10 Top Reasons to Pursue Your MSN
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.
- Nurse Educator
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Leader
10 Reasons to Pursue Your MSN
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?
References
AMN Healthcare. (2023). Are Advanced Practice Nurses Happy with Their Jobs? https://www.amnhealthcare.com/blog/physician/locums/are-advanced-practice-nurses-happy-with-their-jobs/#:~:text=Ninety%2Dsix%20percent%20of%20NPs,would%2080%20percent%20of%20CRNAs
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2023). State Practice Environment. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment
Bureau of Labor and Statistics. (2024). Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
