Postgraduate Study

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Is your work as a nurse different if you decide to undertake postgraduate study? 

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On 4/28/2021 at 9:17 PM, Mary3010 said:

Is your work as a nurse different if you decide to undertake postgraduate study? 

You would have to clarify your question.  There are many nurses with graduate degrees working as bedside nurses but there are advanced nursing degrees that allow you to function in different nursing roles (such as nurse practitioner )

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On 5/1/2021 at 1:29 PM, Rnis said:

You would have to clarify your question.  There are many nurses with graduate degrees working as bedside nurses but there are advanced nursing degrees that allow you to function in different nursing roles (such as nurse practitioner )

Completing a Masters or PhD degree. Will a masters for instance allow you to implement more advanced skills in your practice or give you better hours/pay etc.? 

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Specializes in oncology.
2 hours ago, Mary3010 said:

Completing a Masters or PhD degree. Will a masters for instance allow you to implement more advanced skills in your practice or give you better hours/pay etc.? 

Mary, you have to tell us what 'practice' you are talking about...being a CNS, Nurse Educator, DON, etc.

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On 5/11/2021 at 7:30 PM, Mary3010 said:

Completing a Masters or PhD degree. Will a masters for instance allow you to implement more advanced skills in your practice or give you better hours/pay etc.? 

I feel like you don't have a good understanding of the different pathways of advanced nursing education.  A PHD in nursing is usually pursued by someone want to do participate in research and be a nursing instructor. That will probably contribute to better hours....but you will be expected to generate research /scholarly works  and that is time consuming.   A masters degree can get you a job in nursing education but likely in the clinical teaching role.  That can entail some early mornings or late nights depending on the clinical you are teaching....but generally good hours.   The nursing educators in my area  are paid fairly well  (70,000 -low 100,000)  

Those with a Masters with training as advanced practice nurse are able to do additional skills but they are generally functioning as a nurse leader or an advanced practice provider role. I am paid better and have more traditional hours than when I was a floor nurse. The respect is SOOOOO much more .

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Specializes in Hospice.

As previous posters have mentioned, there are many different reasons for one to pursue a higher degree (Masters or PhD)...

I am currently working on my Masters in Palliative and Hospice in order to increase my knowledge base. The more I learn, the higher quality of care I am able to provide to my patients. When I complete my degree my plans are to remain in my current position at my current employer. I work for a tiny non-profit, I am not anticipating any pay increase nor will my work hours change. I know this plan might not make sense to everyone, but it's what's right for me.

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On 5/14/2021 at 1:07 PM, Rnis said:

 A masters degree can get you a job in nursing education but likely in the clinical teaching role.  That can entail some early mornings or late nights depending on the clinical you are teaching....but generally good hours.   The nursing educators in my area  are paid fairly well  (70,000 -low 100,000)  

Would the clinical teaching role be like a tutorial teacher?

I was thinking either teaching nursing or just being an advanced practitioner doing advanced things like prescribing etc.

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4 hours ago, Mary3010 said:

Would the clinical teaching role be like a tutorial teacher?

I was thinking either teaching nursing or just being an advanced practitioner doing advanced things like prescribing etc.

no...it would be teaching a clinical rotation at a hospital.   I think working inthe nursing field would be the best way to understand the different roles and then from there make the decision that is best for you.  So many of my students as first semester nursing students are very focused on their end of game of CRNA  or NP. Great goals to have, but those  advanced roles are meant to have the foundation of the nursing role.   I think it is really important to embrace and become competent in the nursing role. I encourage people to keep an open mind because as a nurse you will be exposed to many different opportunities.  

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On 5/15/2021 at 1:58 PM, vampiregirl said:

As previous posters have mentioned, there are many different reasons for one to pursue a higher degree (Masters or PhD)...

I am currently working on my Masters in Palliative and Hospice in order to increase my knowledge base. The more I learn, the higher quality of care I am able to provide to my patients. When I complete my degree my plans are to remain in my current position at my current employer. I work for a tiny non-profit, I am not anticipating any pay increase nor will my work hours change. I know this plan might not make sense to everyone, but it's what's right for me.

I am so impressed by your professional commitment.  Your patients and the non-profit you work for are very fortunate to have you.  I wish they would at least pay for your education, though.  Nurses are amazing people, I do not know of many other professions where you'd find people like yourself.

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