MSN can stand for several different things outside the nursing community. It could stand for the “The Microsoft Network” or a virus. However in the nursing community, MSN stands for Master’s Of Science In Nursing.
What Is A Master’s Of Science In Nursing?
This is an advanced degree that nurses receive after getting their Bachelor’s of Science In Nursing (BSN). This is usually a 2 to 3 year program that are offered at universities across the United States. Some of these programs are more specialized depending on what type of specialization students want pursue with their careers.
Those with an MSN have several career options and set themselves for a more lucrative salary. Nurses that accompany this advanced degree can become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetists, nurse manager, teacher, a clinical nurse specialist and much more.
What Can You Do With An MSN?
First, you need to achieve your BSN. Nurses with an MSN are able to teach students at community colleges, vocational schools, and technical schools. They help teach nurses aspiring to get Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), nursing assistants, and medical assistants.
Nurse Practitioners are nurses that are trained to perform tasks that usually only physicians can perform. However, they treat the patient holistically while doctors only treat the patient’s symptoms. Some health insurance companies allow you to put a nurse practitioner as you primary physician nowadays.
Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients that are about to undergo surgery or a major operation. That have received specialized training in anesthesia during their time pursuing their MSN. They work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and with a team people that prepare the patient for surgery.
An advanced clinical nurse specialist is a nurse that specializes in a certain area of medical care. These areas can pediatrics, neonatal, cardiac, intensive care, etc. With an MSN, the student receives advanced training in these areas.
How Much Does a Nurse With An MSN Make?
A registered nurse is only required to have a ADN these days. However, healchare and medical facilities are encourages nurses to be as educated as possible. Registered nurses that have an MSN earn $25,000 more per year than those with just a BSN. They earn an average of $40,000 per year that those with just an ADN.
Nurses with MSN get paid a lot more than their counterparts. There are plenty of options to get your MSN. There are online programs, part time programs, and full time programs. You just have to figure out what works for you. However, it is in your best interest to look into advancing your education and being a better nurse. It will yield greater pay.
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Where Can I Get My MSN?
As mentioned earlier, there are many options to attain your MSN. The most popular options being at your local university or online. Most of these programs are 2 years of school and clinical work full time. They could be 3 or more years if done part time.
There are many clinical specialty programs that can be done part time. This allows nurses to keep earning money while advancing their education. Be sure to find an accredited and respected program that helps you learn more about your specialty. Nurses have many options in getting their MSN and yielding more lucrative careers.