guidance to an lvn student

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 29, 2014

It's going to be tough to say exactly how long it will take you to finish a DNP and practice as an FNP. What you would need to have to qualify to be admitted to a DNP program is an RN license and a BSN.

NP's are not independent in California. However, you can by law set-up a practice seeing your own patients as long as there is a written Standardized Procedures that covers all the bases in terms of a collaborative relationship with a physician (who does not need to be physically present in the clinic and doesn't have to be licensed in California as a physician either).

If you intend to stay in California for all you schooling to reach your goal, you have quite a struggle getting in with the number of applicants in BSN programs in public institutions here (UC and CSU campuses). Private schools are easier to get into however. DNP programs in California are just beginning to get established but private institutions have been offering them for a while now (i.e., USD, USF). Some of the CSU's have now started DNP programs.

P.S. I am an NP with a Master's degree, not a DNP.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 29, 2014

Also, I think there are business laws in California that might prevent NP's from owning a health-related business without a physician owner.

Mica RN · Jul 4, 2014

I graduated with my ADN in 2 years, finished my BSN ladder program 1.3 years, and I will be starting my DNP-FNP program this fall. The program will take 3 years to complete. The average salary can vary depending on the state where you practice, but most statistics have the median salary at around $97,500. My co-workers are going to call me a Durse when I finish!

OCRN3 · Jul 11, 2014

I started with my LVN and now am a FNP, I did not get my DNP but it took me 8 years from point to point. I took very little time off in between school, mostly a year to get a feel for nursing first. Good luck!!!! If I would go get my DNP now, tack on 2 more years.