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Question

Which Master's Degree?

Hi Nurse Beth,

I am currently working as a full time RN, the hospital I work for pays for up to $3500ish per year in tuition. I was thinking I may as well advance my degree if its free right? I am a BSN currently and really have no interest in becoming an NP (other than the salary) as nursing school was a nightmare. I couldn't go through it again. What are my options, I know there is an MSN degree but what would it offer me? Management?

What about earning a MBA degree? What could I do with a masters in business as an RN.

__________________________________________________________________

Dear Should I Get my Master's Degree?,

There are many master's degree programs in nursing. You can get your master's degree in nursing education, business administration (MBA), healthcare management, informatics, and much more.

Nurses with an MBA work in organizations at a leadership level. Often an organization will specify a master's degree as a qualification for a job, but may not specify what the master's degree has to be in. In other words, the master's degree trumps the specialization of the degree.

At the same time, some organizations (for example, magnet facilities) specify that the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) hold a master's degree in nursing (as opposed to an MBA, which is not nursing).

An MBA is helpful if you plan to transition to a more business oriented role. You can also think about getting a dual MBA/MSN degree. It will take longer, but you'll be well qualified for multiple roles.

Think about where you see yourself a few years down the road. Do you see yourself as an administrator? An educator? What education would it require? Then find a program that fits your goals.

Talk to nurses you know who are in advanced degree programs and ask why they chose the track they did. Ask what, if anything, they would do differently.

Check out the all nurses masters degree page to learn what different programs offer https://allnurses.com/nursing-programs/type-MASTER/

Be sure and choose an accredited program.

Best,

Nurse Beth

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    • Featured Replies

    Please find something you are passionate about before you start. If school was a "nightmare" for you the first time, school is free and money is your motivation, you will not be motivated to learn and won't be much of a student. And you won't learn a thing. You have plenty of time to decide-- don't rush into a program just because it's free.

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    My tuition for a Masters in Nursing Leadership and Management is $3300 a semester but all reading material is included. You might think about that since you only get that much a year in reimbursement. Check prices first.

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    You don't sound very enthusiastic about nursing, and I wonder if change of career wouldn't be a better option?

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    harleyridingirl

    Could you tell me what program you are in that has such a small cost? Is it an online program? Did you have to take GRE or other test for admission?

    Thanks

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    I agree. There are many masters degrees but you have to like what you are doing or your just wasting time and money. Nurse educators are desperately needed. Bachelors degree programs are dying for nursing instructors. So if you have the patience to teach. That would be awesone. Many nursing instructors are getting older and retiring. My daughters nursing program was taught by many older instructors and we're looking for new professors. They were all in there 60's except one younger instructor who was teaching for the education benefit of getting her NP paid for. Just think. No more weekends or on call. You have to be very computer literate, be able to deal with people, and think on the fly.

    So good luck with advancing your career

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    I'm just echoing everyone else's advise. And I'm a bit jealous you have tuition reimbursement so I say just go for it! If you love nursing and think you might want to teach, go for education. I"m not a manager or administrator so teaching is my passion. I got my master's over 20 years ago and have never, ever regretted it. I have to think you won't either. I'm in a doctoral program and it's challenging but my passion and love. I have to believe you'll find your way. Just my 2 cents.

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