Executive Nurse Leader vs. Nursing Administration: Online MSN Degree Programs

I am often asked what the difference is between a nurse executive leader and a nurse administrator.  In answering this question, the term “leader “ can be a differentiating factor.  A leader does what is right, a nurse manager does all the right things.  The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is the foremost authority on what skills/competencies make an effective nurse leader.  The website below has a list of all of the competencies.

http://www.aone.org/resources/leadership%20tools/nursecomp.shtml

The AONE is also holding their annual meeting in Orlando, FL March 12-15, 2014 at the Orlando Convention center South Building with accommodations at the Orlando Convention Center Hilton or the Rosen Center.  Student registration rates are $350 until Feb. 3 with a student ID and $425 up to Mar. 7. Details are at the site below.

http://www.aone.org/conference2014/

One of the best ways to help you decide if nursing leadership is for you, is to attend an industry conference like the one mentioned above and, or,  conduct an informational interview with an individual who does the job you think you’d like to also do.  Leaders are not necessarily born, but can be made with education such as an Online Masters in Nursing Degree.

Dr. Maggie

Online Master of Science in Nursing Degree Research Course Survival

Nursing research classes at the Masters in Nursing level can be intimidating.  A student may wonder why research and the examination of research design would be important.  As a Masters prepared nurse, you may be responsible for implementing changes in patient care or patient care operations including policy and procedures.  Understanding various articles and interpreting the information found in the literature for credibility and applicability is critical.  A nursing research class can help with this analysis of existing research.

Approach a graduate level research course from the perspective of a goal for the class is to understand the research process and learn how to analyze research for credibility and applicability in your workplace.  When going over course content be sure to ask your instructor questions if something is unclear.  Use Google to find out more about a particular topic to expand your learning.  Most of all, allow the time it takes for you to learn the course concepts.  Like any learning, some course content will  come easier than other course content.  Be sure to do some extra "asking" or Google searches about the topics you find confusing.  Often times there are some classmates who seem to "get it" and I encourage you to tap into those individuals and ask their ideas about things you may be unsure of.  Bottom line as with any course, you will get out of a course what you put into the course.

Dr. Maggie

New Year’s Resolutions: Getting that MSN Online Degree

Now that the Holidays have come and gone, getting to those New Year’s resolutions has become a priority.  Many resolutions stem from the desire for self-improvement and, or the desire to fulfill a life-long dream.  If one of your resolutions is to further your nursing education and complete a Masters in Nursing Degree, some online MSN programs offer high quality, a strong reputation, and the opportunity to learn and grow in the nursing profession.

When investigating an online MSN program, several areas and criteria should be used to select an online MSN program to further your nursing education.  A good place to start is the 2014 published report from US News and World Report rankings of online MSN programs, which can be found at:  

http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing/rankings?int=d8a949

Many well established, traditional campus programs, now offer online programs.  Select a program you can be proud of putting on your resume. Lastly, look for the mission and values of the MSN program, and ask yourself if these values and the mission of the program align with your own values and beliefs.  Chances are faculty in programs with similar values to your own will be a good “fit”. 

Happy 2014!

Dr. Maggie

Happy Holidays

I hope everyone out there has a wonderful Holiday Season! See back here on Jan. 8th with information on how to survive a graduate nursing research class........

Dr. Maggie

Negotiation Skills and Resources for the Masters in Nursing Online Student

Many nurses feel negotiation skills are reserved for high rolling business executives wheeling and dealing with multi-million dollar transactions.  In reality, negotiation skills are used every day, between us and our family members and between us and our co-workers.  A terrific quick read that will help you with “win-win” negotiation skills is a book called “Getting to Yes”.   With a break in course work for online masters in nursing programs, now is the time to pick up this book, which can be purchased used for just shipping costs from Amazon.com.

Dr. Maggie

Hand Washing Notice for Online MSN Student Use

Don’t you wish you could really administer a polygraph to your staff regarding hand washing?! 

–Smile-

Dr. Maggie

How to Transfer from one Masters in Nursing Online Program to Another

Sometimes you can find yourself in a Masters in Nursing Online program that just doesn’t seem to be a “good fit” for your learning needs and for work-life balance.  It is best to discover this lack of “fit” early on, within completion of two courses.  Most programs allow for a maximum of 6 credit hours or two courses to transfer into the new program.  When applying for a transfer into another program, it is important to have documentation of any course work completed.  The course syllabus including methods of evaluation, and any information related to assignments completed- helps make a determination if the prior completed course work is accepted for course work in the new program. Be prepared to possibly “start over” if the MSN Online program change includes a track change, say from a clinical focus to management focus, or vice versa. Evaluate the pros and cons, on paper regarding the change of programs to help you decide if a change will help your quality of life, or better meet career goals.  A change might seem daunting at first, but long term, could very well be the decision you needed in order to regain, motivation to reach your professional and personal goals.

Dr. Maggie