Mandatory DNP for CRNA's by 2015

MmacFN · Jun 13, 2006

hi

where did u read this?

MieKel · Jun 13, 2006

Hello, I have just completed a BSN program and I'm going back to be a CRNA after I get the needed experience. I know that LSU's school of nursing in New Orleans,LA is starting a program to receive your doctorate degree in anesthesia and it only takes three months after receiving your masters. This is the only school that I know of that has or is starting this program. The Director of the CRNA program along with some students came up to speak to the graduates of my nursing program, so that's how I know about it. Maybe you can contact that nursing program and get some helpful information.

MmacFN · Jun 13, 2006

OK i did some research

It appears this isnt mandatory but is still currently a "recommendation" by the AACN. While i think it will happen, it appears far from definite in the CRNA world currently. Seems to be under discussion

Any of the CRNAs have a comment?

elkpark · Jun 13, 2006

I'm currently enrolled in by second year in my BSN program and my future plans are to become a CRNA. With this new law does anyone now how long it will take to get a DNP in this area? I've searched the net looking for programs with a doctorate in this area and have yet to find one. Does anyone know whats going to happen?

It's not a "new law," it's a proposal by a few of the professional and academic organizations in nursing. Nothing is official or mandatory yet -- at this point, it's just a few published position papers and the beginning of a dialogue about whether this is necessary or a good idea.

Keep in mind that the profession has been debating for nearly 30 years similar proposals to make the BSN the minimum entry level into nursing, and that hasn't happened yet -- in fact, it's no closer to happening than it was when the first position papers were published and and dialogue started. Call me a cynic, but I predict a similar trajectory for the "mandatory-DNP-for-advanced-practice" proposal.

Best wishes for your studies. :)

sandman1 · Jun 13, 2006

Correct. It is only a proposal and it doesn't look like it will happen by then, if at all. First, you can go to the AANA website and find their position statement regarding this matter. Currently they do not support this action. Interestingly, the ASA is causing a stink about this proposal as it would enable CRNA's to be called "doctor". What the ASA doesn't realize is, the AACN is the one proposing this, not AANA.

MmacFN · Jun 13, 2006

too true

the fact is the AANA seems unsure how this would have any effect on practice other than increase time from an advanced role degree. The estimate based on the AACN report is an extra 10-12 months. Geesus. Why add time if nothing clinically relevant comes of it?

Seems the AANA is asking those questions and discussing how a CRNA DnP would look (not the current AACN proposed DnP).

FlyGuyRN · Jul 1, 2006

University of Maryland at Baltimore school of nursing is changing it's CRNA program from Masters to a DNP program starting 9/07. The program goes from the current 28 months to 36 months full time.

KeithEMU · Jul 1, 2006

University of Maryland at Baltimore school of nursing is changing it's CRNA program from Masters to a DNP program starting 9/07. The program goes from the current 28 months to 36 months full time.

VCU is working on starting a DNAP program pretty soon. It will be an optional program of 3 yrs instead of 28 mths for MSN.

japaho41 · Jul 17, 2006

So what your saying is that by the time I done with my masters, I should possibly start looking at Doctoral programs.

ECMOismygame · Jul 17, 2006

too true
the fact is the AANA seems unsure how this would have any effect on practice other than increase time from an advanced role degree. The estimate based on the AACN report is an extra 10-12 months. Geesus. Why add time if nothing clinically relevant comes of it?
Seems the AANA is asking those questions and discussing how a CRNA DnP would look (not the current AACN proposed DnP).

thanks, i totally agree with you. CRNA is an option for me and this new "pseudo-doctorate" will only turn away applicants from pursuing CRNA.

the pseudo-doctorates are raging......PharmD vs a BS in pharm (both have RPh license) and "DPT" vs reg BS and MS holding PT's. this degree inflation would not do any good b/c all the hospital/group cares about is if one is a competent provider, thus a competency based education, not degree based education.

make the DNP standard only for those wanting to become CRNA educators, not for those who want to provide anesthesia.

SigmaSRNA · Jul 20, 2006

There is one thing to consider here. Even if they make this law (which it isn't) it will only effect those that are going to be CRNA at or around 2015. If you will have a master's before then, you don't have to go back unless you want to be a program director. I was told at the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists conference in march that you can still teach with a PhD in any subject. You just can't be the director or asst. director. Just adjunct faculty. Plus, there are plenty of CRNAs with certificates so its not about the degree.