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DNP Articles and Numbers

Posted on: January 19, 2009

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Our recent series about the doctorate of nursing practice degree drew a lot of reader commentary. Follow the links below to read the articles and leave your opinion.

DNP Coming Into Focus

The DNP: Will It Create a Second-Class NP

Understanding the DNP

Survey Results: What Do NPs Really Think About the DNP?

I have spoken to both practicing NPs and NP students in my area and there have been several concerns voiced regarding the mandatory DNP in 2015. Iowa has one of the lowest, if not the lowest pay for nurses in general. No one I have spoken with believes that there will be an adjustment in wages to any ARNP who acquires their DNP. No one is against getting a DNP, but feel this should be a choice. The level of autonomy is not likely to change with the DNP. Nurses who are considering furthering their education to be an NP after the 2015 deadline are considering taking a different route to advancing their education. This unfortunately does not include getting their DNP. Those I have spoken with state they would either become a physician's assistant (PA) or go to medical school in stead. They feel if they are going to go through the time and expense they want to get paid for it and can earn at least three times as much with a medical doctorate instead of a nursing doctorate. I understand the push for the DNP as physical therapist and pharmacist have done. However, the latter two professions have no competition from a physician. Some physicians still, unfortunately, see the NP as a threat rather than an asset. The original goal of NPs was to feel the gaps in primary healthcare. We may be losing more than we would be gaining by this mandatory move towards the DNP.

Laura Dankof , ARNP	February 21, 2009
Grimes , IA

Leslie,
I agree with your concerns. I am 50 years old with 4 children, 3 in college. The last thing I anticipated was having to go back to school..one more time...just to remain competitive with the younger workforce. Hospitals are cutting out education dollars because of tight budgets. I have been told there are zero education dollars in my benefits this year. I can only imagine the response when all of us start requesting tuition reimbursement for classes!
I know that our family budget (already stressed) can't handle another college student tuition. Anyone have any ideas?

Maria	February 17, 2009

One of my concerns is who's is going to pay for it. I am 52 years old. I have had my master's and certification for 15 years. It took me 10 years to pay my loans. I continue to be a single parent and now have 2 children in college. There are no programs in my state so tuition will be $650.00 to $900.00 a credit hour. How am I supposed to support, pay tuition and college costs for 3 people and go to school? There are still so many barriers for nurse practitioners in so many states. Shouldn't we be removing those before requiring more and more education.

Leslie	January 21, 2009

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