What is the difference between NP and DNP?

Specialties Doctoral

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I was looking into future possibilities through Arizona State University and noticed that all their NP programs are "DNP". Does this mean you get the title of Dr. once you get this degree vs the NP degrees?

I have a long ways to go, but I can't find the answer to this anywhere and it's confusing.

Thanks,

Amber

Not angry at all. I do not believe that dnps should refer to themselves as doctor in the clinical setting. It is confusing for patients and families. Why is it necessary to intro yourself in that fashion? Why isn't ok to say," Good Morning! I'm John, the Nurse Practitioner for the day."? Its because they want everyone to know they are doctorally prepared. Again, if you want to be called doctor, go to medical school.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

THink we can get back to the original topic of the difference between NP and DNP?

I think we have answered that one.

Specializes in ACNP, ICU.

its not necessary, but it is a title that was earned. If a patient is confused about something, educate them. If you want to be called a physician, go to medical school.

As ive said in previous post, times change. there is a new healthcare paradigm involving many types of doctors. This is a fact. These people may want to be referred to by their title. It does seem a bit hypocritical to a require a doctoral degree of a clinician in order to practice but not allow them to be referred to as such.

with that said.......DNP does not equal any more scope of practice (at this time) than an NP with a master's degree.

what if nursing kept both the DNP and masters degree? there could be a relationship similar to that of MD to PA. a key difference could be the ability of the masters NP to advance to DNP and earn expanded privledges. Just thought

with that said.......DNP does not equal any more scope of practice (at this time) than an NP with a master's degree.

what if nursing kept both the DNP and masters degree? there could be a relationship similar to that of MD to PA. a key difference could be the ability of the masters NP to advance to DNP and earn expanded privledges. Just thought

Are you suggesting that DNPs will eventually have a greater scope of pracice than today's NP? What would that be? Complete independent medical care without the requirement of a collaborating physician?? Admitting privileges??

Sooooo....will a DNP be a doctor, who is not a medical doctor, but can independently practice just like a medical doctor?? Doesn't sound like a "mid-level provider" anymore does it....

Specializes in ACNP, ICU.

while i dont think DNP education has quite reached a level of independent practice, I do envision a day where such is possible. I dont see why nursing cant create residencies and fellowships. Its only natural for nursing to want to evolve its scope as its educational requirements and body of knowledge expand.

I must repeat myself in saying that at this time, i dont think nursing education is where it needs to be in order to practice medicine independently.

Disinherited - DNP's, PhD's, and other people with doctoral degrees ARE "real" doctors. They are just not physicians. Therefore, it would not be "disinformation" as you call it.

The use of the "doctor" title by people with doctorates in fields other than medicine is technically correct and perfectly legal. Nurses with PhD's have been using the "doctor" title for years ... as have Psychologists, Pharm.D.'s, etc.

We all need to be clear though, when we communicate our role -- and we need to educate the public about the many disciplines they will encounter throughout life who have non-medical doctorates.

You seem to be unusual passionate in your post, disinherited. Does this topic hit some special nerve with you? Do you have some special reason to be so bothered by the topic?

I see you are a brand new member -- and that ALL of your posts so far have been bashing NP's. What gives?

There are a number of med students and phsycians posing as NPs on this board. Interesting they have so much time to come NP bashing instead of studying for their degree.

I am not a med-level provider. And I do not need a collaborating physician. Deal with it med students.

There are a number of med students and phsycians posing as NPs on this board. Interesting they have so much time to come NP bashing instead of studying for their degree.

I am not a med-level provider. And I do not need a collaborating physician. Deal with it med students.

It seems like you are referring to me about "bashing" NPs. I have not done that, and I won't.

Okay, you're not a mid-level, therefore you don't need a collaborating physician. But NPs do, just like PAs need supervising physicians. That is a great set-up, because, like it or not, mid-levels don't have NEAR the education or training that MDs have.

Oh, and I don't think it says anywhere in the websites term of service that you HAVE to be a nurse to post here. That means those darn med students and physicians are welcome to come here and discuss issues they are concerned with...guess you're just going to have to "deal with it nurse" :uhoh3:

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

We DO welcome non-nurses - no problem there.

The problem becomes when they are HERE to just nurse-bash.

The topic of this thread is what is the difference between NP and DNP and that question has been answered so since we are now treading further and further from that question, I ask that if you wish to discuss mid-level practice questions, that you start another thread.

Thanks.

Okay, you're not a mid-level, therefore you don't need a collaborating physician. But NPs do, just like PAs need supervising physicians. That is a great set-up, because, like it or not, mid-levels don't have NEAR the education or training that MDs have.

In case you're not aware, there are states in the US where NPs, Master's-prepared or otherwise, are ALREADY completely independent in practice and have no requirement or "need" for a collaborating/supervising physician.

(Not trying to continue the off-topic slide -- just wanted to correct the apparent misinformation.)

In case you're not aware, there are states in the US where NPs, Master's-prepared or otherwise, are ALREADY completely independent in practice and have no requirement or "need" for a collaborating/supervising physician.

(Not trying to continue the off-topic slide -- just wanted to correct the apparent misinformation.)

I was not aware of that. Do you know of a good source that lists what states do/don't require physician collaboration for NPs?

Oh, and to make sure we stay on topic....do you know if there is a difference in physician collaboration requirements between DNPs and NP? :smokin:

Specializes in ACNP, ICU.

Alaska, Arizona, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon and

Washington are among states that have enacted the most expansive NP scopes of

practice. In all of these states, the authority of NPs to practice independently includes the

authority to prescribe drugs without physician involvement.

retrieved from

http://www.acnpweb.org/files/public/UCSF_Discussion_2007.pdf

Oh, and to make sure we stay on topic....do you know if there is a difference in physician collaboration requirements between DNPs and NP? :smokin:

AFAIK, and someone correct me, please, if I'm wrong (I hate to give out bad information :)), there is no differentiation in scope of practice or physician collaboration/supervision requirements between Master's-prepared NPs and doctorally-prepared NPs. Scope of practice and supervision requirements are set by the state BONs (in some cases, in collaboration with the state medical board, but we've been moving away from that model for quite some time now) and the states do not differentiate between levels of educations for NPs (or the other advanced practice roles) -- you're either an NP (or CRNA, or CNS, or CNM) or you're not. That doesn't mean it couldn't change in the future, however.

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