Recommendations on Pursuing MHA or MSN

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am almost finished my BSN, but, I already have both a BS and a Masters degree. As an RN, I do believe in continuing my education. I know I have leadership skills and management skills, (I've taken many batteries, professional feedback, experience), and I am now thinking about pursuing a Masters of Health Administration. At this stage of my professional and personal life, I am beginning to see myself more in the corporate/administration/management side of the scale than the clinical side. What do you suggest?

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Dear Which Degree,

Consider a dual MSN/MHA. You will have a lot of options with a BSN and an MHA, it's a good combination- but you will have more options with a dual MSN/MHA.

This is because if a hospital is looking for a nurse CNO, they very well may require the nurse has a graduate degree in nursing- this is true of Magnet facilities and other pro-nursing organizations.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[Jenshia078]

Nurse Beth,

im currently working as a RN with ADN degree holder. I would like to pursue my BSN. Can you recommend me an online school program. Thanks!

Jo

[she244]

Talking with a former co-worker who recently went back to school to get her BSN and realizing she spent $10, 000 to get the BSN degree, but will not see a raise or any recognition except for the BSN behind her name. She had to obtain the degree in order to keep her job working in PACU at a local Hospital and was told that she will need her Masters Degree in the future. It became clear to me that she was weighing the pros and cons of staying in the Nursing field as she has a family and small children to raise. It would appear to me that if a nurse goes back to school and has a higher degree she or he should be compensated as well. My friend who is a Nurse in New York said this is a prime example of how Unions got started. Nurses got tired of putting out all the effort and acquiring Degrees and Training but not being compensated. I will be retiring in 2 years so for me I would not consider going back to school at this time. I wish everyone the best who is faced with that dilemma.