DNP as 2nd doctorate--worth it?

[mcnacht]

I am an FNP with an MSN, which I got in a masters-entry program after getting my naturopathic doctorate (in a state with ND licensure). If anything, I think the ND part has been a hindrance in finding NP jobs, but that's a whole different discussion. It would be more of a problem to leave it off my resume.

With the increasing numbers of DNP's out there, especially in my city with 2 DNP programs, I'm undecided about whether to pursue it. I'm very committed to not taking on any additional student loans, so I'd have to find a way to find an employer who will pay, or be in a loan forgiveness situation.

I'm just not convinced that having those extra letters after my name will really make any difference in opening any doors for me that my NP experience and/or ND don't.

Does anyone else have a doctorate in a different field? Any thoughts?

[nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP]

It makes no difference in practice but I've found that it does make a difference in a few ways.

Administrators tend to give you more credence, sad but true.

I found it fairly easy to get the bylaws changed so we are full members of the medical staff after my DNP vs before it.

I've found a difference in how physicians treat you, again sad but true.

Most DNP programs will not make you a better clinician, sad but true. Hopefully in the future that will change.