When a child says they want to grow up to be a nurse, they probably don’t know all the opportunities that career path offers. Registered nurses (RNs) can open all sorts of doors by furthering their education and earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
According to Indeed.com, an MSN program “provides nursing graduates with more specialized skills and training, which means they can work in a variety of areas within the nursing field. Nursing professionals with a master’s degree may have the opportunity to advance their career, making a master’s in nursing a popular degree to pursue.”
There are many types of MSN programs throughout the nation. These programs often specialize in patient care for every aspect of life — from family nurse practitioners (FNPs) to gerontology, pediatric medicine and much more. However, if nurses would rather take on the administrative or educational side of nursing, some programs allow them to cultivate these skills separately.
Difference Between Nursing Career Paths
Regarding nursing career paths, FNPs, nurse administrators and nurse educators are vastly different when it comes to the MSN degree title. For example, those specializing in family medicine have more of a clinical role than administrators or educators. The former works hands-on with patients, while the latter serves in more of a leadership role.
Those who want to work on the administrative side of nursing can implement changes and develop a structure within the healthcare facility. They advocate for those in need of a voice. Most are also familiar with the financial aspects of the institution. Administrators also ensure organizations follow all protocols.
Those who want to work on the educational side of nursing are serving a much-needed role. As more nurse educators retire, they need the following generation to fill that void. In this position, nurse educators prepare nursing students for various career directions. Most educators work within higher education institutions but may also work for public health facilities.
Tips for Quality Improvement
To achieve quality improvement within the healthcare industry, nurses must embrace certain factors. These include, but are not limited to:
- Better data collection and analysis systems. This allows for an accurate look at patient data and the healthcare facility’s data. With better systems for data collection, the facility will be more organized and less time-consuming for nurses to update records.
- Measurable goals. Creating goals ensures the healthcare facility will thrive. Doing so also sets benchmarks so the organization continues to improve. By setting realistic and attainable goals, nurses become confident in their ability to provide the best care for the specific needs of their patients.
- Collaborating with other organizations. Healthcare providers who willingly share information set good examples of cross-organization collaboration. With clear and open communication between organizations, nurses can learn from others and optimize patient care.
- Creating a balanced team. Nurses who form bonds with each other are taking important steps to ensure all patients are cared for at the highest level. With a balanced team, where everyone feels valued and advocated for, nurses thrive and ultimately showcase their talents within the organization.
What Can an MSN Do for Your Career?
Implementing quality improvement in healthcare is a wonderful overall goal, but there are many ways to get there. One path is to further your career and earn your MSN degree. Those who enroll in the online RN to MSN program at The University of Texas at Arlington will benefit from a curriculum that combines the latest nursing theory with hands-on practicum experience.
Students will experience the accelerated demands of a fast-track program that offers concentrations in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education and FNP careers. Depending on one’s schedule, students can complete the program in as few as 36 months.
This program allows all students to qualify for national FNP certification. Courses drive nurses to actively impact the lives of those they care for daily. For example, the Principles of Research in Nursing course covers the basics of theoretical and empirical principles of nursing research. In the Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing course, students critically examine philosophical and theoretical bases for nursing science.
Each future MSN graduate will obtain the knowledge and skills required to enter influential roles such as FNP, nursing informatics specialist, clinical nurse researcher, public health nurse, clinical nurse educator or executive manager.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Arlington’s online RN to MSN program.
