When should I get my dnp and can I do it working part time?

Miffy · Apr 23, 2015

Hello! I'm currently in an accelerated bachelors program in nursing so I know I can't answer a lot of your questions but I can answer one on them. I have been looking into DNP programs (since that is the ultimate goal for me too) and many require 1 year of nursing experience when you apply. I think working for at least a year will help your application look more competitive as well.

Vitabella · May 16, 2015

Hi! Kudos to you for knowing exactly what you want to do in high school! :)

I just graduated with my DNP as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I worked as an RN for 1 year before applying to grad school to pursue a DNP and I worked part-time throughout the program. I had classmates who went straight from their BSN to DNP without having any experience as an RN. Depending upon your GPA, the school's requirements, and your interview, it is possible to continue your education straight into a DNP. Whether that is recommended or not really depends upon how certain you are that the DNP degree is what you want and how well you did in nursing school (nursing school is a lot of work!). It is definitely possible to work part-time while going to school full-time although the faculty may tell you otherwise. Most of my classmates worked at least part-time while in school. I can't yet speak on the differences between being a NP vs RN from experience, but I received a job offer the same week that I graduated (so at least where I live, finding a job isn't a problem!). Best of luck to you! :)