Question about DNP programs

[ilovebirds]

Hey guys.

Not sure if this is the right area to post this in, but I am a BSN student who seeks to apply to DNP school as soon as I can. I understand that this is often seen as a not-so-desirable move because it's better to have some experience first (some DNP schools such as Johns Hopkins require it as it stands). Additionally, I am considering completing courses over the summer (Med-Surg II and Peds) so I can graduate December 2017 instead of May 2018. Is this an okay idea?

Thank you so much!

[FutureNurseInfo]

What do you think? Do you think it is a good idea? How do you feel about it? When you say you are a BSN student, do you mean you are still in the BSN program or you are a recent BSN grad? Did you start working as an RN yet? I would advise you that you wait and gain some experience. I would say a year or two before you decide on your DNP. I mean, you will have a better idea of what area of concentration you would want to pursue.

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

I'm surprised that your BSN program would allow you to take classes sooner to graduate at a different date. Most programs I know do not allow this because of clinical placements and cohorts start and graduate together unless you fail. But if you can graduate sooner, I don't see why not.

I think it's always good to have experience especially if you're very young (1st time college grad). A large majority of NP job postings I see online, if work experience is required, want work experience as a NP not as a RN. Of course, that doesn't mean employers wouldn't pick someone with more RN experience over someone without any. You can always try to work a bit here & there as part-time or per-diem while in school (I know many full time NP students that do this).

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

The 'N' in NP stands for nurse. Be a nurse first, ok?

[ilovebirds]

To clarify, I am still in the BSN program - going into the 3rd out of the 5th semester of it next month. :)

I appreciate the input, and I think what I would like to do is perhaps work part time while in DNP school to help broaden my clinical knowledge base. As it stands, most of the DNP programs I am interested in require some experience (did a bit more research). As I am unsure what specialty area I would like to choose, it would also probably be a good idea to sort that out.

Thanks again, and happy holidays!:)

[Lightning90]

I would skip being a nurse, and become a NP as quickly as possible. More money in your pocket! Keep in mind that the roles and responsibilities of a nurse and np are completely different.. You would only have a slight advantage if you worked as a nurse first.