Why DNP and not MD?

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I'm really curious about why the AACN wants all NPs to become DNPs. I understand the notion of "advancing nursing practice" but I think that there's going be a backlash towards this because (1)if you get the additional education, it doesn't mean you actually have the stature of and MD (2) what is it that you actually study? (3)if it requires you to get the same amount of schooling, why not just go for your MD?

Specializes in Anesthesia.

I would recommend anyone that is interested in the DNP to actually read the AACN website on the DNP. The degree isn't what most people think it is good or bad, and it gives lots of insight on why the degree was developed and how it is supposed to compliment the already effectual APRN training.

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... because I was tired of having to clarify to took many patients that these people are not real doctors (i.e. physicians)...

Why is that your responsibility?? If you're tired of doing it, just stop doing it. Problem solved! :)

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I don't know if it's because physicians sit on the hospital board or not. Even last year they took away NP/PA 'physician' lounge and parking privileges. i actually thought that was unfair...

But I agree with making professionals who are not physicians, dentists or podiatrists to stop introducing themselves as doctors in healthcare settings because I was tired of having to clarify to took many patients that these people are not real doctors (i.e. physicians)...

I think you should just go up to all these Dentists, podiatrists etc and tell them to their face that they aren't real "Doctors" and just cut out the middle man.

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I think you should just go up to all these Dentists, podiatrists etc and tell them to their face that they aren't real "Doctors" and just cut out the middle man.

Pod and dentists ARE doctors!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Pod and dentists ARE doctors!

And how do you define Doctor, because most of the world defines a Doctor as someone who has earned a doctorate.?

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And how do you define Doctor, because most of the world defines a Doctor as someone who has earned a doctorate.?

I define it the same way most people in the world do, except in healthcare settings.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I define it the same way most people in the world do, except in healthcare settings.

So you can't be a Doctor in the healthcare setting unless it meets your narrow definitions?

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Specializes in Neurosurgery, Neurology.
I define it the same way most people in the world do, except in healthcare settings.

So the word means what everyone says it means, except when it doesn't?

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So you can't be a Doctor in the healthcare setting unless it meets your narrow definitions?

NP or DNP can be whatever they want. Does not bother me at all... But I certainly don't call them Dr. [insert] in healthcare settings. Nor will I do it for a PharmD/DPT/ or a PA that has a PhD in sociology.

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So the word means what everyone says it means, except when it doesn't?

Context! Someone who earns a DDS is technically a surgeon, but you don't hear people call dentists with DDS surgeons.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
NP or DNP can be whatever they want. Does not bother me at all... But I certainly don't call them Dr. [insert] in healthcare settings. Nor will I do it for a PharmD/DPT/ or a PA that has a PhD in sociology.

It seems that you do care since you complain about APRNs having their doctorate in every post.

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It seems that you do care since you complain about APRNs having their doctorate in every post.

No I don't.. I guess most NP have some kind of ego, so they think calling themselves whatever will make people think they are some kind of big shot.. At the end of the day, they are physician extenders... Plain and simple! Frankly, I don't see that from PharmD/PA who work harder to earn their degree...

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