After 24 yrs as an RN with AA degree I am finally completing my BSN. I have a desire to continue on for my masters, however, have never been involved in education or leadership and wonder- should I continue? I am 48 yrs old, and am not sure what I would do with my masters in nursing, but , the urge to do it has been planted and I can't shake it. I enjoy bedside nursing (gasp) and have been an ICU nurse my entire career. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!
Dear Should I get my Masters?
I say Yes! By all means, go with your urge.
An advanced degree will open up doors and give you options when the time comes that you no longer want to do shift work. You can do consulting work, write, go into Education...so many things.
Maybe best of all is the personal satisfaction when you reach your goal. You are also a role model and inspiration for others.
I agree with some of the other posters reguarding what would be the focus of your masters. If education is it than go for it in that field. We are way too short of professional nursing instructors with great clinical backgrounds who could make a big positive impact on today's nursing students. Or there is becoming an NP. However it is now becoming best recommended to get a DNP. So you should have a specialty in mind. The population that is growing the fastest is elderly so being a gerentology NP would definately be a positive. Your choice. Considering the financial output has got to be figured into the whole equation. Best of luck
I don't think we should ever stop learning, but the choice to participate in a formal education vs personal learning is determined by the goals. For me, I knew that stopping with the BSN was not going to work longterm, because I know that I have the potential to drive the bus, and I can't do it without the master's!
For those who think this should be a ROI question only, would you also suggest that the same amount spent on foreign travel or a luxury cruise is also a bad idea if there isn't a longterm benefit? I believe that all learning is as valuable as a vacation that is here and gone in an instant, and I don't have to know that I will recoup dollar for dollar what the degree cost me, although I have no doubt that I will. Best of luck to those who go for it!
I share the same beliefs about ROI. Choosing to return to school depends on your beliefs and values, and each one of us uses different criteria to make that choice.
OHNBJL
59 Posts
I agree with some of the other posters reguarding what would be the focus of your masters. If education is it than go for it in that field. We are way too short of professional nursing instructors with great clinical backgrounds who could make a big positive impact on today's nursing students. Or there is becoming an NP. However it is now becoming best recommended to get a DNP. So you should have a specialty in mind. The population that is growing the fastest is elderly so being a gerentology NP would definately be a positive. Your choice. Considering the financial output has got to be figured into the whole equation. Best of luck