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A nurse's education is never over, as new healthcare research and technologies are always emerging. Furthermore, most nurses have a natural desire to learn as much as they can about their profession. However, not everybody is willing to put in the hard work it takes to move from BSN to MSN. On the other hand, the effort is more than worthwhile, as many proud MSN graduates will declare. Detailed below are a few of the greatest benefits of pursuing an MS in Nursing:
Improved Nursing and Leadership Skills
Nurses always want to improve their professional skills, but while major strides can be made in the workplace, there's nothing quite like getting in-depth with the latest healthcare research. That's exactly what aspiring nurse practitioners are able to do while enrolled in the MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner program, which offers new insight into the healthcare field, as well as valuable critical thinking and leadership skills.
More Responsibility
The average RN enjoys a great deal of responsibility these days, especially as compared to the duties held by nurses several decades ago. However, the increasing responsibility of the average RN is dwarfed by the decision-making capabilities of nurse practitioners, who play an expanded role in diagnosis, treatment plan development, and follow-up. Additionally, nurse practitioners have an expanded licensure to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Salary
The prospect of a steady job with good benefits is certainly enticing, but money is rarely the sole reason for pursuing a nursing career. When advancing from the BSN to the MSN level, however, income typically is a major consideration. Yes, nurses want to take on larger responsibilities and have a greater impact in the workplace, but they also want the six figures that often accompany those extensive responsibilities.
Research indicates that the MSN degree delivers that additional compensation, although MSN salary is largely dependent on location and career choice. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2014 mean annual salary of $104,740 for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners -- all positions that require an MSN. Yet those who work in hospitals can expect to earn the most, with annual wages often exceeding $110,000. In comparison, the median annual RN salary in 2014 was $67,490.
Specialties
Nursing at the RN level is fairly broad in scope, with nurses expected to know a little about everything. At the MSN level, nursing professionals are able to delve further into specific areas of study, such as oncology or pediatrics. Those with very specific career interests enjoy diving into their studies far more than they did as undergraduate students, and what's more, this enthusiasm spills past graduate studies and into the workplace.
Nurses who aspire to move into the role of family nurse practitioner are able to significantly enhance their understanding of everything from diagnosis to preventative care. The in-depth knowledge they gain allows them to make a greater impact on the lives of their patients.
Specialization is clearly a chief motivating factor among students enrolled in the University of the Cumberlands' Master of Science in Nursing online program. These students are passionate about family health and believe that their work in education and prevention can lead to improved health outcomes.
University of the Cumberlands is currently enrolling students in its online MSN program. This is the perfect opportunity for busy nurses to take the next step in their careers. From significant salary increases to family practice specialization, there are many compelling reasons to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing.
University of the Cumberlands has more than a 125 year extensive history, as does the vocation of nursing, and continues to support nurses around the world with online education options. Reach out today to find out if University of the Cumberlands' new Master of Science in Nursing program is right for you.
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