A Masters of Nursing degree is the prime way to get ahead in the world of nursing. Nurses experience significant burnout after years on the job. Going back to school for a Masters of Nursing degree enhances your job opportunities and earning potential. You can work over a network of nurses or manage hospital floors or departments at major hospitals throughout the country. There are various types of Masters of Nursing degrees. A Masters of Nursing degree teaches students how to care for patients, oversee management of other medical employees and teach employees how to work communicate effectively with patients and their families.

It’s essential you find a Masters of Nursing program from an accredited college or university. Ask your school advisor about the potential school’s accreditations in the nursing programs. Nursing programs must be recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This is imperative for qualifying for high paying jobs after obtaining your masters degree.

What do you need prior to entering a Masters of Nursing program?

A Masters of Nursing program requires a student to have a BA in nursing. There are many types of nurses, such as licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN) and registered nurse with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, (RN + BSN). All of these programs take anywhere from a year to 4 years to complete in their own right. A Masters of Nursing program requires an additional 2 years of classes. A Masters of Nursing program can focus on career education for leading other nurses or prepare you for a management position in the nursing field.

Types of Masters of Nursing Degrees

Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) with Specialization in Education

This type of Masters of Nursing degree is meant for those who want to go into education. There are many career options working in educating nurses and working with hospitals and medical facilities to expand the knowledge and techniques of nurses. A MSN with specialization in education equips a nurse with the know-how to lead other nurses and teach them about innovative techniques and tools to provide better care for patients and do their jobs more effectively.

Nursing is a grueling industry at times and many hospitals and clinics have to improve retention rates. With a Masters of Science in Nursing with specialization in education, you’re equipped to create programs to show nurses how to make the most of their knowledge when assisting and caring for patients. With a Masters of Nursing specializing in education you can also show nurses the plethora of job opportunities they have. Many nurses go through a few jobs before they find their niche, whether it’s working with the elderly or with terminally ill patients. As an educator, you help nurses find where they excel, improving the medical industry as a whole.

Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Leadership and Management Specialization

With a Masters of Nursing Degree in Leadership and Management Specialization, you learn how to operate and manage a department of nurses. This includes everything from learning about new tools to benefit your nurses to effectively managing issues that arise with families and patients. This masters degree focuses greatly on leadership skills. A nurse already has the know-how to care for patients. A Masters of Nursing Degree in leadership and management specialization zone sin on working over a team of patients and sometimes medical technicians.

What kind of jobs can I have with a MSN?

Nurse Practitioner

This is a common position for those with a MSN. It is the ideal position for those who want to continue hands-on work with patients and families. The role of a nurse practitioner is similar to a RN, but it involves more responsibilities. In many cases, a nurse practitioner is similar to a manager and can be in charge of a group of nurses, either by floor or department. A nurse practitioner can also work in clinics in a role similar to a doctor. Nurse practitioners have a more thorough understanding of medicine, similar to a doctor. A trend seen in urban areas are hospitals hiring nurse practitioners instead of doctors for some positions since nurse practitioners are qualified in many of the same areas.

Clinical Nurse Practitioner

A clinical nurse practitioner is similar to a nurse practitioner, but focuses more on the management and business end of a clinic or hospital. CNS usually focus on one area of patient care. CNS also focus on patient care, education and management. CNS is a natural step for those with significant number of years working with patients, but wish to move to a different angle for nursing. After years in the ER or working with traumatic experiences, many nurses are looking for a job that puts that experience to use but allows them to work in a new environment.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Certified nurse midwife is a role that requires a masters degree. CNMs work in the delivery and gynecological departments. CNMs are able to diagnose patients and write prescriptions. CNMs can also deliver babies in certain medical facilities or can work with private patients in their own homes for prenatal care and delivery. CNMs can also help patients with any gynecological education or issues outside of prenatal care and delivery.