Direct-entry MSN to DNP?

PMFB-RN, RN · Nov 11, 2013

Recently a professor approached me about applying to the MSN to DNP program at our school. I honestly hadn't given it any thought, as I've been so focused on completing my MSN, but I'm starting to consider it.
A little background: I'm in a direct-entry RN MSN-CNL program. I've done really well in school and I've been working as a research coordinator for my capstone which I enjoy. I also have 4 years experience working as a nursing assistant on an extremely busy med/surg-orthopedic unit, so although I don't have clinical experience as an RN yet, I do feel well-versed in time-management, triage, and critical thinking. (Obviuosly I have much to learn in clinical practice, but I don't really identify with "new" nurses because I do have hospital experience) The idea of working med-surg when I graduate does not appeal to me... I'm looking for a new challenge.
Anyways, back to my question. What is the benefit of a non-NP going on for their DNP? What kind of job opportunities would this degree provide to a student like me? I have an interest in pallitive care patients, does a DNP even make sense for this field of nursing?

*** We have a handful of nurses with DNP but who are not APNs working in our hospital. A couple work in education. 2 or 3 of them work as staff RNs and get paid the same, and have the same responsibilities as their ADN and BSN co-workers.

I am no expert in palliative care but don't really know what the benefit of a DNP prepared nurse would be in the setting, other than as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

I think everybody from CNA's to RN's to physicians will expect a nurse with a DNP to be an experienced and skilled bedside nurses at some point in her past. I can't really wrap my head around an DNP RN who has never worked as a nurse.

I can understand why med-surg would not appeal to you, but there are so many other areas you could work in from ICU, NICU, L&D and a hundred other areas. None of them appeal to you?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Nov 11, 2013

I think perhaps your professors are looking at your academic prowess and forgetting that you have- as of right now- no professional nursing experience. Flattering? Of course! Practical? Not so much.

I am an MSN who works as a bedside nurse and have contemplated doing a DNP program. I've also been encouraged to look into it by my director. But until I'm established in Staff Development or Research- I see no point.

scarletgray · Nov 12, 2013

Thanks, I have to agree. I couldn't really wrap my head around the benefit of a DNP without experience, I thought maybe I was overlooking something. I truly enjoy every area of nursing that I've been exposed to. I don't want to come across as not wanting to provide direct patient care, because it's something I love to do. The problem is I LOVE everything nursing and I just want to explore all my options. Ive been doing even more research and I'm having a hard time understanding why my professors would be so excited about DNP for me.. It really doesn't make sense without experience. It doesn't really seem like an asset at this point in my career. It feels more like a potential long-term goal really. Thanks for the insight though, it got me thinking and was very helpful!

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Nov 13, 2013

You could do the DNP part time while working but I would get a year's experience before I ventured into school. You might consider teaching after that. I know the instructors at the college my daughter is attending all have a DNP or PhD. They are now required by the university to get it.