Questions about the DNP

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 16, 2017

Is a DNP essentially a public health nurse and clinical nurse leader rolled into one? I see a lot of overlap in the curriculum. I'm interested in both nursing positions as well as becoming an FNP. I'm wondering if BSN-DNP would be an option worth considering since it aligns with my interests, but I'm concerned because most input I've found seems BSN-DNP may not be the best route considering time, cost of the program, and less hands on experience as compared to working your way up in the field.

The DNP is an academic degree -- not a role. It is a doctoral degree with an emphasis on practice, evidence-based practice, and the application of research. It differs from the PhD in that the PhD emphasizes the development of knowledge (research). Nurses with DNPs can specialize in a variety of fields: so, the roles that a nurse with a DNP may take are many and varied. They are not all the same.

Bluebolt · Nov 18, 2017

As llg pointed out, DNP is an academic degree but doesn't specify your educational or clinical focus. An example of that would be an educator who has a DNP in educational leadership who's curriculum is designed around building them up as a CNO of a hospital or dean of a university.

You could compare that to the CRNA DNP program that I'm in the middle of which is advanced sciences, anesthesia education, a few thousand hours of clinical rotations, preparing for board certification, scientific research, etc. Both of us will have a DNP but will have completely different education, licensure, and skills upon graduation.