Should I finish my MSN?

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Specializes in Med/surg.

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I originally started going for my MSN because I really disliked the current job I was in and wanted to create more opportunities for myself to move away from that. Now, I've moved back to my hometown and have a job I really enjoy as a supervisor at a nursing home. My MSN is in nursing administration so it could still be beneficial in my job, but I'm not sure it's necessary?

I have a good work/life balance now, but school is making that difficult and also making my anxiety worse. Should I keep pushing through, or maybe put school on the back burner for now? 

I would also feel guilty dropping out because I've used my dad's GI bill for some of the classes in the master's program and I'd hate to waste the gift he generously offered. Aside of that though I just don't see much point in continuing right now. I'm open to finishing it later in life but I'm only young once and I don't want my entire focus to be on school. 

Any opinions? Thanks for reading 

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Specializes in retired LTC.

P L E A S E - for the love of all that is good in the universe, FINISH your MSN! 

School time is only a blip of time in the BIG scheme of life. It's not like a completed MSN will ever go bad like sour milk. And then there's always the caveat re delaying school - you may never have the chance to finish up. What a sad waste that would be.

Please, finish.

And welome to AN.

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Specializes in Customer service.

I'm not a nurse yet, but I'd suggest you finish it. It will come in handy.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I can't echo this enough: finish your MSN!!

You never know what's going to happen in the future. Nursing was a second career for me: I became a nurse at 32. I worked in ICUs and ED for many years. Loved, loved, loved the intensity and chaos. Fast forward to my 40's and I'm realizing that whoa....there I will have to work until I'm in my 60's....yikes! Not sure I can keep up the pace. So, I got an MSN in management and leadership. Now what? Well, the openings were all in clinical care and I needed an APRN license to be employable in those positions. 

So, back to school and I racked up two post MSN certificates in adult and peds CNS. Now, I'm employable. 

I've been at the same APRN position for 15+ years now. While its more mentally and emotionally taxing plus much more responsibility, its far less physical (most days). Plus, when I do decide to retire, I will have other options to do part time or telehealth care. 

More options! We all age and its important to realize that your situation might change.

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Finish it

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