College Planning? How to receive a DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice)?
Okay, this is going to be a wee-bit descriptive, so please bear with me. I really need help with this. I have two questions, so if you just want to answer one then, just read one of the two sections. -----Section 1: College Planning - Community college or not?----- I'm a high school junior and next fall I'm going to be a senior. I really want to make my mind up before then because I don't have the greatest grades and I want to take advantage of I know, let me repeat, I KNOW what I want to do in life now. I have my heart set on it. I want to receive a DNP, but because I'm the first one in my family to graduate from high school in the USA, I'm not very knowledgeable in the college application process. My grades aren't the best. I used to have decent grades (As and Bs), but it dramatically decreased because of my depression. My most emphasized year is filled with failing grades (Es). However, I am in the IB Diploma Programme, but will be dropping out of it for senior year due to personal reasons, and will be taking AP classes instead. I'm a very well-rounded student with over 600 hours of community service; several leadership positions in numerous clubs, organizations, and committees; and have work experience (daycares and libraries). I can also play two instruments, as well as many other hobbies. I know that it's going to be competitive, but I'm confident in my abilities. I really don't want to waste any time and money though, so I was thinking of taking 2 different routes: (1) take 2 years of community college, then transfer to a four-year college --> Pros: easier to get into, less expensive, help me rack up on credits, improve my GPA --> Cons: 2 extra years of school, late start on college life (which is a big deal for me) (2) go straight ahead to a four-year college --> Pros: faster, will save 2 years of tuition, ability to have more freedom --> Cons: more competitive Honestly, I'm still weighing out options and I don't know what's the best for me. What would be the best decision? -----Section 2: How to receive a doctorate in nursing practice?----- I'm still not familiar with the different types of degrees you can get in nursing. I know I have the core classes, minors, and majors. For nursing, I know I have to have perquisites and actual experience...So, can someone please explain it to me? Correct me if I'm wrong: --> Freshman & sophomore year - Core classes & RN (or Associate's Degree) --> Junior & senior year - BSN (Bachelor's Degree) --> Extra years - MSN (Master's Degree) --> Perquisites & experience (work) --> DNP Program -- Doctorate *I know these all require exams. Is this correct? If not, please explain further. // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // Sorry for the lengthy description! Great thanks to anyone who answers appropriately! :) I don't know why it's cut off, but this is what I meant by the second paragraph: I'm a high school junior and next fall I'm going to be a senior. I really want to make my mind up before then because I don't have the greatest grades and I want to take advantage of early decision/early action.
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1 :
I am about to finish my BSN, and hope to get a DNP myself. For the most part you have a pretty accurate understanding of the order of things. A few things I would point out... 1. If you want to transfer into a 'good' 4 year program after a 2 year stint at a community college, you may be at a weird disadvantage for acceptance to the BSN program. Many of these programs will weigh acceptance based on credit received - but often do not include transfer credits in these tallies. 2. Nursing school is hard! You need killer grades if you want to get into a good program. Enjoy the 'college experience' but remember college credits are expensive, and paying for them twice sucks.
2 :
Stop focusing on the DNP right now. First you need to get a bachelors in nursing (BSRN) then you need to work for a while. SO Slow down and get the first part done before you get all worked up on the second part. You have the order correct, do not worry. Focus on the next step & do your best, then start the next step and go from there. For now, finish HS, and get accepted into a decent BSRN program if you can; if not start at the CC level & transfer. Good luck.
3 :
Diane is right. You need to take some time and work after you get your BSN.Remember you need much more than just a bunch of degrees to be a good nurse. You also need years of hands on clinical experience to back it up. Nothing is more annoying than a nurse with a Masters that has never actually worked on the floor.You need to walk in a nurses shoes before going into a leadership or supervisory role.
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