A fnp with a ph.d in nursing

Published

Hi, I am currently in a BSN program. I eventually want to get into a MSN/FNP program after I graduate, from there I want to get a doctorate in nursing. The reason I want to get a doctorate degree is to optain the highest degree possible for my career, attain lots of knowlegde in my field and hopefully with a doctorate will be able to get a job easily, along with many other reasons. I was just wondering if I should get the Ph.d or the DNP. I am leaning toward the Ph.d degree becuase it seems to be the most respected. I wanted to get the DNP initally becuase I thought it was intresting that it focuses on the clinical aspect of nursing, but I am hearing too much negativity of nurse practitioners getting a DNP. I have been hearing that some people think its a "fake" degree for a nurse who wants that "doctor" title. I'm not sure which path to take, what do you guys think? Should I go for the DNP or the Ph.D?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, FNP.

You need to "research" what the PhD is all about and in "Clinic" talk to some DNPs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

The DNP is supposed to be a practice degree, but I think it's still in it's formative stage and needs to evolve a bit more. A PhD is geared more towards research and teaching, not practice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It's too early -- both in the evolution of the DNP degree and in your personal career -- to expect to make a decision on that question. Don't take on problems and dilemmas that you don't have to take on. By the time you have to make that decision, the situation will have evolved and your choices may well become more clear.

The situation with doctoral education in nursing will continue to evolve over the next few years -- and as it does, things will "shake out" a bit. Give that a chance to happen. Also, you will evolve as you gain experience as a nurse. The career path that would be the best path for you will become more clear as you discover your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences as a nurse. You'll come to "know yourself as a nurse" and begin to get a sense whether or not a clinical doctorate or research doctorate is the better fit for you. Give that personal growth and discovery a chance to happen before you force a premature decision.

You're lucky. You have time. You don't need to make the decision today. So, keep an open mind while you keep an eye on the developments in doctoral education for nurses and also on your own personal development as a nurse. Eventually, the best path for you will become clear as both you and the profession evolve.

llg, PhD, RN-BC

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP.

llg is wise. I struggled with the choice as well. I wanted to do a DNP in the beginning, but got discouraged by all the squabbling about it. After a while I was better able to discern what it is i really wanted to accomplish and the route to get there become clear. It will for you too as you grow and evolve in your career path. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

From what I have seen the DNP is morphing into a DNSc or one of the other FIVE doctorates we have. I'm thinking we, as a profession, have a massive inferiority complex.

When the DNP was first being bandied about it was "supposed" to be a clinical doctorate meaning loads of clinic time. Now it seem that they are crawfishing on the deal and making it 99% didactic/research.

Count me out on anything that does not have at least a 75/25 clinical/research split. preferably 90/10.

Someone at the conference in vegas was trying to convince me of the value of leadership in implementing evidence based practice. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PRACTICING THAT WAY ANY WAY!!!!!!:uhoh21::uhoh3:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP.

oops, wrong thread

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion