Which graduate degree should I pursue?

[nfdfiremedic, BSN, RN]

Hello everyone,

I was hoping to get some thoughts on the best graduate degree for me to consider. I originally graduated as a diploma RN, and completed my BSN this past May. I hold two nursing certifications (CEN and CNRN) and have about three years experience in nursing leadership. I have functioned as an Emergency Department clinical coordinator and, most recently, the coordinator of my hospital's stroke center. I'm prepared to go back to school for a graduate degree, but I'm not sure what I should pursue.

I'm turning 30 next month, and I have many working years ahead of me. High level administration is my long term goal. I hope to become a VP of nursing, director of nursing, chief nursing officer, service line VP, etc in the future. I'm wondering if I would be better served by an MBA or an MSN. The problem I'm seeing is that most of the MSN programs I am finding are clinically focused, i.e. nurse practitioner, CNS, etc. The same appears to be true of the DNP programs, which are mostly focused on preparing the candidate for a clinical or nurse educator/researcher role. If my intent is to pursue executive leadership, would I be better off going the MBA route?

I would appreciate any thoughts on this subject. I guess there's really no "right" answer.

Thanks!

Andy

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Andy, there are some joint MBA/MSN programs where you graduate with both, with the MSN concentration typically being nursing administration. Sounds like it could be a good option for you

[vlo10]

I am currently applying to entry level masters program, I am doing the non-RN route but you should choose the one that best fits your life perspective if you want more of the admin area then maybe the dual mba/msn will be your fit

[amoLucia]

The joint MSN/MBA sounds like it may be the best option. Altho OP wishes to pursue an executive administrative career, such positions may not be readily available when desired. The MSN would offer opportunity for other options if only temporary until a desired admin position becomes avail.

The joint degree may only require a few more credits.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

An MSN is entry level for nursing management/administration. No other degree can substitute. It is "our" advanced degree, as opposed to degrees that indicate advanced education in other areas/disciplines. In my organization, as well as others, nurse executives with grad degrees in other areas, including MBAs, have had to obtain their MSNs in order to keep their jobs. This is enforced by accreditation & Magnet requirements. Of course, an MSN combo (MSN/MBA or MSN/MHA) is also really great.

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

I'd suggest both because of your stated goals, but the MSN would be a minimum. Depending upon the size of the organization, you may need a doctorate for that level.

[amoLucia]

Postings by Hou Tx and BlueDevil are true if you wish to stay in nsg The MBA may fare better in fields like insurance, pharmaceuticals, or corporate agencies like American Hospital Association, etc if those are directions you may wish to go.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Take the MSN, to make you more solid clinically and better aware of research and advances in the field, and take some business/management courses on the side. You might even be able to find a joint master's program that will give you both for a comparatively small extra investment in time and money. Awesome opportunity. Good luck!

[amoLucia]

Am not sure, but there might be MSN/MPH degrees out there also.

[MommyandRN]

MSN - nursing administration

[lhflanurseNP, APRN]

As MommyandRN says...get you MSN in nursing administration

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree that the MSN/MBA or MSN/MHA combo is the best for you, considering your career goals. Look for schools that offer both in a combined package to save time and money. If you can only get one at a time ... go for the MSN first if you want to stay in nursing. Go for the MBA first is you are interested in leaving nursing for other types of management positions.