So... just a basic MSN?

Yes, there are MSNs which offer a 'specialization' in education.

And yes, there are expert nurses and expert educators and the secret, I think, is to stay current in both areas so that you truly know what you are talking about. This is called being a professional. Any college which takes senior faculty out of the clinical area is doing students a disservice, I believe.

From the comments of those trying to teach with MSN with educator option preparation, and from my own observations, I have not been impressed by the 'educational' components of MSN degrees.

For example, as an Assistant Prof. it was I who had to 'teach' the new (MSN type) profs about working within the BoN curriculum rules, how to work out theory, lab and clinical hours per course; that examination time is taken out of these hours, not additional to them, and how to write a lesson plan (!) And that playing the whole of a commercial video (however well a nursing point is demonstrated) to students BREAKS COPYRIGHT law and threatens the school. Not to mention if 2 hours of this sort of 'teaching' is really appropriate use of precious course time.

It was I, although technically not 'qualified' by the BoN (MA, not MSN), who headed up the new curriculum committee, teaching other faculty as we went along about curriculum, syllabus, Blooms' taxonomy of educational objectives, increasing the level of these objectives as the students progressed thru the program, writing measurable learning objectives which correlate with Bloom, and about student centered learning.

When, oh when, are MSNs going to stop 'lecturing' - I fielded numerous complaints from students who stated their doctorally or masters prepared 'educator' was reading the text book chapters to them, or just droning on about the subject. Or telling 'war' stories all the time.

Like NewCastle Ken in another, similar thread, I have found ways around the education/nursing divide and now both practice expert nursing and 'teach' using sound educational principles and student centered learning with two establishments that know the value of a properly prepared educator. And I am very picky about the quality of my own continuing education.

But I am still a little angry and very sad at how poorly many of our students are taught.

With you Indie! Wish there was the best of both worlds.

SerenaT

Originally posted by SerenaT

I thought one could get a MSN specializing in an area (ie: nurse practioner, community health, forensic nursing, ect..). There is no such thing for educators? Thanks for all the advice, but I just thought there might be something out there for us who teach. Reason being...you can be a great nurse but terrible educator or a great educator and a not so good nurse.

SerenaT

MSNs are all specialized while BSNs are not. I don't know what is in your geographical area but there are a lot of distance and online MSN programs in a great variety of fields. I was surprised when doing the research for my book how the nursing education community has embraced distance learning for the RN/BSN and MSN. They are becoming quite innovative:rolleyes:

The majors change but I thought Ball State University offered an MSN (Nurse Educator) among others.

Ball State University

The variety is surprising even an MSN in Informatics. Good luck.

Thanks for all the in-put. Still want to do whats best for my students (future nurses). Just don't know what to do.

Love this forum though!!!!

SerenaT

Serena:

Seems to me that you will do better than most educators for the nursing students - at least you are thinking about appropriate preparation for the role and trying creative avenues to get information.

I wish you (and your students) success. Dwell in possibility.

And I really do advise checking out the CSUDH Master's - I'm sure you can do this online.

Right here, 6 blocks from my house is Barry University. An amazing school that gives working RN's 1/3 off the tuition right off the bat (so I am told).

It also has a CRNA but not an MSN course, don't get this but it is all nurses and gives an MS in Anesthesia. (????)

Still a wonderful school.

Last May a Blind Nurse got her MSN in Nursing Education there, and at graduation, she along with her dog Harlee both went up there wearing caps and Gowns.........not a dry eye in the house