Doctoral degree to become an NP???

Published

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is calling for the requirement of doctorate in nursing for advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists. This new degree will be called a Doctor of Nursing Practice and, if the AACN has its way, will become the entry level for advanced nursing practice.

AACN Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing

I don't thinks folks are equating the DNP to an MD. But some think that changing professional programs to the doctorate level is a means to indicate that other health professionals aren't "below" doctors but instead are professional equals.

After all, why the change? PT and pharmacology doctorate programs don't require nor grant master's degrees. Why not just call them professional programs? Perhaps because a "doctorate" program sounds so much MORE professional.

Health care is getting more and more complex and practitioners do need to know an awful lot, so perhaps the shift to a doctorate education has a basis in changes of educational needs. From the outside, though, it doesn't look like it's the content of the programs that has changed much, just the title of the degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To those of you that have NP's...the only reason I wanted to become an NP is for the more advanced level of care...it seems like doctorate-level nurses are under high-pressure to do research studies...etc...I don't really care anything about that (other than to stay abreast of current research to stay current in my chosen field).

Is there room for folks in the medical world that have no desire for research?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

There OUGHT to be - after all why shouldn't patients get the best we have to give? When they build a program with a strong clinical background I will come. Until then I have no interest.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in family practice, women's health.

It is interessting to read all these responses to the doctoral degree NP. I just finsished my FNP degree in Ohio. I had 740 hours of clinical experience and it took me 3 years at an almost full time status to get this degree. The program I graduated from is now starting a DNP program next winter. There is talk they will elliminate the MS track before too long. The DNP program WILL be 4 years (full time) in length. They still haven't told us how much additional time it will take if we decide to return for the DNP. Instructors are speculating at least 2 years. I feel very well prepared based on the degree being a master's degree. Though I will agree, you never feel or are truly prepared enough when you start working. I am awaiting my certification test through ANCC and am job hunting. So far, there are not alot of jobs available in the Dayton area where I live. Most of what I have seen posted are the larger cities, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, etc. The pay range here seems to be mostly mid 60's to mid 70's. I was earning that as a nurse manager at a local hospital! I am discouraged by the lack of organization within the medical and especially the nursing profession. You certainly see physician's sand up for each other, why don't nurses? I went to school for this degree not to compete with physician's, not to need to become doctorate prepared but to use my knowledge as a nurse and be a good mid-level provider. But I am discouraged by the lack of opportunity locally and the pay. I think I should earn a little more than I did as as BSN prepared nurse. Especially with the increased liability. So, to get to the point of my posting, I agree the more education the better your knowledge and skills, but I believe it is a mistake to make it mandatory to have a DNP as an NP. There are alot of great MS prepared NP's taking excellent care of their patients. Most imprtantly, we as nurse no matter what level, need to join forces, get organized and stick together to make our voices heard on important subjects such as patient care. We need to quit quibbling over topics that aren't important, help our new gain experience and competency and stand up for our rights as nurses. Write you legislators frequently, become politically active.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in family practice, women's health.

It has been a very long time since I had a physician treat me with lifestyle changes, they always write scripts. I believe you are educated but certainly don't totally understand nursing and NP's and the way we practice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pulmonology/Critical Care, Internal Med.

I wonder if part of the reason we can't get "our voices heard" is due to our historical role of being seen but not heard. Susan Gordon wrote a really good book on that subject. Perhaps some would hope the DNP is a way of showin that Nursing is not just a caring art but its a highly knowledgable discipline that requires years of study but just also happens to combine caring and compassion.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in family practice, women's health.
Yes Dave, I agree. Prairnp- Could you please give us the source of your research , I'd like to read it. Yes, I think practicing skills at a basic level in any profession makes you a better advanced practitioner-that's why we have internships, clinical practicuums etc. They only prepare a student for a general experience in a field-not a specialty practitioner. Sorry, the argument that an RN with no clinical experience in their speciality is on par with one who jus has "book Learning" is illogical and possibly dangerous!

I went through my FNP program with a group of nurses of varying experience. I studied with 7 people in particular. One was a young man who kept going on after his BSN. Though he is sharp, I spent many an hour helping him because he had little experience. I think overall he will end up doing well, but you can't stack 10-20 years experience against 1-2 years, there isn't a comparison. I believe all nursing beyond the basics should have a minimum number of years before going on to an advanced degree that involves alot of autonomy. I also believe the DNP should not be filled with more theory but more practical knowledge such as patho, pharm, X-ray reading etc. My MS-FNP program was 65 credits in length. I don't believe I should need another 2 years for a DNP based on the amount of education I have received so far. I haven't researched any dnp programs since I am almost 50 and don't feel the need to continue at this point. I don't think it would be financially reasonable to accrue another 20-30K at this point in my life. It will be interesting to see if the DNP really does become the requirement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
II also believe the DNP should not be filled with more theory but more practical knowledge such as patho, pharm, X-ray reading etc. My MS-FNP program was 65 credits in length. I don't believe I should need another 2 years for a DNP based on the amount of education I have received so far. I haven't researched any DNP programs since I am almost 50 and don't feel the need to continue at this point. I don't think it would be financially reasonable to accrue another 20-30K at this point in my life. It will be interesting to see if the DNP really does become the requirement.

How many master's dergees in other areas (education-music-microbiology .....) require 65 credits? I think you will find programs that allow the MS FNP with experience to complete the DNP in less than 2 years and part time. These new dnp programs will acknowledge your MS degree and work experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
How many master's dergees in other areas (education-music-microbiology .....) require 65 credits? I think you will find programs that allow the MS FNP with experience to complete the DNP in less than 2 years and part time. These new DNP programs will acknowledge your MS degree and work experience.

This is one reason I like the DNP idea, most masters degrees are 36 credit hours. There are still some NP prorams that are in the 30 credit range but most are 50+. This is giving appropriate degree for the number of credits taken.

Jeremy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know if you can base the determination of master's or doctoral degree based solely on the number of units required.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) at Univ of Michigan is a 60 credit hour degree program with over 900 hours of field work required.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Case Wester does an MS to DNP bridge that is 25 or so hours - but it costs out the WAZOOOOOOOOOO! And requires travel.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMERGENCY, FAMILY MEDICINE.

well, i have read all 26 pages of this thread... and i am still interested. i am hoping to start my fnp in spring of 2008. thanks for this forum to keep us informed. i really have a lot of questions, but i will do my; own resarch before sounding like a idiot.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion