Over Educated, and under experienced??

VivaRN · Apr 28, 2008

Why at this point in your career do you feel a DNP is necessary? What would it enable you to do that you couldn't do as an NP?

Just curious :nuke:

Trauma Columnist · Apr 28, 2008

I agree with above poster. What are your ultimate goals?

BrandiannRN · Apr 29, 2008

I don't believe it would allow me to do anything different in practice, but I do believe its a final degree and I would be "finished" While I have the money and time, I think its better to just do it instead of waiting and then getting married and having children and never doing it!!! I don't want to be 40 and say "man, I wished I would have done it at 24" I can get it down in one more year and be completely finished with my degree. Also, if they do get "rid" of all the master's programs I won't be considered old school with my degree. I guess I just really always wanted to "go all the way" and get my doctorate....what do you think...is that silly??

Trauma Columnist · Apr 29, 2008

Not silly but the programs for DNP that I have looked into aren't even fully developed. Do you have an option for a program that has clear cut goals. What would be your focus? What type of NP are you getting?

BrandiannRN · Apr 29, 2008

Fully developed? Arizona State's program is tied with Oklahoma's and its two full semesters and a summer. They pull credits from your master's program, and you have 560 more clinical hours....I'm not sure what you were asking??

grad*student · Apr 29, 2008

Since you're only 24 & don't have kids or other ties right now, and b/c you still have the motivation to do more schooling, why NOT just finish the DNP? Go for it.

crazylilkelly · Apr 29, 2008

i say go for it! especially given your situation. my college is switching to DNP only programs in 2009 ---but i'm applying for masters before the big switch!! i'm married & want to have kids soon, otherwise, i would go DNP myself just to get it outta the way.

do what you feel is right for you.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 29, 2008

Sorry Brandiann - what I was referring to was the development of the DNP degree itself. There is still much controversy over what this degree will do for us.

BrandiannRN · Apr 29, 2008

I completely agree about not knowing what the degree will do for us, but I keep thinking what if in twenty years it does do something (because in Oklahoma we don't even have a program) at least I will have it finished already.

I guess what I'm concerned about actually, is the job prospects. Peeople that I work with and go to school with keep bringing up that they hope it doesn't make it harder for me to find a job after i get out of school.

I'm already worried about getting a job, and I don't want this to make it worse...have any of you heard that getting your DNP before actually working is hurting job hunters?

prairienp · Apr 29, 2008

i completely agree about not knowing what the degree will do for us, but i keep thinking what if in twenty years it does do something (because in oklahoma we don't even have a program) at least i will have it finished already.
i guess what i'm concerned about actually, is the job prospects. peeople that i work with and go to school with keep bringing up that they hope it doesn't make it harder for me to find a job after i get out of school.
i'm already worried about getting a job, and i don't want this to make it worse...have any of you heard that getting your dnp before actually working is hurting job hunters?

if you have the time and desire for the dnp go now. will the dnp improve your employment chances? probably will not have a significant impact pro or con this year. i do know of at least two new dnps who were offered a higher salary because of the dnp. i also know two other dnps who received nothing in addition as compared to the master's prepared np. will the degree make you feel better about the profession you have chosen, sounds like it will.

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Apr 29, 2008

Fully developed? Arizona State's program is tied with Oklahoma's and its two full semesters and a summer. They pull credits from your master's program, and you have 560 more clinical hours....I'm not sure what you were asking??

I say go ahead and get your DNP now if you want to. Why not? I don't think more education is ever a bad idea! :) Also, if you want to teach as a full professor at the university level one day, you will be all set with your doctorate and can do so.