and am looking at an MSN in Nursing education. I just don't know. If I can get tuition reimbursement for most, I feel I should do it......... OY

[SierraBravo]

If you employer offers tuition benefits/assistance/reimbursement, then by all means go for it (so long as you can successfully manage work, school, family, etc...).

Having the MSN gives you more latitude in terms of job opportunities.

[theRNJedi]

If you employer offers tuition benefits/assistance/reimbursement, then by all means go for it (so long as you can successfully manage work, school, family, etc...).

Having the MSN gives you more latitude in terms of job opportunities.

Very wise advice. I concur.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

By all means, go ahead with a graduate degree if you have the means to do so.

A bit of caution about the MSN in education.... If you're aiming for an education job outside of academia, you'll also need actual to garner some workplace teaching experience in addition to formal education. It's a different environment than academia. We have a lot more complexity to deal with - from regulatory issues to liability issues. Most of us begin as unit-based educators & CPR instructors.

Best of luck to you on your career - I hope you choose education. We need a continuous influx of bright & energetic newbies to move ahead.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

It cracks me up to be called a newbie LOL I am 50 years old! I really am looking at clinical education, maybe clinical instructor. I would like to get a job at the university associated with the hospital I work at. In addition to my new BSN, I have a BS in Biology and a Masters in Teaching. Going to start the research. Thanks all!