MSN to DNP?

[tnisgrl33]

Hi everyone,

I will be graduating this year with my M.S. in nursing through a direct-entry masters program. When I finish, I am eligible to sit for the NCLEX, and get my RN. I want to keep going and get my Neonatal NP (which around the Chicago area seems to take another 18 months or so) ...but with all the talk of NPs needing to have a DNP in 2015, I am wondering if I should just skip to that? I really don't have much interest in the leadership/administrative/teaching side of nursing at this point, but am thinking down the road it may be a good thing to have to: A) stay competitive with those getting their DNPs, and B) give me more career path options.

Is it possible to get your DNP while specializing for my NNP? Can you do both at the same time? If I can save an extra year or two of having to be in school that would be great! :)

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Fahrenheight:

This means that after 2022, there will not be any MSN programs for CRNAs left in the US. All programs after that date will be BSN-DNP only (3-4 years fulltime). CRNA graduates will need a doctoral degree after that date to enter into CRNA practice.

It will be up to the individual anesthetist schools to develop their own curricula for either a BSN entry or those with a MSN in another area.

[npoprn]

You made a good point because hospitals can save money by hiring the NPs. However, physicians will always be needed in this setting due to the differences in training. I think part of the stigma the medical doctors have with NPs is that they think the NPs want to replace doctors. An NP, even at the doctorate level, is not a physician. DNP is an advanced practice nursing role.

One thing any student seeking a program should remember is that - just like your diploma or BSN program, the DNP program MUST be accredited by your Board of Nursing. Otherwise when you are done you cannot sit for your certifying exam OR get a license to practice. Read the fine print of these programs. I read one "letter from the Dean" on one online school website that openly stated they "were not accredited and were not seeking accreditation at this time". Yikes!