The profession of nursing is tough! There is no denying this fact; however, it can also be one of the most rewarding careers to enter into! It is also the one that has the best reputation for maintaining the demand of future jobs out there. If you are an RN that is looking into ways to further your career, achieving your master's degree may be what you should do, plus now that the internet has made returning to school possible while being at home with your family, the reasons against this idea don't really exist.
Due to the demand that nurses continue their education, many schools are now offering a way for the two-year RN to skip the step of getting a bachelor's degree and going directly into a master's degree program. Through this, the length of time until graduation is reduced considerably.
For many nurses, that have been in the field for an extended period of time prior to the existence of the internet, memories of complicated enrollment and unavailable classes remain part of their past. Now you can start when you want and basically finish when you want! It is up to you and which program you choose that will fit into your schedule.
Unfortunately, there are less than reputable institutions that will promise you a master's degree that appears to be too easy or that you can earn in 6 weeks! Stay away from anything that just doesn't sound right, these are most probably "diploma mills" that for many states are considered a felony if used to obtain employment. Stick to accredited programs similar to those that you researched for your RN license.
Of course you must also decide what area you would like to specialize in. A piece of good advice is to take your time and explore each area that appeals to you in order to avoid one of the biggest enemies of all nurses - burn out! There are several areas that you can think about, such as a Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Practitioner for example.
Prior to applying to any program, you must of course take and pass the GRE (Graduate Requisite Exam). There are several online sites to help you prepare for this exam and they are free! One thing that you will find very different at this level is that you will not be required to complete any clinical which means that you can get your master's degree completely online.
However, there is an exclusion of finding a complete curriculum online and that is if you choose the field of a nurse practitioner. Since this will allow you to treat patients independently for wellness exams and minor illnesses, you will be required to complete "clinical" in this area.
Since you have come to the decision that you want to go back for your master's degree, you will be opening the door that can lead to great satisfaction and advancements. It is also a great way in which to make sure that you do not find yourself in the dreaded "burn out" status that many nurses have suffered from which caused them to quit this profession. In essence, you will be renewing your original reasons that you had for first choosing to become a nurse! Find online degree programs to learn at your own pace. Choose a school at eLearners.com that's best for you. Get a masters degree in nursing and gain more certifications.
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