Columbia Psych Mental Health DNP

[tothepointe, MSN, RN]

Hi! I am looking for people who are going through or have gone through the program to answer some questions, as well as get your perspective on my situation.

Background: I'm currently a new grad med-surg pediatric nurse at a top 3 hospital. However, I'm really missing psych nursing and believe this is where my true passion is. I don't like the city I live in, and switching to an entire new unit within the hospital is out of question for me since I don't want to stay here past 1.5 years. If I choose to do Columbia's Psych DNP, I would leave my job 9 months into it.

Now for the questions:

1) Will I be at a disadvantage if I don't have psych RN experience prior to the DNP program?

2) How long is the program if you completed the MDE program? (I graduated from the equivalent program at a different school - so I have a direct entry MSN)

3) Does your school schedule enable you to work part time during the Psych DNP program? Will people even hire me as a RN in NYC part time as a new nurse with less than one year experience?

Psych nursing is my PASSION and I cannot wait to work with adolescents and young adults one day as a psych NP. I love that Columbia's Psych DNP program has components on psychotherapy. I am just worried about the timing of starting this program, as well as not having psych RN experience.

Please give me advice, thank you!

[Brittany Daniel]

Hi! I know it’s been a long time since you posted this, but I’m wondering what your experience was? Did you end up going to Columbia for Psych DNP, and how did it go having graduated from a different masters entry program? I was recently accepted for Columbia’s Psych DNP, and these are questions I have as well. Thank you!