The nursing field is expansive, with opportunities to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, elementary and high schools, colleges/universities, etc. Nurses can work in many settings, and there are numerous opportunities to advance their careers through degree advancement. One option that many nurses pursue is a Master of Science (MSN) in nursing. Continue reading to learn more about the different MSN degrees and tips on choosing the best option.
Different Types of MSN Degrees
Nurses can pursue several different MSN degrees based on their passion and long-term goals. Here’s a quick summary of six MSN programs for nurses.
Nurse Educator
A nurse educator is a nurse with an advanced degree who works for a college or university teaching nurses at all levels, including LPN, BSN, MSN, and doctoral programs. While there is an MSN in nursing education, it is important to note that many advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, can also teach at the college and university level.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice providers who can assess, diagnose, and treat patients in a specific population and care for patients with acute and chronic diagnoses. They are also educators and can hold leadership roles.
The scope of practice for a CNS varies from state to state, and they are not utilized equally in all states.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses whose primary role is to assess, diagnose, and treat their patients, including prescribing medications as needed. It is important to note that each state determines the scope of practice for the NP, which includes whether they can practice entirely autonomously or must work under the supervision of a physician.
There are multiple NP degrees to choose from, such as pediatric acute care, psychiatric mental health, family practice, adult gerontology, and the list goes on. Before applying to an MSN program, you must know which NP specialty you want to pursue.
Besides providing direct patient care, NPs can teach and work in leadership roles.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
A CRNA is an advanced practice nurse who cares for patients before, during, and immediately after surgery by closely monitoring and administering anesthesia and other medications. In addition to caring for patients during surgery, they also perform epidurals and assist patients during minor procedures to help manage their pain.
Nurse Midwife
Nurse midwives are advanced practice nurses specializing in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. They care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, provide family planning services, provide primary care for individuals from adolescence throughout the lifespan, and care for healthy newborns during the first 28 days of life.
Nurse midwives can practice in all 50 states, but each state determines their scope of practice.
Nurse Leader
A nurse with an MSN in leadership has received specific education to develop further leadership skills, including strategic thinking, evaluating complex problems using evidence-based practice, and working towards achieving organizational and systemwide goals.
It is important to note that advanced practice nurses like CNS and NP often work in advanced leadership roles.
How to Choose Which MSN Degree is Right for You
So, how do you choose which program is right for you? Some people know their goal as a nurse before starting their BSN program, while others figure it out along the way.
Regardless, I recommend you gain at least one year of experience as a nurse. This allows you to get more comfortable with your role and dig deeper into what you enjoy about nursing and what you may want to change.
List what you like about nursing and where you see yourself in two years, five years, and ten years. For example, is providing direct patient care a big passion of yours? If yes, pursuing a job as a nurse practitioner may be your goal. Do you want to continue to work in a hospital setting, which may lead to a job as an acute care NP or CRNA? Or are you looking at transitioning into a clinic or office setting as a nurse leader or educator? Do you see yourself leaving direct patient care?
How to Complete Your MSN
Now that you have decided to pursue your MSN, what are the next steps? Below, I have provided eight steps to lead you to your new career!
Graduate from an accredited BSN program and obtain RN licensure
I recommend gaining at least one year of experience as a nurse before applying to MSN programs.
Research MSN programs and determine which one is the best fit for your career goals.
Once you have chosen the MSN degree you want to pursue, ensure you complete all prerequisites before applying.
Complete the application for the MSN program selected.
Receive acceptance letter and start MSN program.
Graduate from an accredited MSN program and pass board certification if applicable.
Enjoy your new career!
Nursing is a wonderful career path as it offers much room for advancement and growth. Are you ready to take the next step in your nursing career?
Technology can significantly help nursing students learn the complexities of nursing practice or act as a source of frustration that takes valuable time away from education. Here is a brief look at some of the technologies in use in nursing education, the impact of AI, and practical tips for using educational technology effectively.
Tech in Use
Technologies advancing nursing education include simulations and virtual reality. “Simulations are a cornerstone in nursing education, offering students a risk-free environment to practice clinical skills and make critical decisions,” according to Sandra Russo, PhD, RN, director of the nursing program at Touro School of Health Sciences. She notes that the simulations at her school involve high-fidelity mannequins, standardized patients, and scenario-based learning that closely mimic real-life situations.
According to Russo, virtual reality creates immersive scenarios, and its ability to provide repetitive practice in a controlled environment ensures that students are well-prepared for various clinical situations. Virtual reality has the advantage of engaging students in multiple locations in one virtual environment, notes John J. Gallagher, DNP, RN, CCNS, CCRN, professor/clinical nurse specialist, program director for simulation strategy and innovation, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. This eliminates barriers related to travel to a specific location, he suggests and can support interdisciplinary education hampered by differing schedules and sites.
Russo notes that other technologies include mobile apps, games-based learning platforms, and in-class participation tools such as clickers.
AI Arrives
Today, educators are beginning to see AI used in high-fidelity simulation, where AI can provide a dynamic learning experience based on a student’s action, notes Shermel Edwards-Maddox, PhD, RN, CNE, RN-BC, clinical assistant professor, Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing, University of Houston. From a faculty perspective, she notes, AI can be used to help write case studies and simulation scenarios, help develop NCLEX-style exam questions, and aid in plagiarism detection.
AI can save time with specific tasks such as creating forms, course descriptions, checklists, and evaluations. Still, according to Gallagher, it has significant limitations in performing functions such as critical analysis and comparison of ideas/concepts. Appropriate integration of AI into coursework is essential to prepare students to use this tool, according to Gallagher, while setting limits on its use in completing assignments. AI isn’t without its challenges, agrees Maddox, who warns of its potential to facilitate academic dishonesty.
Practical Guidance
When it comes to deciding whether to use technology, educators need to ask the question, “Why use this technology over a different method?” according to Kate Lindley, MSN, RN, CHSOS, CHSE, national simulation director at Rasmussen University. Sometimes,” she notes, “simple tools can be more effective than high-tech solutions.” Basic simulations, for instance, might be more suited for teaching fundamental skills, while advanced VR scenarios can be used for complex clinical situations.
Educators need to align technology with educational objectives and allow it to complement other teaching methods, notes Jenna Sissom, MSN-Ed, RN, assistant professor, school of nursing at Lipscomb University. “More technology does not equal more learning,” she says.
“Take one piece of technology at a time,” suggests Maddox. She notes that using the department’s instructional designer can be a way to get nursing faculty familiar and on board with using technology.
“Faculty do not adopt new technology easily,” notes Sunny G. Hallowell, PhD, APRN, PPCNP-BC, associate professor and nurse practitioner, Villanova University. She notes that faculty and students have to succeed in the basic operation of technology before they can become comfortable using it for learning. Faculty must “clearly articulate the learning objectives to be achieved by using a new technology, rather than to apply an innovation because it is new,” she says.
Nurses have the opportunity to advance their degrees, which allows them to pursue other jobs within the nursing field. Completing a master’s in nursing (MSN) allows nurses to practice with greater autonomy, hold a higher position in leadership, or educate future nurses.
Types of MSN Degrees
There are numerous types of MSN degrees, making it essential to know your long-term goals as a nurse before selecting which path you will follow.
Now that you know more about an MSN, why should you pursue one? Below, I have provided ten reasons why you should advance your degree; please note that these are in no particular order.
Higher Salary
Nurses with an MSN typically make more than nurses with a BSN or associate’s degree, often due to the increased responsibility and advanced degree. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average starting salary for an MSN-prepared nurse practitioner, CRNA, or nurse midwife is $129,480 per year or $62.25 per hour.
Specialization
Having an MSN allows you to become an expert by specializing in nursing. For example, if you become a nurse practitioner, you can specialize in family medicine, adult gerontology, pediatrics acute care, psychiatric-mental health, etc. You can also specialize in anesthesia as a CRNA, as well as education or leadership.
Impact on the Healthcare System and Policy
As an MSN-prepared nurse, you will have the opportunity to impact the healthcare system and healthcare policy in a greater capacity. This is achieved through active membership in professional organizations such as your state’s nursing association, attending local and state public meetings, reaching out to state representatives, and advocating for positive nursing and healthcare policy changes.
Ongoing Education and Learning
To maintain your MSN, you must complete a specified number of continuing education credits every couple of years. This will ensure you stay current on changes in healthcare and utilize the most up-to-date information in your daily practice. If you work in leadership or education, education credits are specific to these areas to ensure best practices are used.
Leadership Roles
Part of the MSN curriculum is to develop further leadership skills, which is why most leadership roles, or those higher up in the healthcare system, require an MSN. Examples of these leadership roles include office manager, director of nursing, and CNO.
Job Opportunities
An MSN degree will lead to more job opportunities regardless of the degree pursued. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for NPs, nurse midwives, and CRNAs will increase by 38%, which is higher than average.
Career Advancement
If desired, an MSN degree leads to career advancement as a nurse. An MSN allows you to work in higher education, pursue leadership roles such as a nurse manager or even chief nursing officer (CNO), or become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or CRNA. These roles will lead to higher salaries, increased responsibility, and a greater impact on healthcare.
Job Satisfaction
Nurses with MSN degrees typically have greater job satisfaction. This may be due to the ability to specialize in an area of nursing they are passionate about or the increased salary, autonomy, and responsibility. In 2017, advanced practice nurses were surveyed and found that 96% of NPs and 97% of CRNAs were happy with their jobs. When asked if they would choose the profession again, 82% of NPs and 80% of CRNAs said yes.
Increased Responsibility
Nurses with an MSN degree often have increased responsibility. This can include prescribing medication, developing treatment plans, educating future nurses, or administering anesthesia to surgical patients.
Opportunity to Practice Autonomously
Completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can result in greater autonomy in nursing practice. This is evident in roles such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. For nurse practitioners specifically, each state has its scope of practice. Some states still restrict the practice of NPs, while others grant NPs full practice authority and the ability to work independently.
Obtaining your MSN can lead to more job opportunities, higher salary, and greater job satisfaction. So, what are you waiting for to take the next step in your career?
Nursing education can be a lifelong process. When you started, you may have earned your LPN, RN, or BSN, and you moved forward into your career with all sorts of hopes, goals, and aspirations. You may have wanted to work in a particular specialty, had your sights set on the traveler lifestyle, or were focused on making sure you could pay the bills, give your kids a good life, and plan for your eventual retirement.
During the many years of your career, you may have chosen to pursue various certifications, joined workplace committees, and accumulated countless skills and competencies. But how do you know when it’s time to advance your education?
The Educational Edge
Going back to school is a big decision with far-reaching implications. There’s the financial cost, of course. Still, there’s also the time commitment, the potential inconvenience to your family, and how going to school and working can complicate your life unless you’re lucky enough to be in the position to take time off from work while you’re back in school.
For LPNs/LVNs, the decision to return to school can directly relate to wanting more career mobility. Many acute care and other facilities only employ RNs, and if you want to move up the nursing career ladder, earning your RN can be a very practical step, with the added benefit of increasing your earning potential.
When you have your RN, advancing to a BSN can boost your earnings, and we know that some facilities lean much more heavily toward nurses with a BSN. In the original 2011 Future of Nursing Report by the National Academy of Medicine, the recommendation was for the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses to be increased by 80% by 2020. The 2020 updated report states that the number of nurses with a BSN has now surpassed the number with an associate’s degree.
The same 2020 report also makes the following statements:
“…Nationally, a higher percentage of Black/African American, Hispanic, and particularly Asian RNs relative to White RNs have a BSN,” and “proportionately, more Black/African American and Asian RNs than White and Hispanic RNs have a master’s degree, or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or a PhD in nursing.”
The report adds, “Analysis of data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) shows that between 2010 and 2017, the number of RNs who obtained a doctoral degree increased rapidly, with those obtaining a DNP far outnumbering those obtaining a PhD.”
And finally, “…the proportionate growth among POC RNs was even greater. For example, the number of Black/African American RNs who obtained a DNP increased from 139 in 2010 to 826 in 2017 (a nearly 5,000 percent increase), while the number earning a PhD increased from 52 to 107 (105 percent) over this same period.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses (without distinguishing between RNs and BSNs) earned a median annual salary of $86,070 in 2023. Meanwhile, nurse practitioners enjoyed a mean yearly wage of $128,490. For nurse anesthetists (a specialty that requires a doctoral degree), we see an annual base salary of $183,025.
We can conclude that educational advancement in nursing most definitely impacts earning potential. As we can see from the statistics, nurses of color have been increasingly embracing the career mobility offered by advancing their education. This translates into a more educated nursing workforce and likely a more competitive job market based on the proportions of nurses who have that extra educational edge.
Taking the Plunge
So, when do you go back to school? Is it best when the kids are young, or do you wait until they’re teenagers and need you less? If your spouse is shouldering more of the childrearing burden, how will that impact their life and career?
Like anyone else, nurses may find themselves caring for elderly parents, possibly while also raising children. What do you do if you’re a so-called “sandwich generation” member?
There’s also the question of getting older. How does it feel to return to school in your 30s instead of your 50s or 60s? How much energy does it take, and can you summon the stamina for what’s to come?
When it comes to choosing between strictly online learning, a “brick-and-mortar” school, or a hybrid program, making the right choice is imperative. Sometimes, getting out of the house and sitting in a classroom is a welcome break from the distractions of home. Online learning can be convenient, but if kids run around and have constant messes to clean up, you might find it hard to get any schoolwork done.
Whether it’s timing, cost, type of program, or other concerns, there’s a lot to consider when advancing your nursing education is on the table. Considering the potential benefits and weighing your options, you’ll decide what makes sense for your career. School isn’t for everyone, but for those who take the plunge, it can open countless doors along the nursing career pathway.
While much of the world has moved forward from the pandemic, the healthcare industry grapples with a significant shortage. The growing and less discussed shortage of nurse educators extends beyond the well-known nursing shortage. This critical gap threatens the future of nursing itself. As burnout, chronic stress, and compassion fatigue from the pandemic have led more nurses to exit the workforce, the pool of those nurses seeking to advance into educational roles becomes increasingly limited.
A recent survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) revealed a startling reality: over 1,900 full-time faculty vacancies across 922 nursing schools in the U.S. This shortfall severely limits the ability of many institutions to enroll and train new nurses, compromising the quality of education and the overall healthcare system’s ability to meet evolving demand. Addressing this shortage is not just about filling vacancies; it is about safeguarding the future of nursing and, by extension, the health of our communities.
The Hidden Crisis: Why Nurse Educators Are More Important Than Ever
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics illustrates that the demand for nursing professionals is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth amplifies the need for qualified educators to train new nurses. However, barriers such as the aforementioned burnout, inadequate compensation, and additional qualifications requirements hinder the path to academia, which deter many experienced nurses from pursuing educational roles. This underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to support and incentivize experienced nurses to transition into academic positions.
Transitioning to academia requires a shift in practical duties and a significant mental and emotional adjustment. Nurse educators must acquire new skills, including effective communication, pedagogical strategies, and a broad understanding of educational theories – skills not typically emphasized in a clinical setting. Economic factors also play a role, as academic compensation often falls short of clinical salaries, deterring skilled nurses from making the switch. Institutions must address these issues by providing better support systems, including mentorship programs, offering incentives for advanced education, and outlining clearer pathways for advancement in educational roles. These efforts are crucial for ensuring a sustainable influx of educators to train the next generation of nursing professionals.
The Role of Diversity in Strengthening Nursing Education
Enhancing diversity in nursing education is critical for enriching the learning environment and improving health outcomes across diverse populations. Diverse nursing cohorts bring varied perspectives crucial in understanding and meeting the healthcare needs of different communities. For instance, by incorporating a wide range of cultural competencies into nursing programs, graduates are well-prepared to provide sensitive and effective care to patients from all backgrounds. This commitment to diversity also helps to break down barriers in healthcare disparities, fostering a more inclusive healthcare system. Post University champions a diverse educational approach that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s healthcare landscape through personalized mentorship and adaptable learning modalities.
Why an MSN Degree Is Essential for Aspiring Nurse Educators
An MSN degree is pivotal for nurses transitioning into various educational and leadership roles within nursing education. However, finding a program that meets the needs of nurses interested in advancing their careers while still working in the field can be challenging. Post’s MSN program offers unique modalities to suit different learning preferences and schedules: a traditional 8-week term and a 16-week competency-based model. This flexibility ensures that nurses can find a format to fit their life circumstances while gaining the comprehensive skills needed to become nurse educators. The program includes practical, hands-on experiences facilitated through innovative online methods, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to lead and educate.
Post’s fully online MSN program is structured to accommodate working nurses, offering various modalities to suit different lifestyles and learning preferences. Additionally, the faculty consists of experienced nurses who provide mentorship to support student’s academic and professional growth as they transition from nurse to nurse educator.
Shaping the Future of Nursing Through Education
For nurses interested in transitioning to educational roles, including a nurse administrator or chief nursing officer, the journey begins with understanding the significance of their contribution to shaping the future of healthcare. Nurses who aspire to become educators should start by exploring advanced degrees like the MSN, which equips them with the necessary skills in teaching and leadership. Engaging in continuous professional development and seeking mentorship from experienced educators can pave the way. When researching an MSN program to fit a working nurse’s needs, search for programs that have flexible options and comprehensive support that guide nurses through this transformative journey. This will help boost the confidence of these new nurse educators and enhance their ability to educate and inspire the next generation.
