Happy with your credentials?

[Cwoods]

Almost as if on queue, the professors of my MSN FNP/AG-ACNP program are pushing for DNP. I understand the push for terminal degrees. It looks good on paper, woo hoos, hugs, and high fives. But realistically, it will be *at least* 2 more semesters for me.

Should I delay graduation and providing for my family for another year? It seems like 10 years down the road I would be thankful for getting a terminal degree (i guess?), but the short-term seems pretty terrible. I realize there will always be an opportunity to go back to obtain the DNP, but would it be wise to just get it while my hand is on the plow?

My question for actual, practicing NPs -

1. Are you glad you got your DNP? Why?

2. Are you glad you didn't get your DNP? Why?

3. Does it really matter?! Why?

Sirl and Trauma, please leave this in this group! I want to hear from licensed NPs, not from MSN/DNP students. Thanks!

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

1. Are you glad you got your DNP? Why?

I am glad I got it out of the way, it makes me more comfortable for whatever future lies ahead. The way I see it, it is never going to hurt me and may help me in some form or another down the road, either in practice or in academia.

I also "just like" having a terminal degree. There is a feeling of completion there in a job where otherwise you can never stop learning.

2. Are you glad you didn't get your DNP? Why?

I wouldn't have done it if I had to pay for it.

3. Does it really matter?! Why?

It matters but not in many significant ways. It opens doors to academia. It prepares for the future. It engages practicing NPs in a number of different ways. I think it is good for the profession moving into independent practice from a purely superficial standpoint.

.

More or less, this is how I feel about it as well. I don't want to teach right now but I think I might in the future. I also want a terminal degree and want to get it out of the way. I do wish there were more merit and practical application of it for my current practice, but that is unlikely to find. So what I am doing, instead, is making it matter and taking as much advantage of it as I can.

Next scope, as I've joked, is to get an MFA in Musical Theatre.

[gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN]

I would love to have a DNP , however, I own my own practice and see no value in doing free clinicals at someone else's practice.

Plus I am 56 years old. Age wise, I love to learn new knowledge but not spend the $$ for the terminal degree.

[RockMay]

Majority of MSN to DNP programs require no additional clinicals whatsoever (as they do not provide additional skills, just additional busywork).

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I would love to have a DNP , however, I own my own practice and see no value in doing free clinicals at someone else's practice.

Plus I am 56 years old. Age wise, I love to learn new knowledge but not spend the $$ for the terminal degree.

You shouldn't have to do clinical for MSN-DNP just FYI.

[gM_2010, MSN, PhD, RN, NP]

A reason to go for the DNP is that you would be better positioned from a career standpoint for a position in academics/teaching and/or clinical practice if the healthcare industry moves toward DNP.

[PsychBoss]

If I am working full time do I also need to get "clinical hours" while attaining my DNP? I don't mind taking one class at a time if I don't have to figure it a way to get

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

This is tough when you really want to get out there and practice. I will say though that it probably is worth it simply because it will only tack on an extra 2 semesters.

Down the road when you do decide to get it (if you pass on the opportunity now), it will be 5 or 6 semesters to obtain, and likely much more expensive. Tough decision but I think your gut instinct is right when you say a decade down the line you'll be glad you do it.