Ok so considering nursing is rapidly moving towards a DNP as the basic standard to practice in the future, would it be prudent to apply for a MSN to DNP program even if I want to be a nurse practitioner? I've already earned an MS degree in another healthcare field & don't really want an other MS degree, but I want to practice as a nurse practitioner & also want to make the best use of my resources.

Any thoughts or ideas to share?

You'll have to talk with the specific schools that interest you to see if that is even possible. Some MSN-DNP programs assume that the person is already an Advanced Practice Nurse (NP, CNM, CRNA, or CNS) prior to admission. If you are not already a Nurse Practitioner, you may have to complete an NP program first before entering the MSN-DNP program.

However ... the are BSN-DNP programs. Assuming you already have have a BSN, such a program might be a better fit for you as those programs incorporate the NP education into the program.

From your original post, I am not sure exactly what credentials you have already earned -- and your current level of nursing education and experience would be a key factor in determining what education you still need to get where you want to be.

Finally, perhaps you just "mis-spoke" in your OP, but nobody is proposing the DNP as an entry into nursing practice. The DNP is a graduate degree designed to be added on to an entry-level degree (e.g. BSN or direct-entry MSN). The DNP focuses on advanced practice and assumes that the student is already a nurse and knows the basics. The DNP is not an entry-level degree.