For those who keep hearing the DNP will soon be mandatory here is an excerpt frm the NLN's June 2010 statement concerning the Master's Degress vs DNP in Nursing. I have also included a link if you would like to read the full statement.
"http://www.nln.org/aboutnln/reflection_dialogue/refl_dial_6.htm
Now is not the time to exercise a restrictive control of education development. Our educational approaches to developing a cadre of advanced practice nurses shouldn't be an "either/or" situation, e.g., a doctorate as the only avenue to advanced practice. Nursing must stay true to its core purpose — meeting the health care needs of the people by providing safe, quality care. Existing master's programs have capably demonstrated the ability meet this high standard.
Now is not the time to rapidly lengthen the only route to advanced practice nursing education which may not be in the best interest of our patients. Master's-prepared nurses are poised to assume an important role in a reformed health care system and provide site-specific primary care. APRNs have been providing care in underserved areas and communities, both urban and rural, for decades with quality outcomes.