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A registered nurse (RN) is a graduate of an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) program. A nurse who goes to graduate school to earn a master's degree in nursing (MSN) can bring more to the work setting.
Functions
An MSN program prepares nurses to fill advanced practice nursing (APN) roles within a hospital or health system. These include nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and nurse anesthetists.
Significance
As health care moves away from the hospital setting and out into the community, employers find that APNs do a great job of meeting the needs of medically underserved patients in inner city and rural settings.
Insight
Employers are looking for MSN-prepared nurses to fill vital leadership roles as nurse managers and directors.
Benefits
Graduate school provides nurses with the theoretical and clinical knowledge base to influence political, financial and health care systems in a way that benefits employers.
Considerations
Nurses with an MSN can provide, design, coordinate and manage patient care in a way that ensures the best possible outcomes.
Source:
All Nursing Schools Program Types: Types of Nursing Programs and Nursing Education Options
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses
More Information:
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