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Discussion

DNP vs. PhD

Hi,

I'm a 2nd year graduate student at Villanova University in the MSN Nurse Educator track and I'm thinking of pursuing a doctoral degree. I'm currently 23 years old and graduated with my ADN in '09, and my BSN in '10. My clinical background is in labor and delivery and I have over 2 years clinical experience.

I'm not sure if I should just delve right into a doctoral program? Am I required to work a certain number of hours or years before I can start pursuing a doctoral degree? I really like the academia world, but I never want to leave the hospital. I love working on the floor and no matter what I do, I'd always like to continue working as a staff nurse.

Thanks!!!:lol2:

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    • Expert

    Before you enter a doctoral program ... it's usually best to know what you want to do with it. Since you don't seem to know yet, I would suggest waiting a bit. Given a little more experience as a nurse, you may find yourself gravitating towards a career path for which getting one or the other would make more sense.

    If you want to remain a staff nurse for your whole career, there is no need for any sort of graduate education. And if you have the extra $50,000 (or whatever) lying around and can afford to get a doctoral degree "just for fun" ... it doesn't matter which you pick: do whatever seems the most appealing to you.

    But assuming you are not wealthy, I recommend waiting until you decide on a career path -- one for which a doctoral degree would be helpful. Then you will know which degree would best suit your needs.

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    My advice would be to go the PhD route and start now. If education and academia are what you like then go for it. Also, there is a lot of school money, free tuition, and/or loan reimbursement for would be nursing educators. Some schools will actually waive your tuition AND give you a stipend (you have to do some GTA type stuff, but still...)

    Catch you say? Why yes...you have teach full time when you are done, and usually for a number of years. But you could do worse than a guaranteed job doing something cool. And don't worry, you don't have to leave the bedside. Many educators work part time or PRN shifts because they still love it and/or to keep their clinical skills current/relevant.

    I don't think the DNP route fits what you are trying to do. It may be a bit faster, but at your age that would be less of a factor. In any case, good luck with your decision and congratulations on your success thus far.

    Ivan

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    • Author

    Thank you both so much!!!!! Thankfully, I still have another year before I graduate with my MSN so I don't have to choose anything at the moment. I'm thinking I may lean towards the PhD and start by taking 1 class at a time, that way, I never lose my foot in the school realm!! Thanks again :)

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    • Expert

    Your plan seems like a reasonable one to me. It keeps 1 foot in school while you mature a little bit more as a nurse to help you make a good decision.

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