The Doctor of Nursing Practice for Entry Into Advanced Practice

The Controversy Continues as 2015 Looms

Sandra Bellini, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, CNE; Regina M. Cusson, PhD, APRN, NNP-BC, FAAN

NAINR. 2012;12(1):12-16.

Summary

In closing, a pragmatic solution to the DNP for the entry into advanced practice debate may in fact exist, although no mention of this proposed compromise appears in the literature. If the degree mandate for the DNP were to be changed from required for entry into advanced practice to preferred for entry into advanced practice, which would remain an MS-level option, then perhaps the DNP could become mandatory following 10 years in APRN practice for those who entered with an MS degree. If the "Doctorate in a Decade" were the requirement for maintenance of APRN certification after 10 years in practice, rather than for initial certification, perhaps the opponents to the DNP would pose fewer objections, the goal for doctoral education for APRNs would eventually be attained, and a win-win situation would exist for all.

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