Is Mandatory DNP by 2015 a Done Deal?

[SandBetweenMyToes]

I am aware that the AACN has issued a position statement recommending a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) to be necessary to work as a new NP as of 2015. I wonder however, does the AACN have the final authority on this, or does this have to be signed off by other regulatory agencies, such as the state Boards of Nursing? We got into a debate in class the other day...some saying yes, it has already been decided and will be a requirement for new NP grads, and others saying no, it is still merely a strong suggestion. Who LEGALLY decides, and has that decision already been carved in stone?

[prairienp]

Again, the certifying organization determine requirements for certification, but licensure standards are determined by the various state BONs. If it were to happen that the certifying organizations decided to mandate the DNP as the minimum for certification and the state BONs really felt the DNP was not necessary, any of the state BONs could simply change their rules to no longer require national certification for advanced practice licensure, and just accept graduation from an appropriate (advanced practice concentration) MSN program.

There are many possible scenarios; I guess we'll all just have to wait and see how things shake out.

But, yes, to answer your actual question, the certifying organizations can set whatever requirements they see fit for certification. However, I haven't seen or heard anything (and there's nothing on the ANCC website) so far about the ANCC planning to change the requirements for advanced practice certification (since I'm a CNS, ANCC is the organization I deal with -- I'm vaguely aware there is at least one other organization that certifies NPs, but I don't know any of the details about that).

If someone else knows more about the ANCC's position, I'd certainly be glad to hear about it. :)

An ANCC representative at the most recent NONPF conference (2010) made a recommendation that programs plan on having the DNP by 2012 in order to be ready for 2015. She never said they were changing, but I have heard the CCNE and ANCC have been actively discussing DNP mandate since 2007.

[elkpark]

An ANCC representative at the most recent NONPF conference (2010) made a recommendation that programs plan on having the DNP by 2012 in order to be ready for 2015. She never said they were changing, but I have heard the CCNE and ANCC have been actively discussing DNP mandate since 2007.

Thanks for the update.

[iaca]

So the ANCC is requiring doctorate level education for the NP by 2015, but what about the AANP? I finish my BSN in 2012 and I probably won't get into a program until 2015, so I won't be able to be grandfathered in. This whole situation is highly confusing! I wish nurses had a bit of unity, all of this procedural infighting makes it impossible to get accurate information.

[meggzluv]

I agree, "iaca". My Mom is a RN, BSN and has always told me about the 'intellectual-types' (within nursing) who have "no recent clinical experience" who are snobby about having high-level degrees and therefore want to demand that other nurses have them as well. I think it's a bit too much Politics...I am trying to get away from Politics as poli sci was my 1st undergrad degree ha.

[prairienp]

I agree, "iaca". My Mom is a RN, BSN and has always told me about the 'intellectual-types' (within nursing) who have "no recent clinical experience" who are snobby about having high-level degrees and therefore want to demand that other nurses have them as well. I think it's a bit too much Politics...I am trying to get away from Politics as poli sci was my 1st undergrad degree ha.

Unless something has recently changed all the NP faculty (actual NPs) practice in the clinic or other site, but are seeing patients. So I am not sure why Mom thinks they don't have recent clinical experience?

[Boatswain2PA]

For me, the biggest driving force for the move to DNP is the fight for parody. It seems impossible to get parody without doctoral level education being the requirement.

I'm curious, who do you feel like you need paroty with? Medical Doctors who spend 4-10 years in graduate education and average 10,000+ hours of clinical experience before they are allowed to practice independently? DPTs who have an extremely limited scope? Who?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I do not want to come off as the grammar police, but want to clarify this point:

Parody - is to make fun of

Parity - is to make things equal

In the context of this thread, there can be quite a bit of difference.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

It's now 2012, any updates that anyone can share regarding this issue? I have a feeling everything is status quo but just want to make sure. No matter what I decide to do, I know I won't have a MSN before 2015 so I am wondering how I fit into the DNP discussion.

[Camwill, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, APRN, NP]

I understand what you mean. I am starting an fnp program at my school once I graduate and my advisor said it would still be a MSN because the market isn't demanding it. My college is a hospital. They employee 80% of the students. So I won't have a problem finding a job but I wonder if I move will I find a job without a doctorate...

[time2go, MSN, RN, NP]

...but "parody" does fit the subject.

[Swellz]

Updates? I went to the AANP site and they said nothing other than there was a "movement towards" the DNP requirement.

[time2go, MSN, RN, NP]

Yeah, my take is that there are reputable NP schools keeping their Master's programs and, like the "movement toward" BSN as entry level from 30 years back still has not materialized, I don't see the DNP as entry level materializing any time soon. Can you really imagine the states all getting together and changing their laws just as there is such a collective moan about the dearth of family practice docs? Methinks they would be shooting themselves in the foot. It's great to have the DNP option for those interested but the Master's will work just fine for me, thank you.