Nurses can study an advanced qualification to further their careers. Being well-qualified can open up new opportunities, such as leadership and specialist positions. Higher-level study can enhance knowledge and skills and result in high-quality clinical practice. Studying at this level takes commitment and dedication but can be worthwhile with the rewards of better job opportunities and a fulfilling career. The chance to do respected and interesting work that is well paid can lead to great personal satisfaction.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The MSN is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice, leadership and nursing education roles. Clinical experience is arranged close to where students live. MSN programs usually take two to four years to complete and can be taken online.
The curriculum of an MSN program typically includes coursework in advanced nursing practice, healthcare systems and policies, healthcare informatics, nursing research and nursing education. Programs offer different specialized options that can be matched to interests and prepare nurses for the career they want. Some of the specialties offered by the MSN are:
- Nurse practitioner
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse midwife
- Nurse anesthetist
- Nurse educator
- Nurse researcher
- Hospital administrator
Upon completing an MSN program, graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide advanced patient care, participate in developing healthcare policies and serve as leaders and educators in the nursing profession. They may also be eligible to take certification exams in their area of specialization, which can lead to professional recognition and improved job opportunities.
An online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can help progress a nursing career by teaching new nursing and leadership skills. Online MSN programs prepare graduates for advanced nursing roles. In order for nurses to find the best online MSN program for them, they should consider their strengths, career aspirations and preferred area of nursing.
Click here to find out why studying online can be preferable for people who work and may have family and personal responsibilities. Lectures are recorded and archived, which means studying can fit in with other demands. Although students do not meet face to face, there is generally plenty of virtual communication, which means that students support each other. Studying while working as a nurse can be beneficial as you can apply what you learn to your work in the real world. Skills you use to learn remotely can help when using technology at work.
Case study
Alden Egan is a clinical nurse specialist at NCH (Norris Cancer Hospital). Egan worked as an RN (registered nurse) for eight years, working in various hospitals and specialties, such as cardiac telemetry, emergency, stroke and oncology. Then, she decided to go back to school for her master’s degree. She studied at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) and chose to do a dual degree, so she qualified as a clinical nurse specialist and a nurse practitioner.
Egan worked as a substitute nurse at NCH and decided to apply for a permanent job. She is dually board certified as an adult-gerontology CNS (clinic nurse specialist) and acute care NP (nurse practitioner). She aims to promote high-quality patient care through nursing best practices, focusing on initiatives to promote patient safety, education and empowerment during cancer treatment. Part of her role is to supply education to nurses. That could be on new equipment, skills or knowledge they need to provide good-quality patient care. She runs a new patient-orientation class. She meets the new patients and teaches them what it will be like to start cancer treatment. She gives them information about available resources and other things that will help them while they get their treatment. She works with the hospital leadership and acts as a nursing practice representative. She explains how different hospital initiatives will impact nursing or how nursing can help the leadership reach various goals.
Egan describes her best days on the job as when she feels she has made a difference. This could be a nurse saying that she has helped them to understand something or that they were happy she had addressed an important issue. It is also when a patient tells her that she has made a difference to them. Recently, a new patient attended her patient-orientation class and said they had learned so many new things that would be useful to them. This made her feel the hard work was worthwhile. She describes her job as very challenging at times but also very rewarding.
Egan has been mentored by other clinical nurse specialists, who are very experienced and have great expertise, and she aspires to be like them in the future.
Personal satisfaction
For nurses with advanced qualifications, several factors can contribute to personal satisfaction. Being well-qualified can bring new career opportunities and progression in the nursing field. Nurses can establish a dependable and fulfilling career. With a shortage of physicians and nurses, there is increased demand for nurses with advanced degrees. These nurses can provide some of the services that physicians usually offer, as well as regular nursing care. With an advanced degree, nurses can step in to provide critical healthcare services. Staff with a specialized skill set are in demand by healthcare organizations and are more likely to be offered long-term roles. Advancing one’s education in nursing can lead to higher salaries and benefits. This can bring a sense of financial security and stability.
An advanced qualification can equip nurses to provide high-quality patient care and make informed clinical decisions. With increased knowledge and skills, highly qualified nurses are equipped to make accurate assessments and implement effective treatments. Seeing their work’s positive impact on patients can be a source of satisfaction for nurses.
Working as a nurse often means long shifts and being available to work on nights, weekends and holidays. With an MSN, there is the option to take on senior-level positions that typically come with more traditional work hours. For example, a nurse educator usually works regular weekday hours. This can leave more time for activities in life outside work.
A commitment to professional development and subsequent expertise can bring professional recognition and respect from colleagues and employers. This can bring job satisfaction and increase a nurse’s confidence and sense of worth.
The MSN degree opens up various career paths for nurses, including advanced practice roles, leadership positions and academic positions. The specific job opportunities available to a nurse with an MSN degree may depend on their specialization.
Nurse practitioner (NP)
An NP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides primary and specialty healthcare services. NPs are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, as well as prescribe medications. They also provide preventive care and health promotion services, such as health screenings and counseling.
NPs work in various settings, including private practices, clinics, hospitals and community health centers. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, to provide comprehensive care to patients. NPs can also make clinical decisions and provide care without physician supervision.
The responsibilities of an NP can depend on their specialism, such as family practice, pediatrics, women’s health or mental health. In general, NPs provide patient care that is individualized and evidence-based, and they play an important role in promoting patient wellness and preventing chronic illness.
Overall, the role of an NP is to deliver high-quality care to patients and improve access to healthcare for communities. NPs play a vital role in filling the gap in healthcare access and ensuring patients receive care when they need it.
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
A CNS is an APRN who provides expert care in a specific clinical area. CNSs diagnose and treat complex medical conditions and provide leadership and education to other healthcare staff. They work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and community health centers. They work with healthcare colleagues, such as physicians, to provide quality care to patients. As well as providing direct patient care, CNSs also play a critical role in developing and implementing evidence-based practices, improving patient outcomes and promoting patient safety.
The role of a CNS may vary based on their specialty area, such as pediatrics, oncology, cardiology or critical care. Generally, CNSs provide individualized patient care, and they use their advanced clinical knowledge and skills to improve the quality of care provided.
Overall, the role of a CNS is to provide expert, patient care and to serve as a leader and educator in the nursing profession. CNSs play a critical role in promoting patient safety, improving patient outcomes and advancing nursing through their expertise, leadership and ongoing education and research.
Nurse midwife
A nurse midwife is an APRN who provides comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care to women. Nurse midwives provide prenatal care, including health assessments, counseling and testing, and they attend births as the primary provider of care. They also offer gynecological exams, family planning services and care for women throughout the menopause transition.
Nurse midwives work in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, private practices and community health centers. They join forces with other healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians and gynecologists, to provide all-around care to their patients. Nurse midwives also have the autonomy to make clinical decisions and provide care without physician oversight.
The role of a nurse midwife is to provide individualized patient care that is focused on women’s health. They play a critical role in promoting healthy pregnancies and births and improving access to gynecological and reproductive health services. Nurse midwives are also advocates for women’s health and work to educate and empower women to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Nurse midwives may be required to pass a certification exam in nurse midwifery.
Nurse anesthetist
A nurse anesthetist is an APRN who specializes in administering anesthesia and managing pain during surgical and other medical procedures. Nurse anesthetists assess patients, develop an anesthesia plan, administer anesthesia, monitor patients during the procedure and address any pain or discomfort afterward. They work with other healthcare staff, such as surgeons and anesthesiologists, to ensure the safe and effective administration of anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and other medical facilities. They may be required to pass a certification exam in nurse anesthesia.
The role of a nurse anesthetist is to provide high-quality anesthesia care and to play a critical role in ensuring the safety of patients undergoing medical procedures. They are an integral part of the healthcare team and use their advanced clinical knowledge and skills to provide effective pain management and support positive patient outcomes. Nurse anesthetists also advocate for patient safety and work to educate and empower patients to make informed decisions about their anesthesia care.
Nurse educator
A nurse educator is a registered nurse who specializes in teaching and training nurses, students and other healthcare staff. They work in universities, colleges, hospitals and healthcare organizations. They are responsible for developing, delivering and evaluating educational programs and courses for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
The specific responsibilities of a nurse educator can vary depending on their workplace, but they generally include:
- Developing and delivering educational programs and courses for nursing and healthcare professionals, including lectures, workshops and simulations.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and making improvements as necessary.
- Mentoring and advising students, new graduates and practicing nurses.
- Staying current with the latest advances in nursing and healthcare and incorporating that knowledge into their teaching.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and administrators, to ensure that educational programs align with patient care and healthcare organizations’ goals and objectives.
The role of a nurse educator is to support the development of the nursing profession by providing high-quality education and training to other healthcare staff.
Nurse educators work as leaders and advocates for the nursing profession, promoting its values and objectives to the public and other healthcare professionals. They play a critical role in ensuring that nurses and other healthcare staff have the knowledge, skills and competence to provide safe and effective care to patients.
Nurse researcher
A nurse researcher is a registered nurse who conducts research to improve the quality of patient care and nursing practice. Nurse researchers work in various settings, including universities, research institutes, hospitals and healthcare organizations. They design and conduct research studies, analyze data and disseminate their findings to nursing and healthcare staff.
The responsibilities of a nurse researcher can vary, but they generally include:
- Identifying areas in nursing and healthcare where research is needed to improve patient outcomes.
- Developing research proposals, including defining the research question, selecting appropriate methodologies and obtaining funding and ethics approvals.
- Conducting research studies, including collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results and writing up findings.
- Disseminating research findings to the nursing and healthcare community, including publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences and developing educational materials.
- Working with other healthcare staff, such as physicians and administrators, to translate research findings into practical applications that improve patient care and nursing practice.
The role of a nurse researcher is to contribute to the development of nursing practice by conducting high-quality research that improves patient outcomes and informs nursing practice. Nurse researchers play a critical role in ensuring that nursing is based on the best available evidence and that nurses have the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective healthcare to patients. They also advocate for the nursing profession, by promoting its values and objectives to the public and other healthcare professionals.
Healthcare administrator
A healthcare administrator manages and oversees the operations of a healthcare organization, such as a hospital, clinic, nursing home or health system. They are responsible for ensuring the organization provides high-quality patient care, meets financial and operational goals and complies with regulations and standards.
The responsibilities of a healthcare administrator can vary, depending on the type and size of the organization they work in, but they usually include:
- Developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives.
- Overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations, including managing budgets, staffing levels and quality control.
- Ensuring that the organization provides quality healthcare, meets regulatory and accreditation requirements and adhere to ethical standards.
- Developing and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, including patients, families and staff.
- Collaborating with healthcare staff, such as physicians and nurses, to ensure that the organization’s services align with the needs of patients and the community.
The role of a healthcare administrator is to provide leadership and management for healthcare organizations, ensuring they are providing high-quality patient care, achieving their goals and objectives and serving the community’s needs. Healthcare administrators play a critical role in shaping the healthcare system’s future and ensuring that patients have access to the care they need to maintain their health and well-being.
Conclusion
Studying for an advanced qualification, such as an MSN, can allow nurses to take on various leadership and specialized roles. They can learn about delivering high-quality clinical care and apply this knowledge in a range of occupations within a healthcare setting. They will have responsibilities and interesting work and find they are in demand by healthcare organizations. Being well-qualified can lead to better pay and financial security. A commitment to professional development within nursing can bring career success and great personal satisfaction.
