To MSN or not to MSN?

[GCom24, ASN, RN]

Hi there fellow nurses! I'm an ADN, graduated in 2014. I've worked in Med-Surg and now work in the ED (which I looove). I feel ready to advance myself and move forward. I'm looking into an MSN program. However, I'm kind of hesitant because I'm not really clear on what the benefit for me is? I think I would enjoy teaching, but I've read something on here that indicate that there is pay decrease from being a clinical nurse to being a classroom nurse..? Which makes me think, why would I invest this time and money to make less? I mean, that just doesn't make sense to me. As for management roles, I've never really seen myself in that position..? But I guess maybe.. My real question is just, what is the incentive to get a MSN? I mean, what is the benefit? How can it improve my career and life? What options does it open? Would I be better off to get a BSN that would allow me to work at Magnet schools or is there a benefit to getting a MSN? I'm just confused. Thank you all for any help you can provide.

[elkpark]

The reason to get an MSN is because you want to do something professionally that requires an MSN. Finishing a BSN would open up a range of opportunities for you as a generalist RN that might not be possible as an ADN-prepared RN. But there's no point in investing the time, money, and significant effort in getting a graduate degree unless you know what you want to do and which MSN you need to get you there.

Best wishes for your journey!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Unfortunately, it is true... our academic colleagues are not provided with salaries that reflect the importance of their role or their qualifications. However, we nurse educators in non-academic settings, receive salaries that are equivalent to others in the employment hierarchy.

Entry-level Nurse educators (MSN in Education required) in my organization are on the same salary level as unit managers... higher levels (Managers & Directors of Education) also receive competitive salaries. The quality of Clinical education is essential to organizational functions... and absolutely critical to the success of organizational initiatives. So - yeah, we work hard for our money (cue Donna Summer) but we love our work. It's creative, interesting and never boring. Come over to the education side - we have cookies!