NP to DNP - trying to decide

[saraltx]

I'm an NP trying to decide whether or not to go back to school for my DNP. I love to learn and enjoy academic work. I know the DNP program focuses on translating research to clinical practice and improving outcomes. I'm quite passionate about my current area of employment and would love being able to help improve outcomes in that area. However, ultimately I think I just want to keep the job I have in direct clinical practice ratjer than any sort of management positition (I don't really know of any NPs or DNPs in management positions anyway). So the only benefit might lie in personal development and improving my own practice by applying more research. Seems kinda hard to justify the time and financial commitment for that, as tempting as I find it...

[ashonman]

Just out of curiosity #reddgirl why is GRE a requirement unless you are applying to a BSN to DNP, the thought of taking a GRE for a post MS DNP education will just discourage me...I hated the whole GRE exam, I will take 10 NP board exams before I take another GRE.. But I agree with you the whole application process is a drag!

[reddgirl]

Just out of curiosity #reddgirl why is GRE a requirement unless you are applying to a BSN to DNP, the thought of taking a GRE for a post MS DNP education will just discourage me...I hated the whole GRE exam, I will take 10 NP board exams before I take another GRE.. But I agree with you the whole application process is a drag!

That was FIUs requirement for the application process although it will not be determined solely for admission. That entire exam turned me off completely.

[Nursetonp]

Seems as though this is another "money maker" for someone somewhere. Why else would one need to take the GRE if they've already proven themselves by completing grad school once- The only reason I could think of is if someone had extremely poor grades, but for the rest of us, it should be waived if you already have a masters.

[Jules A, MSN]

The way I see it is to gain respect of our profession, not now, but in the future. How many times have you seen a patient and they will ask why a nurse, like we know less, they want to see the doctor, thinking the will get less quality of care from a nurse, when is proven otherwise. Our profession has not received the respect that we show in the outcome studies. We are considered as middle level. The only way is to get in research, improve the outcomes with a well planned and systematic approach. Now, about the money, possibly will be the same as master. If I can, I will continue with a PhD, but DNP is more in line with my professional plan.

Personally I would be all over DNP if it provided more clinical or prescribing education but sadly it doesn't and also I take real offense to spending my time and money on something that won't result in a major pay increase. To me that is a clear indication of a lack of respect for this designation. No worries that Masters level NPs won't be able to practice after all the schools have finally jumped on this cash cow...just think of the LPNs who were told 30 years ago they would be phased out. There are still LPN schools and a great need for them.

[Laura.NP, MSN, RN, APRN]

I agree, it is hard to financially justify returning to school without a monetary return on the investment. For personal satisfaction I would like to pursue the DNP, however, it has been difficult finding a local school that will stretch out the program over 4-5 years part time so that I can fully capitalize on my employer's tuition reimbursement. I refuse to accrue further debt for a program that will not produce a pay raise.