MSN vs DNP and different nursing areas

[Amandalabigang]

Hi there! I am currently finishing up my BSN in nursing at a local University and will be applying for the Msters program next June for the semester to start in January 2013. I have heard a few things about the possible requirements of having to have your DNP in 2015 and was wondering if anybody had any insight. I went onto the AACN website and it seems like this is a for sure thing and didn't know if it would be wise to go ahead and start the BSN-DNP program instead? Also, I am interested in all fields of nursing, I have been an ICU nurse for 4 years and was wanting to try something different, possibly outside of the hospital. Does anybody know of any nursing jobs that may be in a lab or with research? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

Actually, the DNP remains only in the recommendation stage. No accrediting body nor state BON have made the move to make it the requirement to being a nurse practitioner. I would recommend joining your state's NP organization to keep abreast of just such information.

As for your research question, not sure what direction you want to take. I work at a University hospital where research is always going on. Not understanding if you want to conduct or just participate. I'd start investigating your field of interest then contact your local university facility for more info.

[msn10]

Also, I am interested in all fields of nursing, I have been an ICU nurse for 4 years and was wanting to try something different, possibly outside of the hospital. Does anybody know of any nursing jobs that may be in a lab or with research? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!

If you really like research, then do your PhD. While the DNP is a doctorate, it is really designed for people who want to work in hospitals or clinics. There is a minimal amount of actual research as opposed to a PhD where it is almost all research. With a PhD you can also teach and go on the lecture circuit.