Should I get the DNP?

Specialties Doctoral

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I am a 3 year MSN/FNP. I can't see the benefit. Is it feasible to do most DNPs and work full time? I am looking at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and the program is brand new. Will there be reimbursement issues down the road for the APNs that don't get the DNP?

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I don't really see the benefit either. Depending on how many years you have left in your career, you might want to think about working slowly toward a DNP while working. I do know some people who've done that. I can't imagine a DNP will be really "required" for the next 20 years or so.

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Actually they say that a DNP will be required 2015

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

The DNP is recommended not required by 2015, and only the APNs that have adopted the clinical doctorate requirement are CRNAs. New CRNAs graduating in 2025 or later will have to have their clinical doctorate for certification.

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Specializes in FNP.

I was accepted for DNP but still have not really committed myself to it, I think the downside will be when looking for a job perhaps the NP with a DNP might have a leg up on one that doesn't BUT I would have thought that about RN's with BSNs and that doesnt seem to hold true, so who knows

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It may be required for new graduates. All of us with MSN's will be grandfathered in. There are now still a few non-MSN nurse practitioners around who were grandfathered in from before a masters degree was required.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Med-Surg, Infectious Disease.

I've heard that as well. As long as you're enrolled by 2014 in a MSN program, you'll be grandfathered in.

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VonettaRN, I was just wondering where you heard that at? It is so hard to find something official on this whole DNP requirement issue. Thanks!

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
I've heard that as well. As long as you're enrolled by 2014 in a MSN program you'll be grandfathered in.[/quote']

Not true. 2025 is the date. Many programs are pushing forward earlier than required. My program director told me that they needed to be in the process of switching by 2015 but not required until 2025. Just search AANA DNP recommendation, there is literature which is better than rumors.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Not true. 2025 is the date. Many programs are pushing forward earlier than required. My program director told me that they needed to be in the process of switching by 2015 but not required until 2025. Just search AANA DNP recommendation, there is literature which is better than rumors.

I think most people here are referring to the DNP proposed requirement for NPs not CRNAs. CRNAs are the only APNs that have adopted the DNP requirement so far.

The 2015 requirement that your school is referring to is individual to your school. A typical NA school needs only have the DNP program in place 1-2yrs ahead of the actual class that needs it d/t the way the COA does credentialing.

Grandfathering in is determined by the APNs credentialing organization and through individual state boards of nursing.

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This is one of the many reasons I jumped right into my MSN after getting my BSN. I don't think the DNP will really be a requirement that quickly, but just in case, I'll be grandfathered in by graduating next year. My school only offers an MSN NP. However, they are working on an online DNP agreement with another school. This is something that I may do slowly once I start working. I am not really interested in a DNP, but I feel that it may make my resume more competitive as more DNP graduates emerge.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Tele, Hospice, Med-Surg.

KTC328:

To address your question, before you decide if you should pursue doctorate work,

delineate what it is you plan on DOING or accomplishing with your advanced degree.

If you can't answer this question, then the reply to your original question is a resounding NO.

Do you want to run a health care corporation, acute care facility, or a health plan/HMO?

Then look for a doctorate in business admin, health care admin, or a DNP with a wellness focus.

Are you interested in a specific area of research and teaching? Or would you like to form your own company?

Then a PhD is a good route to get you the highly specialized education and training in a very specific field.

A similar question was raised by a nurse I work with:

"Should I buy a Littman Cardiology stethoscope?" I asked her what she planned on doing with it that she

couldn't accomplish with her current Littman. She is still considering her answer.

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