FNP or DNP?

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Hello all,

I have always wanted the title of Nurse Practitioner or Doctor. However, I never really knew the difference between the 2 routes of FNP vs. DNP. I know both are the nursing route and both can prescribe meds and see patients of all ages and practice independently.

I just want to know from what will be most beneficial in 2015. I want the DNP but I heard it's not that common right now but will be in a few years or so.

Long story short . . . which one can I take and apply anywhere without having to go through some rigorous process such as delayed schooling because of lack of experience being a nurse (most people say you need at least 1 year experience of being a nurse before you get into NP school). I also thought about being a Nurse Anesthesiologist but am terrified when it comes to the mere fact of putting people out!!!

I would love for all to comment but I would like it if people just told me facts :) not if's or maybe's or their thoughts about FNP and DNP. I want facts about what you know from the 2 :) .. (i.e. a grad student, current nurse, nursing student, DNP, FNP, NP, or CRNA . . . get me drift? lol)

One more thing.... I know some people might say it depends on where I reside...if you're wondering...I reside in the good old state of TEXAS! :)

Thanks in advance!!!

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Specializes in Adult Nurse Practitioner.

I believe you are a little confused and it is not difficult! The title "FNP" indicates the role, or type of Nurse Practitioner: FNP - Family Nurse Pracititoner, ANP - Adult Nurse Practitioner, PNP-Pediatric Nurse Pracititoner and so on. There are two degrees in which the nurse practitioner can graduate with, one is a masters degree and the other is a doctorate degree. Currently, the doctoral degrees do not confer any advanced outcome to the practice of the nurse practitioner.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Moved to Advanced Practice Nursing forum for member advice.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to Student NP forum.

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Oh okay! I see. I just didn't want to start something then down the road, Realize that I should've have taken a different approach :)

thanks!!

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