still choosing APN even with possible doctorate future?

Trauma Columnist · May 8, 2006

Didn't influence me in the least. The way I cynically figure it is that ANCC has been saying for the last 20 years that BSN should be the entry level for RN and THAT hasn't happened yet, so I figure the doctorate thing will also just fall by the wayside. Even if it does happen, those of us with the MSN would be grandfathered in. Good luck in school.

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · May 9, 2006

Hey!
are those of you pursuing your NP or CNS degree worried at all about the future of your degree--the whole situation about it turning into a doctorate degree in the near future??
Are you guys worried about this? How will I be competitive among new APN if I dont intend to get a doctorate??
Is this factoring in your selection of nursing degree? (I am still in limbo with mine)
THANKS!!

Next week I will be starting my MSN program (at UMASS-Worcester) with a focus on acute/critical care NP. I'm going to go to school full time and will graduate in June of 2008 with my MSN. After that I plan on continuing on for my DNP which will probably be another 1.5 to 2 years. I'm really excited though because the very first DNP program in my state of Mass is starting up next year (UMASS-Amherst). So that is my plan. I don't know if I will go for my DNP immediately after I get my MSN in 2008, but I probably won't wait too much longer, maybe I'll start the program within a year or so. Anyhow, that is my plan. :)

-Christine

birthmamaew · May 10, 2006

I can't believe that it will actually happen. There is already an amazing nursing shortage, and now a nursing faculty shortage. By insisting on a DNP, the problem will only be exacerbated. We have an aging population who will need increased numbers of nurses and APN's to care for them. Also, by 2015 we will have a physician shortage. Demanding that they have increased levels of education will both exacerbate the nursing, APN, and faculty shortages even further by potentially pulling nurses out of the field to attend school, (even if they only attend part time) and we will undoubtable show poorer patient outcomes as a result. This benefits no one but the educational institutions who will be cashing the checks.

NHavenRN · May 10, 2006

I think it will probably be awhile before this DNP thing actually catches on....but if/when it does, I think I would like to go back to school to complete either a DNP or a PhD, just because I might like the additional education. Otherwise, I think TraumaRUs is right - those already working as an NP with an MSN will probably continue to be able to work, with the DNP only becoming the program of entry for new NPs. No crystal ball here, though.

HealthyRN · May 11, 2006

A lot of nursing schools have definite DNP program plans in the near future. I think that within the next 5-10 years we will see the DNP become popular. This is not influencing my decision to pursue an MS. Even if DNP does become entry level for NPs, practicing NPs would be grandfathered in and it would be easy to bridge over by taking a few classes.

bruinlaura · May 11, 2006

First and foremost, at this time the DrNP doesn't expand the scope of practice for the NP at all. So there is little to motivate people to pursue it. The only people I've heard who are getting them are faculty at the schools who want to establish a program. The first DrNP class was about a year ago at Columbia U. This is an extremely new degree and there is no need to worry at this time.

HM2VikingRN, RN · May 11, 2006

My gut tells me this is like the Mastered level licensed psychologists. After the PHD rules for licensure came in the Mastered Psychologists were "grandfathered." I also agree that with the coming shortages in all levels of health care that this change may be a long time coming.

There were proposals to dc the LPN programs in MN as long ago as the early 80's. Guess what LPN's are still being trained.

mom and nurse · May 15, 2006

NAh - I'm not worried, I'm an older new nurse. Lord willing, By the time everything works out with the DNP I should be safely on my way to retirement.....