If I don't pursue the DNP, will I no longer be able to work as a NP?

You may be "grandfathered" in to continue as you are.  However, there may not be any promise for that.  My decision to do the DNP was partially because I didn't want to be one of the "few" who didn't have the DNP credential in a few years.  I feared that it would limit my opportunities even if it didn't  stop me from practicing.  I'm in my 3rd year (part-time) and I'm very glad I did this, even though it has been a strain.  I will finish 5/09.  But more important to me, the DNP has changed me in very positive ways.  I think differently now and truly believe that I'm a better healthcare provider.

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JanMarie Fisher-Griffis, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

Nothing has been specifically spelled out but it would be an immense undertaking to get every NP in the nation to graduate with a DNP within just a few years. It has taken us over 20 years to get the number of NPs as it is. You could almost be assured that you will be grandfathered in. With that in mind, don't completely take the DNP off the table. It is quite possible that states will adopt more favorable regulations for DNPs over mastered prepared nurses. I would envision that would involve more autonomous practice possibilities.

Troy

I am Master's prepared, in a totally autonomoous role -- doubt I will do the DNP -- at Age 70, I intend to practice for a while longer, but not ALSO return to school. 

Washington State is a GREAT place to practice --  

 

Janmarie, I am glad to hear your positive remarks about the DNP program.  I am fairly young in my NP career and have decided to pursue the DNP as well.  I believe that it will further help me to develop as a professional and as an advanced practice nurse.  I think that those of us who are ambitious enough to continue our education after NP school should have the option to continue on the clinical practice track rather than be forced into research or acadamia.

My understanding is that the guidelines for "2015 entry to practice" will totally allow for grandfathering. You should have no problem (I am assuming you have secured a Masters and that you are not practicing with a certificate - I am unclear with regards to that scenario). The idea of the position statement is clearly not to restrict current practitioners, but to provide a terminal degree that is front line and  practice-based that focuses on professional leadership in terms of advocacy and health policy, academics, and systems management; where as the PhD is geared toward research concerning the synthesis of new knowledge.

Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the DNP that I may be able to assist you with

Respectfully

Faith Claman, DNP, RN-C, WHNP, CPNP