Rant: DNP is a joke

[ItsGonnabeOKAY]

I will open by saying, this is something that has been on my mind for a long time, and I just need to vent.

I'll keep it as concise as possible:

For those that don't know, a DNP project is not original research, its basically a project where you synthesize existing literature to create a recommendation in a niche area. It includes the actual research part, a dissemination, and a defense.

Are there benefits to learning how to sort through literature, evaluate it, and make a judgment call based on the merits of your research? Sure.

Should it take you six months to learn how to do this, and should it cost $30k?? I do not think so.

Do I think it benefits you as a clinician? Maybe.

Is the time vested worth the investment? I do not think so.

How do I think this time should be allocated in CRNA programs? I think there are major deficiencies in our clinical education. Here is how I would rather see us spend that time:

(1): MORE REGIONAL ANESTHESIA!!!!!! Send us to off-sites where we can actually learn how to do these procedures on people, not just work-shops.

(2): Give us pre-op clinic screening experience!!! I want to spend time out of the OR learning how to evaluate patients, and optimizing them for surgery.

(3): I want to learn how to manage patients in the PACU!!!

Here is my biggest issue, there is such a push for this "D" - NP, which means more reading, more writing, more research, and less time learning actual anesthesia. I think its great that our profession wants us to be involved in clinical policy, national policy, etc. etc. However, we need to be clinicians first, and I hate the idea of spending hundreds of hours on research at the expense clinical experience.

Screw the DNP if it means I have to lose out on clinical experience to learn how to write a paper. Give me a certificate and let me focus on becoming the best clinician I can be.

Rant over.

[AllIcanbe]

Well said!

[Go-GetterRN]

There are many DNP and DNAP programs that do not sacrifice clinical experience for 'research' or other fluff. Sudents in these programs tend to get more clinical time before graduating (24 months vs 16-18) with minimal distraction from classes since most classes are completed in the first year when students are not in clinical.

I personally have applied to Doctorate programs as well as a Masters program. I like the thought of having a DNP/DNAP after 3 years and being DONE with school. But on the other hand, completing a program in 24 months and being able to work and get back to a normal life a full year sooner sounds amazing.

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

This is the exact reasons why I didn't get my DNP. Well said, I could agree more.

[philcaloha]

I'm sure you all know this, but DNP programs are meant to aid in the utilization of research and evidenced-based practice. They are not generators of research but rather consumers and people who disseminate research. If people wanted to do original research, then why not go to the PhD route.