To pursue masters degree in nursing...need advice

[DAISYDUCKRN]

i am considering going to graduate school to obtain a masters degree in nursing. I am so on the fence about this considering the expense, commitment, time, etc. I know I will benefit from this but really kind of scared to return to school after being out for so long. I am considering on-line courses. If anyone has completed a program or is currently in one please let me know what you think and how it is working with family life. My kids are older 21 and 15, my husband will be supportive. I really think I want to pursue this but am in need of some Disney encouragement. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[LisaRN97]

I didn't complete my masters but I completed a school nurse certificate program that was 18 credits. I did all of it online. I think you will suprise yourself at how well you will do. You definately need to set a schedule and be well organized. I was working full time, in the middle of moving and building a home, and caring for our girls who were 3 and 2 at the time. I went back to the university where I go my nursing degree so I felt like I picked up where I left off years ago. To help defer the costs, I took online courses through the local community college that were equivalent to the ones in the nursing program.....I am very happy that I did it and now, like you, am looking into a master's program. One difficulty I had was completing the practicum hours...I ended up using vacation time once a week.....

Hope this helps and good luck!!

 

[LuvENDisney]

I'm a nurse who had not been in school for a really, really long time. I just started an online MPH program. My passion has always been preventive medicine and public health. I'm not clinical anymore, working in an administrative position now. I have two small kids and a supportive husband. Yes, it has been a challenge getting into the groove again, especially with studying and weekly posts and assignments on top of working. I am tired in the morning, but keep driving on.... Will it be worth it? I hope so.......
Good luck with your decision!!

 

[DAISYDUCKRN]

Thanks for the quick responses. I appreciate your input and encouragement. Keep it coming!!!!Would like to hear how others balance graduate school, home and work

 

[ekatiel]

My DH is a Nurse Practitioner. He got his Master's from Texas A&M Corpus through an online program. It was tough on our family-- DH was working full time as an RN (nightshift!) during his entire program. I was (and still am) a SAHM to 2 boys, who at the time were very young (ODS was 1 when DH started the program, we had YDS a year into it-- the boys were just shy of 2 and 4 when he graduated). We survived, though, and DH is SO much happier as an NP now-- not to mention the pay increase and better hours (he now works M-F 8am-5pm). The program wasn't too tough on our family until about the last year and a half, when his clinical time was increased. I say go for it, but be aware that you may need to cut your hours at work a bit during your last stretch of clinicals. BTW-- DH really liked his program at A&M Corpus-- he thought it was really well organized, etc.--Katie

 

[bear_mom]

Just started back working towards my MSN so I can eventually start teaching. I am doing an on-line program. So far, so good. It hasn't really affected my family yet as I only work part time (2 days a week) and the girls are in school when I am doing my work.

Emily

 

[lunapnp]

I did my nurse practitioner program online. I have been out about 3 years. I think it will pay off in the long run (well, maybe after I get my student loans paid off! ) My DDs were young when I started the program...oldest DD 8 and youngest DD was 4. I worked full time, but did three 12 hour shifts. I enjoyed the online program because I could do my "classes" when it was convenient for ME...like while the girls were at school, at night, weekends, etc. You definitely have to be dedicated and focused since you aren't actually committed to going to a class X number times a week. Some people need the actual structure of a classroom setting while others don't. You know what will work for YOU. Like a previous poster said, the clinical hours the last year can be very time consuming. My program required a total of 680 clinical hours to graduate.

Good luck!!

 

[DAISYDUCKRN]

Just started back working towards my MSN so I can eventually start teaching. I am doing an on-line program. So far, so good. It hasn't really affected my family yet as I only work part time (2 days a week) and the girls are in school when I am doing my work.

Emily

this is what I wouldl like to do, teaching. which on line program are you currently

 

[pigletto]

My mom took college nursing. Then a Bachelor of Nursing. Then became a nurse practitioner, and finished her Doctorate of Nursing at the age of 54. She raised 6 kids and worked full time the entire time She currently teaches at a local University.

You can do this. You just have to want it really really bad.
Much luck to you.

 

[dsanner106]

My wife teaches in the masters program at a brick and morter university, and for their online version as well. She has also taught for a couple other online universities. Do you know what concentration you want your masters to be in? That will help determine the school as well. If you have any questions, etc, she would be happy to help.

Drew

 

[dsanner106]

I should mention, Susan teaches in the Nurse Educator and Nurse Leadership tracks, I don't know If I can post the web address on here or not but can supply it if you like.

Drew

 

[DisneyMum4]

I am working onmy masters online. Love online school which works for me as I am a nurse manager who works full time and a mom to 5 kids. DH and kids are very supportive! Good luck in your decision!

Please share which schools you did online for your NP?

 

[ToddRN]

I am also working on a Master's in nursing, focus in education. I graduate in May (Finally!!!) and very excited to be finished! I work three 12's a week, and classes are one day a week. It has been really taxing at times, but can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Crazy thing is, I'm thinking of continuing for a DNP... definitely ready for a trip to the world. Hopefully this fall!!!

 

[SeansMom]

I'm working towards a masters in nursing. It's a distance progam from U of W with some issues. It's getting smoother, but the technological end of things has been frustrating from time to time. Also, if you'll be in clinical rotations, those may be distant from you (you didn't say what field you were looking at.) For the record, my youngest is 16, my hubby is very supportive, and that makes it much easier. On the other hand, it is a LOT of work and I find that I did better from an academic (read grades) standpoint when instructors were in front of me and I could get my questions answered. It's also harder to stay on top of everything because you get to schedule it yourself. I find even mundane things like housework to be distracting, not to mention friends, food, disneyland boards....lol....you get the picture. On the other hand, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love my clinicals and all that I'm learning. Just be prepared for it to be time consuming and stressful, at least at times.

 

[dismichelle]

Does anyone mind sharing the expected pay for MSN in their area.

I live in the south (Alabama) and master-level instructors start around $65k and N.P.'s at around $85k.

$85k is good money for this area, but depending on where one works, N.P. can be a hard job.

I've had my associates for almost a decade, will finish the B.S.N. program next year, and am trying to decide what to do after that. (Teach and do travel nursing in the summer or go for N.P.)

 

[trish4bruce]

I work in a Graduate Studies Office at a University in Canada. I am a Graduate Funding Officer so I am the person the students go to about money. There are many funding opportunities available to graduate students so you should really check with the Graduate office of the University you are thinking of applying to and see what may be available. Many Universities offer Research or Graduate Assistantships to their graduate students. Because you are thinking of doing it online that may limit you in what can be available.

 

[dsanner106]

We are in the Atlanta area, ballpark, the msn teachers are in the mid 70's, and NP pay varies dramatically. I would guess 75-95 depending on how you are using your degree. My wife ran a university Nurse Managed Clinic with her FNP degree, and also worked for a team of doctors as their point person. She traveled among the hospitals they covered and did initial workups and ordered treatment and tests for patients, the doctors followed up and signed off on her work in that case. She made more in the second role by about 10,000 dollars.

 

[dsanner106]

My wife's school, Clayton State University, teaches the courses online, but the clinicals are arranged at hospitals near you so you don't have to travel much. Most students, if already working as nurses can arrange it for the hospitals they already work in.

Drew

 

[sinnika]

I received my MSN back in 1991 from University of Texas in Houston. As mentioned, check for all available grants, traineeships, scholarships, etc. I received a commission in the US Navy Reserves and they paid me a monthly stipend to get my masters. In addition, the university paid for books and tuition thru a traineeship. Between my drill pay, the stipends and grants/traineeships and scholarships I applied for, I made about $15,000 per year to live on (I moved into a dorm and lived frugally) and all school expenses were covered! I opted to work only very part time so I could finish the program quickly. I was single at the time so no other responsibilties than me!

 

[dsanner106]

I agree, try to find online programs offered by brick and morter schools as your chances at scholarship money are a bit greater. They also, typically have an office to help you in your search for such funding.

Drew

I received my MSN back in 1991 from University of Texas in Houston. As mentioned, check for all available grants, traineeships, scholarships, etc. I received a commission in the US Navy Reserves and they paid me a monthly stipend to get my masters. In addition, the university paid for books and tuition thru a traineeship. Between my drill pay, the stipends and grants/traineeships and scholarships I applied for, I made about $15,000 per year to live on (I moved into a dorm and lived frugally) and all school expenses were covered! I opted to work only very part time so I could finish the program quickly. I was single at the time so no other responsibilties than me!