A prospective graduate nursing student may wonder “What can I do with a Master’s in Nursing?” A nurse often obtains an MSN degree in an effort to advance further in the hospital or organization in which they work. Many nurses that have a Masters degree progress more quickly to managerial positions in their organizations, or leave for a better opportunity that opened up because they received their graduate degree. Some Masters in Nursing degrees do focus on areas of clinical specialization. It all depends on the Master in Nursing specialties taught in the program.
What Are The Benefits Of Master’s Degree In Nursing?
There are many benefits of a Master’s degree in Nursing. The most obvious benefits are a higher salary and greater advancement potential. These are certainly the benefits that attract the vast majority of students to the many BSN to MSN programs. However, there are other benefits. MSN students will gain a greater degree of skill and knowledge in their profession. This will enable them to better serve their patients. Also, nurses who hold MSN degrees can teach student nurses in academic programs if they so choose.
What Is The Average MSN Salary Per Hour?
The average MSN salary per hour is considerably higher than the average hourly pay of an RN. An RN can expect an hourly wage of roughly $33 an hour. This translates to about $69,000 a year, a perfectly respectable salary. However, even a quick glance at the pay of a nurse with an MSN shows the financial benefits of getting such a degree. A nurse midwife and a nurse practitioner both make around $45 an hour, which translates to a yearly salary above $90,000. A nurse anesthetist can make over $75 an hour, which translates to a yearly salary of over $150,000.
Are There Any Fast-Track BSN To MSN Programs?
There are many fast-track BSN to MSN programs. While many nurses get their BSN degrees and go to work, it has become increasingly common in recent years for students to decide they want to pursue an MSN degree before entering the workforce. Many colleges and universities have responded to these student interests by creating programs that take students straight through a BSN to an MSN, without the stress of GRE exams. The length of such programs varies depending on the school, but it may be as short as three years.
What Are The Different Masters In Nursing Specialties?
There are many possible Masters in Nursing specialties, but some of the most in-demand today include Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthetist. Each of these specializations has become crucial to contemporary healthcare, and schools have designed their programs accordingly. In each case, the need is great, both in urban and rural areas, where OBGYNs, physicians, and anesthesiologists are in short supply; nurse specialists take on these critical roles.
A nurse-midwife assists in the delivery of babies and in helping the mother through labor. A nurse practitioner can perform all of the general care and diagnosis of a family physician, and write prescriptions under the supervision of a doctor. A nurse anesthetist specializes in working with an anesthesiologist before, during and after major surgical procedures.
What Can I Do With A Masters In Nursing?
There are many benefits to getting a Masters in Nursing, not least of all the increased pay and improved employment prospects. Students who can find an online graduate nursing program that fits their schedule and budget should still ask themselves again “Should I get my Masters in Nursing?” Many nurses have long and successful careers with simply a BSN. However, the most ambitious nurses can certainly speed the advancement of their careers by obtaining a Masters degree in nursing. The obvious benefits and the convenience of new online programs has lead many nurses these days to pursue a graduate degree.
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