Questions for the experienced!!!

[Renee4christ]

Hi, my name is Renee and I am currently enrolled in a BSN program in Daytona Beach, FL and set to graduate in 2010. Get yourself ready for some of this, because it may come out weird, but I came to the experts because I have faith in you all... Okay, after I finish the program, I would like to begin working as an RN in maybe OB or Public Health. The following year (2011) I want to continue my education (while still working) and get my Master's Degree in Nursing Education and stay as a floor nurse for maybe another 6 -7 years. My ultimate career goal is to open up a teen home for girls who are homeless, abused, runaways and property of the state and provide shelter and a safe haven. On the other hand, I also would like to have a clinic/educational facility on site that will offer primary health care to teenage girls and also provide classes on health/sex education, self-esteem, prenatal nutrition, parenting skills and so much more!! So as you can see there is a lot that I want to do with my dream, and I am prepared for the time that it will take to get there (I'm 24)... My question is, am I going in the right direction of pursuing a MSN in education an becoming a nurse practitioner? Any advice, help, or stories would be so helpful to me!!! I'm really excited:) Thanks in advance:yeah:

Renee

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Depending on what your state's nurse practice is, an MSN in education is NOT an NP's education. Were you going to go further and get a post-MSN NP certificate? Or...do the NP first then get the educational qualifications?

You sound very driven and focused...good luck.

[Renee4christ]

well, the way I looked at it, the master's in education was a part of the nurse practitioner programs... i don't know

[lifelong]

What a wonderful plan! I suggest getting the MSN - concentration in NP (there is a little general education focus, not much). You can use the NP to assess, prescribe & educate on choices, STDs, preconceptive planning, etc.. I would work in a hospital or clinic during this time to fine tune assessment skills develop a clientele, and patterns. Then move to the Public health degree. The business side of health care should be included in the public policy, federally funded initiatives, grants etc. Hopefully, some business classes for running a facility/risk management etc will be included in the degree or perhaps take as electives. It sounds as though you may want to own or run a facility. If you have the oppty to do grant writing or work with federally funded projects, I would jump on the chance.

I think staying the course, taking it slow and working on one then moving to the other is important. You want to have a life also as you're meandering through all of this.

Good luck!