Quick questions about DNP

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Aug 17, 2016

1. I was drawn to the NP role while working as an RN. The role was my way of progressing to an advanced level while staying in nursing and having provider privileges at the same time. The NP's were a role model to me and the ones I met at the time were quite knowledgeable.

2. At my current role, I don't see a benefit in terms of pay increase, academic appointment, and career advancement. However, in a different role or setting, it may open doors to leadership and teaching opportunities.

3. NP's can be full partners even while prepared at the Master's level depending on how specific practices are set-up. Having said that, I've not had an extensive discussion of DNP's with physicians and my assumption is that many don't understand or know about the degree.

4. In my own setting, I've not seen an influx of DNP's. In fact, we've sifted through applicants when we have NP openings and while a few candidates with DNP's have popped up, we end up hiring someone with a Master's because overall, they seemed more experienced and fit better with the requirements of the role. However, I've seen many NP's with DNP out in a social setting in the community.

4. NA, I have a Master's.

lhaney00 · Aug 17, 2016

Thank you for your response!

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 1, 2016

I am looking at a DNP in informatics do I will not be a "practioner" The DNP does allow me to teach if I want.

Palliative Care, DNP · Sep 2, 2016

I have a few questions about DNPs...
1. What made you decide to become a nurse practitioner?
2. What do you see are benefits of a DNP education rather than an MSN?
3. Do you feel DNPs are accepted in the healthcare field as full partners?
4. How has the influx of DNPs changed the healthcare field?
5. Do you feel like your DNP education prepared you for your current practice?

1) I wanted to leave floor nursing. Floor nursing has become too much about patient satisfaction scores and less about being able to provide quality care. I had no interest in teaching or hospital administration. NP seemed like the best option.

2) I don't believe that there are any benefits of the DNP education in practice. I completed the DNP for myself and desire to have a terminal degree. MSN NPs utilize EBP the same way that I do.

3) DNPs are treated the same as every other NP in my area. The pay is the same and typically we are not referred to as Dr. in practice. However, I do know a DNP that is a full partner in a pediatric practice.

4) In my area it is an influx of NPs not necessarily DNPs. Too many programs churning out students and a lack of offices taking students for clinicals. The main hospital affiliated offices in my area only take students from local B & M programs. So the impact is a tighter job market with lower pay.

5) I am a new graduate that has taken a position in a specialty, palliative care. My program was Family Practice. The majority of relevant knowledge and experience comes from being an oncology RN for me.