MS-FNP... DNP or post masters PsychNP?

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I have the opportunity to go back to school for a couple years. I'm currently an FNP, working in sleep medicine and with a side gig in substance abuse. If I had to nail down a true passion, it would be working with patients with substance abuse, or eating disorders.

My conundrum is this -- do I go back and get a DNP, or do I get a post-master's in Psych? I feel like the DNP is something that will continue to lurk until I bite the bullet and do it, but the Psych NP will open the doors to a flood of job opportunities... and $$$. But is it silly to use this time to get yet another MS degree as I already have two (MS in substance abuse counseling)?  I have ZERO interest in teaching and the handful of DNPs I know outside of education do the same job I do right now, and make financially, exactly the same as I do. Any advice is very much appreciated!

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Specializes in Family Nursing & Psychiatry.

I’m an FNP practicing in palliative care. I had the same question as you. I decided to start a post masters 9 month long PMHNP program for now. Then in the distant future, go get my DNP. I decided to do this because I feel like it’s smarter to start practicing as a psych NP sooner rather than later. Good luck!

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What school are going to? And, if you were to go for your DNP, how long will it take you to complete it?

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