Doctoral degree and NP employment

[Penguins10, MSN, RN, NP]

I have been thinking about going back to school for a doctoral degree (leaning PhD but not certain).

I enjoy clinical work and could see myself moving back and forth between clinical and academic roles.

Has anyone had difficulty being "overqualified" or otherwise less employable in clinical roles after completing a doctorate (DNP/PhD). I could see some employers being less interested thinking you will move on to something else when you get the chance.

Appreciate any thoughts!

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Interesting. I could see people having that perspective if you are applying for a clinical position, but have a PhD. They might think you will bolt for the first tenured or academic job available.

While the DNP might have the same issue, it is seen as being more complimentary to clinical practice, and honestly most people don't know what it is. I had someone ask me if it meant "Doctor Nurse Practitioner" when I told them I was considering getting it myself.

The reality is I doubt either matters. If you are in an area when NP's are in demand clinically, no one will care.

[dianacs]

I have a PhD and work in a clinical setting. (I am not an NP.) In my case, the focus of my dissertation is quite applicable to the patient population. There are opportunities for me at my current job to conduct research should I wish, although I'm focused on direct patient care at the moment. When interviewing, I emphasized that the clinical setting is where I want to be. Not to mention that if I had wanted an academic position, I could have done so relatively easily as there are numerous nursing schools around here. I was actively seeking a clinical position and made this clear in cover letters, interviews, etc. Yes it's a little unconventional for a PhD but so what?

[elkpark]

I've known lots of PhD prepared RNs who practiced clinically. Some had joint appointments as part-time faculty and part-time clinical practice; some were not doing any formal teaching and had full-time practice positions. Some had full-time teaching gigs and worked prn in clinical roles to keep skills up. Most anything is possible ...

[Rathyen]

I think this depends on where you are. I myself have a MSN and cannot get a single phone call for any clinical positions. However, when I took that off my resume, I did. I've found there are a lot of experienced nurses that do not wish to have someone with more education working for them. The job I am in now, my supervisor tries to argue with me every day just to prove she is smarter and more experienced than I am.

[Penguins10, MSN, RN, NP]

Thanks everyone! It is helpful to hear multiple perspectives.