CMartRN

I graduated with my MSN - Leadership and Management a year ago. The L & M program at my school focused mostly on the administrative aspects that support nursing from micro to macro. Everything from acuity based staffing, to designing your own unit based off of hours per patient day, all the way to some surface level payer mix calculations. We also had some research and statistics thrown in as well. This is a great degree if you plan on remaining within nursing for your career as it builds on your knowledge of patient care delivery as a clinician. If you think you'll want to broaden your career scope outside of nursing into general healthcare, I would recommend a Masters in Health Admin or and MBA program with a focus on healthcare. Both of those more more business/operations focused. You'll also have a leg up on your classmates in those programs - regarding healthcare - as most folks in those areas normally have business backgrounds with little healthcare experience. I had only been a nurse for a little over a year when I started my MSN program, so I know where you're coming from. The main advice that I would give you is to speak with your current superiors Nurse Manager, Administrative Director, head of Nursing education, even your CNO if you get the chance. Let them know that you're interested in pursuing a career in nursing management. This will serve a couple of purposes. First, it will show these individuals that you are serious about your career and invested in nursing. It will also show that you aren't afraid to take initiative. With nurse turnover on the rise, most nursing administrators are very keen on developing nursing leadership talent. Next, develop working relationships with your superiors because the single most valuable aspect of any L & M program is being able to intern/precept with current administrators. It's very hard to get a manager/director/administrator to precept you if they have no clue who you are. Lastly, don't rush it. The advice given by the nurses above was correct. I somewhat rushed my way through school and took the first healthcare managerial position I was offered. I now work very little with nursing and am clearly a fish out of water. All in all, going back to school while your still a young nurse isn't a bad thing. You're not too far removed from the mindset of a student and will be able to ease back into the role of student better than some of your more seasoned counter parts. Also, you're less likely to have a lot of hindrances to your school/work schedule (spouse, children, etc). However, don't be afraid to take it slow. There's nothing wrong with getting your MSN while working as a charge nurse then slowly working into a lower level managerial position for a couple of years post graduation. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping to be able to try the prn route, but thanks to my hectic schedule and having to be available ALL the time. PRN shifts are no longer an option. Hoping to find some type of volunteer clinic or something of the sort.

You're definitely preaching to the choir. I found myself in the same situation. I ended up going back to school and now work in management. The cool thing about nursing is that as nurse we can easily move from one position to another without always having to get additional education or training. Like some of the previous posters mentioned, I'd update your resume and start looking at other options (OR/perioperative, home health, outpatient, even pharmaceutical/medical supplies rep) lots of opportunities out there.

Hello everyone, I'm a nurse recently turned physician's practice director. Even though I'm now on the administrative side of things, I'd like to keep my nursing skills adequate for volunteering or in the event that I end up back in nursing. For those of you who have been in management for a while, how do you keep your nursing skills current? (Websites, articles, apps, etc.) Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Glad I'm not the only one who get's this! The comeback I've used most with the "male nurse" question is "Well, I tried to be a female nurse but they found my junk sooo here I am." Even though it's a little crude, 95% of the time it gets a good laugh out of my patients.

Go for it man! Part of being a good nurse is being in the area that most interests you. Try to do your preceptorship in PEDS if that's what you really want to do.

Took NCLEX on Friday and had to take all 265 questions. Did the Pearson Vue Trick about 40 minutes after my test and got the good pop up. I JUST saw my name on my board of nursing's website, I PASSED! The PV trick holds true once more!

I am a living testimony that you can indeed pass with 265 questions. I just saw my name on my BON's website and I honestly can't explain how overjoyed I am. I'm not gonna to lie, after my NCLEX question count go into the 200's I was more nervous than a turkey in November and when my questions got in to the 260's I was seriously ready to cry. But when they say that you can pass at any question count they mean it. I should also mention that I tried the Pearson Vue trick about 40 minutes after my test and got the good pop up. For all of you reading this and preparing for NCLEX, be encouraged. YOU CAN PASS!!!