[Aiden]

My organization recognizes APRNs with MSN and DNP degrees. However, there are no significant differences in autonomy and scope of practice. Their roles overlap and have limitations on what they can do without psychiatrists. The DNPs earn more money than MSNs, but all depend on their experiences. If an individual with an MSN degree has more experience than a less experienced DNP degree, they will have a higher salary. Both NPs with MSN and DNP are not allowed to admit patients without a psychiatrist’s order. They both have to work under the supervision of a psychiatrist. There is additional compensation, such as tuition fee reimbursement and loan forgiveness, for earning the DNP if someone is in a leadership role before higher education. The compensation is awarded to all employees in general, not just specific to those in leadership roles.

[Aiden]

Hello Avery,

Thank you for bringing up this topic. It is exciting to know about my future job market and compensation. Even though DNP is the highest degree in nursing, it is still relatively new. According to the information from the Payscale, the most up-to-date salary for a DNP in California is approximately $121,000. However, location, specialty, and experience significantly determine the actual salary. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects an approximately 46% occupational growth rate in 10 years between 2021 and 2031. In addition, the job growth can be attributed to an aging population living longer with a wide range of comorbidities. Many nurses are also retiring. The shortage means the opportunities for DNP will grow even more. Likely, the salary for future DNP graduates will be higher along with demand. The salary is not significantly different between DNP and MSN degrees. However, the DNP degree may have more leadership and career research opportunities.

[Aiden]

Hello all,

I am currently a DNP student in the PMHNP program in California. I chose to spend almost two more years going for a DNP program instead of an MSN program because I want to achieve the highest education in my specialty and have more autonomy when caring for patients. However, as soon as I began my journey in the program, I realized how restricting and frustrating it is to have the title “doctor” with my name after graduation. It is unreasonable and unfair for the title “doctor” to be used exclusively for “physicians and surgeons” per California law. Nursing students who earn a doctorate should also be allowed to use the term “doctor” accordingly. Nursing is the most trusted profession, and nursing practice has been considered the safest. There are no reasons for us not to be called “doctors” after graduation. I had a chance to speak to one of the DNPs in the hospital where I worked in the past. He shared his thoughts on this particular issue with me, as a “doctorate” is the earned degree for any individual in any profession. The government or the American Medical Association (AMA) should not legislate, govern, or own it exclusively. Many non-physician professions, such as dentists, podiatrists, pharmacists, or Ph.D., have used the term “doctor” for decades without legal issues until the DNPs come into place. It is disrespectful to our nursing profession when the AMA states that patients should only be cared for by the most educated and trained physicians. Patients can understand the differences if we introduce our roles. Patients need to have more advocacy about APRNs, especially DNPs. It is essential to make the public be aware of our profession as other healthcare professions. Medical doctors and surgeons can use the term “physician” exclusively if they want to distinguish themselves from others.

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