DNP-Prepared Generalist APRNs

[matthewandrew]

As of now registered nurses are prepared as generalist clinicians, meaning they have different rotations and able to practice in any setting after graduation. But when they transition into advanced practice, they must decide which specialty program they want to go into CNS, CNM, NP or CRNA. Within these routes, a nurse must also decide between primary care vs acute care, family, adult, pediatric, psychiatric, etc.

I think this may be too narrowing for some nurses and the profession. I think there should be DNP programs that prepare candidates to practice in all fields of advanced practice nursing. I think this would unite and elevate the nursing profession.

Just a thought to put out there. I'd love to hear the discussion.

[nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP]

That is not what they are saying. Re-read again, only slower.

Really? You're talking about people completing one DNP program and being considered qualified to deliver anesthesia, deliver babies, manage psychiatric disorders, etc., etc., etc.????? Maybe I'm going to be the outlier on this, but I consider that one of the crazier ideas I've heard in a long time. Graduate education in nursing now only provides the minimum preparation to enter practice safely in a particular, specific specialty and role. I would certainly not be willing to be seen by anyone who had received such minimal preparation in so many specialties (talking about the "generalist APRN" degree, that is). How long would this "generalist" DNP program take? 10 years? As things stand now, people who find a particular advanced practice role "too narrowing" are welcome to pursue post-grad certificates in other specialties (and plenty of people do just that). IMO, watering down graduate education in nursing any more than we already have would do exactly the opposite of "unit(ing) and elevat(ing) the nursing profession." BTW, wtbcrna, psych is switching to a "lifespan" model and is eliminating the child, adult, and geri specialities (and eliminating the psych CNS entirely). The graduate programs are all switching over and, starting next year, ANCC is only offering a family psych NP certification, in line with the LACE model (and those of us who went to a lot of trouble to pursue education and expertise in a particular age group are getting kicked to the curb).

[JUSTanLPN]

That's a very interesting idea! Thank you for the response. I think FNP is the closest "generalist" APRN we have. I guess I'm just not a big fan of FNPs not being eligible to practice in acute care (except maybe in fast track ED). It differs with PA and MDs being able to practice in whatever setting and practice they choose after graduating. I think the DNP can be so much more. (Think of DO programs without OMM). Just a thought.

DO school without OMM is MD school lol

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

Not really as the NP does not get the generalist training before specializing. Except the FNP to a Certain degree.

Hi nomad. I was referring not to current/past training of APNs, but the future training model using Consensus standard. The new model places all APNs in the same pharm, phys, patho, health assessment courses before branching off into their respective specialties.