DNP vs MSN

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Hi,

I'm posting here vs the student forum because I'm curious what active FNPs think. I have been accepted to 2 different programs. One is a Masters and the other is a Doctorate. The price is actually the same, and both are online enabling me to work full time while attending. The masters is 2 years and the doctorate is 4 or 5 years. I'm curious what the opinions are and pros/cons of each degree. Thank you!

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I did it because it was free, I thought I might need it down the road, and it helped with continuing ed.

My biggest problem with the DNP is that there is no evidence that it improves outcomes. The data is the most important thing to me, and in this case, there just isn't any. People have "called me out" on supporting a BSN entry while not supporting a DNP (or not supporting MD superiority over NP) and it is for this exact reason: I support what the data demonstrates to be true, otherwise it is just degree inflation.

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There are better 10 dollar books on amazon that teach negotiation. Business plans are worthless except in trying to get a loan. And if I wanted to read about healthcare I could do it via another 10 dollar amazon book. So for what I think it was babyNP probably paid 20k for I did for 25 bucks and a box of crackers.

I cant go buy an NP license on amazon, hence why I took the classes.

Plus I mean really, who wants nurses that more than likely never owned a business to teach them about writing a business plan lolol.

DNP is the pointless dastardly child of a psychology degree, mba, worthless level research gig.

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Specializes in NICU.

Aromatic, you could say the same thing for any degree (including a medical degree). I haven't paid a single cent towards the degree (nor do I intend to do so). The business plan was one assignment for one of the classes (indicated by my commas but I guess I didn't make it clear enough), not an entire class- and the lecture for it was done by a MD. nicktexas, I think you're right- although if you do BSN-->DNP you get 1,000 actual clinical hours, which isn't something you get in a MPH or MHA or a MSN. The DNP is less helpful for MSN-->DNP IMO if that is what you are considering.

I think this will be my last post on this thread because the rabbit hole is starting to deepen, but best of luck to the OP in whatever decision they make.

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

I just bought an NP license on amazon. Amazon.com: PEACE LOVE NURSE PRACTITIONER Career Metal License Plate Frame Ch.: Automotive

There are better 10 dollar books on amazon that teach negotiation. Business plans are worthless except in trying to get a loan. And if I wanted to read about healthcare I could do it via another 10 dollar amazon book. So for what I think it was babyNP probably paid 20k for I did for 25 bucks and a box of crackers.

I cant go buy an NP license on amazon, hence why I took the classes.

Plus I mean really, who wants nurses that more than likely never owned a business to teach them about writing a business plan lolol.

DNP is the pointless dastardly child of a psychology degree, mba, worthless level research gig.

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Here is another thought...

If you want to build a stronger clinical skills or further specialty competence - then consider applying to some of the increasing number of NP Fellowship programs available. Most are 12-18 months - and often cover topics usually not taught in school, and go to much greater depth - many times working closely with Medical residents at the same institutions.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I completed a BSN to DNP because a terminal degree was my goal. If I had gone the MSN route I never would have gone back. I took many classes that will never help me in the work environment. I spent countless hours and dollars for an editor on a Capstone I will never use. It was the longest 4 years of my life. Honestly, if I was looking at programs today then I would not choose the NP route. In my opinion the educational curriculums need an overhaul. I would choose PA or Med school. No PAs don't have independent practice but they graduate with many skills that were barely brushed over at least in my program. I don't ever want to write another APA formatted paper again.

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Specializes in Med Surg Tele.

Gawd I hate APA too.

I think OP needs to ask...what degree would yield the most amount of income, at the cheapest rate, in the least amount of time, from the most respectable university? The balance of those four factors would influence me the most.

The way i see it, I can get personal enrichment from a yoga class (or from a good amazon book).

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
Here is another thought...

If you want to build a stronger clinical skills or further specialty competence - then consider applying to some of the increasing number of NP Fellowship programs available. Most are 12-18 months - and often cover topics usually not taught in school, and go to much greater depth - many times working closely with Medical residents at the same institutions.

Excellent suggestion however why the heck aren't they required as part of our education?

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I completed a BSN to DNP because a terminal degree was my goal. If I had gone the MSN route I never would have gone back. I took many classes that will never help me in the work environment. I spent countless hours and dollars for an editor on a Capstone I will never use. It was the longest 4 years of my life. Honestly, if I was looking at programs today then I would not choose the NP route. In my opinion the educational curriculums need an overhaul. I would choose PA or Med school. No PAs don't have independent practice but they graduate with many skills that were barely brushed over at least in my program. I don't ever want to write another APA formatted paper again.

Nice someone actually spit out the Kool Aid, lol. :D Seriously though thank you for sharing your experience and view point.

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For real, cant wait till im done with school so i can relinquish my NP credential and write the nursing board a nice long huge letter on why I was ashamed on holding a degree that is so easily tossed around to everybody who can pay for it.

Ill include how I plan on using my experience as an NP and future MD to write papers and articles to governing bodies letting them know that NPs should not have any type of autonomy because their education is a joke and that nurses are trying to do what they should never be allowed to do.

I actually never plan and dont believe (entirely) the above sentence I wrote but by giving them a scare it will at least make them mad and maybe quiver a little bit since somebody who will have experienced both can actually enlighten the population on the educational differences.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
For real, cant wait till im done with school so i can relinquish my NP credential and write the nursing board a nice long huge letter on why I was ashamed on holding a degree that is so easily tossed around to everybody who can pay for it.

Ill include how I plan on using my experience as an NP and future MD to write papers and articles to governing bodies letting them know that NPs should not have any type of autonomy because their education is a joke and that nurses are trying to do what they should never be allowed to do.

I actually never plan and dont believe (entirely) the above sentence I wrote but by giving them a scare it will at least make them mad and maybe quiver a little bit since somebody who will have experienced both can actually enlighten the population on the educational differences.

If you decide to offer practical proposals on how to improve the quality of NPs who are admitted and graduating I'd be all over supporting you in doing this research-email me when the time comes. I'll probably be retired with nothing better to do than torture legislators with my various opinions on ways to fix what ails the country. :D

The truth is I find it surprising that the physician's organizations haven't jumped all over this now that so many programs are 100% online, admitting anyone who can pay the tuition and require no previous RN experience. Sorry folks but it just doesn't look good and justifying it by highlighting the need for additional providers is pathetic.

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yeah once im done we should. esp if your retired and im in a psych residency (supposedly the most laid back specialty in the world we could totally toot some horns and leak lies presented to the lay public. which honestly by spouting the truth it would benefit nurse practitioners too, excluding the ones who wouldnt want a stronger curriculum, which they just need to stick with nursing anyway if they have that mentality

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