Maybe you studied hard, made it through nursing school, and now you’re wondering what is next. Perhaps you haven’t quite started yet and are looking into your future. A registered nursing degree (RN) isn’t the end of the line. There are so many opportunities to advance.
Your registered nursing degree is a massive step towards many career paths, and all of the following master’s programs are available conveniently online through accredited universities. Grants are also available to students in the nursing field to continue learning.
1) Masters in Nursing
Getting your master’s degree provides you with the ability to step into leadership roles. Suppose you earn a masters in nursing online through an accredited university. In that case, you can not only continue to work your day job, but you can explore new positions such as Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Midwife, and other specialty vocations.
What area of healthcare interests you most? Now is the time to pursue it! Just think of the benefits that come with specialization. You can improve your life balance, follow your passion, fill specific needs in your community, and tailor your schedule to fit your needs.
You might even think about branching out further and becoming a business owner within your field. Home care is highly important in this day and age with many people needing that support in different ways. If you have a passion to get out there in the community and provide for people will disabilities and the elderly, then going on this path is a good choice.
You won’t have to handle everything alone as there is plenty of business support out there such as management software like Shiftcare, guides for registering, and financial backing. As you grow you can add to your team with other healthcare professionals that have the same zeal for care that you do.
2) Masters in Nursing Education
If the hustle of the emergency room isn’t for you, if you find yourself in the trainer role more often than the trainee, you might consider pursuing a degree in nursing education. Nurse educators work in colleges, universities, and even high schools, educating future healthcare workers. This degree would let you become the person you needed when you were in school. As a Clinical Nurse Educator, you could make up to $120,000 each year. One advantage of working in a school setting is having holidays and summers off. You may only work nine months out of the year, which is especially beneficial to working parents. In addition, the more laid-back environment is excellent for folks with their own health needs who desire to work in healthcare but have a hard time working in the typical healthcare facility.
3)Masters in Executive Nursing
Are you looking to lead? Consider an executive degree. After graduation, you may work as head of department or consultant to many different healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and more. As an executive nurse, you’ll focus on both the care that patients receive and all the components that go into that care, including staffing, budgeting, and training. Certified Nurse Executives make between $70,000 and $100,000 annually but may exceed the $100,000 mark depending on their experience and location. Some Nurse Executives may even choose to self-employ, running consulting businesses or acting as supply agents or freelancers while setting their schedules and determining how much they wish to work and where.
4) Masters in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family Nurse Practitioners have completed an Advance Practice Registered Nursing Degree. On completion, you’ll serve a varied population spanning multiple age groups, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. FNPs are particularly needed in healthcare deserts where rural families may have difficulty reaching a doctor. Family Nurse Practitioners earn an average of $55 per hour. They may continue their education to become doctors, often serving in the same communities they’ve practiced nursing in, helping to fill physician shortages.
A significant advantage of completing a Masters’s in FNP is the opportunity to open your own practice, bringing healthcare to where it is needed most and enhancing your work-life balance.
5) Masters in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Complete a Master’s in Adult-Gerontology Nursing to work with the older population and practice in either acute or primary care. Gerontology Practitioners are in high demand as seniors age and find themselves with specialized needs. A nurse practitioner of this sort might work in an office, hospital, long-term care facility or oversee service provided in the home.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners earn on average $95,000 per year. As a gerontology practitioner, you may open your own practice, work part-time or full-time, and choose the facility or type of work that best suits you.
Get Going!
These are just a few of the master’s degree programs available to RNs. Your opportunity is out there waiting. Don’t delay!
