title: Strategies for Pursuing a Master's Degree.
abstract: Health care has become very complex and is in a constant state of change. As a result of the evolving change and increasing complexity, a more educated nursing workforce is needed (Dracup K. Master's nursing programs. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2015; Institute of Medicine. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. 2010). It is now becoming necessary for registered nurses to earn an advanced degree to work at the highest level of their practice authority (Dracup K. Master's nursing programs. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 2015; Institute of Medicine. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. 2010.). Preparing to reenter college may be an overwhelming prospect for some registered nurses seeking an advanced degree. However, there are some simple strategies that may help sort out the many degree options, financial obligations, decisions about brick and mortar versus online learning, commitment to degree completion, and changing career paths. This article will provide the registered nurse valuable information that will assist in the exciting process of returning to college.
authors.affiliation: Cynthia M. Thomas, EdD, MS, BSN, ASN, RN, is an associate professor in the School of Nursing at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Her lines of research are Transition to Professional Practice, Leadership, School Nurses and Autism. Constance E. McIntosh, EdD, MBA, BSN, RN, is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Her lines of research are Transition to Professional Practice, Leadership, School Nurses and Autism. Jennifer S. Mensik, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, is executive director of On Nursing Excellence and the Institute for Staffing Excellence, Mesa, Arizona.
authors.forename: Cynthia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Constance E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: McIntosh
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Mensik
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D020375:Education, Distance; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans