Should I pursue DNP FNP?

Specialties Doctoral

Published

Specializes in ICU, Triage, Home Health, primary care FNP.

I have 10 years of experience as an RN. I'm 40, live in Seattle, I work per diem, and I have two children 3 & 5, and my spouse has a decent job but I will have to take student loans. Is DPN worth it? I want to work in primary care and have been wanting to go back to school to get my NP for years. I would like to take about 1-2 classes per semester, so I might end up being in the program for 7 years, which I don't mind. For those of you in the program or have finished the program, what are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance

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Specializes in DHSc, PA-C.

It's only worth it if you think it's worth it. You could save time just doing an MSN program. Compare MSN vs DNP and consider if there is an end goal advantage to having the DNP over MSN.

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Specializes in psych/medical-surgical.
It's only worth it if you think it's worth it.

That sentence.. lol

It's worth it depending on what you want. If you want a change of lifestyle, a different job, more autonomy, more responsiibility, the ability to make more money, differnt hours, etc then you should do it. If you think you will be happier as an NP then do it. You can always go back and work as an RN if you have an MSN.

Totally agree though do MSN then you can get the DNP later if you want it.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

With the exception of mortgages I don't do anything I can't pay for up front. I'd recommend saving up so you you can pay for the tuition then do the MSN first with the DNP if you feel it is worth it to you after you get established.

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.

Hi there:

I am currently starting my fourth year (part-time) in a DNP/PMHNP program. My gripe about the DNP program is that it's too research/social issue focused. We've had 4 classes, just on the principles of research. I've also had classes on Family Health, Community Health (3 classes), Informatics (that was more programming based, not about learning an Electronic Health Record). After 3 years, I'm actually just starting my clinical rotations this semester.

The main benefit of the DNP program is that you can go teach at a University (if that's your calling). Clinic wise, I don't see any advantage of a DNP

over an MSN degree.

Just my two cents.

Johnny

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