DNP or NP? Experience first?

[twistncrewbabe13]

Hello,

I have some questions reguarding furthering my education after a BSN degree. I'm currently receiving my BSN in nursing at Grand Valley State University and will be graduating in December of 2008. Ultimately, I want to obtain an NP degree. Is it better to work first such as med/surg for a few years and then apply? I have had clinical placements on a med/surg floor and im not sure how i felt about it, but I do really enjoy the ER and considered that as a place to start if I did not continue right away with school. Im just not sure if there is a place they "prefer" you to have experience in?

Also since eventually they are requiring NPs to have their doctorate degree, is it better to go into a DNP program, or still first get my masters only and then see what is required? Obviously those NPs who only have their masters now will have to further their education somehow if a doctorate will be required right? I'm just wondering if it would be to my advantage to go for the DNP all at once. Any advice on these questions would be great thanks!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

You ask good questions. My take on it: find out what type of NP you want to do and then back it up with some experience. Or....if you can't pick out a NP track you want to do, get some experience first - because with some nursing experience you will have a better idea of which road to travel.

Also, those of us who are practicing APNs now will be grandfathered in to the system when they require DNP. At this point in my career (its suposed to happen in 2015 or 2025 depending on your source), I don't plan to return to school.

However, if we are sure the DNP requirement is coming, I would make the decision to do that from the start. This however, is just my opinion. Good luck.