DON.....NP....MSN.....worth it?

I've been reading through some threads and watching the folks at work and wondering what the ups and down are from their point of view as well as the people here.
I see our NP's (and PA's) working so hard and I really don't know if they are "better off" than floor nurses. I also see my DON (who is truly an inspiration) working so hard and looking stressed out, yet still finding time to stop and see how the nurses are feeling, listening to us and trying to implement change.
How do those of you in these positions feel different from when you were doing the floor nursing jobs compared to now? Do you feel it was a change for the better? Worse?
I am continuing my education, but the rose colored glasses are off. I almost wonder if it's worth it when I see the strain on their faces. Hope I'm getting my question across, it's been floating around my brain for awhile now.