<p>While attending “Pitt Start” (University of Pittsburgh’s summer orientation) with my daughter two weeks ago I was surprised when, at the nursing school presentation, they announced that they are winding down their masters programs and going forward it will be necessary to get a doctorate in order to become a nurse practitioner. I’m just a lay person but I don’t see this as a positive development. If there is already a shortage of advanced practice nurses, how will it help the situation by adding the REQUIREMENT of a couple more years of schooling? Geez, if you are going to have to go to school for that long you might at well just go to med school and become a doctor. (I know the roles are different.) And what does a nurse with a doctorate call herself or himself? “Hello. I’m Doctor Nurse Smith.” ?? </p>
<p>Will advanced practice nurses with a doctorate be paid more to reflect their additional education and the expense in time and dollars they bore to get it? I’m skeptical.</p>