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 Emergency.

It's interesting....up til now, I've refrained from posting on allnurses precisely because I've seen the level of diatribe between "professionals." But seriously, I've appreciated the input from most of you. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. It gives me much to think about as I move forward

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
It's interesting....up til now, I've refrained from posting on allnurses precisely because I've seen the level of diatribe between "professionals." But seriously, I've appreciated the input from most of you. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. It gives me much to think about as I move forward

There are always those select few commenters who decide to be passive aggressive instead of just not commenting at all. I'm glad you looked past it and are able to take something from posting.

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Specializes in NICU.

I have zero desire to work the number of hours that most doctors do. I work three 12 hour shifts a week and make six figures. It's pretty hard to beat something like that.

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At 48 years of age, 2 Bachelors degrees in 2 different fields and $48 K in student loans, there's no way I'm going back to school for even my Masters. A DNP is not even a fleeting thought. But kudos to those young enough and with the desire to go that far

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Specializes in critical care.
Why is it illogical? I'm an RN trying to decide if I want to go for an advanced degree that allows me to become a provider. But if I have to spend just about as much time doing it, why stop short of being an MD, with, sorry, a lot more stature and scope of practice than a DNP? It's about effort/money/time vs. Outcome

In my state, you have prescriptive and diagnostic privileges. I believe invasive procedures require additional certifications, but are also capable of being within the scope of practice. You go for 4 years additional education beyond the bachelors to become a DNP.

MD has an additional residency (4-8 years) beyond grad/med school. And, they go way further into debt for this.

I think a DNP's stature is just fine, tyvm. It sounds to me like you may be feeling shame in the idea of still being "just a nurse". That's does suck. Go be a doctor.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

Your profile says you have ASN & a BFA. Have you looked at MCAT prep books or USMLE Step tests? You seem bent on disagreeing with anyone who is not supporting your view point. I am applying for DNP for Fall 2016. As a FNP in an independent practice state I have the best of both worlds. I know ACNPs in cardiology who perform procedures similar to physicians. There is a reason we kept NURSE in our title. You were doing ok in this debate, right up until you showed your immaturity pulling the NETY card.

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NETY card?

Other than that, (side note: I apologize in advance if the following questions have been answered):

Why, OP, are you thinking of pursuing a DNP or a MD?

For independence? Money? Prestige? Something else?

Ultimately, do you need to be a DNP or MD to fulfill your goals?

Ex. If you want to be a surgeon, then you will need a MD.

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Try to take physics I&II and biochemistry etc... also take a look at the MCAT and you will get why a DNP is =/= to MD/DO... I am not going to even mention residency, which is HELL...

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
To all you haters, rather than being demeaning and rude for an honest question, for which I still haven't come to a decision about which path to choose, you fit the stereotype of nurses who "eat their young." Stop living the stereotype.

I'm sorry, if you truly believe "NETY" just wait until you see what med students and residents endure.

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I think the CRNP dnp programs should model themselves after the CRNA DNP program. In regards to difficulty of acceptance, set up clinical sites and rotations, in person didactic lectures, etc. The CRNP DNP programs seem lacking in purpose and direction. People are having a hard time explaining the actual relevance of the program and how clinically it enriches the student. After all the whole job you'll be fulfilling is diagnosing and prescribing medication for patients, shouldn't you have very strenuous clinical education to enhance that?

Of course everyone will be fascinated by your great penmanship and mediocre diagnostic skills when you complete your DNP.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Bluebolt, that's exactly my issue....from what I've found, it doesn't do much to enhance the MNP. If it did, I wouldn't balk at the prospect.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Onon2RN, I'm speaking about this particular conversation. What may or may not happen elsewhere is besides the point.

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