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DNP Our thanks to Certification Chair Arlene M. Sperhac PhD, CPNP, FAAN for providing the following answer. (Updated 5/27/2008) Question: "If I received an NP certificate in the 1970s, how will the Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) affect me?" Answer: While the DNP has caused NPs concern about their right to practice, it is important to remember that the shift from having an MSN to having a DNP for NP practice is an education-driven initiative. It is impractical to imagine that educational institutions can retroeducate more than the 100,000 NPs that are currently providing quality health care in a multitude of settings. Also, at this time, Boards of nursing and certification agencies require an MSN, not a DNP, for licensure or certification at the advanced level. It was suggested by AACN that a mechanism be developed to provide MSN prepared NPs with options for obtaining a DNP degree during a transition period. Perhaps practice experience and previous graduate study would be recognized as components of acquiring the degree. The objectives and core competencies would then build on the knowledge and skills of the experienced NP. Options for grandfathering are being developed. It is important that NPs who will be practicing beyond 2015 be aware of the potential changes in practice regulation. Rather than enrolling in a complete program of study for the DNP, NPs may choose options for grandfathering that may be offered. By 2015, retirement and other life changes may make the degree pointless for other MSN prepared NPs. NAPNAP supports the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties’ (NONPF) Practice Doctorate Nurse Practitioner Entry-Level Competencies (2006) that build on the existing Domains and Core Competencies of Nurse Practitioner Practice (2002) and sent them a letter of support in March 2006. NAPNAP recently developed a position statement on the DNP and it was approved by the NAPNAP Executive Board on April 13, 2008. Click here to read NAPNAP’s Position Statement on the Doctorate of Nursing Practice. The Council for the Advancement of Comprehensive Care (CACC) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) reached an agreement to develop and administer a Certification Examination for Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP). NAPNAP, the Association of Faculties of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (AFPNP), and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) have grave concerns regarding the possible unintended consequences of administering a certification exam for DNPs and sent a letter in response to the CACC. Click here to read the letter sent on May 21, 2008. ADDITIONAL DNP INFORMATION To learn more about the DNP, read the article, “Doctorate of Nursing Practice: Blueprint for Excellence” written by Arlene M. Sperhac, PhD, CPNP, FAAN, and Patricia Clinton, PhD, CPNP, FAANP and published in the May/June 2008 issue of the Journal of Pediatric Health Care (JPHC) (http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ymph). DNP and Certification Question: Will the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) require an earned DNP as an exam eligibility requirement for CPNPÒ certification in 2015? Answer: Click here to view PNCB’s response.
Other DNP Resources: American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) –http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/index.htm
This site includes AACN’s Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing (2004), AACN's Frequently Asked Questions, a current DNP program list, Talking Points, and Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice Nurses National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) – www.nonpf.org
This site contains a Practice Doctorate Resource Center which includes DNP Competencies, Frequently Asked Questions, and various other resources.
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