nursetony9

I'm currently enrolled in a BSN-DNP Adult and Gero program and have four semesters remaining. If I were to do it all over again, I wouldn't. I would stick with an MSN level NP program. Why? My reasoning for becoming an NP is to be a clinician; with more in-depth knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology, health, and disease. Unfortunately, that experience is not within the foundations of DNP education. In my opinion, the DNP is a degree that pushes people into leadership positions and academia. If you are like me, someone who wants to see patients, a few days a week at most, maintaining a sense of life outside of nursing/healthcare; well, the DNP is NOT for you. I have spent way too much time, energy, and money for the DNP to have a return investment in my career solely as a clinician. I don't live and breath nursing and value life far too much than pushing the daily grind of full-time work. I am fortunate that I don't have to work fulltime, but with that said, the DNP is not for everyone. Sadly, the DNP has become the terminal educational pathway for APRNs, and I can't help but notice the similarities of academia and Ponzi-schemes. The DNP does not deliver on the promises it attempts to represent. The DNP should remain an optional platform for nursing seeking advanced education beyond a masters degree.

Complete garbage. As a second year DNP student, I assure you, the level of education I am receiving at the doctoral level is nowhere near equivalent to that of an MD or DO. The DNP is not an asset to those who only want to be clinicians. Masters level APRNs have demonstrated for decades the actual value of the APRN to patient care. The DNP is nothing more than a pyramid scheme designed funnel money into academia while paradoxically stroking the egos of old battle-axe nurses who still parrot the ideas of Florence Nightengale. Well, sorry to break it to you, she's dead. Had I known what I was getting myself into with the DNP, I would have found an alternative NP program with a Masters level education.

To be honest, it's really not worth the effort. The educational standards for Nurse Practitioners is shifting; from MSN options being obsolete, to the DNP requisite. I'm in a AGNP - DNP Program and the work involved in the program is astronomical. To be expected, but the fluff work is overwhelming. The only difference is that I'm 29 and have many years to pay off a student loan debt of > $100K. Obviously this is your decision, so weigh your options, the pros and cons, then decide. Best of luck.

The Safe Harbor protects against retaliation....so nobody should lose their job over that if they use the form correctly.

Well, I am going to be completely honest. If I was to choose a different career before becoming a nurse....I would have. I genuinely enjoy taking care of people, especially the elderly, but I didn't realize how HORRID the nursing politics are. I have developed skin the strength of steel from being a nurse. We are unappreciated and under-staffed and occasionally used as punching bags for our superiors and physicians. Plus, I have never met so many power hungry, insecure people in my life before I was a nurse. You will mostly like be eaten alive if you don't have the right kind of personality. One thing I do regret is becoming a nurse...should have went to culinary school. Such is life.

I have had personal experience with College Network and found that they are a nightmare to deal with. Stay away. Far away.

I am currently an LPN that is in RN school. I started last June and have been going since then. I will be done in May, but as far as stress relievers...its junk food. I make flashcards out of everything from handouts to power points. I study those a little bit everyday until the day of the test. It helps me....but right now I think my brain is on strike. Good Luck....its not easy at all!

I have had personal experience with under staffing when I worked in Texas. I would recommend going onto the Board of Nursing for your states website and see if there is a "SAFE HARBOR" form. Texas provides nurses with a SAFE HARBOR form for under staffing. If they are suspending you because of not being compliant with in your med pass, while being under staff; I would call your facility's Human Resources or your Corporate Office and File a complaint. There is no reason for that and YES you do have rights. Just make sure you are following your states guidelines. P.S I don't think that is professional for other people to know that you have been suspended or anything like that. Employees have the right to privacy too.