Nurses serve an invaluable role in medical facilities, and it is not surprising that these positions can be extremely appealing to many people. However, there are often misconceptions about the options available to nurses that are wanting to advance in their chosen careers.

Myth: Careers in Nursing Have No Room for Advancement

One assumption that will often be held about nursing is that it will be difficult or hard for individuals to advance in this field. However, there are many ways that a person will be able to qualify for more advanced positions. Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing degree can be one of these options, as this is the highest degree that a person can earn in nursing. This will allow them to qualify for a wide range of positions that can bring higher earnings and greater responsibilities. When starting the process of pursuing this degree, it will be necessary to choose a specialization. Considering the importance of this choice, you should consider both your current career goals as well as your long-term career goals so that you choose a specialization that provides you with the most flexibility.

Myth: Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Will Require You to Completely Stop Working

While some nurses may appreciate the advantage of having this degree, they may assume they will be unable to pursue it as they will not be able to stop working. Luckily, it is not always necessary for students to completely stop working while they are pursuing this degree. However, it will be advisable for them to prepare for reduced hours at work as the demands of a Doctor of Nursing program can be extremely time-consuming. Some programs may work with students to structure these classes so that they will have as small of an impact on student's work schedules as possible.

Myth: A Doctor of Nursing Degree Will Only Prepare Individuals for Research-Focused Careers

Another misconception about pursuing this nursing degree is that it is only for individuals that wish to transition to a more research-focused career. This does not have to be the case, as there are doctor of nursing programs that are designed with a more clinical approach. Students that graduate from programs with this emphasis will have a greater understanding of management and care techniques that are suitable in both large and small clinical settings. This type of program can be ideal for students that prefer working with patients rather than conducting research or teaching.

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