Question about NP/DNP

Good question.

I would think that if you advanced your education with additional APN certifications, you would have to meet the requirements as set forth for post-grad certificates. And, if the DNP is the terminal degree, then my opinion would be one would need to go back for additional education (DNP) for post-grad certification.

I started out OB-GYN NP before Masters required and to add FNP, I was required to get my Masters, then do a post-grad FNP certification.

Well I guess I better hurry up with my further the education plans: 2015 is not that long aways. It still gives me two extra years to get be out of school by 50. :chuckle

Then I guess I better make the right choice because I will be stuck with what I get! I graduate in May and I am going to immediately apply to an RN-Masters program, but I will do it on a part-time basis. I bet by the time I graduate I wouldn't have time to complete another post MS certification if I didn't make the right choice.

Even if I did decide to pursue the DNP, it wouldn't be for a long time (after I get bored from not being in school).....

Did read your question correctly? While serving on a Board at an accredited College of Nursing: DNP was open to discussion a couple years ago. To my understanding, from my notes; DEFINE Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):The focus of DNP program is preparation, at the highest level, of leaders in clinical nursing who can improve quality of care for individuals and populations through advanced practice and through improving systems of care. Curriculum to be based on national standards for DNP education. DNP, intended to be a practice-focused Graduate degree in nursing to complement the research focused degrees (PhD, DNSc, DNS). If i remember correctly, first introduced in somewhere in Kentucky? I hope this information helps.

What are you planning to do as APN specialty??

You know, I'm not exactly sure. I'm looking for all of the advice that I can get. I just know that I am not very interested in working with children. So what does that leave? ANP and ACNP?

I just have the feeling that this is something that I will figure out after I graduate. Unfortunately, this is dependent on what I choose as my first job since I will be applying to the Masters program as soon as I graduate. At the school that I am looking at, you must have 1 year of experience in a related field.

I know May is kind of far away, but I'm still trying to come up with a plan so I can be somewhat organized.

Did read your question correctly? While serving on a Board at an accredited College of Nursing: DNP was open to discussion a couple years ago. To my understanding, from my notes; DEFINE Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):The focus of DNP program is preparation, at the highest level, of leaders in clinical nursing who can improve quality of care for individuals and populations through advanced practice and through improving systems of care. Curriculum to be based on national standards for DNP education. DNP, intended to be a practice-focused Graduate degree in nursing to complement the research focused degrees (PhD, DNSc, DNS). If i remember correctly, first introduced in somewhere in Kentucky? I hope this information helps.

Hmm I am not sure if you understood my question.

You know how they are changing it to where you have to have a DNP to practice as a nurse practitioner in 2015? I am asking if you graduate before then, but after 2015 decide that you want to change your specialty (ex: going from an ANP to an ACNP) would you have to get a DNP in order to do this? Since right now you can get Post MS certificates in more than one specialty.

Right now you can be a certain type of NP and then get a post MS cert in a different field. After the big change in 2015, you won't be able to get post MS certifications from what I understand. You would have to get a DNP degree.

Thank you for clarification. Answer, I'm not sure! SirI made an excellent point in how her adding FNP later- then required Master prep. SirI was also correct in stating DNP a terminal degree. You got me thinking, so surfing on-line gave me some further insight. BUT to answer "after 2015", I will be interested in learning what you find! You posed a very good inquiry.

thanks for this question, I was wondering myself.

I am still in RN school (graduate next June) and I am trying to get my NP (most likely FNP) before 2015

I just want to pick the right area. I will be 39 when I am done with my RN so I don't want to waste too much time

Hmm I am not sure if you understood my question.

You know how they are changing it to where you have to have a DNP to practice as a nurse practitioner in 2015? I am asking if you graduate before then, but after 2015 decide that you want to change your specialty (ex: going from an ANP to an ACNP) would you have to get a DNP in order to do this? Since right now you can get Post MS certificates in more than one specialty.

Right now you can be a certain type of NP and then get a post MS cert in a different field. After the big change in 2015, you won't be able to get post MS certifications from what I understand. You would have to get a DNP degree.

It will be curious for sure to watch the transition for MSN/NP programs that currently allow a maximum of 5 years for program completion (all programs that I know about).

To prevent students from getting caught in the middle of the change (ie: students completing a MSN who would not be board eligible) these programs would have to shut the doors of the MSN/NP route no later than 2009-2010 or change policy to require a shorter program completion--No?