Blog

Nurse Types / Substance Abuse Nurse

Substance abuse affects nearly 21 million Americans. Only 10% of those struggling with addiction receive treatment. Addiction care services require the expertise of many healthcare professionals. Substance abuse nurses are among them.

If you’re a nursing professional looking for a change in your career, becoming a substance abuse nurse might be an excellent choice.

In this article you’ll discover:

• What is a substance abuse nurse?
• What do substance abuse nurses do?
• Where do substance abuse nurses work?
• What are closely related fields?
• How do you become a substance abuse nurse in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of substance abuse nurses?
• What are the salary and career outlooks for substance abuse nurses?

What is a substance abuse nurse?

A substance abuse nurse specializes in treating patients addicted to alcohol, drugs, and other substances. Sometimes called addiction nurses, they are trained in both general medicine and mental health.

When you become a substance abuse nurse, you’re tasked with educating your patients and their caregivers about the dangers of substance abuse. You also might provide emotional support to patients in crisis at any stage in their addiction recovery.

Qualities of a successful substance abuse nurse

• Compassion
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong communication
• Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals

What do substance abuse nurses do?

Substance abuse nurses are healthcare professionals, mental health advisors, and community advocates, all rolled into one. As a substance abuse nurse, you’ll help patients learn to cope with and recover from their addictions. Some of the most common day-to-day tasks you can expect in this role include:

• Administering medications prescribed for pain management
• Conducting mental health screenings 
• Providing emotional support services
• Delivering direct-patient care to patients 
• Monitoring patient progress
• Determining if care plan adjustments are needed
• Providing education and support to patients and their families
• Regulating treatment plans for substance abuse patients

A day in the life of a substance abuse nurse

A day in the life of a substance abuse nurse has many ups and downs, emotionally and physically. Each shift starts with an assessment of patient progress and mental and physical status. If a patient is in detox or residential care, you’ll need to perform assessments at least twice during your shift.

Medication management takes up a significant portion of your shift. You must ensure medication is filled and taken at the recommended times. Conferring with other members of the patient’s recovery team can happen daily or weekly.

---

---

Common conditions treated by substance abuse nurses

Substance abuse nurses treat patients during the recovery process. You’ll often have patients with complex mental or physical health needs that extend beyond addiction.

Between 3 and 19% of substance abuse patients developed an addiction from prescribed pain medication. You may need to address the addiction plus the underlying condition that caused the patient to abuse prescription painkillers.

Another reason some people become addicted to alcohol, drugs, and other substances is to cope with mental health crises and disorders. Your patients may need ongoing emotional or psychological support.

Where do substance abuse nurses work?

Substance abuse nurses work in any healthcare setting that offers substance abuse and addiction recovery support and treatment. The most common work environments for substance abuse nurses include:

• Inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment centers
• Mental health clinics
• Psychiatric wards in hospitals

What are closely related fields?

Similar occupations to substance abuse nursing include:

• Health education specialists
• Community health workers
• Rehabilitation counselors
• Social workers 

How do you become a substance abuse nurse in 3 steps?

Substance abuse is a nursing specialty, so you’ll first need to become an RN if you don’t already hold you RN licensure. Other steps include gaining relevant experience and becoming certified.

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse (RN)

The first step in your journey to becoming a substance abuse nurse is to earn your RN licensure. If you are currently a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you can take the NCLEX-RN exam. However, many healthcare employers have begun to prefer RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. 

Earn a BSN degree

There are several ways to earn a BSN degree. Many nursing professionals already working in their field opt for attending a BSN program while continuing to work. RNs can participate in an RN-to-BSN program designed to take the skills they already have and build on them. These programs usually take up to 2-3 years to complete.

Accelerated BSN programs are ideal if you hold a BSN in another discipline and want to switch to nursing. You can expect to focus on nursing education in one of these specialized curriculums.

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

After you earn your BSN, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam if you have not already done so. You can familiarize yourself with the format of the test by visiting the official exam website. There you’ll find practice exams and other test-prep materials for obtaining your RN licensure.

You can take the test again if you don’t pass on your first try. There is a 45-day waiting period between attempts.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

You’ll want to gain some relevant experience in substance abuse nursing as an RN. Patients recovering from substance abuse can suffer from acute illnesses. You’ll have a variety of settings where you can provide direct patient care while gaining on-the-job proficiency.

Try working in and inpatient and outpatient detox program to focus on the physical effects of substance abuse. You’ll gain knowledge about how to treat the symptoms of substance abuse, including withdrawal.

Psychiatric centers emphasize the mental effects of substance abuse. In this setting, you can practice emotional support for patients.

See if you can shadow substance abuse nurses in different settings to learn more about the profession and see if it’s a good fit for you.

Helpful skills and experience

Compassion and empathy are your go-to skills if you want to work as a substance abuse nurse. Working alongside other nurses in this specialty can help you gain the experience needed to improve patient outcomes and expand your advancement opportunities in nursing. 

Changing specialty to a substance abuse nurse

If you’re already working as an RN and want to switch over to a substance abuse nursing specialty, you can use your current licensure to help get you there. 

You can concentrate on taking continuing education courses that relate to addiction nursing. Then, you can obtain certifications addiction recovery services look for when hiring substance abuse nurses.

[ MORE: Earn your CEUs online, 100% free with Incredible Health. ]

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

The final step in becoming a substance abuse nurse is to obtain certifications relevant to your specialty.

One of the most popular choices is the Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) certification. You must complete 2,000 hours of professional nursing experience in a substance abuse setting, plus 30 hours of continuing educated related to addictions nursing.

Additional certifications are available, but you must have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to qualify.

What are additional requirements of substance abuse nurses?

You’ll need to maintain your credentials to continue working as a substance abuse nurse. Your RN licensure must be renewed according to the terms set forth by the state board of nursing in your state of practice. 

Certifications may need to be renewed. You can check with the issuing body to find out the specific criteria for keeping your certification in good standing.

What are the salary and career outlooks for substance abuse nurses?

Addiction nursing is a growing field because of the number of Americans who struggle with alcohol, drug, and other substance abuse.

Nationwide, the average salary for substance abuse nurses is $64,091. Some addiction nurses can earn as much as $133,000 annually depending on where they work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for experienced addiction nurses is expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.

---

---

Job satisfaction

Research revealed that social capital is the main driver in ensuring job satisfaction among addiction nurses. Working as a substance abuse nurse can be taxing emotionally and physically. Find a work culture that supports you as well as your patients.

Next steps

Becoming a substance abuse nurse opens the door to other advancement opportunities in your nursing career. You can go on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to become a nurse educator or researcher in addiction care.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from other addiction nursing professionals. They can help you make the best choices for your career path.

---

---

Nurse Types / Diabetes Nurse

Becoming a diabetes nurse is an excellent career choice for nursing professionals who want to help their patients live healthier lives. People with diabetes must practice a strict lifestyle management protocol to keep their diabetes in check. Nurses who specialize in diabetes play a significant role in that process.

If you know you want to become a nurse but you’re still exploring your options, you may want to consider this choice. Learning more about what diabetes nurses do can assist you in deciding. In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a diabetes nurse?
• What do diabetes nurses do?
• Where do diabetes nurses work?
• What are closely related fields?
• How do you become a diabetes nurse in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of diabetes nurses?
• What are the salary and career outlooks for diabetes nurses?

---

---

What is a diabetes nurse?

About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, a chronic health condition that interferes with how your body turns food into energy. People with the condition either can’t produce insulin or don’t produce enough, so they require medication and lifestyle changes to stay healthy.

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes causes the body to attack itself by mistake, which keeps it from making insulin. Medical professionals believe it’s caused by an autoimmune disorder.
• Type 2 diabetes keeps your body from using the insulin it produces properly, so you struggle to maintain blood sugar levels.
• Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who did not previously have diabetes. It usually goes away once the baby is born. However, having gestational diabetes puts your baby at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diabetes nurses can help with all three types of diabetes or choose to specialize only in one.

Qualities of a successful diabetes nurse

If you’re going to work in the nursing profession, compassion for others is a must-have quality. Other abilities you’ll need if you decide to specialize in diabetes care include:

• Analyzing patient information to make appropriate adjustments in care, including insulin dosage and dietary guidelines
• Communicating clearly with other members of the healthcare management team, patients, and patient families
• Discussing sensitive information with patients and their families

What do diabetes nurses do?

Diabetic nurses have many responsibilities. Your primary role as a diabetic nurse involves educating patients and their families about how to best control symptoms through a combination of exercise, medication, and nutrition. You’ll also help your patients monitor their blood sugar and minimize nerve damage, which can be common in diabetic patients.

A day in the life of a diabetes nurse

There’s never a dull moment when you’re a diabetes nurse. You can go from consulting with a patient’s healthcare team about the best options for a treatment plan to educating a patient and their family about how to manage symptoms.

You can count on one thing if you become a diabetes nurse: no two days are the same. So, if variety is the spice of your life, diabetes nursing may be the perfect career choice.

Common conditions treated by diabetes nurses

Diabetes nurses treat all three types of diabetes (Type I, Type II, and Gestational). Some of the other common conditions you may encounter include:

• Dehydration
• Nerve damage
• Wounds that won’t heal

Where do diabetes nurses work?

Diabetes nurses can work in a variety of settings. Some of the most common are:

• Doctors’ offices
• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Pharmacies 
• In-home care 

Traveling diabetic nurses are more likely to perform in-home care than other diabetic nursing professionals.

Working with endocrinologists and other endocrine system specialists is another option for diabetes nurses since diabetes affects the endocrine system. Diabetes nurses who earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can teach or become diabetes researchers.

What are closely related fields?

If you enjoy being a diabetes nurse, there are some other closely related fields you may want to explore. Some of the possibilities include:

• Diabetes management nurses help patients diagnosed with Type I or Type II diabetes manage their conditions. They educate on the best lifestyle changes and medications to control their diabetes. 
• Endocrinology nurses specialize in the care of patients with endocrine system disorders like diabetes and thyroid issues. They can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including ambulatory centers and hospitals. 

---

---

How do you become a diabetes nurse in 3 steps?

The nursing profession is highly specialized. Once you earn your Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, you have several options for career paths. Becoming a diabetes nurse is one of them. Follow these 3 steps if you want to help people living with diabetes.

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

The first step toward specializing in diabetes care is to become a registered nurse (RN). You can qualify for RN licensure by completing nursing school. Some nursing professionals choose to become LPNs and then pursuing their RN licensure. Others choose a bachelor’s degree program, which can take 4 years to complete. Either way allows you to become an RN.

Earn a BSN degree

Many healthcare employers, especially hospitals, are requiring RNs to have a minimum of a BSN degree. For this reason and others, many nursing professionals opt for their BSN before becoming a licensed RN. If you’re an LPN already working in nursing, you can fast-track your BSN with an RN to BSN program. If you have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, you can check out the Accelerated BSN program.

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

Once you earn your BSN, the final step to becoming a licensed RN is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. About 78% of test-takers pass on their initial try. You can repeat the exam if you’re not so lucky on your first attempt. However, you must wait 45 days between testing dates.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Some diabetes nurses choose this nursing specialty because they have diabetes themselves. Others find the condition fascinating and want to make a positive impact on patient outcomes. Regardless of why you choose this nursing path, you’ll need to gain some valuable experience on the job before you can advance further in your career.

Helpful skills and experience

Working with diabetic patients in any setting can be the most effective way to build your skills after earning your RN licensure. You can grow your knowledge base quickly by seeking out a nurse mentor already working in the specialty to guide you on the job.

Experienced diabetes nurses have:

• Analytical skills to help them make appropriate adjustments to patient care
• Communication skills to clearly state any treatment plans or adjustments to patients and their families
• Interpersonal skills for discussing patient needs with other healthcare professionals and health insurance companies
• Leadership skills to direct other nurses and medical staff to ensure your patients receive the best care possible

Changing specialties to a diabetes nurse

If you’re already working as an RN and want to change your specialty to diabetes care, you may need to acquire new skills or knowledge. Let’s say you want to switch from a pediatric RN position to a pediatric endocrinology nurse.

You’ll want to increase your knowledge base in preparation by taking continuing education classes focused on endocrinology. Certification isn’t needed for this specialty. However, you have the option of becoming a certified diabetes instructor through the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). The certification might come in handy when communicating with children and their families.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

As previously mentioned, there are no specific certifications for diabetes nurses. You can complete the requirements for becoming a certified diabetes instructor through the ADCES. Applicants must earn 6-10 continuing education credits in different disciplines to qualify.

What are additional requirements of diabetes nurses?

Like all RNs, diabetes nurses must maintain their RN licensure. The requirements for renewing your license depend on your state of practice. When you receive your initial license, you receive information about the renewal process from the board of nursing.

Completing continuing education credits during the lead-up period to renewal is a common requirement in most states. You’ll need a broad knowledge base to be an effective diabetes nurse.

What are the salary and career outlooks for diabetes nurses?

RNs are in demand in all specialties. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth of 6% between 2021 and 2031. The national average salary for diabetes nurses is $93,036 annually. Some RNs in this specialty can earn upwards of $200,000 in some of the highest-paying cities in the U.S.

The best places to work as a diabetes nurse include:

• Santa Clara, CA – $114,732
• San Francisco, CA – $111,037
• Fremont, CA – $108,339
• Marysville, WA – $106,820
• Jackson, WY – $103,456

You can check out the average nurse by state before you accept a diabetes nurse position to ensure you’ll be well compensated for your skills and experience.

Job satisfaction

Finding a healthcare employer that respects work-life balance can improve your job satisfaction. Diabetes nurses, like other RNs, have demanding jobs. Choosing a work environment that supports you and your patients is a must if you don’t want to burn out on the job.

Next steps

Deciding to become a diabetes nurse is a major life decision. You can seek advice from other nurses in this specialty before deciding if it’s right for you. Choosing this specialty opens the doors to future advancement in nursing, including becoming a nurse educator.

---

---

Nurse Types / Registered Nurse / LPN to RN

The transition from a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to a Registered Nurse (RN) is an exciting career step in nursing. LPNs can advance their careers by enrolling in LPN to RN bridge programs to enhance their skills, education, and abilities. 

If you’re an LPN who has completed a nursing diploma program and want to know more about this next move, Incredible Health has compiled everything you need to know. 

• What is an LPN?
• What is an RN?
• What are the differences between LPNs and RNs? 
• What are the benefits of LPN to RN programs?
• What are the requirements of LPN to RN programs?
• What are pathways for becoming an RN?

What is an LPN?

LPNs are nurses who have graduated from a practical nursing program and passed a nursing board exam to become licensed in their state. LPNs are also called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) in Texas and California.

What is an RN?

Registered Nurses (RN) have also graduated from a nursing school and passed the NCLEX-RN exam in their state. They hold a college degree in nursing, so they have more advanced education than an LPN.

What are the differences between LPNs and RNs?

Although they may work together in many settings, LPNs and RNs are very different.

Responsibilities

LPN and RN responsibilities differ in their scope of practice. Scope of practice means what is allowed under the terms of their license. Each state’s Nurse Practice Act defines what nurses can do in their state.

States vary on what their LPNs are allowed to do. According to the National Council on State Boards of Nursing, LPNs in most states are allowed to: 

• Assess and monitor vital signs
• Administer meds and injections (except high-risk medications such as heparin)
• Monitor blood transfusions 
• Perform basic nursing care (wound care, catheter insertion, nasogastric tubes, etc.)
• Provide safety and comfort for patients (bathing, dressing, toileting)
• Reinforce patient teaching

In most states, LPNs are not allowed to:

• Independently develop the plan of care 
• Make changes in the plan of care
• Perform telephone triage

The scope of practice for RNs allows them to perform all of the LPN tasks plus additional responsibilities such as:

• Assessing, monitoring, and revising nursing care plans
• Delegating tasks
• Hanging blood products and IV fluids or meds and start transfusions
• Initiating, administering, and titrating routine and high-risk IV push meds
• Performing admissions and discharges, or make referrals
• Providing patient education

Education 

LPN and RN programs differ in length and complexity. LPN programs typically last one year and teaches students the basics of hands-on nursing care. 

RN programs last 2–4 years and cover more courses such as research and management. They may also require certain college courses before admission.

LPNs and RNs earn different diplomas. LPNs who complete their nursing program earn an LPN or LVN diploma. RNs earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Licensing/Certification

After graduation, both nurses must pass the NCLEX board exam to become licensed nurses in their state. LPN/LVNs take the NCLEX-PN, whereas RNs take the NCLEX-RN.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for an LPN in the U.S. is $51,850 or $24.93 hourly. Compare that to an average salary for an RN of $82,750 or $39.78 hourly. 

Salaries vary regionally. California, Hawaii, and Oregon are among the highest paying states for RNs. Incredible Health’s free nursing salary estimator tool can show you what you might make in your state.

---

---

Job Outlook

The job outlook for nurses in 2022 is promising. Employment for LPNs and RNs is projected to grow about 6% between 2021 and 2031.

What are the benefits of LPN to RN programs?

LPNs wanting to level up in their careers can explore LPN to RN programs. Completing an LPN to RN program prepares nurses to apply for an RN license. 

Career advancement opportunities

RNs have multiple advantages over LPNs, including greater job opportunities because they have college degrees. RNs can hold supervisor or manager positions because they have a greater scope of practice.

What are the requirements of LPN to RN programs?

Time commitment

Nurses returning to school for an RN degree must devote time to their education. Overall, LPN to RN bridge programs may take 2–4 years, depending on whether students attend classes part- or full-time. However, some online programs advertise that their coursework can be completed in as few as 12 months.

​​Prerequisites

Application prerequisites for most LPN to RN programs include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Active, unencumbered LPN license
• Diploma or transcript from an accredited LPN program
• GPA of 2.0 or higher (schools vary)
• 6-12 months of work experience (determined by the state board of nursing)
• Current BLS/CPR certification
• College credits in general courses including Algebra or Statistics, English Composition, Human Growth and Development, Microbiology, Psychology, and Sociology

Additionally, some schools require:

• Writing samples
• National League of Nursing (NLN) Acceleration Challenge exams
• Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exams

Coursework 

LPN to RN courses vary by school but generally include adult nursing and assessment, pediatric nursing and assessment, pharmacology, and communication.

What to expect as a student 

As a student, nurses will attend classes or lectures to learn nursing theory and complete clinicals for real-world nursing experiences. Here’s a sample class schedule for an LPN to RN program:

• Semester 1
  • English Composition I (3 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Biology (4 credits)
• Semester 2
  • Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
  • Microbiology (4 credits)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
  • Evidence-Based practice (1 credit)
• Semester 3
  • Intro to Speech (3 credits)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
  • Medication Math I (1 credit)
  • Lifespan Growth and Development (3 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
• Semester 4
  • Transition to RN (3 credits)
• Semester 5
  • Concepts of Nursing Practice I (5 credits)
  • Concepts of Nursing Practice II (5 credits)
• Semester 6
  • Concepts of Nursing Practice III (5 credits)
  • Psychiatric Nursing (4 credits)
• Semester 7
  • Concepts of Family Nursing (4 credits)
  • Complex Issues in Healthcare (5 credits)
  • Nursing Leadership (2 credits)

---

---

Financial commitment

Students pursuing an LPN to RN program must also consider the financial commitment. The estimated cost for ADN programs is between $6,000-$20,000 at public schools or $30,000-$100,000 at private schools. BSN programs can cost $40,000-$100,000. 

Aside from tuition, nursing students are also responsible for lab fees, textbooks, and other student fees such as parking passes or library cards.

LPN to RN students may qualify for federal student aid, grants, or scholarships while pursuing their college degrees.

What are pathways to becoming and RN?

As an LPN wanting to advance your career, the first step is choosing a degree path. There are two choices for LPNs, either ADN or BSN program. 

LPN to ADN

Nurses who want to become an RN often choose the ADN route. The LPN to ADN program is the shorter path and rewards students with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). 

Later on, ADN nurses can explore RN to BSN programs, which last 1-2 years. 

LPN to BSN 

The more expensive and longer path is the LPN to BSN degree option. It takes nearly twice as long but rewards nurses with a 4-year college degree. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the better option for nurses who want to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree or want to be managers or leaders in their specialty. Most employers will be requiring a BSN in order to get a job, so this is something you want to think about.

Both degrees qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN board exam. After you pass this exam, you’ll become a licensed RN!

Next steps

Now you know the ins and outs of moving from an LPN to an RN so you can make the right choice for your future. And remember, no matter your choice, you will be making a difference in your patients’ lives!

If you’re still undecided, check out Incredible Health’s nursing career resources for more help planning your next move. 

---

---

Nursing Degrees & Schools / DNP

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is one of the highest degrees a nurse can achieve. Nurses with a DNP degree are eligible to work in leadership roles, taking care of patients hands-on as a chief nursing officer or director of patient care services.

In this article, we will cover:

• What is a DNP degree?
• What does a DNP do?
• NP vs. DNP
• How to get a DNP
• Top DNP programs in the U.S.
• How much does a DNP program cost?
• Is it worth getting DNP degree?
• FAQs

Let’s take a look!

---

---

What is a DNP degree?

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is an advanced degree within the nursing field. It is one of the two terminal — or highest — degrees a nurse can achieve. 

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed for nurses seeking an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. In other words, the DNP is a practicing degree. A nurse with this designation won’t work in academia or research. Instead, they have skills and training to utilize within the field.

Though a DNP degree is technically on a doctorate level, nurse practitioners with DNPs do not have the same authority as a physician or other kinds of medical doctors. A DNP degree signifies that a nurse has reached the pinnacle of education.

Many nurses with DNP degrees end up in administrative or other leadership positions within the healthcare sector. Others use their degree to pursue nurse practitioner roles.

The DNP degree offers nurses a chance to have a competitive advantage over nurses with NPs applying for the same roles. In the future, nurse practitioners may have to receive their DNP to begin practicing.

What does a DNP do?

Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates have a variety of jobs they can pursue. The two most common settings where they work include:

• Leadership and administration
• Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN)

DNPs can choose whether they want to work with patients directly or indirectly.

Leadership and Administrative Roles

The DNP degree provides nurses with an opportunity to use their skills to help influence care programs and create nursing initiatives. Additionally, they can help bolster executive nursing leadership roles.

Specifically, DNPs work in:

• Organizational leadership
• Nurse management
• Health policy
• Health informatics systems

Advanced Practice Nursing

DNPs who choose to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) have an opportunity to work directly with patients by managing, evaluating, and assessing treatment and care.

The DNPs who choose to become APRNs need to take the APRN certification exam. Additionally, they may have to receive an advanced specialty certification.

The DNP often works in the following capacities:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP). Nurse practitioners are healthcare professionals who work independently with a doctor’s supervision to prevent illnesses and teach wellness.
• CRNA or nurse anesthetist. These clinicians coordinate with the physicians and nurses to administer anesthesia to patients.
• Nurse Midwife (CNM). Nurse midwives are healthcare professionals who provide reproductive care throughout all phases of the birthing process.

NP vs. DNP

The main similarity between an NP and a DNP is they are both advanced positions. In other words, they both require a graduate degree.

Additionally, these two positions share a lot of the same job opportunities. Nurses who receive graduate degrees can become many different types of advanced practice registered nurses. Some of these include:

• Nurse practitioners
• Nurse educators
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists 
• Nurse midwives 

Below is an overview of the differences between the nurse practitioner and DNP roles.

How to get a DNP degree

How do you get a DNP degree? There are multiple ways to receive a DNP. Often, people get their BSN to MSN and then a DNP. However, there are bridge programs to help you achieve your doctorate and save time.

MSN to DNP

This MSN to DNP bridge program is the most common method of getting a DNP degree. Since the nurse will already have a Master of Science in Nursing, they most likely will work in an advanced position. This means they may not have the capacity to go to school full-time.

The MSN to DNP program takes 1-2 years full time or 3-4 years part-time. This nursing program revolves around specialized coursework. Clinical hours from the MSN program may apply toward the clinical hour requirements.

BSN to DNP

The BSN to DNP bridge program brings together the curriculum of an MSN and DNP. A few programs allow you to leave the program once you’ve completed the MSN requirements.

If you choose this program, expect it to take 3-4 years full time or 4-6 years part-time. The program includes MSN and DNP curricula to avoid repetition. It often consists of an early exit before the DNP portion.

RN to DNP

The RN to DNP bridge program is less common. However, it allows someone without a bachelor’s degree to pursue a DNP.

An RN to DNP program usually takes 4-6 years full time or 6+ years part-time. Some programs require prerequisites to take undergraduate coursework before taking graduate courses. You also have the potential to earn an MSN degree before taking DNP courses. Other programs provide the option to award an MSN and DNP after graduation.

Direct-entry DNP

The Direct-entry DNP program is a good option for students who have a bachelor’s degree in an area outside of nursing. The program takes 4-6 years full time. Part-time options are generally not available. Students have to become registered nurses before taking graduate coursework

Choosing the right DNP program depends on your circumstances and how much time you want to devote to a given program.

Top DNP programs in the U.S.

Looking for the best DNP program available? You may need to travel. But the good news is there are several universities in the United States that offer top-tier DNP degree programs. Here are the top five according to U.S. News.

John Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University, a private school in Baltimore, Maryland, is well-known for its nursing programs. The school’s DNP degree is no different. The application deadline is January 1st and there is an application fee of $75 for U.S. residents.

Rush University

Rush University is a private school located in Chicago, Illinois. If you’re interested in pursuing a DNP degree at this school, the application deadline is January 2nd. Prospective students who are U.S. residents must pay an application fee of $115.

The University of Washington

A public school in Seattle, Washington, the University of Washington has an impressive School of Nursing. The application deadline is January 15th. U.S. residents must pay an application fee of $85.

Duke University

Duke University is a private school in Durham, North Carolina. If you decide to get your DNP degree here, apply by December 1st. The application fee is $50 for US residents.

Columbia University

Columbia University in New York, New York is a private school with strong nursing programs. This school has an application deadline of January 20th and an application fee of $75 for U.S. residents.

How much does a DNP program cost?

You can expect to pay between $21,318 and $38,912 for an MSN-DNP program. A BSN-DNP will cost between $40,953 and $74,752 for your tuition.

These numbers might seem intimidating, but don’t let them scare you off. Every nursing program is different. And there are several steps you can take to get help paying for school.

Paying for a DNP program

Once you’ve selected the best program for you, you’ll need to decide how you want to pay for your DNP degree.

Take inventory of your financial situation and see if you qualify for government funding. To find out if you’re eligible, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use this tool to determine eligibility for providing need-based grants, scholarships, and student loans. If you’re worried about taking loans out, some programs offer student loan forgiveness following graduation.

Is it worth getting a DNP degree?

A DNP program is an excellent opportunity for nurses to enhance their skills. By getting a DNP degree, you can move up within the nursing ranks and advance your career. You can have a greater impact on policies, initiatives, and patient care at your hospital or workplace as you take on more responsibility.

You will also be paid more than when you were an RN. Nurses with DNP degrees earn an average of $117,412 per year or $56 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Meanwhile, RNs earn an average of $82,750, according to the BLS.

If you’re a new DNP graduate, Incredible Health can help you find advanced nursing positions. Click here to start searching for your next job!

---

---

FAQs