Post master's DNP

Hi--

I just completed the DNP through Loyola University New Orleans. I went from ASN to BSN to MSN/ANP to DNP. I found the classes challenging and enjoyed the interaction with my cohort and with most of the instructors. Since the program was designed to be a part-time program completed over 2 summers, 2 falls, and 2 springs, I was able to work full time. My capstone was also centered around my work site which is what the program encourages people to do although this is not always the case. I spent a lot of nights exhausted and awake late despite the part time nature of the program because many days I had a full patient load or close to a full patient load and then had to do homework. I found I needed a really good "plan of attack" day to day to get things done and I had to be kind to myself at least two or three times a week and walk away from the homework and computer. I paid out of pocket, although many of my classmates had loans.

For me, the best part of the experience was the high level of conversation/dialogue with the instructors, my preceptors, and my classmates. I ended up liking biostatistics (hated it as an MSN student) because I ran my own stats for my capstone and I really got to play with them. I even ended up liking literature review and creating ways to take the research and figuring out how to apply it in a clinical setting. Although I'm relieved to be done, I'm glad I did it.

Isabel

IsabelK,

Thank you so much for your insights. It seems that it is all hard work but so worth it in the end since you enjoyed the experience and acquired all this new knowledge. Even though I am just only 7 months practice; I am so thirsty for going back to school already! I know I still have a lot to learn.

Thanks for the info