Just changed my mind about needing a degree to move up in nursing

I always figured the only way to get off night shifts and into a management role was to go back for my BSN, which felt impossible while working. Then my supervisor, Karen, pulled me aside after a really tough shift and said, 'You already lead this floor every night, the paper just makes it official.' She pointed me toward a specific hospital leadership program that only required my current license and a year of charge nurse experience, which I already had. I applied on a whim, got in, and just finished the six month course last Tuesday. The whole thing cost about $1200, which the hospital reimbursed. Now I'm training for a day shift assistant manager position starting next month. Has anyone else moved up through a specialty cert or program instead of another degree?

2 comments

2 Comments

sandraf841mo ago

Wow, that's such an amazing and hopeful story! It really hits home because I've felt stuck in that same thinking, like a degree is the only door out. Your supervisor Karen sounds like the kind of mentor everyone needs, someone who actually sees what you're already doing. Huge congrats on finishing the program and landing that new position, that's seriously awesome news.

richard_roberts801mo ago

Man, this post is everything. That feeling of being stuck because you think you need some big degree is so real. Your story is a huge reminder that actual experience and a boss who gets it can be way more important. Congrats on making the move, that's seriously cool.