Should I start my DNP immediately after finishing my BSN?

[ECrad64]

I am currently enrolled in a BSN program. I was an MA and decided to go back to school with the goal of becomming an NP. Since I will be missing the 1-1-15 deadline, I plan to enroll in the DNP that my school offers immediately after I graduate. I currently manage 2 family practices with a total of 3 docs. They are planning on joining the two groups in the near future and are aware of my plans. Ultimately I want to stay where I'm at until I graduate with my DNP and then start working for the practice as an NP. Is this realistic? I know my docs are more than happy to hire me, but do I need the experience as an RN before I jump into the grad program? I make as much as a grad nurse now, so I'm not concerned about the money, but I want to make sure that I will be prepared for the job.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

[marty6001, EdD, EMT-P, APRN]

I think it's dangerous to go right into an APRN or DNP program right after graduating. It would help you both in the program and after if you get some experience in the field you want to practice in. There is nothing like the "gut" feeling you develop as a RN to help you in your DNP practice. I took 2 years off after getting my RN before finishing my APRN (I was in an accelerated program) and it made it so much better in my clinicals and my practice afterward.