Question:
Dear Donna,
I am interested in pursuing a master’s degree. However, I am unsure if I should take the nurse practitioner route, since my goal is to do breast cancer research. Which direction should I take?
Unsure
Dear Donna,
I am interested in pursuing a master’s degree. However, I am unsure if I should take the nurse practitioner route, since my goal is to do breast cancer research. Which direction should I take?
Unsure
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Unsure,
The only reason to pursue an advanced practice track versus another nursing graduate degree is if you wish to practice at an advanced level. To do research, education and most other things, you do not need to be an NP. Getting an advanced practice degree/certification is a big commitment and a whole different level of education and practicum. Many non-NP nurses are doing high-level research. So do whichever works best for you, knowing that either direction will take you where you want to go.
Best wishes,
Donna
Dear Unsure,
The only reason to pursue an advanced practice track versus another nursing graduate degree is if you wish to practice at an advanced level. To do research, education and most other things, you do not need to be an NP. Getting an advanced practice degree/certification is a big commitment and a whole different level of education and practicum. Many non-NP nurses are doing high-level research. So do whichever works best for you, knowing that either direction will take you where you want to go.
Best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nurse.com’s “Dear Donna” and author of “Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional” and “The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/Asktheexperts/Deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://Events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
