New DNP mandate

Updated:   Published

So it looks as though this is going to be a thing. Yesterday The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) made the commitment to move all entry-level nurse practitioner (NP) education to the DNP degree by 2025. Which is great considering in 2 semesters I'll graduate with my MSN. Thoughts? Let's start a discussion.

http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/DNP/v3_05.2018_NONPF_DNP_Stateme.pdf

With the low salaries many people are already getting, it will be interesting to see how requiring a DNP (with no increase in clinical duty or competency) will play out.

Exactly. DNP is a self-gratifying title at best and a point of confusion to the patient at worst. It too broadly encompasses multiple areas of nursing practice (Education DNPs for instance) and doesn't procure any more knowledge that is is remotely relevant to effective patient care. The sad part is those who push it do so with some altruistic idea that somehow MDs will respect us more with a "terminal" degree under our belt. I'd respect a nurse with a PHD who works in research more than a DNP as far as who's degree is more applicable to what their jobs entails.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Exactly. DNP is a self-gratifying title at best and a point of confusion to the patient at worst. It too broadly encompasses multiple areas of nursing practice (Education DNPs for instance) and doesn't procure any more knowledge that is is remotely relevant to effective patient care. The sad part is those who push it do so with some altruistic idea that somehow MDs will respect us more with a "terminal" degree under our belt. I'd respect a nurse with a PHD who works in research more than a DNP as far as who's degree is more applicable to what their jobs entails.

These new RNs/NP students dont care as long as they can run around and wear a white coat while calling themselves doctor. I'd suspect most of them would take a salary similar to their RN job (if they ever had one)...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
These new RNs/NP students dont care as long as they can run around and wear a white coat while calling themselves doctor. I'd suspect most of them would take a salary similar to their RN job (if they ever had one)...

As per the above, I am guessing that you feel angry and annoyed but I don't think that justifies assuming that all new RNs/NP students don't care and that they only want to be called doctor. Everyone has their own reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
As per the above, I am guessing that you feel angry and annoyed but I don't think that justifies assuming that all new RNs/NP students don't care and that they only want to be called doctor. Everyone has their own reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree.

I am annoyed because it affects me and my salary because they are poor negotiators. I care not for their ego. Full stop.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I am annoyed because it affects me and my salary because they are poor negotiators. I care not for their ego. Full stop.

And our reputations as droves of ill prepared new grads hit the streets. There are two hospitals in my area now that have practice restrictions on NPs. One is aimed at new grads and the other is tightening privileges on existing employees.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
And our reputations as droves of ill prepared new grads hit the streets. There are two hospitals in my area now that have practice restrictions on NPs. One is aimed at new grads and the other is tightening privileges on existing employees.

This is scary. Any details?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
This is scary. Any details?

Hospital 1: Requirement for new grads to complete a 6 month orientation program with no responsibilities at reduced pay. Although some might feel this is a good thing as a direct response to ill prepared new grads it is an embarrassing indication of our poor education.

Hospital 2: In a full practice authority state supervision requirements of all NPs by a physician

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hospital 1, perhaps this is good?

Hospital 2, this is horrible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hospital 1, perhaps this is good?

Hospital 2, this is horrible.

And yet with online/get your buddy to precep and non-RN accelerated programs this is hardly surprising.

But its a problem of the educational and professional associations own making. They wont crack down on half-ass schools, then half-ass graduates will in turn flood the market.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They should only mandate this if they provide students with enough preceptors and clinical sites..I feel bad for NP students nowadays scouring for preceptors. It's hard enough to find a good one.

There's definitely a disconnect between nursing academics and the working world.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What is damn scary is that the clinical hours are almost always on the honor system. The exams too. Wow.

I am glad to be old and only a few more years to work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My only thought is that I am thankful I will have my MSN NP prior to this pointless move by the NONPF

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion