Hi all! I am an RN with a BSN degree, and have been a nurse for about a year and a half (graduated in 2020). I worked in the hospital on a surgical floor for just under 6 months, and then transitioned into an amazing office job as an RN. I have a year of experience at this clinic. Just to give you all some background info on myself!
Lately, I have been contemplating going back to school for my DNP. The University near me is switching from an MSN program to a DNP program next fall in 2022. I know most schools are switching to DNP and that most of the programs will be specifically DNP by 2025. My question is, is getting my DNP worth it or should I stick with my BSN? I have had a desire to go back to school lately after working with wonderful NP's in my office, and I do miss learning new things like I did in my undergrad classes. Although I know it is a lot of work and responsibility as an NP, I love the idea of learning more complex information and diagnosing/treating patients as well.
I also am thinking it would be best to try to get my DNP prior to having kids (as I don't currently). If anyone who did DNP school with kids, I would love to know how it was for you and how you balanced everything!
The program I'm looking at is relatively affordable and I wouldn't be going too far into debt, but enough to wonder if the degree is worth the debt as well.
Also, I'm wondering if I did decide to apply if my experience of only a year and a half would hinder me in the application process as well? I know some programs require two years of experience while others do not have time worked requirements.
I am looking for any information pertaining to DNP programs before I decide if I'm going to apply or not, and would love to hear any insights on it! TIA!
Featured Replies
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later.
If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Hi all! I am an RN with a BSN degree, and have been a nurse for about a year and a half (graduated in 2020). I worked in the hospital on a surgical floor for just under 6 months, and then transitioned into an amazing office job as an RN. I have a year of experience at this clinic. Just to give you all some background info on myself!
Lately, I have been contemplating going back to school for my DNP. The University near me is switching from an MSN program to a DNP program next fall in 2022. I know most schools are switching to DNP and that most of the programs will be specifically DNP by 2025. My question is, is getting my DNP worth it or should I stick with my BSN? I have had a desire to go back to school lately after working with wonderful NP's in my office, and I do miss learning new things like I did in my undergrad classes. Although I know it is a lot of work and responsibility as an NP, I love the idea of learning more complex information and diagnosing/treating patients as well.
I also am thinking it would be best to try to get my DNP prior to having kids (as I don't currently). If anyone who did DNP school with kids, I would love to know how it was for you and how you balanced everything!
The program I'm looking at is relatively affordable and I wouldn't be going too far into debt, but enough to wonder if the degree is worth the debt as well.
Also, I'm wondering if I did decide to apply if my experience of only a year and a half would hinder me in the application process as well? I know some programs require two years of experience while others do not have time worked requirements.
I am looking for any information pertaining to DNP programs before I decide if I'm going to apply or not, and would love to hear any insights on it! TIA!