drsrn

My sister-in-law is currently enrolled in a DNP program and I have been invited to attend her White Coat Ceremony. I've never attended one, and I need suggestions for an appropriate gift for her. Any ideas?

Too many clinical hours in the NP Program. I just don't want to do all that. I'm too old! May I ask what state you are in?

I would be very interested in knowing whether or not you have found a position outside of dialysis. I have worked in dialysis for over 23 years in various positions. Currently, I'm the clinical coordinator for two dialysis centers. I love dialysis and do not plan to leave until I retire....if that ever becomes possible! In 2017, I completed an on-line RN-BSN Program. I did so well and enjoyed it so much that I decided to enroll in an MSN Program. I really don't have time to do the clinicals involved in a nurse practioner program and the only other MSN Program offered was in education, so I went with that. I thought it might be great if I was qualified to teach an on-line class in my retirement years. I've completed four courses in the program and although I've done well, I'm ready to throw in the towel. The RN-BSN Program was totally on-line, but the MSN Program has a mandatory Web-EX every Thursday, which totally interferes with my work schedule. I'm thinking about cutting my losses and calling it quits. Then I saw your post on how your MSN hasn't helped you. Just wondering how things are going for you now.

I would be very interested in knowing whether or not you have found a position outside of dialysis. I have worked in dialysis for over 23 years in various positions. Currently, I'm the clinical coordinator for two dialysis centers. I love dialysis and do not plan to leave until I retire....if that ever becomes possible! In 2017, I completed an on-line RN-BSN Program. I did so well and enjoyed it so much that I decided to enroll in an MSN Program. I really don't have time to do the clinicals involved in a nurse practioner program and the only other MSN Program offered was in education, so I went with that. I thought it might be great if I was qualified to teach an on-line class in my retirement years. I've completed four courses in the program and although I've done well, I'm ready to throw in the towel. The RN-BSN Program was totally on-line, but the MSN Program has a mandatory Web-EX every Thursday, which totally interferes with my work schedule. I'm thinking about cutting my losses and calling it quits. Then I saw your post on how your MSN hasn't helped you. Just wondering how things are going for you now.

Same boat...or almost! I'm 59 and been working in dialysis for 23 years and honestly don't even know if I could physically work in any other nursing arena. Last year I completed an RN-BSN online program just mainly for self-satisfaction and to make myself more marketable as a BSN in case I did have to seek employment elsewhere. It might be hard to believe, but I really enjoyed being back in college and I'm proud to say I made an A in every course. After that I felt like I wanted to keep on going so I applied for an MSN program at the same school and was accepted. My program choices were NP program or education. I chose education because I felt like I could certainly teach a few online classes well up into my 70's and I could not afford to take time off work for all the clinic hours involved in the NP program. I'm about 1/3 way through the MSN program and have done well so far. I only hope I can continue to succeed, because I'm sure there will be some classes involving advanced assessment and more hospital direct patient care, something I haven't done in 23 years. We become accustomed to the type of nursing we do. I will be working until lunch time the day of my funeral as I see no end in sight. I wish you well.

Am I crazy? I'm 58 and just completed my RN-BSN online after having my ADN since age 35. I've worked in hemodialysis my entire career and love it. I actually don't think I could do any other type of nursing anymore. I've always wanted to become a certified nephrology nurse, which requires a BSN, so I'm working on becoming credentialed. It won't mean any more money but that's fine. I just want the credentials. Because I was on a roll with college, I applied to an MSN Educator program and was accepted. The 6 semester program begins this summer. I thought this degree would be great to have for the remainder of my life....I could always teach an online course. To keep up my momentum the college allowed me to take a curriculum and design course this semester as an enrichment student. Trouble is this....I don't like it and now I don't even know if I want to pursue the MSN. Should I be content at this point in my life with my BSN? MSN costs megabucks that I could invest and save for retirement. Surely I'm not the only one who has second-guessed themselves.

I've been an RN since 1995 and have worked in hemodialysis for the past 23 years. I only have a few months experience working in the hospital setting and that was 18 years ago. I recently completed an RN-BSN Program. Now, I've been accepted to an MSN Educator Program. I really want this higher degree for my own self-satisfaction. I also enjoy patient and staff education. At this point, I have no desire to become a clinical instructor. I keep reading articles about how imperative it is to be proficient in all areas of med-surge nursing to get an MSN Educator degree. Although I consider myself to be an expert in nephrology nursing, many of my med-skills are not current. I haven't inserted an NG Tube or Foley in many, many years. In my mind, being an excellent med-surge nurse should not be a requirement for an MSN Educator degree, especially since in today's world, nurses are employed in a variety of outpatient settings, not just hospitals. What are your thoughts?

Hi, Everyone! I'm a dialysis nurse and I'm also enrolled in an RN-BSN program. As part of my Transition To Baccalaureate Class I am required to complete several mentoring hours/activities. Nephrology Nurses Week is coming up in a couple of weeks. Since our clinic manager never acknowledges this week, I thought as the Charge Nurse I could do something to celebrate and thank the nurses in our center and this could also count as an activity for my class. I'm trying to think of clever ways to incorporate nephrology, kidney, renal, etc. terminology into my theme. Thanks in advance for your ideas and suggestions.

I've been an ADN dialysis nurse since 1995. I love nephrology and really don't want to work in any other field of nursing. I will finish an online RN-BSN program this Dec at the age of 58. I'm debating on whether pursuing a MSN is worth it. It will take me 5 semesters which includes over 400 clinical hours. This will cost over $20,000 and I do not want to take out any loans. I am not financially prepared to retire any time soon and hopefully I can work on up into my 70's. Just trying to figure out if the MSN will be beneficial or if I should just forget that, be happy with my BSN, and invest the money I would spend on tuition. In Georgia citizens age 62 and over get free tuition, but I'm not sure if that applies to graduate school. Any thoughts?

Thank you everyone for your input. What you are saying makes perfectly good sense. I think my worry is that there may not be much demand for a 60-something year old NP.

I graduated with an ADN 23 years ago. Currently, I'm enrolled in an RN-BSN program and will graduate this December at the age of 58. I plan to obtain a Master's Degree but I'm unsure about which road to take, the MSN in Education or FNP. Both programs are 6 semesters. I'm unsure about which program will be most beneficial in the long run. I do plan to keep working on up into my 70's. Maybe I could teach? Maybe pursue DNP? What are your thoughts? Thank you in advance.

Just curious to know if you any of you are current students or graduates of GCSU's RN-BSN program.

I've been a RN since 1995 when I received my ADN. My three daughters are grown now so I decided to return to school and obtain my BSN. I will graduate in Dec at age 58. I am just going to keep on going to school and pursue a MSN. I haven't been a very good retirement planner, so I figure I'm going to be working the rest of my life anyway That MSN might come in handy and enable me to work in some capacity up on into my 70's at least.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their helpful advice. My instructor replied to my email today and guess what?! I wasn't wrong to be concerned about this article....NOT a research article! I was given another article to critique along with apologies. Honestly, this turned out to be an excellent learning experience for me, as I gained so much knowledge during this frustrating process!

Thank you!