Why are you going back to school?

TraumaRus, I know you feel you made some less-than-ideal choices about your grad education, but nobody can know the future, of the economy or of decisions by the ANCC or the AACN. There will always be value in a MSN degree, or a doctorate degree. I am learning here that flexibility is key and that continuing education is more important than ever.

Why am I going back to school? I always wanted to, and there were always barriers. Then I decided I wanted to take an advanced patho or pharm class. So I called around, and the colleges were like, you can't just do that...but we'd be happy to take your grad school application. I needed stats, and the community college had it at a time that I could totally take it, starting in a month. I realized that getting letters of reference wasn't such a big deal. And then I realized that all the "barriers" had just been inside me that whole time.

I'm doing Adult-geriatric CNS at Marquette University.

I always wanted a MSN ever since I was in school for my BSN. I did not know what for at that time. I always presumed NP. Graduate school costs a lot of money so before I took the leap I wanted to be certain. I felt this is the right time to do it. I am happy in my job I have now. I felt mentally ready to go back to school and my personal life supports it.

I am going back to school for CNS not NP. After a few years of working in the hospital I had come to the conclusion that I have no desire to have that level of responsibility. I wanted to advance in the role of nursing, learn a new set of skills, and support other nurses. The best choice for a MSN that supports these three criteria is the CNS. I looked into the CNS role and read about the spheres of influence and that was it. I knew where I belonged.

I am truly happy and grateful to be going to graduate school. It is a real blessing. My advice to you is not to rush going to graduate school. Make sure you know what you want. I could have made a mistake several years ago jumping into grad school. Especially during the times when I was tired of my job and felt like I wanted to get away but I am glad I didn't.

I knew I was ready to go back to school when I wanted to do more and have more control over my practice. I had planned on becoming a CRNA when I started in the ICU as a new grad but as I developed as a critical care RN, the more I fell in love with critical care. I like solving the puzzle. So I applied to several ACNP programs and here I am, finishing the 2nd semester of an ACNP program.

*BTW*, hey suz, I don't think it is acceptable that advanced practice RNs are expected to be "flexible" and amenable to what ever the AACN or ANCC decides on a whim. We're always comparing ourselves to other professionals, but guess what? A lawyer will always be a lawyer & a physician will always be a physician. Their certification and education requirements do not change like the wind, especially without giving their professionals a clear cut way to meet the new requirements.

Thank you everybody for your comments. I really appreciate and have become a valuable tool in my decision making. Thank you again.