Masters NP vs. DNP

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Hello!

I am planning on going back to school in about a year for either my masters or DNP. I am currently a new graduate ER nurse in a trauma 1 facility. I have worked here for about 5 months, although it seems longer since I pick up 2 extra day shifts each week. Anyway, I have always known I wanted to go back to school for my NP. I love school so I am pretty excited to start back up. I also think it's a great time for me to finish this degree since I have no commitments to kids or a family.

Anyway, I have researched this topic heavily and thought I would reach out myself to get people's input. I am unsure if a DNP program is necessary since I don't plan on doing research or teaching in the future. Although, I don't want to have to get my DNP after receiving my masters if they decide in the upcoming years DNP is favored. I would rather get it done at one time. I am also deciding on specialties as I would like to work in a ER as a NP. I have heard FNP's are preferred since they can see a wide variety of patients. I have also seen some programs allow for a bridge between FNP to ER specialties. I also think as a I get older I might prefer a slower paced environment ie. working in a clinical setting so FNP would be beneficial.

Anyone have any insightful input on this topic?! Anyone in a DNP or Master's program? I would like to know why you chose a masters over DNP or vis versa. Or anyone a ER NP that would like to give input into what specificity track you picked?! Also, how long did it take for you finish these programs? Did you think it was manageable to work part time/ full time while going to school? Thank you in advance!!

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

I'm in Master's program. I didn't feel it necessary to do the DNP because there as no extra clinical curriculum...just more fluff. I have already spent 4 years doing the Master's part time and didn't want to extend beyond that. A friend of mine did the DNP and she said she wished she hadn't done it as she felt like there wasn't a benefit.

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