My wife wants to go back as a second career to be a NP.
She does NOT however want to do the DNP.
Do any of you fine posters know when the MSN is going to be eliminated in favor of the DNP?
Thank you!
As an MSN prepared nurse who is going back to school this fall for a post-master's cert in PMHNP (not DNP), this question of the magical "2015 transition" comes up quite a bit. The suggestion is that NP programs transition to the DNP by 2015. I applied to two programs, one which was going the DNP route, but would still offer the post-master's option, and the other that only currently offers MSN and post-master's certs. That particular program will transition to the DNP starting in 2013.
I don't know that the MSN will ever be fully eliminated, to do so would require State Boards of Nursing to change their practice standards, and it would also eliminate quite a few cycles of new providers in an area where NP's and PA's are desperately needed (Primary Care). I think the idea isn't all that sound either- looking into the DNP programs, I haven't found one that offers more clinical hours- but rather they all offer more theory courses and more management ones. I have had my fill of those getting my MSN- what I am liking about my post-master's program is the emphasis on advanced pathophys, advanced pharmacotherapies, and then clinical practice, clinical practice, clinical practice. Those contact hours are the most important.
Sorry if this ran long winded- but to sum up: I don't think the 2015 "replacement" will happend with gusto- but will take quite a few years get to actually catch on and fully transition. How many years have they been saying that BSN should be the entry degree to be a nurse? And all that time, the profession is still cranking out amazing, smart, talented, and dedicated ADN's without a problem.
Good luck to her in her future endeavors...its a long road, but one that is totally going to be worth it!
