What can a nurse do with an MBA?

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Specializes in CTICU.

Hi all!

I hope you can help. I just want to know what kinds of specific jobs a nurse can have with an MBA?

I'll give you a very quick background on me. I basically really dislike nursing. I am applying to PA school right now because I still love medicine so much and feel this will way better suit me, however a part of me just wants to entertain the business route to see if I would also enjoy that. I tried doing some research and I can only find very general descriptions. Does anyone know of any specific roles and job titles you can have as a nurse with an MBA? The more business-y, the better!! I want to get a full sense of my options before I plunge into a very expensive, time consuming PA program. (Yes, I'm choosing PA over NP, please don't fight with me about it, that is not what this post is about).

Thank you! I appreciate all responses:)

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Specializes in Cardiology.

You can join the dark side and go into administration. Just curious, why NP over PA? Not trying to persuade or fight you, just generally curious.

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Specializes in L&D, Epic IT.

You can be in management and above in Informatics.

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.
7 hours ago, OUxPhys said:

You can join the dark side and go into administration. Just curious, why NP over PA? Not trying to persuade or fight you, just generally curious.

I don't really care what you want PA over NP but I do agree you can choose the dark side and go to administration. That's exactly the advice I gave a young nurse several years ago when he was deciding between a MSN and MBA. And I mentioned he would make more money with a MBA.

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Specializes in Cardiology.
1 hour ago, Elaine M said:

I don't really care what you want PA over NP but I do agree you can choose the dark side and go to administration. That's exactly the advice I gave a young nurse several years ago when he was deciding between a MSN and MBA. And I mentioned he would make more money with a MBA.

Im still on the fence about going back to school. A local university offers a dual MSN/MBA that can be completed all online.

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Specializes in psych/medical-surgical.
9 hours ago, OUxPhys said:

why NP over PA?

Ditto that... PA always have to have a MD. NP can be completely independent. ?‍♂️ I know they get more clinic time but...

Alotta nurses here under the impression the DNP as a worthless piece of paper, funny cuz there are a lot more offensive degrees. And I remember looking into the MBA and realized it was such.

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Specializes in L&D, Epic IT.
19 minutes ago, OUxPhys said:

Im still on the fence about going back to school.

Same. I seem to have this debate with myself every few years. If I do go back, it’ll be for NP. I miss patients.

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Specializes in CTICU.
10 hours ago, OUxPhys said:

You can join the dark side and go into administration. Just curious, why NP over PA? Not trying to persuade or fight you, just generally curious.

I'll have to look into some administration jobs to see if id like that.

To answer your question-basically, the curriculum of PA programs are more standardized and vigorous to better prepare you to become a provider. I also prefer the medical model verses nursing model. I totally respect the NP profession, but I don't have much nursing experience and NP school kind of relies on their students to have a solid nursing background. I also want to go into surgery, and PA dominates that world. Both are great careers tho!!

Thanks for your response!

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Specializes in CTICU.
55 minutes ago, adammRN said:

Ditto that... PA always have to have a MD. NP can be completely independent. ?‍♂️ I know they get more clinic time but...

Alotta nurses here under the impression the DNP as a worthless piece of paper, funny cuz there are a lot more offensive degrees. And I remember looking into the MBA and realized it was such.

Yeah I have heard both good and bad things about the MBA, I dont know which to believe.

In hospital settings, PAs and NPs work almost identically. PAs just need to sign in collaboration with an MD, they are not glued to one. They are able to work without direct supervision just like NPs. They have gained a lot more autonomy over the last couple of years. In clinic they work pretty much the same as NPs, except youre right, NPs have the ability to work independently. That isn't a goal of mine though. Just different goals/opinions!

1 hour ago, OUxPhys said:

Im still on the fence about going back to school. A local university offers a dual MSN/MBA that can be completed all online.

I feel like that would be the best move! You'd have great options and more knowledge in both areas

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Specializes in CTICU.

would I be able to get an administrative job with only a year of nursing experience, or would I need more for anyone to consider me?

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Specializes in Cardiology.
Just now, Reaz said:

would I be able to get an administrative job with only a year of nursing experience, or would I need more for anyone to consider me?

Eh, probably not. Even ANM positions want 2 years or more.

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Specializes in Retired.

I was in a combined MBA/MSN program for semester but dropped out because I knew I would miss the trenches too much. But a good nurse Administrator is in the best position to be a change agent. MBA is an easy degree. Just take 1 or 2 online courses for a starter and see if it clicks for you. You haven't lost a lot if money but won't waste a lot if it's not for you. Good luck.

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