[krw35]

I am trying to understand what the differences in job opportunities, job responsibilities, pay, and day to day life would be between a nurse with an MSN and a BSN. Can anyone help me with this? Also, is anyone a CNL and if so, can you offer some insight into what that title means?

[Cammer]

Originally Posted by krw35

I am trying to understand what the differences in job opportunities, job responsibilities, pay, and day to day life would be between a nurse with an MSN and a BSN. Can anyone help me with this? Also, is anyone a CNL and if so, can you offer some insight into what that title means?

What does CNL stand for? I've never heard that title before.

[NavyJim58]

Originally Posted by krw35

I am trying to understand what the differences in job opportunities, job responsibilities, pay, and day to day life would be between a nurse with an MSN and a BSN. Can anyone help me with this? Also, is anyone a CNL and if so, can you offer some insight into what that title means?

Hi krw35........as a former CNL or Clinical Nurse Leader I'll give you my 2 cents worth of free advice.......I was Clinical Nurse Leader on an oncology floor for a medical center........we also had a department director and clinical manager.....my job entailed being part case manager, part clinical nurse educator, part patient advocate, and part clinical nurse specialist......I reviewed all patient charts.....worked with the disciplinary team to make sure the patients were receiving the care they needed.....I interceded on behalf of the patients with the physicians if that is what was needed.....I got all the physicians and patients family together for a clinical meeting if needed also......I made sure the staff had the training they needed but I did not do hands on nursing (only as an educator).......my main job was to promote the best care for the patient and get them out of the hospital on time.....making sure things were not overlooked......making sure procedures were handled on time.......I earned my money by getting the patient well and out of the hospital and saving the hospital money on excess patient days........I was not the boss but I had the ear of the king so to speak.....I worked closely with the CNO and chief medical officer.

I did not have a MSN when I had this job but I was enrolled in a MSN program. I got no more money with an MSN than I did with a BSN. However, the MSN allowed me to teach as an adjunct faculty member for a local college. Hope this helps.

[Cammer]

Originally Posted by NavyJim58

........as a former CNL or Clinical Nurse Leader.....

If I had just waited another minute I would have seen this!!

[NavyJim58]

Originally Posted by Cammer

If I had just waited another minute I would have seen this!!

Just missed you......Clinical Nurse Leaders have only been in the workforce a few years.....some universities now have CNL master's prepared programs.....I think its a good position but many hospitals can't afford them......if they have to choose they choose clinical nurse specialists over Clinical Nurse Leaders.....

[mshep12]

I haven't gotten my BSN yet, but I have found an article about the advantages of both BSNs and MSNs. It's at this url: Featured Schools - Online Nursing Schools and Programs Nursing Programs – Search Top Nursing Schools and Programs. I hope it helps!:luck:

[BerwynRN]

Originally Posted by krw35

I am trying to understand what the differences in job opportunities, job responsibilities, pay, and day to day life would be between a nurse with an MSN and a BSN. Can anyone help me with this? Also, is anyone a CNL and if so, can you offer some insight into what that title means?

You need a MSN to teach nursing or be a NP....otherwise:
This whole concept of a "CNL" is, excuse my bluntness...crap.
The very title is offensive. Are there any clinical physician leader programs out there? or clinical pharmacist leader or clinical physical therapist leader programs? No....because these professions have one educational path into their profession!

Rush University has decided to drop the BSN and offer only an entry-level generalist/CNL masters program instead...why? the public demands it? the "profession" demands it?...ha! It's pure economics. Schools of nursing do better financially with graduate level programs....

The rational for this "new" type of educational program is at best..weak. To those supporting this "new and improved" level of nursing education programs... they are fond of throwing around those dreaded and misused terms like: evidence-based practice (as opposed to voodoo-based? or It's-a-hunch-based practice...), improved quality of care (as opposed to promoting status quo) or even better...coordinating care and advocating for patients or facilitating interdisciplinary approach to care...come on, isnt this what all nurses are supposed to be doing?!?!?

As a former Nurse Executive, I wouldnt pay these CNL a dime more than other nurses; who have the same color license and same professional responsbilities!!!!

Nursing education and our nursing education "leaders" are in sad, sad shape...

[Gennaver]

Originally Posted by krw35

I am trying to understand what the differences in job opportunities, job responsibilities, pay, and day to day life would be between a nurse with an MSN and a BSN. Can anyone help me with this? Also, is anyone a CNL and if so, can you offer some insight into what that title means?

Hello,
I think it depends on much more than just the MS versus BS.

Example is there are BS qualified Nurses who are new graduate generalists and there are BS qualified nurses who are bridge from ADN who've been at the beside for years.

Now there are MS generalists who are new entry level graduates too, (I am one).

Edit to add: I went to school in Chicago, DePaul University.

There are MS programs which are clinical nurse leader core or nurse practitioner core or outright advanced practice nurse.

Degree alone is not enough of a qualifyer to discern job possibilities.
Gen
p.s. I know a BS RN who is a case manager and also know some who are MS, I know BS RNs who work in community health and some with MS...