[BrandiannRN]

I was wondering how everyone felt about going straight from the master's program to the DNP program with out ever working as an NP. I'm thinking about doing this, but people keep saying that I don't want to be over educated and under experienced, but I just really want to get all my schooling over with while I'm still in the routine!! Are my future job prospects going to be narrowed if I go ahead and finish my DNP right away? Will doctors/hopsitals not want to hire me?? I had always thought it would be good just to get it all out of the way....

[VivaRN]

Why at this point in your career do you feel a DNP is necessary? What would it enable you to do that you couldn't do as an NP?

Just curious

[traumaRUs]

I agree with above poster. What are your ultimate goals?

[BrandiannRN]

I don't believe it would allow me to do anything different in practice, but I do believe its a final degree and I would be "finished" While I have the money and time, I think its better to just do it instead of waiting and then getting married and having children and never doing it!!! I don't want to be 40 and say "man, I wished I would have done it at 24" I can get it down in one more year and be completely finished with my degree. Also, if they do get "rid" of all the master's programs I won't be considered old school with my degree. I guess I just really always wanted to "go all the way" and get my doctorate....what do you think...is that silly??

[traumaRUs]

Not silly but the programs for DNP that I have looked into aren't even fully developed. Do you have an option for a program that has clear cut goals. What would be your focus? What type of NP are you getting?

[BrandiannRN]

Fully developed? Arizona State's program is tied with Oklahoma's and its two full semesters and a summer. They pull credits from your master's program, and you have 560 more clinical hours....I'm not sure what you were asking??

[grad*student]

Since you're only 24 & don't have kids or other ties right now, and b/c you still have the motivation to do more schooling, why NOT just finish the DNP? Go for it.

[crazylilkelly]

i say go for it! especially given your situation. my college is switching to DNP only programs in 2009 ---but i'm applying for masters before the big switch!! i'm married & want to have kids soon, otherwise, i would go DNP myself just to get it outta the way.
do what you feel is right for you.

[traumaRUs]

Sorry Brandiann - what I was referring to was the development of the DNP degree itself. There is still much controversy over what this degree will do for us.

[BrandiannRN]

I completely agree about not knowing what the degree will do for us, but I keep thinking what if in twenty years it does do something (because in Oklahoma we don't even have a program) at least I will have it finished already.
I guess what I'm concerned about actually, is the job prospects. Peeople that I work with and go to school with keep bringing up that they hope it doesn't make it harder for me to find a job after i get out of school.
I'm already worried about getting a job, and I don't want this to make it worse...have any of you heard that getting your DNP before actually working is hurting job hunters?