RN to DNP or MSN?

This is a highly personal choice. However, I am very glad that I decided to do the MSN first. I was truly burnt out and needed my program to be over when it was. A year after graduation I applied to a DNP program, just one because I knew exactly what I was looking for based on my MSN educational demands, current career goals, and professional interests. As you know, the MSN is the entry practice level. You can graduate, study for your boards, get certified, start working, make some money, and decide upon a program that suits your terms. There are some programs that emphasize leadership while others focus on clinical mastery. Having some APN work experience may help you determine your next move.

Although many do it, I cannot imagine going straight through four years until I could practice. Depends on one's personality of course. Once I got deep into my clinicals, I found it very difficult to continue working as a floor nurse. The role confusion became a challenge for me. Maybe check to see if the program of interest offers a terminal MSN after two years with the option of continuing on for the DNP. Just a suggestion. Best of luck to you.

If you are pursuing a CRNA program, this is how I made my choice, because I was accepted into both a MSNA and DNP-A program. 1) Unless you eventually want to become a professor, there is not any difference in what you can do with the different degrees. 2) If you pursue a MSNA, that's at least $150k or so that you will make an entire year earlier. If you wanted to return for your DNP, it would be costly (about $40K), but it's still an option.

Thank you for your thoughts. Another question, DFW_RN, I have thought about the CRNA/MSNA route, what is the route that you chose and why?

Thank you for your reply, resilientnurse. I have one more question- what exactly about the change in roles was difficult for you? Did you find that a DNP felt more like a physician role than a nursing one?

Hi lexnurse26,

The difficulty I experienced in regards to role confusion was that while in clinicals I was considered a leader, a go-to person for patient issues. If staff could not reach the doctor, who was my preceptor, then they sought me out; I was the next best thing. At times, I was the main clinician contact. Meanwhile, I worked Med/Surg midnights as a RN in a role with limited clinical decision-making responsibilities.

One does not need a DNP to be in a leadership role. I do not have a DNP at present. It is not physician versus nursing at all. As a NP, my current role is very far from a floor nurse. It is complementary no doubt, but very far. Being an ANP, MSN or DNP equally, is about leadership and clinical decision-making. The NP is responsible for the patient period, not just for the duration of your shift. With that you must learn about a host of issues pre-authorizations, billing issues, coordinating care with other providers, compliance, more administrative stuff than you'd care for.

I chose the MSNA route mainly because at this time I do not want to eventually become a professor and I want to make at least $150k an entire year earlier (to get out of student loan debt!)

That's great information, I truly appreciate it. The role differences is something I have not yet thought about and you bring up some interesting points. Thank you very much!

That's a great point, DFW_RN. Student loan debt is piling up for me too. I would love to find a fullfilling area of work but also make a good income at the same time! Thank you for your replies!