galdena

I have been in nursing in some capacity for over 40 yrs-- first as a CNA x 10 yrs, a LVN/LPN x 9 yrs, got my ADN, then my BSN, my MSN as a NP when I was 40, and my DNP in 2008 at age 54 and can honestly say that many of my clinical decisions today are based on past situations and experiences that I came into contact along the way as a nurse. I am a strong believer that prior to entering a NP program, one should have a minimum of 2 yrs nursing experience in a clinical setting as it not only exposes one to patients and the medical setting, but also teaches time management skills, interpersonal relationships, critical thinking skills, and exposure to medicine, medications, diagnositc tests, etc-- all of which are needed for a much more confident and competent NP and gives one a distinct advantage while in a NP program. In my NP program, I did my clincial rotations with students from the PA program. ONe middle-aged PA student was having a particularly hard time with EVERYTHING and asked why it seemed so easy for me. I informed her that I had been a nurse "forever" and she replied "Oh, that's it then-- I worked at the post office". Plus, I think it's very hard to call yourself an Advanced Practice Nurse as a NP if you've never actually worked as a "basic" level nurse. Personally, I absolutely hate those high money making 3 yr MSN programs that takes someone with a BS/BA degree in any subject (say, computer sciences) and teaches them everything they need to know about nuring to pass their NCLEX by the end of the first year and then rushes them through the last 2 yrs so they come out with a MSN. I've precepted these students and they know NOTHING about what nursing is about-- nor do they generally care.... they have their MSN and they're out in the world practicing as an Advanced Practice Nurse. Also, on a more personal note, I went back and got my DNP because I was worried about job security down the line. Whether or not the reality of DNPs becoming the entry level for NPs, each year more and more schools will be closing their MSN programs and converting to DNP programs, and more and more NP students will see the handwriting on the wall and turn to the 4 yr degree. leading to more and more DNPs out in the market place. I never want to lose a job to someone simply because they may have a doctorate degree and, despite my many yrs of experience, I don't. There is also the potential for Medicare (and then other insurances will surely follow) someday deciding that they will ONLY reimburse doctoral-prepared NPs the same as they did in the late 80s-early 90s when they declared they would ONLY reimburse MSN-prepared NPS, sending thousands of certificate-prepared NPs back to school to obtain their MSN. I know many, many, many experienced NPS (myself included) who swore at the beginning they would NEVER fall for this DNP thing.... but, one by one, more and more are seeing the reality of the future of the NP profession and going back to school. But each person has to decide for themselves-- and the main thing to think about is how long you have in the work force. If you are in your mid to late 50s and don't forsee yourself working many more years before you retire, going for a DNP would be a huge waste of time and money. But for those younger nurses cnsidering becoming NPs or are already NPs, they might want to consider it for future job security.

there are two types of dnp programs: the 2 yr bridging post-msn np programs and the 4 yr post-bsn np programs. one of the main reasons the dnp was proposed in the first place was that most msn programs now exceed 60 credits and require at least three years to complete. as the np role has expanded and patient problems and health care have become more complex, the programs' curricula have also had to expand to incorporate current practice guidelines and technology. even with additional course contents and added credits, many nps continue to feel that they haven't received all the training necessary to prepare them for clinical practice following graduation. adding an additional 1-2 years to the current two year master's-level np programs would allow an increase in content to be included, with the final year geared towards a clinical residency for a higher level of competency and confidence. these new programs will equal approximately 90 units which equals the number of credits of other professional doctoral programs