Would like advice RE: MSN from those in the field!

[BirkieGirl]

I am a BSN and I have worked in a non-traditional nursing field for 13 years. I work in a private cardiac practice. While I LOVE my job, I have always wanted to go further. In my BSN program, I always envisioned myself in an education role...but I started this job, worked VERY hard for it, received my national certification in it...and, I already DO teach my patients, a lot. My current workplace is 'owned' by a large hospital nearby, so there are advanced role positions there. I am currently enrolled in a nearby MSN program, have tried to do classes in the past but they never have worked with my schedule. Now most of the classes have gone online so it's do-able.

Since I am a hyper-competitive person I feel the constant drive to go further, obtain more. I've gone as far as I truly can, in the job I'm already in. I cannot go any further up our ladder because I have no leadership experience. I am the only BSN in the practice, there are no MSNs here. So with the MSN I could stay put, but I would continue to do my current job.

I really would love to teach in one of the community colleges nearby. there are four within driving distance, and since my hubby teaches, it would be great to be on a similar schedule! However, i'm realistic too and I know that a lot of education people don't find jobs in the classroom. What would my options be with a MSN in nsg education? thanks!

[llg, PhD, RN]

You might want to explore options in Staff Development and/or Continuing Education. Your local hospital corporation probably has lots of nurses who teach staff things like, central orientation, CPR, ALS, etc.

[Cheryl Louise]

Have you checked to see if the nearby community college have a nursing program? With nursing faculty shortages in many colleges, job openings are posted quite often. with an MSN, you can teach in a nurse aide program, LPN program, ADN program and BSN program. With your BSN, you can work as adjunct faculty and do clinicals with students to see if you really do want to teach. As lig stated, you can also teach for staff development in hospitals or health agencies. Teaching nursing is a very busy career but also very rewarding. Good luck.

[lepew]

Teaching nursing is very rewarding but you will put in alot of hours- most likely not as much pay as you ate getting now. A lot of us teach because we love it- not for the money. I suggest doing done adjunct teaching to see if you love it.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

call around to the schools and check on availability, what experience is required, etc. Hospitals employ staff developers/educators too, but not very many (in my experience)

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

An MSN will open many doors and put you above your competitors. I also learned a lot, enjoyed it, and have had three job offers in the months since. You are right, you can stay at your job if you like. Teaching can be done part time allowing you to keep your job, and perhaps transition later to full time.