Written by Esme Wang.
In the US, it’s estimated 194,500 registered nurse positions will open up each year. The average wage of a registered nurse can be anywhere between $85,000 and $90,000 or more, making it a good career to get into. (1). However, for those who want to take their career to the next level, they can apply for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree which will open up new doors to careers as nurse educators, careers and practitioners. You may wonder: is an MSN degree the future of the nursing industry?
The Growing Demand for Advanced Nursing Roles
The U.S. healthcare system faces a critical shortage of nursing professionals, particularly in specialized and advanced roles. Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse educators are all in high demand due to the need for more accessible and cost-effective healthcare services. But with demand comes the need for proper accreditation.
Most online MSN programs are held to the same standards as their on-campus counterparts. Accreditation bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensure programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards.
In fact, many online MSN programs are integrated with clinical experiences which provide hands-on training, just like traditional programs. These clinical requirements, coupled with the flexibility of online learning, make students well-prepared for advanced roles in the nursing field.
The Role of Online MSN Programs in Addressing the Nursing Shortage
One of the primary advantages of online MSN programs is their potential to alleviate the nursing shortage. By offering a more flexible path to advanced education, these programs enable working nurses to continue their careers while pursuing higher qualifications. This flexibility is important in areas with high demand for nurse practitioners and other advanced roles, as it allows nurses to upskill without leaving the workforce.
The rise of telehealth and remote healthcare delivery has also created new roles for nurses trained in virtual patient care. Online MSN programs are well-positioned to prepare nurses for these emerging roles by incorporating telemedicine skills and remote patient management into the curriculum.
Are Online MSN Programs the Future?
The future of nursing education is undoubtedly leaning toward flexibility and accessibility, and online MSN programs are at the forefront of this movement. With technological advancements, the ability to cater to a diverse range of students, and the capacity to meet the growing demand for advanced nursing roles, online MSN programs are poised to become an integral part of nursing education.
While challenges remain, the benefits of online MSN programs are clear: they provide an opportunity for nurses to further their education, contribute to solving the nursing shortage, and embrace the future of healthcare delivery. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so too must the educational pathways that prepare the next generation of nursing leaders.
What to Expect After Finishing Your MSN Degree in Healthcare
Reviewing the Job Market
Moving into a higher chained career can be exciting but also a challenge to score. When you’re looking for jobs on the job market some of the best things to consider are:
- Start the process early to understand what jobs are out there and which ones may interest you. It’s also a good idea to network with healthcare providers on social media, look at online and newspaper job opportunities, and talk to others in the industry to see if there’s jobs going around. Doing all this can increase your chances of scoring a good higher level nursing job.
- Prepare your resume to highlight your best skills and degrees. Write down any projects you’ve helped with, researches you participated in and your certifications. Where needed, tailor your resume for the job you’re looking to get. A doctor’s office for example may need something different than a hospital. Overall, be professional.
- Prepare yourself for future interviews. Sometimes you’ll be tested on your communication skills, critical thinking, and if you’re able to handle stress. While you’re already adapted to handling stressful situations, higher up careers can set a new level of stress. Get someone to ask you hard questions so you can answer them to the best of your ability.
- Consider applying for other settings apart from just hospitals. Other options which may require MSN trained nurses are long-term care facilities, clinics, and home healthcare businesses. By considering all options you open the door to so many more opportunities.
Check for License Renewal
Once you’ve completed your degree you’ll need to check if your current nursing license is correct for you to practice in your new role. Some things to remember are:
- In order to be a registered nurse, you have to pass the NCLEX-RN or National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. These are final exam tests which will showcase what you’ve learnt, your ability and whether you have what it takes to provide safe care of patients. You can review the NCLEX study guides to help you prepare.
- Depending on where you live you may need to apply for a license for the state you want to work in. Some states have their own requirements and will need to do additional background checks before they issue the license.
Surviving Your First Year in Your New Role
The first year of your new high level career is generally the hardest. You’ll be challenged like you never have been before. In order to succeed during the first year some things you can consider are:
- Find a good mentor to shadow under so you can get the additional support and guidance you need to achieve your goals.
- Practice self-care while you’re on the job. MSN nursing roles are challenging and demanding. You’ll meet many people who may or may not be hard to deal with. Because of this try to keep yourself physically healthy, and mentally healthy. Eat right, stay active and work on relaxation techniques when you’re on and off the job.
- Work on building time management skills. You may be in charge of multiple patients, staff, or groups of people and this requires the need for proper delegation and the prioritizing of tasks. If you feel like you’re drowning don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Remember it’s a constant learning curve. Don’t think once your study is done you know it all. There’s so much more real life experience that can teach you. Don’t be discouraged if you have trouble grasping everything straight away. It takes time, practice and requires patience.
Explore Opportunities for Further Advancement
In 2022, there were an estimated four million nurses practicing in the USA. Three million of these were registered nurses, 258 thousand were nurse practitioners, and 632 thousand were licensed and vocational nurses. (2) This shows there’s a lot of career opportunity around.
Once you’ve been in your new nursing role for a while, you may want to start to advance your career even further. Apply for additional leadership and management courses to help improve your work in the industry. Some management roles you could step into are:
- Chief nursing officer (CNO)
- Director of nursing
- Nurse manager
Management roles are in demand as the healthcare industry needs more leadership and direction in many different areas.
Understanding Personal Challenges of Your Career
MSN nursing roles, while rewarding, can make your personal life more challenging as well. Some issues you may encounter along the way are:
- Maintaining a good work-life balance can be difficult when you first start out. You may run longer on shifts. Try to set boundaries for yourself and work on prioritizing those boundaries so you don’t burn out.
- Work on ways to help deal with stress. Different healthcare careers can become high pressure environments, and it’s important to develop coping strategies which can help improve your ability to deal with stress.
Embrace the Rewards of MSN Nursing Roles
Overall MSN nursing positions can be challenging but it’s one of the most rewarding professions you can work in. Some of the rewards you may experience while working as a nurse include:
- You have the ability to make a difference in the lives of not only the patients but also their families. Providing care, comfort and overall support during a patient’s most challenging time is one of the best things you can do in your job.
- You have long term job security as there’s always a high demand for MSN skilled nurses in hospitals and other healthcare businesses. The demand will always be there meaning you’ll have long term job security.
- You’ll have the ability to find a healthcare career that you’re interested in. You may be able to pick and choose the environment and career you want to work in, giving you the ability to work in fast paced or slow paced environments.
- You’ll grow personally and professionally because you’ll have a chance to not only build confidence but also work through day to day challenges.
Endnote
Becoming an MSN skilled nurse and finishing your degree is a big step towards your future. By taking the time to understand what you can expect after you graduate can go a long way into preparing you for the challenges ahead of time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on the journey and remember you’re still learning and it’s ok to ask for help. MSN degrees are the future of nursing education, so why not start your journey today!
References:
- U.S Bureau Of Labour Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook Registered Nurses https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
- Statistia, Nurses In The US – Statistics and Facts: https://www.statista.com/topics/8337/nurses-in-the-us/#topicOverview
Author Bio:
Esme Wang is a copywriter and content strategist. She helps businesses stop playing around with content marketing and start seeing the tangible ROI. She loves writing as much as she loves the cake.
Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Manager Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification