What can you do with a MSN?

I would like my MSN so I could either teach or be a nurse practitioner; I feel I would be good at either. Good luck; what universities are you considering?

Blessings, Michelle

I remember reading that nurse practitioners will be required to have a doctorate soon.

I am new to this forum and I have a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rush University as a Nurse Practitioner. The new position statement is declaring that by the year 2015 all NP's will have to have this. I believe there will be some grandfathering in to those with master's degrees. Some of the schools moving to this are Columbia, Case Western, Purdue University, Unviversity of Tennesee, among others. I personally feel that this is a good move, I think it is hard to get all of the needed information at the master's level. That is just my personal opinion. I realize there is a nursing shortage, but there is NOT a nurse practitioner shortage. There are way too many programs (300) and many NP's are having a tough time getting a job because supply is greater than demand.

I think they are pushing this due to the graying of faculty with doctorates- it is an alternative to the PHD (much less of a time committment). I teach both undergrads and NP's and find the degree works well for me. I need to maintain a practice and cannot commit to a PhD program while teaching and practicing. You would bypass the master's degree. Check these programs out- I think you will like them. I felt very prepared when I graduated- wouldn't change a thing! If you have any questions please contact me- I have been very interested in the new developments!

So is a MSN really necessary for top managing positions? Do you know any director of nursing with just a bachelors or even adn?