Benefits of a Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Graduate education in nursing is the minimum requirement for a wide variety of leadership positions, including the following options for which you can prepare with the Master of Science in Nursing degree.
Clinical Nurse Leader
The Clinical Nurse Leader designs, implements, and evaluates care at the unit level based on professional standards, protocols, and research. Responsibilities include coordination of interdisciplinary teams in provision of quality care, promotion of best practices, and advocacy for care improvements. Web resource: www.aacn.nche.edu
Manager
The nurse manager/administrator is accountable for staffing, resource acquisition and distribution, and patient care services within a health care system. Responsibilities include development and maintenance of programs consistent with the organizational mission and vision, interdisciplinary collaboration for provision of quality care that is cost effective, staff support, and patient satisfaction. Web resource: www.nursesource.org/executive.html
Educator
The nurse educator develops and utilizes nursing and health curricula for academic preparation of new nurses, staff development of current health professionals, and community education projects. Responsibilities include provision of quality educational experiences based on the mission of their employer, needs of the students, and the latest scientific evidence. Web resource: www.nursesource.org/nurse_educator.html
Informaticist
The nurse informaticist serves on interdisciplinary teams with expertise in computerized systems designed to improve care decisions, provision, and outcomes. Responsibilities include system selection and development, staff education and support, and ongoing evaluation based on national standards for continuous quality improvement. Web resource:www.ania.org
Family Nurse Practitioner
A Family Nurse Practitioner serves as a primary practitioner for individuals and families across the life-span. Responsibilities include diagnosis and treatment, health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and counseling. Web resource: www.aanp.org
Clinical Nurse Specialist
A Clinical Nurse Specialist is a clinician whose expertise on a specific population or condition is utilized throughout a health organization to improve that type of specialty care. Responsibilities include administration of a specialty unit, design of research studies, consultation, education, and team leadership. Web resource: www.aacn.nche.edu
In January 2007, Salary.com reported the median salary for the following nursing positions:
| Case Manager | $56,175 |
| Director of Nursing | $100,452 |
| Nurse Manager | $80,266 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $77,334 |
| Nurse Education Coordinator | $66,337 |
| Nursing Supervisor | $70,434 |