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Being gainfully employed as a nurse can be one of the most beneficial things that can happen to a nursing professional. However, being regularly employed imposes limitations on a person’s ability to pursue further educational goals due to time and location constraints. Regular employment has definite time schedules which usually cannot accommodate simultaneous on-campus learning.
It is a good thing that advances in technology has allowed working professionals to pursue educational goals in spite of existing work and family obligations. Educational correspondence programs started it but now online programs have manifested its strength in providing educational opportunities for non-traditional students. Obviously, there are no more obstacles if one wishes to pursue further learning.
Working nurse professionals or those working in other industries can now enroll in RN to MSN Programs online if there is a desire to seriously pursue a career in nursing specifically those who seek to occupy leadership positions. With the stiff competition in the work environment today, every career person must have all the back-ups in the form of educational foundation and experience.
When employers are reviewing employees for possible promotion, the educational background and the extent of knowledge always form part of the basic qualifications. Although it is not absolute that people who have master’s or doctoral degrees are better than those armed only with a bachelor’s degree, the exposure to higher learning will count when all other things are equal. Thus, given the choice between two possible candidates having the same length of service, same attitudes, same social skills, and the same drive, a master’s degree can make all the difference.
There is a certain prestige in having employees armed with a master’s degree especially for management positions. Whether true or not, a master’s degree holder commands a certain respect for taking the time to improve their qualifications in relation to the work responsibility they hold. It also shows the employee’s determination to achieve personal and career goals.
Many have contented themselves with holding a nursing license, but it has to be noted that such a license may not be enough to get a high management position. Management positions carry more responsibility, than rank and file employees which is the reason why qualifications are more stringent. Employers just want to be sure that the leaders in their company are thoroughly equipped to handle the position they are occupying. Education has long been one of the reliable gauges of competence and ability and this is not about to change soon.
About the Guest Blogger
Lawrence is a nurse educator who handles classes in RN to MSN Programs online as well as on-campus.
Originally posted on November 30, 2012 @ 6:57 pm