Is a DNP Right for You?
You’ve moved up the ranks of nursing with flying colors. Is it worth it to get a Doctor of Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) degree? The unique flexibility, independence and responsibility of a DNP-FNP may be suited to your talents and passion for premium patient care.
We sat down with Dorothea Esposito, DNP, MSN/ed, APRN, FNP-BC, clinical assistant professor in the DNP-FNP hybrid program at Sacred Heart University, to discuss how a doctorate in nursing with a family nurse practitioner specialization is often the perfect fit for those looking to enhance their career with more authority and variety in direct patient care.
What is a DNP?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, or DNP, is a terminal degree in nursing. There is no higher level of education available for practice-based training in nursing. They’re qualified for advanced leadership roles including work in higher education, public health or as c-suite/chief executives. Graduates are eligible to sit for a national examination for certification and apply to practice in the expanded role in Connecticut or other states based on regulatory guidelines.
What is an FNP?
Existing in a larger category of advanced practice registered nurses, family nurse practitioners focus exclusively on providing family-centered primary care to children and adults in a clinical or family practice setting. FNPs receive specialized training and are prepared to serve a variety of populations through routine wellness care, health monitoring and the treatment of minor, acute and chronic illnesses.
All FNPs hold a master’s degree (or higher), must obtain national certification and are required to complete a certain number of clinical placement hours. Direct patient care learning experiences provide aspiring FNPs with the skills, tools and knowledge needed to confidently provide effective patient care. FNPs are licensed to practice in the state of their choosing.
What does an FNP do?
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, you’ll master skills and become an expert in patient care and education. In a DNP-FNP program, you’ll learn to apply and translate scientific evidence and use computer information management systems and patient care technology to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of patient care, improving outcomes.
You’ll take histories, perform comprehensive physical exams, make diagnoses, prescribe medications and interpret diagnostic tests, treating acute illnesses and chronic diseases. You’ll be well-equipped to make clinical judgments, predict and assess population health and educate patients on prevention strategies.
Can I start an FNP program with a bachelor’s degree?
Sacred Heart’s DNP-FNP is specifically designed for graduates of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program who wish to acquire the skills, experience and expertise to work as advanced practice nurses in primary family-centered care.
Are Family Nurse Practitioners in demand?
Yes, becoming an FNP is a smart career move now more than ever. Current estimates from The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predict a shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2034. As we face this shortage as well as a nursing shortage, expert FNPs are becoming more and more valued and sought after in the field of nursing.
The American Association of Colleges and Nursing (AACN) adopted the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in response to a number of societal, scientific and professional developments. The DNP degree is designed to produce leaders in nursing. FNPs influence health care outcomes through organizational leadership, healthy policy implementation and direct care.
Can a Family Nurse Practitioner have their own practice?
Yes. Connecticut is one of the 26 states that allows those with an FNP-DNP degree to open their own practice without the supervision of an MD or DO. Patients often seek the care of nurse practitioners over physicians because they find it easier to book an appointment while still receiving the same personalized, professional care.
I have a busy schedule as a working professional. Is a DNP-FNP program flexible?
Some schools require students to take courses exclusively on campus in a traditional setting, while an increasing number of schools are providing more flexible class opportunities with hybrid or online models. Whether you favor an in-person learning style or work full-time and need to take some classes online, options are available to complete your degree.
With flexible learning options, Sacred Heart University allows FNP-DNP students to complete their degree part-time or full-time using a hybrid model so that students can complete courses both online and on-campus.
Think the DNP-FNP program at Sacred Heart University might be for you?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Sacred Heart University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is recognized among the nation’s best graduate programs, according to U.S. News & World Report’s latest ranking.
Curious about earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree? Talk to Lea DiStasio, director of graduate admissions & recruitment, at 203-396-6786, distasiol2@sacredheart.edu or schedule a virtual appointment today!