NP to DNP - trying to decide

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 21, 2014

I am almost finished the tedious application process to the nursing CAS and I take my GRE on Saturday which is only worth 1 point towards the application process. I'm still feeling hesitant to go back since I don't want more debt and I don't know the benefits except for self fulfillment. How is everyone else going with their DNP decision?

I would absolutely not pile on more debt to earn a degree that gives you no better a scope of practice, and no better job prospects. Wait until you are done with student debt, and can find a convenient online school that isn't going to break your bank.

I plan on starting the process of getting a DNP a year or so after I finish my FNP, but only for personal growth, and I won't take out a single loan. One of the overwhelming benefits of NP's are they take less money and time to train compared to a physcian, but yield similar if not better outcomes. Does adding $20k and delaying entry into the workplace by a year really add any benefit if we are already doing such a good job?

Part of me wants my capstone project in DNP school to be a research analysis of exactly that question. I would love the irony if I conclude that the DNP really doesn't add much benefit to practice, and as a result, I receive my DNP for my work.

saraltx · Aug 11, 2014

I still remain undecided about the DNP question - in part because I have yet to fet a clear answer from my employer regarding how supportive they would be of that endeavor. Silly me had assumed they would be glad if I want to learn and improve myself in my role. Instead I'm afraid they may be unfamiliar with the degree and may fear I'm trying to leave for another job after graduating, which is not my intention at all. Then again maybe they've plainly been too busy to give me a proper answer so far.

I definitely feel a need and desire to continue to learn and grow in my professional role. But at the same time I've been having second thoughts if the DNP program could even hinder a clinically meaningful growth, because I will have less time to read medical literature with the focus of becoming a better clinician.

uncnp · Aug 12, 2014

I decided not to go, let the school know last week, just could not justify the expense

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 12, 2014

Probably a smart decision to hold off for now. I feel the same way. The DNP is something I desire for only personal growth and I know it really doesn't do much for my career. In a few years when I'm a little more comfortable financially, I will gladly make the plunge, but it will be at an in state school with affordable tuition. Blowing $50k or more like some people are is terrifying.

spearsfm · Aug 14, 2014

Is it required to fulfill a DNP in order to practice as a FNP next year? Ive heard that from a few people and not sure if it's true?

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 14, 2014

Is it required to fulfill a DNP in order to practice as a FNP next year? Ive heard that from a few people and not sure if it's true?

It it as absolutely untrue.

zmansc, ASN, RN · Aug 14, 2014

Unfortunately only time will change this rumor. And even that I expect to see a post in 2016 that starts out with: "So and so said you have to be a DNP to practice, it started last year, but my NP doesn't have it, is she practicing illegally?"

uncnp · Aug 18, 2014

Probably a smart decision to hold off for now. I feel the same way. The DNP is something I desire for only personal growth and I know it really doesn't do much for my career. In a few years when I'm a little more comfortable financially, I will gladly make the plunge, but it will be at an in state school with affordable tuition. Blowing $50k or more like some people are is terrifying.

This was exactly my feeling- the school I was accepted into would have been very expensive and while the idea of doing it was interesting the cost would have been at least 45k and that was with me bringing in 6 credits from my post master's program, the cost would be over 50k for someone doing the whole program. I did not want more student loans.

matthewandrew, NP · Aug 18, 2014

The DNP development is so disappointing. I really hope schools beef up the curriculum when I decide to earn the said doctorate.

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UCLA FNP Class of 2016

saraltx · Aug 31, 2014

Crazy me, now I actually started considering going to medical school for an MD instead of the DNP. It's a bigger commitment, but other than the DNP it does lead to a significantly higher salary and should directly improve my clinical practice. Besides, I think I would enjoy it and I'm still just young enough that I could still work as a physician for at least 2 decades if I graduate in my early 40s. Now I just have to decide if it's worth the time and money involved... Apparently it's not unheard of for NPs or PAs to go back to medical school, and the experience should make it much easier to get admitted to the school I'd want. Cutting back my work hours or possibly giving up working completely temporarily would be the hardest thing about it, especially since I genuinely do love my job. On the other hand I could return to the same employer a few years later as an MD.

athr · Oct 27, 2014

Read the ANCC Position paper 2004 and research the role of the DNP by the year 2025. It is an exciting time for DNP's. I am currently in the DNP program at CUA on line (Catholic University of America in Washington, DC) and am totally enjoying it. I had 2 DNP graduates who encouraged me and was happy they did. I agree, it will not initially change my current position or pay. I honestly, after being an NP for 20 years didn't think there was a lot let to cover, but I was wrong. The studies come from an entirely new focus. It is more about leadership, research, autonomy, finance, etc. Check Youtube and watch some of the Capstone projects being presented by DNP's. NP's are at the right place at the right time. They are predicted to be the primary care provider for the future and more. I hope this helps.

athr · Oct 27, 2014

This is not necessarily true. Read the ANCC position paper 2004. Unless you are going to specialize, which takes longer, NP's make a decent salary and have great job satisfaction. Enrollment in MD programs are down due to decrease reimbursement and poor job satisfaction. Do your homework before you bite off a big financial and time burden. I am not trying to discourage you, but do your research first.