Depending on what type of education you went through to become an RN different options will be open to you. There are three educational ways to become an RN: an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a diploma. If you have an associate’s or a diploma you will seriously want to take a look at some of the RN to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs because having a BSN opens up a lot of job opportunities and promotion possibilities in the nursing field.
Once you have a BSN degree you will want to take a look at getting an MSN. An MSN takes usually two years. An online MSN degree will allow you to work while also completing you degree in your time off.
With an MSN degree there are four areas of specialization that a nurse can go into, they are: clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners. Clinical nurse specialists are involved in specialized clinics, such as psychiatric clinics. They provide care and consultation that is specific to that type of clinic. Nurse anesthetists are involved in the administration of anesthesia. Usually they work closely with anesthesiologists and are involved in large hospitals before and after surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. Nurse midwives provide care to pregnant women including most of their medical needs such as gynecological exams, assistance in labor and delivery, etc. Finally, nurse practitioners are involved in general practice settings providing care to families and individuals.
Getting an MSN and specializing is the next step for an RN. After specializing, the hours tend to get shorter, the pay rises, and many nurses feel that the work becomes more rewarding. If you do not have a BSN then look for a RN to BSN program or a RN to MSN program. If you have a BSN, take a look at some MSN programs.
