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

You are absolutely right SirI... sorry for the confusion. I thought that I was interacting with a Physician's Assistant-- as I am very interested in their point of view on the topic of whether NPs should have a doctoral degree; they have a unique perspective as fellow mid-level practitioners who are often colleagues of NPs.

I often question whether a DNP can make a bigger (for lack of better term) impact on the healthcare system. In that respect, I think that's where the niche for DNPs is... that is what I'm wrestling with in thinking of pursuing the DNP degree--- If there is a bigger impact on the system, does this translate to better patient care and outcomes? I tend to think in some respects it might.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Just out of curiosity do you have a source for this?

The only statement I can find from the ANCC is this:

http://198.65.134.123/Headlines/DNPSurveyResults.aspx

David Carpenter, PA-C

Here are the websites you are looking for:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/index.htm

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This is NOT a discussion about PA and NP. Nor is it a discussion about the ADN/BSN debate.

Further posts in this vein will be deleted.

I don't understand the objection. Is it just that the discussion is off topic, or are these two topics not allowed on this board?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I don't understand the objection. Is it just that the discussion is off topic, or are these two topics not allowed on this board?

They are off-topic for this thread.

These discussions are allowed on the boards, but to other forums/threads.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Here are the websites you are looking for:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/index.htm

That's the AACN. The statement was that the AANC would require a DNP to sit for the certification exam. The AACN does not have any power to compel programs or graduates to do anything. It does not accredit programs. Instead it is more a trade group for bachelors and higher nursing programs.

David Carpenter, PA-C

Up Vote Up Vote ×

At the bottom of that page is a link to the CCNE requiring the only doctoral degree that can be accredited by them is the DNP. (CCNE and NLN are the two credentialing bodies for nursing schools.) Interestingly enough, the document does not say that it is required to have a DNP--- Ya'll have a look at that, and see how you think it reads?

on a side note, CCNE is the body that accredited my FNP program... maybe this is where the confusion is?

-KJ

Up Vote Up Vote ×
At the bottom of that page is a link to the CCNE requiring the only doctoral degree that can be accredited by them is the DNP. (CCNE and NLN are the two credentialing bodies for nursing schools.) Interestingly enough, the document does not say that it is required to have a DNP--- Ya'll have a look at that, and see how you think it reads?

on a side note, CCNE is the body that accredited my FNP program... maybe this is where the confusion is?

-KJ

The way I read it (and have read it for some years) is if you want to have a practice doctorate accredited by CCNE, then you have to use the DNP. No ND or any other practice doctorate. Of course part of the problem is that in the original white paper, the DNP was supposed to be the practice doctorate for advanced practice nurses. However, since this is the only practice doctorate that CCNE allows it has also become the practice doctorate for non-APNs leading to considerable confusion. The CCNE continues to accredit masters level programs as does the NLNAC. Again as you state it does not reference a requirement for a DNP only that the DNP is the only practice doctorate.

I was interested in the statement that the AANC would require the DNP since that is one of three ways that the DNP will become mandatory. I still haven't seen any evidence that anyone will require the DNP any time soon.

David Carpenter, PA-C

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes David,

I agree... that's how I read it too. The last paragraph of the statement does contain some wording about requirement by 2015...

Of course, if the CCNE (and if NLN follows suit) requires the DNP then it will be of no consequence if AANC requires it or not. (Because graduates of an accredited program will have a DNP no matter what). Perhaps this is why AANC or AANP have not made specific statements, ect?

-KJ

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yes David,

I agree... that's how I read it too. The last paragraph of the statement does contain some wording about requirement by 2015...

Of course, if the CCNE (and if NLN follows suit) requires the DNP then it will be of no consequence if AANC requires it or not. (Because graduates of an accredited program will have a DNP no matter what). Perhaps this is why AANC or AANP have not made specific statements, ect?

-KJ

The issue is that neither program accredits APN programs. They accredit DNP or MSN programs (along with BSN for CCNE and diploma, ASN and BSN for NLNAC). They can't mandate the content of the MSN or DNP program only that it follows their accreditation standard. NLNAC continued to accredit at least two BSN NP programs for several years after Medicare billing and most state nursing acts required a masters.

David Carpenter, PA-C

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are a number of schools that are requiring a DNP to now exit with the advanced practice as an NP, CRNA and other advanced pratice tracts. One is the University of Iowa as of last fall.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What does mean for people who are in NP school or NP right now?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.
What does mean for people who are in NP school or NP right now?

We will be grandfathered in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion