DNP?
There have been numerous accounts of NP opinions on thecontinuing education and creation of standardized DNP programs. We have allheard of the pros and cons of each camp and must make a decision on whether ornot this is beneficial to our profession.
I for one am in favor of this endeavor for many reasons. Imust first remind you that I own and operate my own practice and would be thelast person many would find continuing on this path. I already have as muchautonomy as any NP can have, and yet now that a doctorate program is availableto solidify my profession, I am forced to act.
I feel it necessary to have the credentials that we alldeserve. It seems to me that those who hold the highest level of education getgrants easier, are asked for their opinions more often, and are generally moreaccepted into research.
Many professions are going to doctorate programs, and seethat this level of education invites respect and credibility. I can think ofmany professions that are not MD/DO, where it is acceptable for the individualto call themselves “Doctor.” A psychologist, chiropractor, and collegeprofessor are just a few.
If you have spent the time and money to obtain this level ofexpertise in your field of study, then I feel you should be permitted to referto yourself as “Doctor” as long as you advise the individual of what you have adoctorate in.
I don’t pretend to be an MD or DO in my daily practice. Infact, I currently have many safeguards to protect me from this. At thereception area I have pamphlets that educate patients: “What is a NursePractitioner?” I also have my office staff simply address me as “Joe” andintroduce the patients to me as “You will be seeing Joe, our nursepractitioner.”
Many patients insist on calling me doctor, and I continuallyhave to correct them. Patients want to give you the respect you deserve, but ifyou don’t own the title, don’t use it!
When I complete my DNP program I will be addressed as “Dr.Marra, our nurse practitioner.” I will have earned the right to use the titleat that point and intend to use it. Many of my physician colleagues often liketo introduce me as doctor and cannot; however, they actually welcome thechange.
But make no mistake I will never portray myself as an MD or DO! I like who I am andwhat I do. NPs do a similar job and have an uphill battle educating andfighting for all that we have. An MD/DO can simply open up shop and go to it. Ienjoy the challenge. The NP profession is on an uphill climb, but we arechanging this daunting task, one patient at a time. Also I have seen manyresearch studies recently that compare MD/DOs with NPs, and the results are eyeopening.
How many times have you seen surveys that ask, “Out of allthese professions who would you trust the most?” Nurses are always the numberone answer! Why would I want to be anyone or anything else? We have the best ofboth worlds.
In my opinion, the DNP should not be mandatory for those whohave been practicing and established for a certain time. I of course am noauthority in this area but feel that a grandfather clause should apply. Thiswould most likely lessen many opposing opinions that current NPs have. I agreewith the notion that those who have been practicing have proven that they canpractice safely and effectively and require no further education to providecare that they have been providing for years.
I also feel that we have to start somewhere, and the bugsshould be worked out by our certifying bodies. We as a profession need to cometo common ground on this issue. A change is inevitable, and input is alwayswelcome, hence the discussion in this forum.
Joseph F. Marra CRNP
Urgent Care Center (Owner)