Advanced Nursing Education Leads To Leadership In Nursing Careers

Nurses are a highly educated group

Nurses are a highly educated group. Not only must they participate in rigorous training to even become a registered nurse, many earned their entry-level nursing education via a bachelor's program (bachelor of science in nursing degree, BSN) and many continue to grow their nursing expertise by further education in master's or even doctoral programs.

In fact, RN.com reports that about 500,000 (or 20 percent) of the 2.5 million RNs in the U.S have gone for -- and earned -- specialty certifications.

Thousands more are working on advanced nursing degrees as a way to advance their careers while broadening the skills they bring to the nursing profession.

The degrees offered also are changing. Take the master of science in nursing (MSN) for example. Many nursing education programs at colleges and universities across the country now offer MSN degrees with a leadership and management focus as well as MSN degree programs that focus on clinical nurse leadership.

Specialization as a clinical nurse leader (CNL) allows a master of science in nursing educated professional the opportunity to take her interest in leadership and nursing to the next level. A CNL will oversee the care coordination of a distinct patient group and provides direct care for these patients in complex situations. The CNL evaluates patient outcomes and has the authority to change care plans if necessary.

A nurse wishing to become a leader in the nursing profession will almost definitely need a master of science degree in nursing or even a doctorate degree in nursing. In fact, RN.com reports that more nurses are pursuing advanced degrees earlier in their careers. Many of them attend leadership and nursing programs that offer all or a large part of the curriculum online.

This is good news because the many online nursing programs available around the country allow you a nurse to continuing working as he advances his knowledge and skills.

In fact, many of these management in nursing degree programs work with students to create their plans of study. Some employers, eager to see a good employee become even better with advanced training, are willing to become more flexible regarding work schedules.

Nurses wishing to advance their skills and knowledge with an advanced degree also may find that their employer will pay for a portion or even all of their tuition. This is a smart move on the employer's part because it will help retain a well-educated employee while improving the level of patient care in the hospital, clinic or other health care facility where the master of science in nursing student works.

by: Jean Henshaw

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