Published Mar 6, 2023
WannabaNurse
61 Posts
Hi Everyone, I am thinking of going back to school for a DNP. I was wondering if anyone had a DNP or will get one and why you choose DNP over NP. Can a DNP work as a practitioner if they wanted to? I am still researching and hoping to get more insight. Anyone live in NYC and can recommend schools to look at?
JuliaM RN
26 Posts
WannabaNurse said: Hi Everyone, I am thinking of going back to school for a DNP. I was wondering if anyone had a DNP or will get one and why you choose DNP over NP. Can a DNP work as a practitioner if they wanted to? I am still researching and hoping to get more insight. Anyone live in NYC and can recommend schools to look at?
Hi! I'm applying to DNP programs and think I can offer some insight. DNPs are doctorally trained advance practice nurses and are most of the time able to work as an NP. There is actually a push currently for all future ARNPs to seek out a DNP education as opposed to an MSN. I have been accepted to both MSN and DNP programs and the biggest difference between the two, in my opinion, is just that the DNP additionally focuses on research and evidence based practice a little bit more. In both programs you will choose a specialty (FNP, AGNP, WHNP, ect) and will be qualified to take the certifying exam upon graduation. Some schools allow BSN trained nurses to go directly into a DNP program, while other programs require nurses to first successfully complete the masters program before seamlessly transitioning into their DNP program.
I hope this helps:) both degrees are amazing and will train you to practice as a proficient mid level provider. It really is up to you in what you think is best for your own practice!!
Thank you so so much!! This is very good information!
Also I should add, I only said that DNPs can most of the time practice as NPs because some DNP programs are for public health or education, etc and those programs don't train you to be an NP, but if you want to practice as an NP there are an abundance of DNP programs out there that will allow you to do that!
JuliaM RN said: Also I should add, I only said that DNPs can most of the time practice as NPs because some DNP programs are for public health or education, etc and those programs don't train you to be an NP, but if you want to practice as an NP there are an abundance of DNP programs out there that will allow you to do that!
I see! The one I am looking at have training as FNP and also midwifery. Thank you again!
cancernurse
6 Posts
JuliaM RN said: Some schools allow BSN trained nurses to go directly into a DNP program, while other programs require nurses to first successfully complete the masters program before seamlessly transitioning into their DNP program.
Some schools allow BSN trained nurses to go directly into a DNP program, while other programs require nurses to first successfully complete the masters program before seamlessly transitioning into their DNP program.
Did you mean continuing schooling (DNP) right after BSN grad?
Sylvia Offiong, BSN, RN
14 Posts
JuliaM RN said: Hi! I'm applying to DNP programs and think I can offer some insight. DNPs are doctorally trained advance practice nurses and are most of the time able to work as an NP. There is actually a push currently for all future ARNPs to seek out a DNP education as opposed to an MSN. I have been accepted to both MSN and DNP programs and the biggest difference between the two, in my opinion, is just that the DNP additionally focuses on research and evidence based practice a little bit more. In both programs you will choose a specialty (FNP, AGNP, WHNP, ect) and will be qualified to take the certifying exam upon graduation. Some schools allow BSN trained nurses to go directly into a DNP program, while other programs require nurses to first successfully complete the masters program before seamlessly transitioning into their DNP program. I hope this helps:) both degrees are amazing and will train you to practice as a proficient mid level provider. It really is up to you in what you think is best for your own practice!!
Why DNP did you end up going to? Did/do you like it?
Sylvia Offiong said: Why DNP did you end up going to? Did/do you like it?
I ended up getting accepted into Dukes MSN FNP program and that's what I'm doing. I will continue on to their DNP program following graduation is the plan.