Doctoral degree to become an NP???

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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

:typingI would like to know the answer to the request for differences in NP and DNP specialties. In rural areas how would DNP be used?What is the best specialty if you want to teach and practice?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
:typingI would like to know the answer to the request for differences in NP and DNP specialties. In rural areas how would DNP be used?What is the best specialty if you want to teach and practice?

The DNP is a degree. Just like the MSN, BSN, ADN, etc.

NP is one of 4 Advance Practice Nursing tracks:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

The NP has several specialty areas in which to practice such as Family Practice (FNP), Pediatrics (PNP), Women's Health (WHNP), etc.

The DNP is the terminal degree that is envisioned for all APNs to practice. It is envisioned for the year 2015 for NPs. Right now, the degree to practice as APN is the MSN.

So, there are no differences to be pointed out.

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:typingA speedy reply helps me refine my question.

Recently recruiters from a university offering a masters apn in 2 years additonal year of study yielding a DNP spoke to our RN to BSN class.

With graduation for us very close we're very interested in the next step. Specifics are important to us in making a decision regarding future education.

Is is accurate to say that np generally carries a masters degree? What could one do with a DNP that could not with a masters in apn? It seems to me there are always some differences that could be pointed out, that's how we expand our knowledge base. travel225

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Is is accurate to say that np generally carries a masters degree?

Right now, yes. All RNs seeking NP must have MSN; no exceptions. There are some NPs currently in practice with less than a Masters, but they were "grandfathered" into practice once the MSN became minimum degree.

What could one do with a DNP that could not with a masters in apn? It seems to me there are always some differences that could be pointed out, that's how we expand our knowledge base. travel225
If the DNP becomes mandatory (terminal degree), then one who is (after the envisioned 2015 date) educated as NP must have a DNP. The MSN-prepared NP will be "grandfathered" just like when the MSN became mandatory. No NP will be disenfranchised in the process.

So, to answer your question, "what could one do with a DNP that could not with a masters in apn?"........the answer is, "nothing". Practices will not change. The only thing changing will be the degree required to practice as an NP (the DNP as opposed to the MSN) and if one desires to be an NP, will be required to obtain a DNP (if this becomes mandatory).

Yes, there will be added courses, but the overall specialty practices will not change.

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Under the law of unintended consequences:

"

  • As part of the 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, CMS proposes to allow qualified Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to enroll in Medicare, even if the APN does not have a Master’s degree. Previous Medicare requirements stated that, after January 1, 2003, NPs had to have a Master’s degree to enroll in Medicare Part B.

CMS states that it will continue to study and monitor DNP nursing programs, state legislative action and state boards of nursing as the DNP degree issue evolves.

So right now a DNP cannot bill Medicare unless they have a Masters.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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You all have brought up valid points. But hasn't this discussion, I mean the minimum education requirement for entry to practice been around for more than 50 years? We, as nurses, can not seem to agree on the entry educational level into practice. This is an example of more of the same. But let's look at other professions; Physical Therapy and Pharmacists. And some other therapists require a doctorate to practice. It seems like a good move to me. I have looked into the DNP degree and it holds merit. I have been an NP for 11 years and yes, I am nearly complete with my PhD, however, when I started on my PhD some 6 years ago, the doctorate for entry as an NP was not part of the equation. I am very glad that I pursued a terminal degree and will be very happy once I get the dissertation completed.

There are many universitites that offer the DNP, and many are online to make the earning of the degree a bit more user friendly for working NPs.

Good luck in your persuit of continued education!

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PHD, I agree with you on this,

What specific attributes/traits are beneficial to patients and nurses by having the entry level NP degree being a DNP vs an MSN?

I've looked at the curriculum and see a large disparity among how schools choose to implement the DNP.

thanks!

v/r

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Specializes in Cardiology, Psychiatry.

I am currently working on my Master's Degree in nursing. My school currently offers the DNP program, however, they only offer two specialities, adult and education. There is a lot of work to be done if they want to include others, such as myself, considering I'm doing psychiatry. I'm hoping that I will be grandfathered in.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, RESEARCH, REHAB, HOME HEALTH, QUALITY.

nursing was suppose to be working on the BSN as being entry level and since that did not work really they have developed another level that can be controlled.. go figure..we still have alot of ADN programs out there..

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Specializes in ER; CCT.
nursing was suppose to be working on the BSN as being entry level and since that did not work really they have developed another level that can be controlled.. go figure..we still have alot of ADN programs out there..

And a few diploma programs left too.

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Specializes in Family Practice.

I have not problem with DNP.

I got my BSN in '84. There were NPs with less than a BSN.

Then it was MSN for an NP (which I finished in '93)

I would "love" to be referred to be in my Practice as "Dr Blank" rather than "Oh, Blank said that".

I am definitely in favor of it.

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I have found many postings about the positive value of the DNP - but it typically seems to revolve around the title of 'doctor' being used.

I personally believe using the term 'Doctor' in a health care environment strictly implies physician. I address my college professor, who also has an academic doctorate, as doctor in college and Mr in health care setting.... It's misleading to patients, confusing to staff, and truly where is the benefit?

You could be called Doctor unless your state already has a statutory restriction against it...check with your BON.

I'd like to hear more benefits of the clinical doctorate and to see how it is beneficial to patient outcomes.

v/r

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