Thirteen benefits of acquiring an advanced degree in nursing

Nursing is a constantly evolving profession. Older practices become obsolete, and new concepts or techniques take their place. As a result, current nurses have to keep themselves up to date with the latest knowledge to provide better patient care. You might think that once you have your associate’s degree and a good job, your connection with studying is over, but that is hardly the case. To advance in the nursing field, you will need further education.

After acquiring your basic nursing knowledge, your next step in nursing should be advanced degree programs. Postgraduate programs in nursing are academic programs that provide the latest knowledge and expertise to nurses. These programs consist of masters, doctor of nursing practice, and Ph.D. and are also available online so nurses can work and study simultaneously. Postgraduate programs in nursing equip nurses with a remarkable skill set that assists them in their future endeavors. 

Are you still confused if a postgraduate program is for you? Here are thirteen benefits you can gain from acquiring an advanced degree in nursing.   

1.  Higher Salary:

If you are looking for a higher salary, completing an advanced degree program can help. These programs boost the earning potential of nurses as nurses with enhanced knowledge and experience catch the eye of most employers. Employers are willing to negotiate or pay higher wages to well-educated nurses. For example, employers will pay a nurse $55 or more if she has a Master of Science in Nursing FNP Degree.

2. Better Career Opportunities;

Advanced degree programs can open doors to better professional opportunities. Nurses with advanced degrees can move into higher-level positions. They can work as leaders, educators, nurse practitioners, or anesthetists. Moreover, nurses can work in a range of settings like schools, clinics, nursing homes, insurance companies, and the government.

3. Fewer hours of work:

Another benefit of having an advanced degree is acquiring jobs with fixed work hours. Your working hours tend to be much lesser in comparison to those of registered nurses, and you do not have to work on weekends and holidays. Moreover, the grueling 12-hour long night shifts are no more a part of your work routine. 

4. Better Job Prospect:

Nurses with advanced degrees rarely remain jobless as there is always a post available that requires their expertise. Nurses with advanced nurse practitioner licenses have an advantage in the future as there is immense growth in this profession and a 40% increase in job opportunities from 2020 to 2030. Moreover, such nurses enjoy job security and retirement benefits.

5. Professional Autonomy:

One of the biggest pluses of earning an advanced degree is professional autonomy. Nurses studying advanced degrees develop clinical, analytical, and technical skills that help them work independently. They can diagnose, prescribe, and administer medications. Moreover, they can counsel patients and provide medical care on their own. Thus, advanced nurses face no work restrictions, and such nurses can work with a medical team or independently.

6. Become a mentor:

If you wish to shape the future generation of nurses, get an advanced degree. The knowledge and communication skills acquired through the advanced degree can assist you in mentoring your juniors. For example, you can teach your pupil various concepts, provide hands-on practice, and provide the knowledge necessary for better patient outcomes. Additionally, many new nurses are scared and unsure, but you can encourage them. Not only can you provide knowledge, but you can also support your junior nurses.  

7. Travel all over the world:

Not only will opportunities open in your country, but you will be able to work in other countries as well. Whether in their own country or abroad, skilled nurses are in-demand. Thus, expert nurses can travel to different world regions to serve underdeveloped areas, fill nurse shortages, or conduct research. Such nurses often enjoy additional benefits like housing, higher salary, and insurance. 

8. Personal accomplishment:

Graduating with a master’s or doctorate is not easy. It takes patience, dedication, and consistency to complete these degrees. However, once you graduate, you will feel accomplished and content. You will also attain personal satisfaction and a feeling of pride at how far you have come, and there is no one other than yourself to thank for it. Moreover, you will also feel professionally pleased, as you can now provide better patient care. 

9. Meet nurse shortages:

The Bureau of labor statistics (BLS) estimates that 175,900 nurses retire each year, which means 1 million nurses will retire by 2030. If these numbers are accurate, new nurses with advanced skills need to replace the retiring ones to prevent the healthcare system from collapsing. Therefore, there is a great need for experienced nurses. Once you complete your advanced degree, you will assist in keeping the healthcare system intact by preventing nurse shortages. Similarly, you will aid in the smooth working of the healthcare system and constant provision of care to patients.

10. Scholarships:

If your financial situation prevents you from achieving an advanced degree, you do not have to worry. Many advanced degree programs offer scholarship opportunities. These scholarships can bring down the tuition fees and lift the monetary burden off your shoulders. Moreover, nursing schools also offer scholarship programs to hard-working and determined nurses.

11. Research:

With an advanced degree, you become eligible to research on your own. You can explore the clinical, educational, or administrative aspects of nursing. You can investigate new diseases, their causes, frequency and find new techniques to cope with such health problems. Moreover, you can examine the healthcare system for any lacking and provide solutions to improve care. Thus, you will collect new data, analyze it, recognize patterns, and assist others in decision-making.

12. Become the future leader:

Nurses with advanced degrees can take on leadership roles. They counter challenging situations, solve problems, and strengthen the system. As a leader, nurses influence and inspire others. They actively participate in health policymaking and advocate for the patients, healthcare professionals, and the public. Moreover, expert nurses also work as managers. They maintain patient satisfaction, increase patient safety, and manage resources within the healthcare system.

13. Upskill your practices:

Nursing requires constant advancement and skill set enhancement. Achieving this is only possible through the provision of an advanced degree. Nurses enrolled in advanced degree programs can strengthen their nursing foundation and amplify their intellectual abilities. Moreover, nurses learn to skillfully conceptualize and analyze information which aids in broadening their vision and sharpening their skills.  

Conclusion:

Nursing is a gratifying profession that provides the chance to help others. To offer the best to patients: an advanced degree is essential. With an advanced degree, not only will you benefit the community but yourself as well.