Every other day we come across a situation where we have to decide and choose one option out of many. And many such choices during the course of our life shape our destiny. Similarly, a career is one of those critical choices. Consideration of a multitude of elements is vital while making this decision, and experts recommend that one should follow their passion above all when selecting a field. Students from today’s generation are much smarter and well informed than previous generations. They generally think long and hard, and weigh pros and cons before zeroing in on any particular field.
The profession of nursing has gained immense momentum in the past few years, and an increasing number of students are enrolling in it. Amongst other reasons, enhancing community wellbeing is a significant motivation behind their picking nursing as a major. The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought nurses to the forefront and given them an honorable label of frontline soldiers. That has made the world realize the importance of nursing and its integral part in our society.
The pursuit of a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree(MSN) is no child’s play and requires utmost dedication from students, but since the degree has plentiful benefits, the hard work is all worth it. The following are some of the benefits of earning a degree in MSN:
- Job Prospects
The job opportunities for an MSN degree holder are immense, as hospitals and clinics are always on a lookout for them. Besides, nursing is an expansive field and has various specialized courses. While getting a nursing degree, you can specialize in the following areas:
- Adult-Gerontology
Adult-Gerontology is a specialization in nursing that enables students to treat people from adolescence to old age.
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)/Physician Assistant (PA)
Nurse Practitioners are of various types, Family Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner are two of its key specializations. NPs generally work in clinics whereas, PAs specialize in a specific area of medicine. People often cannot figure out the difference between a nurse practitioner and physician assistant; however, they are two separate specialized courses. NPs follow a model centered on patients, but PA concentrates on a disease-centered model.
- Psychiatric-mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
A specialization in PMHNP equips students with tools and knowledge to deal with different types of mental illnesses.
- Executive Nurse Leader
As the name implies, an executive nurse leader is in charge of overseeing the delivery of healthcare services in a medical organization.
- Forensic Nursing Nurse Education
Forensic nursing is an emerging field and plays an indispensable role in bridging the gap between medicine and law.
- Career Advancement
MSN is a comprehensive degree that provides students with specialized tools to pave a way towards better career opportunities. The new insights and depth of knowledge that students acquire in an MSN degree open up many opportunities and possibilities and make them eligible for higher leadership positions in the nursing profession.
- Global Opportunities
Nursing is not bound to one nation; instead, it is a global profession. Nurses are high in demand in all parts of the world, and with a degree in MSN, chances are you can easily land a job in any country you desire. If you ever decide to relocate to some other place, a degree in MSN will not get in your way.
- Gain Expertise
Masters of Science in Nursing is a substantial step forward in a nursing career. While pursuing one of several specializations, students get in-depth knowledge and gain competence. Nurses often have to tackle life-threatening situations, so they need to have nerves of steel to handle the patients. The pursuit of an MSN degree gives them expertise and prepare them to be job-ready.
- Flexible Working Hours
Nursing is a profession that can be physically taxing and emotionally draining. Nurses usually work on rotation for long shifts. A degree in MSN gives you the license to operate in leadership positions, where timings are generally flexible. With an MSN degree, you can swiftly secure a job in a management role that offers a typical 40 hours work week.
- Satisfaction
After doctors and surgeons, nurses are the ones who dedicate their lives to the wellbeing of their patients. They show utmost love and care towards them day in day out. The profession of nursing is an ideal choice for people who want to give back to the community while earning lucrative salaries. Nurses regularly work to provide care; an MSN degree allows you to make decisions for the betterment of the nurses and the community at large.
- Teaching Credentials
A degree in MSN helps you in earning teaching credentials. You get a chance to expand your horizons, and at the same time, acquire an advanced degree in nursing, which allows you to teach in nursing colleges or universities.
Conclusion
Nursing is one of the rapidly growing professions, and experts have predicted that in the upcoming years, it will grow exponentially. People generally hold healthcare workers in high regard, and with the spread of COVID-19, the profession of nursing has earned profound respect among the masses. Nursing offers lucrative job opportunities, as well. A degree in Masters of Science in Nursing paves the path to more career opportunities, which significantly raises the earning potential. The advantages of a degree in MSN are far too many, but many agree that the primary benefit is that it gives you a roadmap to serve humanity.
