What can an RN pursue in graduate school? What's out there?

Trauma Columnist · Apr 4, 2005

I was an RN for 8 years before I went back for my BSN and then straight into an MSN in Management and Leadership. This degree will allow me to teach and become a manager. As to how long you wait for grad school, many factors must be considered: your age (I was 36 when I became an RN), your family situation (I waited until my sons were almost adults), you financial situation (fortunately hubby and I are set without debt except for home and student loan). So...lots of variable. Check out the schools in your local area or online and go for it. Good luck...

azzurra29 · Apr 4, 2005

Thanks for the advice. I definitely think I'd wait a good 3-5 years before going back but I'm just not sure yet how that will all go. I definitely want to go back before I'm 35 though. Anyhow, thanks again!

I was an RN for 8 years before I went back for my BSN and then straight into an MSN in Management and Leadership. This degree will allow me to teach and become a manager. As to how long you wait for grad school, many factors must be considered: your age (I was 36 when I became an RN), your family situation (I waited until my sons were almost adults), you financial situation (fortunately hubby and I are set without debt except for home and student loan). So...lots of variable. Check out the schools in your local area or online and go for it. Good luck...

elkpark · Apr 4, 2005

The four categories of advanced practice nursing are nurse midwifery (CNMs), nurse anesthesia (CRNAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). There are quite a few clinical specialties available within the general categories of NP and CNS. All of these are Master's degree programs.

In addition, there are Master's degrees available in nursing administration, nursing education, nursing informatics, and probably some others that I'm not aware of (or not thinking of this late at night ...)

Some nurses get other, non-nursing graduate degrees that suit their particular interests and career goals (MBA and MPH are a couple that spring to mind right away). There are many, many choices out there, and many variables to consider in making the best choice for yourself when the time seems right for you.

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Apr 8, 2005

Elkpark pretty much summed it up with the different paths you can choose with regards to getting an MSN. As far as how much RN experience you should have, I feel it depends on how comfortable and competent you feel in the clinical area (if you want to become an APN). It took me 8 years to finally convince myself that I felt ready clinically to return to school. Some people might feel this way a lot sooner or a lot later. I know most programs expect you to have at least a year of clinical experience after obtaining your license while others may take you as soon as you graduate.

galaxy781 · Apr 19, 2005

Azzura,

I am enrolled in a masters program but its a relatively new idea. Its not an MSN which could lead to being a NP, I am enrolled in an MN not MSN so where I wont be qualified to be a NP eventually I will be eligible to go into management and/or teaching roles., The reason I chose this track is bc from start to finish the program is 15 months! I know there are quite a few of these programs popping up. The only thiing is I have a BA in a non nursing degree field so it may not be for you.

danu3 · Apr 19, 2005

Hi,
2) WHat kinds of things can one pursue in graduate school? I know you can to midwifery, anesthesia, nurse practitioner and so forth but can anyone fill me in on this? I don't really know what else is out there.
Thanks for any help!

As for what one can pursue, try looking at different schools. Here is UCSF Nursing school and the specialty they offer:

http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/ix-ms.shtml

-Dan