Caroline32669

After reading through many of these discussions, I am surprised at how many are so dead set against the DNP! I am currently studying for my DNP. I searched for a program that would meet my expectations, i.e. clinically based and backed with evidence obtained through research. My program has set residencies that you can choose from. I have learned more in this program than ever. If a program offers too much "fluff", then by all means don't attend that program. However, anyone who advances their clinical expertise as well as their education is going to have an improved knowledge base and therefore, more information to draw upon when treating patients. MSN prepared NPs will still provide excellent care, but they will have to draw much more upon their own resources. The other plus of DNP, is hopefully NPs will get full reimbursement as I think this is the bigger push behind the DNP. Why should a physician get paid more for suturing a laceration than an NP? Does the MD do better stitches? No. He/she simply has the MD initials. I work in a rural ED where there are no doctors. Because we are also a hand surgery center, many physicians send patients to me because they are not comfortable with hands. Yet I get less reimbursement because I am an NP. Sigh. Sorry for the long post. I think NPs deserve respect and recognition for all they do.

Oceania med is in Samoa and you do not need to take the MCAT if you have had medical experience. Ross University has a decent reputation and there are one or two other Carribbean schools that I can't remember the name of. The nursing program you are thinking of gives nurses a clinical degree call the Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP). You can choose your focus whether it be acute care, family practice or education. It is NOT intended to make medical doctors out of nurse practitioners. Nursing has a completly different model. I think it is the result of billing problems. Nurse practitioners cannot bill full price because they are not doctors even when they perform the same service as a medical doctor. It is hopeful that this degree will help obtain full billing and educate nurses a bit more. At least that is what I think.