Thinking about AE MSN Oncology or Administration

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Hi Everyone,

I'm brand new to the board as I'm just thinking about going into nursing and specifically the alternative entry route. I have a few questions if someone doesn't mind answering them. I appreciate everyone's help.

I'm thinking about either going into oncology nursing or nursing administration. Admin because I have an MBA already and I do enjoy the analytics of business. Oncology because I've had a lot of cancer and deaths in my family from this devastating disease. Here are my questions: first, Im wondering what's the real deal with nursing administration (aside from the website's touts) and second, I'm reading a lot of people can't find a job (due to no experience) and I would be in a similar boat. Is this truly the case across the board or are they just outliers?

Your help is greatly appreciated. thank you and happy holidays!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You will not be able to break into nursing administration without actual nursing (patient care) experience - no matter what your credentials are. The chief responsiblity of nurse administrators (at all levels) is to create and maintain an environment that supports patient care. This is just not possible without experience. As someone who has been there, I would NEVER go back into line management - it is just too stressful. FYI - unless your MBA program included specialized education in health care finance & administration, it is not directly applicable to our industry - MHA's are considered much more valuable.

There are many different areas in which to practice. Just like anything else that you have not experienced, you may be in love with an 'idea' of specialization which bears no resemblance to the real thing. For instance, I know that I could never work in oncology because of the unique issues associated with that patient population.

If you're serious about nursing I would suggest you first complete your generalist education and license. This process will expose you to many areas of nursing. You will undoubtedly discover a particular area that appeals to you based on your first hand experience.

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Thanks for your insights. This is good information to know and I def appreciate the candor.

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