Deciding on a NP program

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  1. This is a discussion on Deciding on a NP program in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), part of Advanced Practice Nursing ... Well, now that I finally have a job as an RN it's time to research the continuation of my career. ...

    by Mar 17
    Well, now that I finally have a job as an RN it's time to research the continuation of my career. I had always planned on continuing on to NP though 15 years ago I had no idea exactly what I wanted to do. I bounced between the idea of getting both NP and CNM, but I find I want to work with children. That being said I don't want to pigeon hole myself into a narrow specialty, which is why I'm wanting FNP. I can always get extra training or even a post-master's certificate in peds.

    My trouble is picking which school. I can go to the school I competed my BSN with, but will have to wait until next year to apply. I am also researching Frontier Nursing University and Western Kentucky University. Both have the BSN to DNP option, my alma mater does not yet. I know I want to state rather local, meaning within my home state as if I do manage to do this I want to participate in commencement (yeah I know, not a big deal to some but for me it is). All three schools are pretty good, though Frontier's classes are all online.

    So I guess my dilema is online vs blended vs in person classes.

    Thanks for allowing me to think out loud. Insights?
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    by WildcatFanRN Mar 17 1:07 pm
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  3. 5 Comments so far...

  4. Mar 17 by
    Visit all of the schools you are considering and meet the faculty. Ask them what their passions are, what do they research? Do you share their interests? Do they inspire you? Apply to several schools. Of those that accept you, attend that which feels like the best fit.

    Good luck.
  5. Mar 17 by
    Thanks, I hadn't thought of that. I plan on visiting one this month, the other I might have to wait a little longer as it's a bit farther away.
  6. Mar 24 by
    Well, I visited one school and the feedback I got was not what I expected. I was basically told that because of my age getting a MSN-NP would be my best bet and unless I plan on teaching not to bother with the DNP as the certification exam is still open to MSN prepared NP's. I honestly never thought anyone would tell me not to go the DNP route because of my age. She did say ultimately the decision was mine of course, but that she strongly recommended the MSN route because it's quicker for me.

    I still plan on getting the DNP regardless of whether I do it as a post-MSN or BSN to DNP, so the advice pretty much cleared that school from my list.
  7. Mar 31 by
    Wow, Wildcat, how old are you? I wouldn't expect to hear that from an educator.
  8. Mar 31 by
    Quote from WildcatFanRN
    Well, I visited one school and the feedback I got was not what I expected. I was basically told that because of my age getting a MSN-NP would be my best bet and unless I plan on teaching not to bother with the DNP as the certification exam is still open to MSN prepared NP's. I honestly never thought anyone would tell me not to go the DNP route because of my age. She did say ultimately the decision was mine of course, but that she strongly recommended the MSN route because it's quicker for me.

    I still plan on getting the DNP regardless of whether I do it as a post-MSN or BSN to DNP, so the advice pretty much cleared that school from my list.
    I don't think it was typical age discrimination.
    Being younger your usually encouraged to take more risks and the longer but slightly more rewards for much later in life. Such as taking more risks on 401k when younger.