10nis

Hi .. I can't answer alot of your questions but I am in a BSN -> PhD program and it is extremely demanding and time consuming. If your end goal is to be an advanced practitioner then you have probably found a decent route to get there! Also, in my opinion--2 years is enough experience. If I were going to do CNM I would only work in a labor unit and hopefully one that employs CNMs. I worked w/ CNM students and they had to do overnight shifts and lots of clinical hours. It was tough but I think most of the advanced practice degrees are very intensive. good luck w/ your decision. The school will be anxious to talk with potential candidates--go to talk w/ the dean and maybe you will be able to get a better idea of what you can expect and if you really want to go there. I feel strongly that you need to feel comfortable at the school and with the faculty.

Hi! I am currently enrolled in a BSN-->PhD program, just finished my second semester--I am on an "educator" track, the school also has a "leadership" track. This program will take me 3 full years of classes + dissertation. I am currently on a GAANN Grant; therefore, I can not work. There are several schools in the US that recieved the GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) Grant for BSN -->PhD programs, so--if you are interested in the program, I would highly recommend you finding out if any schools around you received the grant (it covers all of my tuition/book/supplies and pays me a stipend). All schools aren't distributing them the same way but it is very much worth looking in to. Many of the MSN students in the program currently work to pay for their education and find it difficult to manage their time. To be perfectly honest, going to school full time is easier on me and my family than working 3-4 x 12 hour shifts per week at the hospital, being gone from home 13-14 hours a day and returning home exhausted. I do alot of my research, writing and studying at home. My masters level courses are on-line and the doctorate level courses are in the classroom. Usually, I take 6 hours of doctorate level courses per semester and 3 hours of Masters level--9 hours is full time in PhD studies. My program has 21 hours of masters level courses and 64 doctorate level hours. Since you say in your original note that you are interested in research and teaching I would say this is the perfect fast track option for you. The DNP prepares practitioners, not educators or researchers. As far as your abilities, you will be challenged - but, if you have supportive faculty it is a very rewarding process. Good Luck! I will be happy to answer any other questions you might have!