[NPInfo] RE: NPInfo Digest, Vol 25, Issue 33 DNP

[Anne Chamberlain]

Dena,
Thanks for the info.  I am licensed as an RN and NP (of course) in one
state, so my question is related to how the DNP affects that.  I do know
that training varies in all the states.  Many of our colleagues have BSN's
and were able to become NPs while in my state a minimum of a MSN is required
in order to qualify to take apply for licensure when your program is
completed.  I've met NP's licensed in my state that have been practicing
long enough that they don't have a BSN. They were already licensed, so that
MSN requirement wasn't imposed on them when it became the new rule.  I don't
want to get into IF these others are truly qualified, etc.  I know I can
move to another state and get a NP license by just applying (my state has
one of the highest education levels required, it wouldn't be a problem).
Perhaps I've understood erroneously in the past, but I thought that states
that don't require that same extensive training and education as mine (such
as Florida - unless something has recently changed) could not just apply and
get a license in my state (because they wouldn't meet the minimum
requirements).  Or would they be 'grandmothered' (grandfathered) in because
they already have an NP license?  The training and schooling is not uniform,
so yes, it appears to me to be a nightmare system.  And, now we're going to
start the process of adding the DNP when some states don't even require a
MSN yet (are there ones that still don't require a BSN, I don't know)?
Anyway, I don't want to go back to school again.  I don't want to retire and
finish school at the same time! I worked hard, loved school, did my best and
am done with formal education - not CE's of course, they're perennially
required. I certainly don't want to take the boards again (or a board),
national or otherwise.  



Message: 4
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 05:52:40 -0700
From: "Dena" <galdena at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: RE: [NPInfo] RE: NPInfo Digest, Vol 25, Issue 31
To: "'NP Info'" <npinfo at nurse.net>
Message-ID: <008901c898ae$4baf4bd0$e68ab545 at Dena>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

Well, of course you can go to a program outside your state! Just like one
can for their ADN, BSN, and MSN- . And NP education should not vary from
state to state-- the scope of practice for NPs can vary in different states
but the curriculum should always adhere to the set national standards-- and
national certifications are based on the national NP curriculum. Since the
huge majority of DNP bridging programs don't even contain clinicals, that's
not really an issue. I move around a lot and have been licensed as a NP in 4
different states... do you think I had to re-do my nursing education all
over again each time I moved? Good heavens-- that would certainly be a
nightmare!!
Dena Galler

-----Original Message-----
From: npinfo-bounces at nurse.net [mailto:npinfo-bounces at nurse.net] On Behalf
Of Anne Chamberlain
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 10:28 PM
To: npinfo at nurse.net
Subject: [NPInfo] RE: NPInfo Digest, Vol 25, Issue 31

I've been reading the DNP thread with curiosity.  I have another question
regarding the DNP to throw in the pot. So, does one have to get the degree
in their state of licensure or can one do it partially via the web with
local clinicals, etc. (if clinicals are required)?  Is there a way to not
have to re-locate if there isn't a program near you?  Since states vary so
much on levels of NP training, how is this accounted for?  It seems to me
that since it's not required for licensure and practice, the rules in how
you earn the degree (and later apply it) should also be more flexible.  What
do those of you in the know say?  I have no intention of going back to
school AGAIN, if I don't have to.  I already have twelve years of college
and quit that "career" a few years ago.  Except for the first two years, my
schooling is all directly in nursing. If I had gone the medical school
route, I WOULD have been done much sooner, but I LOVE nursing.  Almost
couldn't help myself.  It's now time to live life instead of reading about
theories, etc..  I learn new stuff almost every day still, in daily
practice, but enough is enough (school)!  I get how the others are done. At
some point we want to just be working and enjoying our families and friends
like 'regular' people.