DNP seems like a waste...

cruisin_woodward · Nov 29, 2013

Not all DNPs are created equal in regards to clinical experience. My colleague received his DNP and I received my MSN around the same graduation date. His school was 36 months and mine was 28 months yet I did well over 200 more cases than he did. I have also seen some anesthesia schools start their DNP with a online semester before students start at the campus. Thus they did not gain any extra clinical time but they just added courses.

That is a MAJOR issue. They all need to be created equal. Should be an accreditation

requirement.

manusko · Nov 29, 2013

That is a MAJOR issue. They all need to be created equal. Should be an accreditation
requirement.

Well it's fine it they meet requirements to take boards. I had twice as many cases as needed to sit for boards. What I am saying is that a DNP program does not necessarily make you more ready to work in your chosen field.

allnurses Guide · Nov 29, 2013

That is a MAJOR issue. They all need to be created equal. Should be an accreditation
requirement.

They all meet accreditation requirements, but just like the MSN each program can either do the minimum or alter whatever they like as long as it meets the minimum accreditation requirements.

I don't think it is good for all programs to be exactly the same. Complete homogeneity of programs would lead to a small amount of diversity in the graduates, and IMO overall substandard care.

AtomicWoman · Dec 29, 2013

I would like to see some dnp programs that emphasize the skills needed to be a better *clinician*. A year+ out from starting my first NP job, I would love to take courses in advanced diagostic reasoning, advanced patho and pharm that focus on even more specific disease states, etc. At this point, I know where the gaps in my knowledge are and would love to do some advanced coursework, without having to apply to medical school!

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2013

will garner some kind of respect?! There is no scheme involved. Pharmacists/PT/OT noted that they had increased their credit hours to a point that the hours did not match the degree. Now these healthcare professionals are getting a degree that correlates better to the amount of work they do in school. I don't know about where you work, but with the occasional exception of some chiropractors none of our non-physician/dentist/podiatry staff are using the title doctor when introducing themselves.
By the way nurses are the most respected profession.http://www.angus-reid.com/wp-content...rofessions.pdf

I think anyone who has earned a doctoral degree of any sort deserves the title of Doctor. It's not exclusively MDs, though they seem to think it is...

SL2014 · Jan 2, 2014

I honestly see it as the difference between an ADN and a BSN. There is probably more opportunity. Also if someone else with an identical resume applies for the same job, one has an MSN, one has a DNP- the DNP will likely be given preference because of the higher education. That alone makes it not a waste.

allnurses Guide · Jan 2, 2014

I honestly see it as the difference between an ADN and a BSN. There is probably more opportunity. Also if someone else with an identical resume applies for the same job, one has an MSN, one has a DNP- the DNP will likely be given preference because of the higher education. That alone makes it not a waste.

I think a lot of depends on who is doing the hiring, if you are being hired by physician and there isn't a lot of DNPs/DNAPs in the area then they may see you as some kind of threat and not hire just based on the degree alone.

AtomicWoman · Jan 3, 2014

And some of those DNPs are extremely pricey. (Can you say, NYU???) I wonder how lengthy the payback time would be, even assuming a DNP would be given hiring preference. wtbcrna, I just happen to know someone who had the exact problem you mentioned. She got her DNP and the doc she worked for started making snide comments about how she must feel superior now, etc. This was a place she had worked for quite a while. He made her so miserable, she quit. I know that's just an anecdote and there is no way to predict how any one doc is going to react to a DNP. His loss, in my opinion. Why would you want to alienate a long-time NP?

allnurses Guide · Jan 3, 2014

And some of those DNPs are extremely pricey. (Can you say, NYU???) I wonder how lengthy the payback time would be, even assuming a DNP would be given hiring preference. wtbcrna, I just happen to know someone who had the exact problem you mentioned. She got her DNP and the doc she worked for started making snide comments about how she must feel superior now, etc. This was a place she had worked for quite a while. He made her so miserable, she quit. I know that's just an anecdote and there is no way to predict how any one doc is going to react to a DNP. His loss, in my opinion. Why would you want to alienate a long-time NP?

I think it just shows the true opinion of that physician towards nurses/NPs. I think as the DNP/DNAP becomes more common it will be less of an issue.

allnurses Guide · Jan 3, 2014

I took a proactive approach when I started my DNAP. I had a meeting with our medical director and told him I was accepted to school for my DNAP, and that I was getting my clinical doctorate with a focus in education so I could teach and that in no way did it have any effect on my scope of practice. I think that stopped any problems in my department before they even started.

nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP · Jan 3, 2014

You ARE getting advanced patho and pharm. not sure why you think med school pharm is any more advanced, it is not.Now if you talk about better clinical or subspecialty training such as radiology etc, I'm with you.

nomadcrna, DNP, CRNA, NP · Jan 3, 2014

We all had more than enough EBM in our masters. There are better things to teach in the DNP than MORE EBM.