RN to MSN - Career Benefits and Education Options

by Michael V. Gruber, MPH
A nurse in many cases holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The implications of an RN receiving an MSN go beyond patient care. Their education in leadership, research, and understanding the current political framework of the medical system allows an MSN to achieve greatness in the field of nursing.

Changing Course - RN to MSN

There are major differences between an RN and MSN. The education attained by an MSN opens the doors to learning the field of medicine that is similar to the work of a medical physician.

An MSN may choose one of many different nursing roles. They may be a Nurse Practitioner who diagnose and treat patients, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who provide anesthetics to patients in collaboration with surgeons, dentists, or childbirth procedures. Next we have Certified Nurse Midwives who provides primary health care to women, prenatal care, labor and delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, and many other care taking procedures necessary for women's health. Lastly, there is the Clinical Nurse Specialists who specialize in education, research, consulting, case management, and leadership.

National Implications of MSN

Managed care, Medicare, Medicaid, and hospital reimbursement issues are all realities of the current health care system. Many new nurses are unfamiliar with the national crisis occurring each day; a cloud of financial and political challenges that are within the medical system.

For an RN who seeks to make a difference in the current structure of our political system, they will be motivated to receive an MSN. An MSN degree offers the opportunity to deal with these issues head-on.

As medical costs continue to increase astronomically, the challenge is to cut costs wherever possible. Studies show that the U.S. could save up to $8.75 billion annually if MSN's were used in place of physicians (Thomson Petersons). Advanced practicing nurses with MSN's will be at the frontline to save money and treat patients, to diagnose and replace the role of the physician.

In addition, MSN nurses such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, midwives, and anesthetists, are in high demand, for the medically underserved areas of both rural and urban settings to serve as lower-cost primary care providers (U.S. Department of Labor). In rural settings in particular, there may be fewer physicians available and the MSN will replace the duties of the absent physician unless the patient requires the use of hospital facilities or advanced medical care.

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