BS-DNP Program

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Specializes in OB/GYN, NURSERY.

Hello everyone,

I have been doing a lot of research lately on furthering my education. I have looked into med school, PA school and NP schools-campus and online programs (NP or CNM was my original goal when I started nursing school). I currently am an RN-BSN with only 2 years experience, mainly OB. I saw that the University of Utah has proposed a BSN-DNP to launch Fall 2008. I was just wondering everyone’s feedback on this future program because it is something I would be very interested in. They are accepting applications in september so should I apply with only 2 years experience and feel confident that I will receive the proper education to become an NP with minimal RN experience? Do any other colleges offer a BSN-DNP program?

And

How demanding is a program like this (aside from the obvious). I guess I am wondering if I can do it with a family and two small girls. I have very strong study skills and graduated at the top of my class (ADN and BSN). Any advice would be great!

Here is the website for the program:

http://www.nurs.utah.edu/programs/dnp/dnpprog.htm

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I think that two years of experience is plenty to be able to apply to this program. If you are planning on working part-time or per diem, you will have 6 years of nursing experience by the time you graduate (if the program starts next fall). Even if you choose not to work, you will have enough experience upon which to build. As with any program, I'm sure that it would be challenging with children, but not impossible. Easy for me to say, though, because I don't have any children yet.

The program looks very comprehensive. Most universities are in the planning stages for DNP programs, but none in my area have actually implemented them. Will the University of Utah be eliminating the master's programs that lead to NP? Also, what will the cost of the program be compared to the former master's? I would find out this info before making a decision.

If you have the time and money to spend on this program, it might not be a bad idea. I do believe that there will be a push for the DNP. If you haven't already, you may want to check out the controversial thread on the NP forum about DNP programs.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, NURSERY.

KatRN, BSN

Thanks for your input. I will have to check into the cost and report back. As for the program, I emailed one of my past nursing professors and here is what she said about the program:

"Right now, they are rolling out the first semestser of the first cohort (?62 students) - half are NP faculty who will teach in the program in a few years. The other half are practicing NPs from around the state. They are finalizing the BS-DNP curriculum, courses, etc. What will be interesting is for the college to coordinate a BS-DNP while they roll out the MS to DNP. It is my understanding the college will not admit students for the Masters NP next Fall (08). For now, the MS terminal degree is reserved for those interested in Teaching Nursing, Informatics, Clinical Nurse Leaders, Midwifery and Psyche/Mental Health NP. All others - FNP, PNP, GNP, Neonatal NP, Acute Care NP, Women's Health NP, Community Health will all apply at the DNP level from this point forward."

I will check out the controversial thread about the program. Thanks for your advice.

TiffaniRN

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