Masters Degrees in Nursing Administration: A rose is a rose by any other name

You’ve decided to take the plunge, so to speak, and further your education by earning a masters degree in nursing administration. You decide to do a little research online, only to discover a bewildering array of masters degree programs with similar titles and combinations of titles. How do you know which one is best suited to your needs and career aspirations?

You will likely find that a search for a masters degree in nursing administration online will bring up the following programs/titles:

• Nurse administrator
• Nursing leadership and administration
• Nursing leadership and management
• Management and organizational leadership
• Executive leadership
• Nursing management

All of these programs will include some of the following areas of concentration:

• Legal issues/ethics
• Strategic planning
• Personnel management/development
• Budgeting and finances
• Use of information technology
• Quality and safety
• Health care challenges/trends
• Organizational reporting
• Research
• Health promotion and disease prevention
• Conflict resolution

What settings can you find work in?
With a masters in nursing administration (or a masters in one of the above-listed programs), you will be qualified to assume an administrative position in a hospital, community health setting, long term care facility, private health care organization, public safety facility or as an instructor in a nursing school/program. Your hours of work will likely be “business hours,” which will mean an end to shift work.

What type of person is suited to administrative work?
There are many qualities that people who are drawn to administration usually possess. Most important is a genuine liking for people, as much of your time will be spent dealing with patients, nursing staff, supervisors, members of allied health disciplines, physicians and other administrators. An affinity for math and numbers will also be an important quality to possess, as you will be involved in budgeting/capital expenditure/fiscal activities. Keeping abreast of the latest trends in recruiting, legal decisions, ethics and information technology will be important in your career in administration. Quality assurance will be a prime focus of your administrative duties, so an interest in this area will be to your advantage. In general, a friendly, professional, outgoing and approachable personality and demeanor will make you a very suitable candidate for nursing administration.

If you feel that a masters in administrative nursing is right for you, you may find it helpful to talk to someone already working in this capacity. Consider finding a mentor who will be able to describe their duties, the advantages and disadvantages of a career in administration and what they really enjoy about their job. A mentor can help you navigate your way through choosing and enrolling in the right program for you and may even act as a reference for you when you find a program. Once you have found the nursing administration degree program that is right for you, you will be well on your way towards an exciting new career full of opportunity and personal fulfillment.