DNP for nurse practitioner?

zenman · Dec 14, 2010

I have recently noticed that some schools are getting rid of their MSN programs in the near future (for example- UPitt and UPenn) to make way for the DNP. Are all nursing schools going to be doing this? Is this 2015 date really concrete for this transition? I'm graduating with my BSN in the spring and have always wanted to be an NP but I'm not sure about getting the DNP. Thanks for your help.

Bunch of sticky's here on the DNP.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Dec 22, 2010

Not sure how accurate it is that UPenn is transitioning to the DNP. They were the first to voice their opinion against it when the idea started floating around though things can change I'm sure. See http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=nrs

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Dec 27, 2010

Juan, you are correct. To say that Afaf Meleis is extremely opposed to the DNP doesn't even come close. I sat with her at a dinner last year and she was very firm in her opinion, and I don't see her wavering. It is a blow to me because I have loved and respected Afaf for years, and her approval means more to me than my own mothers! However, rumor round these parts is that Amy Guttman feels very differently, and in the end it is she who will prevail.

Honestly though, while the 2015 date is probably not hard and fast, I think the DNP as entry to practice is inevitable. My own PCP is a NP with just an associates degree in nsg who has been in practice for 30 years, lol, so I think those presently choosing the MSN route will be fine. I just doubt that option will be there indefinitely.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Dec 28, 2010

Well, Kathleen Dracup is now the former dean of UCSF (she stepped down to become part of the faculty) and rumor was that UCSF also stated something along the lines of "we will never offer the DNP in our institution". Don't know how her not being dean anymore would affect future DNP plans in that instiution.

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Dec 28, 2010

Only time will tell. I never met Dr Dracup, but i suspect she is from the mold of Afaf, lol and it doesn't surprise me that they share a similar philosophy. I have long believed that Afaf will not stay in academia, but rather find a very good position in HHS, or WHO, etc. The DNP issue may hasten such a career change. Afaf is such a strong and great advocate for nursing, we are lucky to have her representing us no matter where she lands! She and I do not agree about the DNP, but there are few people in this world who inspire me as much as she does, and I'm so grateful to know and work with her. (I do not work for PENN, I work with her in a different organization at which she volunteers her time & leadership - don't want to mislead.)

dunitrazzy · Jan 3, 2011

I am currently in my first semester of an ADN program and I do wish to pursue an NP as well. I have a BS Animal Science (pre-vet) and I have found that a good majority of programs (mainly MSN) require a BSN prior to admission. For a DNP I am assuming they would require either an MSN or BSN prior to admittance, does anyone know? Also are there certain things I should be looking at when I am considering colleges for advancement? I was a bit naive about ADN programs and after I moved to another state I found the program I was accepted into is currenly in progress for obtaining NLN accreditation (my class was informed that their is absolutely no reason for the college to not pass accreditation and the program will be accredited by the time we graduate), so now I am considering finishing out my first year, taking an LPN course and trying to transfer to another accredited school.

Any advise at all would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks!

Trauma Columnist · Jan 3, 2011

And...traumarus stands back and watches the continued in-fighting among our so-called nursing professionals fight it out....knowing that the DNP as entry-level to APN practice being about as realistic as the BSN as entry to practice was 30 years ago.