Interested in getting an NP

[localgirl85]

Lately I've been thinking about getting a Nurse practitioner degree. I currently live in California. I have a Bachelor's in Nursing. I've hurt my back so my nursing career is awfully limited to pediatrics, teaching, or clinic jobs, that's why I've been thinking about getting an NP. I have a few questions in regards to this:

1. I've heard a lot of rumors that it is best to get a DNP now instead of just an NP. How does everyone feel about this; is a doctorate necessary and will it be required in the future to practice as an NP?

2. Does it matter which state you get an NP from, or can you work in all states with your degree?

3. In California and Hawaii mainly, but other states as well, does anyone know which hospital systems pay for you to get your NP degree? I know there is usually a requirement to stay at those hospitals for a certain amount of time after you graduate in order for them to pay; I just can't seem to find info on which schools pay for the advanced schooling...?

4. Is the pay worth it? Is it that much more than what an RN makes? I know in rural areas it probably is, and big cities probably not - but just curious your thoughts.

Thanks everyone, any input is much appreciated!! :)

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to the Student NP forum for more replies.

[babyNP., APRN]

No, the DNP is not required right now and it will probably be slowly phased in as schools stop offering master programs. There are still NPs practicing with certificates, so I can't imagine a state requiring existing licensed NPs to get their DNP. Probably not a bad idea if you're going to have a long career ahead of you.

Your program needs to be accredited and have appropriate classes, namely the three Ps, patho, pharm, and physical assessment- that is done across the lifespan per the Consensus Model guidelines. Any program worth its salt will have this. A couple of states adopted the guidelines early and so some folks had to re-take some classes if they weren't "across the lifespan" i.e. some PNPs took pediatric pharm instead of pharm for all ages as per their program and had to take another class to get licensed.

I don't know about any but you'd probably have to call up individual hospital systems. My experience has been is that you're usually an employee of the hospital and get some tuition reimbursement through that.

The pay varies widely across regions and by specialty, not to mention your RN experience. When I worked on the east coast, some of my RN colleagues made $110k + simply because they had 20+ years experience. That's starting salary or a bit higher for a NP usually in many places. There's a salary thread in the NP main forum that could give you a better idea.

[lilyapril]

Great questions! I've been wondering about #1 a lot myself. I will be following in hopes that others w/ knowledge of possible changes in the field will chime in.