What path shall I choose?

lisabeth · Jul 7, 2006

Hi everyone! This is my first post on this overwhelmingly helpful forum.
I'm 21 and am married to a beautiful wife and father of our 2yr old daughter ( with another baby on the way! ) I'm about to enter my senior year in completing a B.A. in Biochemistry at the University of San Diego.
I've decided that a career in nursing is for me. Specifically, I have an interest in becoming a FNP and one day opening my own practice. However, I'm concerned as to the path I should choose to obtaining my goal(s) as an FNP. Initially I thought doing an MEPN program somewhere in Cali would be perfect since I'm not an RN and obviously have a bachelor's in another field. However, many MEPN programs here are switching to being two year programs that end with a "clinical practitioner" advanced degree and expect you do do post-master's work between 1-2 years more for becoming FNPs.
My question is: Instead of spending 3-4 years to get the equivalent of a master's degree, would I be better served getting a DNP instead? What would be the Pros/Cons, especially considering the latest talk about a DNP becoming the standard degree for Nurse Practitioners??

Welcome to allnurses.com. As far as advice, I dont really know what you should do, but I know someone in here can advise you. Right now, I am just taking pre-requisites, so as I said, I dont know enough to tell you. Good luck though.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

I think what you have to consider is what your final goal is. If it is to be a FNP you need to be very clear what will be accepted preparation in order to take the certification exam. If both a MEPN and DPN are going to get you there, I'd go with the one that is going to get you there the fastest and with the least hassles. As long as these programs are given the approval of the NLN and the state boards of nursing you don't have anything to lose except time. Once you have your certification as an FNP you have it and it can't be taken away from you if they decide down the road to make a DNP the requirement in order to qualify for certification. I don't know that the DPN requirement will come about for awhile. There have to be enough schools having these kind of programs for that to happen. The schools with Master's programs aren't going to sit by the side of road and get run over without fighting back because they have students that came to their programs for the very reason of becoming FNPs. One of the first nursing doctorate programs was started in the 80's where I was doing my BSN. It was considered pretty revolutionary and everyone was watching to see where it was going to go. Now, 20+ years later it's getting popular. Something else you might want to consider and that is with a DPN you would probably be able to teach nursing in a collegiate program down the road if that seems to be a possibility or something that might be attractive to you in the future. Part of the problem with the nursing shortage is a shortage of nursing instructors. Nurses with doctorates, PhD's and Master's degrees are going to be romanced to become nursing instructors as ways to solve the shortage are sought.

JD_USD · Jul 7, 2006

Welcome to allnurses.com. As far as advice, I dont really know what you should do, but I know someone in here can advise you. Right now, I am just taking pre-requisites, so as I said, I dont know enough to tell you. Good luck though.

Thanks for the welcome!

I think what you have to consider is what your final goal is...As long as these programs are given the approval of the NLN and the state boards of nursing you don't have anything to lose except time. Once you have your certification as an FNP you have it and it can't be taken away from you ...Something else you might want to consider and that is with a DPN you would probably be able to teach nursing in a collegiate program down the road ...

Thanks for the advice. Part of the reason I'm also torn between the two degrees is exactly what you mentioned--with a DPN I could teach in acadamia. I've always considered this career option, but the market is so competative for other disciplines, but it seems like in nursing I'd have a high chance of being able to vie for a position. One draw back is that most other doctorates take 4-5 years and don't require a master's degree first. For the DNP, I'd need to spend 3 yrs. in an MEPN program and another 4-5 years in a DNP program...or spend 5 years to be an FNP at the master's level (3yrs. MEPN + 1-2 yrs. Post-masters FNP cert.). I like the idea of less schooling purely so I can go to work sooner so when I come home my kids aren't competing with my homework for my attention. There are one year online FNP programs I can take after I get my MEPN in order to become a FNP, but I doubt it would be a high caliber enough education for me to open up my own practice one day...(am I wrong??)

crazylilkelly · Jul 7, 2006

you might want to post your question under the np forum. i'm sure you'll get more solid advice there.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

Maybe I'm misinformed, but I thought NPs had to practice under the supervision of an MD...? Or at least, part of the same office (not on their own)...?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

here is a description of the family nurse practitioner certification and basic eligibility requirements.

http://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/cert/eligibility/fnp.html

this is the site index of ancc the certifying body for most nursing practices

http://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/inside/siteindex.html

if you haven't already checked these out, you should. it seems what you are interested in is qualifying to be certified.

ternerzero · Jul 7, 2006

You are young, investing in your future is the wisest choice . I'd take it to the top. Go the extra mile and get the best education and highest degree you can, you'll never regret it.

You are on the right track (looking ahead) thinking about your future.

BRAVO! :yeah: