BSN to DNP

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Aug 15, 2011

I am in one now, but I have already finished the MSN portion (my school awards both degrees). It doesn't really save any time. I have a very hard time believing it can be done in 3 years for most people. Mine is 90 credit hours and will take a full 4 years, 9 semesters of full time study 3 of part-time at the very end. I have taken anywhere from 9 to 11 credit hours every semester. Doing it all part-time would easily take 5-6 years.

I am only the 2nd student at my school to go straight through the DNP without NP experience. The program is geared to those in practice, and I am at a significant disadvantage. In fact, I think there is a good chance I will not finish on time b/c I don't have the resources to implement my research project without a job and connections, etc. I think that fact is going to put me behind at least one semester, maybe two, bringing me pretty close to 5 years, 3.5 FT, 1.5 PT. I just don't see how 3 years is possible.

Also, my school is organized in cohorts. Another disadvantage for me is that I entered a cohort that had been together for a year. They all knew each other, and groups for research and projects (which are major, requiring a lot of travel), etc had already formed. It was hard to just jump into established groups. If something comes up and you have to change plans, you won't keep up with your cohort. I think starting and finishing with the same people is invaluable.

I'm an not trying to discourage you, I am a huge supporter of the DNP, obviously. However, I think schools, and the rumor mill, give a lot of people unrealistic expectations. I don't have any regrets, and I wouldn't do anything differently. In your shoes, I think I'd sit down with someone and ask to see the MAT plan, and ask for them to address exactly how a NP candidate with zero practice experience is going to complete their research and capstone project. Just picking a topic without experience is daunting!

I am loving my DNP education. Good luck to you!

Lovanurse · Aug 17, 2011

Hi! I am a BSN-DNP student. I started in Fall 2008 and will finish up in May. So it took me roughly 3.5 years. I did the FNP track and it required a total of 1368 hours. I will be the second graduating BSN-DNP class at my university. As far as capstones go...we are also separated in Cohorts, but unlike the previous poster, we are not doing anything in groups. We are all doing separate research projects sush as systematic reviews, retrospective chart reviews, best practice guidelines ect. We seemed to do ok as far as picking a topic as RN's. Most of my colleagues are doing research at their current jobs. There are alot of interesting subjects in light of our evolving health care such as Importance of Vitamin D, obesity education, compression only CPR, ect. You just need to find an area of need in your current practice and create your Capatone. If your not currently employed, you can always do small studies in your local school district. Obesity is big in children in Healthy People 2012. My advice is to start thing of your area of intrest now and work on your Literature Review as soon as you are taught how to do it. Then you won't be anxious and rushing right before graduation to finish your capstone. I love my DNP program also:-) Good luck in your future endeavors!

Lovanurse · Aug 17, 2011

Sorry about the errors. Darn iPhone auto-correct. But I meant to say we were required to complete 1368 clinical hours. (168 per semester).

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Aug 17, 2011

Just to clarify, the capstone is independent, but there is a lot of other work done in groups, including required congressional testimony.

wengreen · Aug 19, 2011

I just posted the same thing pretty much. I just did an application with Loyola Univ of New Orleans; a three year program. I hope to get in here since I have turned down by all other master programs.

Palliative Care, DNP · Aug 19, 2011

Wengreen-

That is where I was going to apply! Good Luck. Where else have you applied? I was also going to apply to Univ of AZ and Univ of South Alabama. Have they given you feed back as to why you have not been accepted?

wengreen · Aug 19, 2011

I also applied to a local univ:JU, USA and UAB. I WAS ROLLED OVER to spring at UAB. I hope to start Jan 2012 at Loyola.

keisha e · Mar 26, 2013

Hi! I am a BSN-DNP student. I started in Fall 2008 and will finish up in May. So it took me roughly 3.5 years. I did the FNP track and it required a total of 1368 hours. I will be the second graduating BSN-DNP class at my university. As far as capstones go...we are also separated in Cohorts, but unlike the previous poster, we are not doing anything in groups. We are all doing separate research projects sush as systematic reviews, retrospective chart reviews, best practice guidelines ect. We seemed to do ok as far as picking a topic as RN's. Most of my colleagues are doing research at their current jobs. There are alot of interesting subjects in light of our evolving health care such as Importance of Vitamin D, obesity education, compression only CPR, ect. You just need to find an area of need in your current practice and create your Capatone. If your not currently employed, you can always do small studies in your local school district. Obesity is big in children in Healthy People 2012. My advice is to start thing of your area of intrest now and work on your Literature Review as soon as you are taught how to do it. Then you won't be anxious and rushing right before graduation to finish your capstone. I love my DNP program also:-) Good luck in your future endeavors!

So for those who have not started the program.... do you have any advise for us once we get accepted into a program? Like little things that will help us to be sucessful starting out and making it?

Congrats to you!

Lovanurse · Mar 26, 2013

So for those who have not started the program.... do you have any advise for us once we get accepted into a program? Like little things that will help us to be sucessful starting out and making it?
Congrats to you!

Not to sound like a tape recorder but as stated above... My advice is to start thing of your area of interest now and work on your Literature Review as soon as you are taught how to do it. Then you won't be anxious and rushing right before graduation to finish your capstone.

This project will make or break your chances of graduating. Get started early

keisha e · Apr 13, 2013

Thanks lovanurse. One last question, who is the school district would be able to give permission o conduct a small research project? Thanks for the info.

Lovanurse · Apr 15, 2013

Thanks lovanurse. One last question who is the school district would be able to give permission o conduct a small research project? Thanks for the info.[/quote']
When you get a chance, look up International Review Board (IRB).
It is very difficult to get IRB to approve studies on children. With that being said, if it is non-invasive, such as looking at different school lunch menus or looking at what is being served in vending machines in different school districts, then you will have a better chance at getting your study approved.