Utter nonsense

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

I'm all for furthering one's education and all that. In fact, I'm pursuing my DNP right now while practicing as an NP. But all I can think of while taking these classes I'd that it is SUCH UTTER NONSENSE AND TOM FOOLERY!!! None of this information seems to be of any use in the real world and quite frankly I don't see how this will at all help me be a better nurse practitioner. The whole point of the degree is supposed to be to prepare expert clinicians who can more effectively translate evidence into practice but honestly I'm not seeing how this is being accomplished beyond what i learned in my master's degree. And this despite going to a reputable brick and mortar school in my area (which given my small class size and only one cohort admitted per year I shall avoid mentioning school name).

There is nothing truly clinical that i can see in this degree and i think the degree need to be totally revamped in order to have any credibility. I'm sure this may be an unpopular opinion amongst some of my fellow ANers but this is how I'm feeling.

Why am I pursuing this degree? Is a natural question. I'll tell you: I want to eventually hold an academic position, but a life in nursing research is not what I desire. And with the push for doctorally paired nursing faculty in order to teach at the NP level, I need a doctorate to be competitive.

Ok, end of vent/rant/diatribe

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

Let me clarify... Since I don't wish to pursue the research aspect of things, a PhD in nursing is for me. My whole point is that we need to redo the practice doctorate in nursing because from where I'm sitting at this point in time it's mostly a bunch of fluff right now.

[Molemedic, MSN, EMT-P, NP]

This is essentially how all professional schools are. Have you ever seen a first year resident at a hospital or a brand new OT or PT. They are absolutely clueless I belive yiu become a clinician through practice.

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

I understand that to be a good clinician requires actual practice. That's WHY I'm a practicing NP right now so I can get the experience now to build up my level of expertise. My post is about how the DNP needs to be more consistent and with more pertinent subject matter to the clinical arena. I also think that just because "all profesional schools are like that" is not a good reason to keep the status quo. A dialogue should be created to see how we can improve nursing education to better prepare the next generation of nurses.

[Simplyroses]

I completely agree! The programs seem to be getting away from "translating research into bedside" practice and moving towards administrative/leadership classes for the DNP. I'm sure academia thinks this is a great idea, but academia is quite often far removed from patient practice. Now a fellowship to become an expert in one area might be worth the time...

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

Exactly!! My job currently is a fellowship in neurosurgery. Very extensive and intense stuff but I'm absolutely loving it!!! Along with the clinical aspect i have lecture grand rounds, case simulations, etc.

[Tinabeanrn]

I couldn't agree more. I wish they would revamp the entire program or split it and have one that is clinic based and the other like it is now for those whom chose to go that route. Its a shame too because I really want to go back to school but I can't see myself paying thousands of dollars and taking time away from my family to get a degree that won't help me at all as a clinician. I have talked to several people that have completed their DNP and they agree with you..no value added to their clinical skill set. I love the idea of it, but the benefits don't seem to out way the cost, time, and effort. Well said. Well said.