curioustwo

Thanks so much. I am not sure what I would specialize in just yet.

Okay, a little confused... 1. When looking at APN masters online, I did not see anything specifying which fields they have available to pick from. Are they all different? 2. Suppose you are interested in becoming a cardiac APN, do you apply for that program when it comes time to do so during your APN degree and hope to get in and if not get stuck with something less desirable (similar to how a residency works)? 3. Suppose you want to be a cardiac APN, but your only experience has been in L&D, is it possible to do that once you are already in an APN program or would you have to go back and get the experience first? Trying to understand - sorry for all the questions.

It seems like there is just one program for all? Is the specialty whatever your current field of nursing is in or are you able to pick a different one at a later date? What about alternative medicine? Is it possible to specialize in that? In a broader sense, what are your limits?

Thanks again Bergren. That answered my question and was helpful. :)

llg: thanks for your post. does anyone else have any insights into this? i guess i am wondering what most people's goals are that intend to go for this degree. is it to be a nurse manager of a nursing unit? how far can the degree take you?

must love poodles: i don't understand...it was a sincere question. bergren: thanks. i did look at that info. i guess the question i am asking is what do hospitals offer in terms of retirement? anyone know?

How much do these nurses make and what can you do with it? I am also wondering why people go into it? When I first started nursing it seems like not much was required to be a nurse manager on a unit -- maybe just a BSN, but now things have changed and Master programs have become a minimum requirement in some hospitals - not to mention the program itself seems to be a bit lengthier then when I last looked at it. I am beginning to wonder if Master degrees are a dime a dozen.

Thanks.

Do school nurses have a better retirement package than hospital workers?

Thanks. Does this apply to private schools as well? Is it possible to get a job as a school nurse as long as you are in a school nurse certif. program? Also, what is a substitute school nurse certification?

1. Do you have to have a school nurse certificate in NJ? 2. Do you need your BS to get the school nurse certificate? 3. How does the salary compare to being a floor nurse? I would think school nurses probably start out with much less money than a floor nurse (similar to a teacher's salary), but in time (as in years and years) the school nurse probably makes more than a floor nurse when considering they have 2 months off plus an additional two weeks during the year. Am I correct? 4. Where do you find these jobs? I don't know if I am looking in all the wrong places, but school nurse is not one I see too often. Thanks :)