DNP Answers : Being an NP Student

Introducing a New DNP Blogger

Susan Vanbeuge — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:00:00 GMT

I am Dr. Susan VanBeuge, family nurse practitioner and assistant professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. My nursing career began when the decision to return for a second bachelors degree in nursing. At the time, I started volunteering in an emergency...(read more)

Curriculum in Post-BSN and Post-MSN DNP Programs

Lisa Chism, NP — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:55:00 GMT

Q: Can you explain how the curriculum will look in a post-BSN DNP program in comparison to a post-MSN DNP program? A: A post-BSN program includes the clinical component neccessary for advanced practice nursing specialization. In other words, the curriculum...(read more)

DNP Clinical Projects: Assigned or Self-Guided

Meg Carman — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:22:00 GMT

Q: Is it common practice for a DNP program to assign students to sites and projects, or do most allow students to explore their own passions and interests? A: This is an institution-specific issue. Some DNP programs work in partnership with a healthcare...(read more)

Educational Opportunities for Those Not Wanting a DNP

Lisa Chism, NP — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:36:00 GMT

Q: How can NPs who don't go back to get a DNP elevate their knowledge in similar ways? A: Great question! My first suggestion is to become familiar with the Essentials for Doctoral Education for Advanced Nurisng Practice . The essentials guide the curriculum...(read more)

Graduation Regalia for DNPs

Michael Zychowicz — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:30:00 GMT

Q: I've heard that some universities don't allow DNP graduates to wear the same graduation regalia as other doctorate degree graduates. What's the common practice for graduation regalia? A: I have not heard of schools "not allowing" DNP graduates to wear...(read more)

Certification if Graduating With an MSN in 2015

Mai Kung — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:16:00 GMT

Q: I am just finishing my BSN and will graduate in December 2012. I have a BSBA, ADN, LPN-Diploma and associate degree in general education. I am now considering doing the FNP program but I will be in the middle of the program when the DNP is required...(read more)

The DNP: What Do You Want to Know?

Jennifer Ford — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:19:00 GMT

The decision to go back for a DNP. The excitement of being accepted into the program. Juggling work and school. Developing a capstone project. The joy of graduation. Applying knowledge to practice: The DNP Answers blog contributors have all been through...(read more)

The Anatomy of an Online DNP Course

Meg Carman — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:52:00 GMT

Q: In my research I find that many DNP programs offer online courses. I have never taken an online course. How does it work, generally? I felt the same trepidation in approaching my DNP program, which was completely online, other than two on-campus weekends....(read more)

Camaraderie Among MSN NPs and DNP NPs

Catherine Nichols — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:45:00 GMT

Q: A colleague asked, "Why would you ever go back for your doctorate?" with the implication that she thought it a bad idea. It got me thinking: are DNPs supported by our NP colleagues and healthcare in general? What would foster better camaraderie between...(read more)

A New Job Description With a DNP

Mai Kung — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:28:00 GMT

Q: I'd like to propose a new job description to my manager when I graduate with a DNP. Any thoughts on how to do this or how to create the job description? It is a good time to transition into a new role when you graduate with your DNP. A new job description...(read more)

Recouping the Cost of a DNP Program

Meg Carman — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:30:00 GMT

Q: I am very excited about obtaining a DNP, but I am at an age; will I recoup $30,000.00 and incidental expenses? I know some will say, but this is for your knowledge. I understand, but is there any money or financial assistance for this? I reviewed several...(read more)

Landing a Teaching Job With a DNP Degree

Michael Zychowicz — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:26:00 GMT

Q: As a DNP student, I am curious about the idea that DNP graduates will struggle to land teaching roles in academic settings because they do not hold a PhD. I have read several different conversations that allude to this and in discussions with my classmates...(read more)

Tips for a DNP Program Phone Interview

Meg Carman — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:58:00 GMT

Q: My phone interview for a DNP program is fast approaching. Any tips on nailing my interview? First, congratulations on taking this step in your career! The DNP is hard work, but gives you the tools to make real changes in your practice setting. Phone...(read more)

Your Thoughts on the DNP

Jennifer Ford — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:50:00 GMT

This week we review a few comments from readers on posts to the DNP Answers blog. Last week, contributor Catherine Nichols responded to a question from a reader about whether the DNP must be a clinical degree . William, an NP and reader from Tampa, Fla.,...(read more)

Does the DNP Have to Be Clinical?

Catherine Nichols — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:41:00 GMT

Q: Does the DNP have to be clinical? I am already an NP. I would like an education or possibly an administrative focus. A: Getting a DNP does not mean a confinement of practice solely within the clinic setting. On the contrary, the purpose of the DNP...(read more)