kwagers

I am in a DNP program, and have never even thought about the title of doctor. That is not the reason I am doing it, but I'm sure those people exist out there, how sad. I think it will be a few years before we truly see many benefits of the DNP program, as it is relatively new (I'm @ ASU and we are the first class for this program that started fall 2007). As for referring to people as "doctor", my thoughts are, if you have earned a doctorate or PhD in ANYTHING (pharm, palentology, sciences, engineering, etc.) you have the right to be called that, since you probably worked your orifice off for it! I personally prefer "nurse" to "doctor", as that is why I did this program rather than going to medical school, that is, the school of thought and the theory behind nursing and the models are more "me", I believe in holistic thinking about people/patients....Just my opinion! Kristenwrn

Very well put...thank you! Kristen

I in NO WAY am trying to run down PAs...I just told you that I only have respect and admiration for PAs, as I do RNs, NPs, and doctors! Everyone chooses the area they want to work in, i.e., you as a PA, me as an NP...that's just the way it is! And could you be a little more specific about what "the PA employment act" you talk about at your job is? And me talking about NP independence is for people to become aware of it, not to "spout off". You seem to be a little too irritated over something you shouldn't. You need to relax. I was simply stating MY OPINION, and you don't have to read it if you don't like it! Kristenwrn

David, In Arizona! And many other states, but I only know of the one in which I live. http://www.arizonanp.com/faq_2.aspx I think you and I have butted heads on a different forum before. You are right about the salary that was offered for the specific job I mentioned...I've been a nurse long enough to know that generally when they offer a high amount, there is a reason. I agree that the amount I quoted is very much at the high end of the spectrum. I am also in a specialty that not too many people want to go into (pediatric psych) and there is very much need for. I also agree that working under a doctor does not make you a "lesser provider". If you remember , I told you that my PCP is a PA that runs circles around the MD I had previously seen. I have only admiration for PAs, as well as anyone in the healthcare field! I was only trying to share, and I'm learning that doing so just ****** people off and they want to continue to debate. I need to do better research to post for statistics, as Craig has shared some "real life" stats with me, and I appreciate him for it. It's just gonna have to be the rule, as you and I once discussed on another forum, that PAs and NPs will never agree, and we need to agree to disagree! Kristenwrn

Thanks you guys. Yes, psych is less sought after...I know the amount of people in the Pediatric, Neonatal and Women's that applied was probably triple? So don't be discouraged! I hope you get accepted and come join me at ASU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Craig, thanks for the reality statistics, I appreciate them, as finding stuff online can be hard and we all know that it is not always true throughout! Have a good day! Kristenwrn

More PA sites about NOT practicing independently...just to counterpoint. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/556337.html http://www.nurseteacher.com/pdf/anpa.pdf

Hey there.... I understand what you are saying, and first I have to say, PERSONALLY, my getting my DNP is not about ego, it's about a dream that I've always had. But that is me. And I may not be 100% accurate on the pay, but I'm close, as I received an open job offer from a practice in Hawaii that went out to all graduating MSN NP students and that was the high end of the pay offered. I will do my research and repost what I find. As for the PA practicing independently, they CAN'T! I will post a website at the end of this and it will take you to the PA committee link. PA-Physician's ASSISTANT. They in now way can practice independently of a physician, where as certain NPs can! That's just how it is. http://www.pac.ca.gov/supervising_physicians/supphysician_faqs.shtml Kristen

PA's can only work UNDER a doctor, NP's can work independantly, so there really isn't an issue with that. I work with a few NNPs who were ASNs as well and grandfathered in back in the day. That is what they will do with the MSN NPs after 2015. Many that I know are actually WANTING to go back and do the year required for DNP now...it's actually a great program! Of course, I'm biased, as I always knew I'd go back to grad school, and when I was accepted as 4 out of 100+ for Peds psych NP student in the new DNP program at ASU, it was an absolute shock, and compliment! But, like I said, I WANTED to do this. You know as well as I do that so many people that work in nursing are SO opposed to any kind of change, big or small, and people make an enormous deal out of it! If they don't like it, they shouldn't do it! Easy enough!

I don't think that DNP prepared NPs will make more than MSN trained NPs initially, unless the employer chooses to pay more (which is HIGHLY unlikely in the healthcare world!). Also, a physician and a DNP trained NP function in 2 different capacities...although they both diagnose and treat, NPs use the holistic approach, which for many, including myself, is an important way to see patients. Just my 2 cents worth! Kristen

And also, a physician serves one purpose, while an NP serves another...look into it! Doctors use the "medical" model, only focusing on the issue or system at hand, but as an NP, I will still use my "nursing" model, and treat the patient holistically! That is important to me. Also, 100,000 is not the going rate for all NP/DNPs...in my field, which I just found out 4 semesters into my program, my area "going rate" is 200,000. Just an FYI.

That's the same degree I'm working on @ Arizona State University. It is intense, but SO worth it! Also for the previous poster, I can understand your frustration with more management, etc. classes, but in anything you further your education in, that is going to be a factor. The Master's/DNP program does include some of those, but also, as I am going to be an advance practice nurse, I feel they are necessary! I also had looked @ PA school, but in the end, to be an NP, you can work independant of an MD, but as a PA, you cannot! That was what helped me to make my decision! Kristen

I agree with you about them "feeling their way through", as this is the first year the DNP has been offered through ASU. So far, it has been okay, but I'm awaiting glitches along the way. I am curious, what are your personal views on the whole DNP degree to become an advanced practice nurse? I am actually doing an issues topic paper on the pros/cons of it, and your insight would be appreciated! Kristen

No biggie....I don't think I made it that clear. I am always under the assumption that people know how the DNP program works, but I need to remember it's still new, and there are many misconceptions about it as well. What type of medicine do you practice? Kristen

I will have my Master's after 2 years of the 3 year program. I will sit for the boards after the 2 years for my specialty (Mental Health/Psychiatric Family and Child Nurse Practitioner). Then I will finish the DNP program in the 3rd year. Hope that helps make sense of what I originally posted. As for the Medicaid billing, it will be applicable, because I will be Master's certified, as well as DNP certified.

I agree with you whole-heartedly. I am currently in the DNP program at Arizona State University, and I am enjoying it so far! Many people are confused about the fact that you do not need to already have your MSN, as the DNP program track follows similarly to the MSN/NP program. The first 2 years, then sit for your NP in your specialized area, then the 3rd year is focused on the DNP, although the content is a little different in terms of MSN vs. DNP programs. I am finding that, although it is hard, I too, want the holistic approach of nursing vs. the medical doctor or physician's assistant route. Obviously those that don't have the DNP will be grandfathered in before 2015 when it will be the mainstay for those wishing to further their educations/career. Kristen