Masters in Nursing Providing Additional Opportunities to Job Seekers
A masters in nursing gives ambitious professionals the right amount of education to prepare them for nursing management. Although it may take more time to complete when compared with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelors of science degree in nursing (BSN), a master’s degree can give professionals an advantage over their competition.
A masters in nursing can generally be achieved in one of two different ways. An accelerated master’s degree in nursing is the first choice and is usually taken by professionals who are new to the health care field. If it is taken on a full-time basis, most students will be able to complete it in 3 to 4 years.
The accelerated master’s degree in nursing will give a graduate both a BSN and a master’s degree. It’s an excellent choice for students entering the field, but only if they are able to attend college full-time.
For professionals who are switching to the health care field from another industry, an alternative master’s degree program is available. It requires that applicants have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in another field. The alternative master’s degree can be completed by most professionals in about 2 years.
A master’s degree typically trains students above and beyond ADN and BSN education in certain topics. Some subjects which are emphasized in a nursing master’s course are:
- Doctor communication
- Floor management
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Patient communication
Most management positions for nurses now requires at least a master’s degree. This is due to management needing a wider skill set than a beginning registered nurse. Some possible positions in management for nurses with master’s degrees include:
- Chief of nursing
- Head nurse
- Unit manager
Other positions may be available depending upon how a hospital or medical facility structures its employee hierarchy.
A minimum of a master’s degree is also required for entry into programs which train advanced practice nurses. There are currently 4 different types of advanced practice nurses:
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Nurse anesthetists
- Nurse midwives
- Nurse practitioners
An advanced practice nurse may work together with a doctor or independently. They can provide primary care services in some instances. Advanced practice nurses have varied duties and tend to have more responsibilities than regular nurses. They provide a number of services to augment patient care and support their colleagues in the workplace.
Because so many different job postings and nursing occupations require a master’s degree, it’s highly recommended that registered nurses at least consider enrolling in a master’s program. In addition to increasing the possibility of a promotion or raise, a master’s degree can improve the likelihood of being hired. Having one can improve a nurse’s life in a number of different spheres.
For professionals who are looking to move up to head nurse or higher, a masters in nursing can help increase the chances of it happening. Employers are looking for well-educated and capable professionals who can succeed without direct supervision. A master’s degree provides a professional with the necessary education to apply for a management position.