[Jennifer]

I think you are exactly right, as time goes on more and more people will obtain their DNP and the value of having one will be important. It is also interesting that you bring up that a difference between the Masters and the DNP (from the outside) is the title. I think people you are working with will know you have a DNP, but patients may never know. Especially because we couldn’t actually use the title “doctor”. On this forum, you can also read about the new bill (AB-765) and issues with using the title “doctor” in the clinical setting. I interviewed my advisor at school, and he said that both MSN and DNP nurses work and practice together seamlessly. He believes what sets you aside is the way you think about things, and how you are able to ask deeper questions. I also definitely agree we should be compensated more for having our doctorate. It makes sense with more education the salary would be higher. Not sure this is happening yet, but one day.

[Jennifer]

Hi Avery! I have definitely had this happen. I have had people tell me to get my masters instead, or at least get it along the way to becoming a DNP. And I have also had people tell me they thought a DNP would be too specialized and I wouldn’t have a job after school. Most of the people speaking don’t know what the DNP schooling involves, or what jobs you would have after. In the past I haven’t really participated in the conversation. In the future, I think I would tell them why the degree is important to me. I would probably mention that I want to get the highest degree in nursing, and bring research and evidence to the bedside. But also, sometimes it’s not worth it to explain to certain people, they already have their own ideas of what they think about the degree. Just know you are not alone! You will find people that are encouraging, and stick with those people!

[Jennifer]

Hi Susan!
I just read over AB-765. How interesting. The bill says that the public would get confused if anybody in healthcare used “doctor” other than medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy. It also makes it sound as though we are purposely misleading the public if we were to go by doctor as a DNP. I’m also shocked that if we did use “Dr.” before our name it would count as a misdemeanor under this bill. I don’t mind going by my first name as a nurse practitioner DNP but I don’t think it should be a law to make us not use this title. Our education is something that we worked hard for and it would be too bad if we didn’t have this option. I also think this is an important bill for pharmacists, physical therapists, and anybody else in the medical field with a doctorate. Looking at the bill now it looks like it has still not been passed. I think if we are honest with our patients and explain what our role is, then I don’t think this would be seen as misleading our patients. Thanks so much for posting about this bill! Good to learn about.

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