Pathway to DNP

There are BSN - DNP programs. If you are applying to a DNP you don't need too much experience applying because your first 2 years of the program are usually research based courses. If doing a RN - MSN program you may want to gain experience as an RN first since the program will be jumping into advanced practice courses and clinicals quickly. Also depends on what specialty you want to obtain for the type experience you want. Ex: you may want ICU experience before applying for an acute care NP program.

Do you think it would be better for me to just get my MSN and become a NP that way? Instead of DNP? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to having one over the other?

Sounds like a grand idea! Maybe I shall!

Yes - there are advantages to doing the MSN.

The DNP does not offer much benefit, not for the extra $20,000+ in costs.

Sure, people who've DONE it defend it, as they must convince themselves that they didn't just waste all that make-work and money. There's a cognitive dissonance there, it happens around the 4-5th class when they realize they've gotten taken...........but having done all that work and paid so much, they must make it worth something, so they continue.....It's a classic reaction.

That said, nursing is such an insecure profession, always trying to prove to ourselves and other professions that we ARE a profession, darn it, we really are! So some people need the DNP for ego purposes.

But as for the DNP being useful? Truly, look at the classes: there isn't any more nursing theory that could justify taking 1-2 more classes in it after the MSN.... There aren't any more policy classes that will add anything! Heck, the MSN level classes are way too easy, consist of tedious make-work, and you don't learn a lot until you get into your specialty area anyway - imagine how awful the DNP classes are.......more and more of the same.

No more money, no more advantages, no better patient outcomes.......except you could teach if you want at some schools, although they prefer the PhD for that, too.

My take is this: if you want to see patients and make some serious money for your skills and effort and critical thinking, go to school and become a PA. Or just go to medical school! the AMA controls this country's rules - and the PAs get the respect NPs don't, and lots more income than we NPs get.

Or - if you want to teach, you'll need the PhD. Or research - PhD.

Or if psych is your area, but you want to do both prescribing AND psychotherapy, go for the psychiatrist route (NPs can't do psychotherapy in most jobs).

If the schools had any integrity they'd warn you about what to expect, what the jobs and opportunities are really like for NPs, and how the DNP is a scam. It's not ok. I spent a lot of time, energy, and money getting this degree and certification, and should have gone to medical school or done the Psy-D route instead. It's an uphill battle as an NP to be respected, and you get paid less than everyone else. Just know that.

I'm in a BSN to DNP program on my 4th year. Honestly, I wish we did obtain the MSN 1/2 way through so that we could go out and get experience. MSN to DNP students have had an easier time as they already know how to be an NP. Those us that went my route have to learn how to become an NP on top of all the capstone project/research involved with the DNP. My program is technically listed as a 3 year program. Out of 40 of us that began only 6 or 7 are graduating in May on time. Most of us are graduating in 4 years for various reasons.

PAs get the respect NPs don't, and lots more income than we NPs get.

It's an uphill battle as an NP to be respected, and you get paid less than everyone else. Just know that.

How do you figure that?

I was under the impression that PA's are paid equal or less than NP's, especially since NP's have the opportunity to practice independently, which would allow for higher income in a private practice based on how it's run. What makes you think that PA's have gained greater respect than NP's?

Are these based off your personal experiences as an NP?

I am really excited about the DNP program I have applied to. My capstone project is something I am really interested in. For me - its not about the money. I have this unrelenting passion to do what I feel called to do. I totally understand the concerns though about financing the education. But gosh - I am just so excited about the possibilities, and all that I will learn. I hope I get in. The application process was intense. I cant imagine having to go through all that again. The statement of purpose took me 4 months to write. Anxiously awaiting to hear.