<p>I agree with everything that’s been said here. The fact that it came down from the American Association of College of Nurses speaks to the fact that they want to limit, and also enhance the prestige of, the profession. For some it may not be an overt tactic, but just an expression of their love of bureaucracy, enhanced standards, and power over educational institutions.</p>
<p>Everything in health care is pointing towards more affordable care being given by primary care providers, with PAs and NPs being a critical need. Why add so many years and so much cost to a student nurse’s burden, when it is not needed? Who really benefits? And how is this “doctoral degree” different from an MD or Phd? It’s not an MD and it doesn’t bring the research of a Phd, so why is it called a doctoral degree? They could have tightened up the masters programs if they wanted to, this DNP just makes no sense.</p>