Essay Sample on MSN vs DNP: Contrasts in Nursing Careers

Introduction

There has always been a debate about the contrast that exists between the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN) qualifications in the healthcare industry. These degrees prepare registered nurses (RN) for advanced and specialized roles in their nursing careers. MSN degree focuses on medical skills that include support for patients with various mental issues, or preparation and administering of anesthesia. A DNP degree can combine the same training as an MSN in leadership preparation, statistical analysis, and employee management.

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Benefits of an MSN Degree

An MSN course is an enhanced curriculum that aids registered nurses in attaining prestigious positions in their field. The course put the degree holders in a class above the rest of the regular practitioners. It equips trainees with the expertise to make informed crucial medical decisions that regular nurses would find challenging. An advantage that registered nurses enjoy by pursuing an MSN title is that the RNs can be certified and licensed to practice in their specialty of choice in a significantly shorter amount of time than DPN. The completion of MSN can take about two years. The different ways to go through the nursing program make it unique. Nurses in training can go through the course while still practicing a profession in nursing.

Benefits of DPN

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in the highest qualification a nurse can manage to acquire. The qualification can be sort after by nurses who have already gone through the MSN course and want to continue their education. DNP and DNP-NP are the two options available in the course. DNP provides the learners with an advanced understanding and knowledge of health care procedures. Although a DPN degree is a significant money investment, graduates can expect a significant rise in salary payout as the degree grants nurses the power to chase the most reputable jobs in the field. Organizations are ready and willing to pay nurses with a DPN degree large wages as they are assured of quality services (Edwards et al., 2018). These individuals are well trained to reach standards in the Institute of Medicine Mandate for nurses. Practitioners with this distinction have proved to be effective and industrious people in the industry.

The Differences of DPN and MSN

The significant difference between the two nurse degrees is that MSN is an entry-level course for nurses who want to advance their knowledge of the industry. One of the most important requirements to enroll for DPN is that nurses must have completed and qualify for a master’s degree in nursing. For DPN, it is the terminal level of the nursing education path. The completion of DPN also takes a significantly longer time to complete than MSM (Graham et al., 2016). Once completion of training, the registered nurse is considered fully trained in everything needed to know to tackle the profession. An MSN graduate can still pursue a DPN degree.

Conclusion

Even professional nurses with years of experience are still puzzled by the difference between the two courses. MSN is shorter and more diverse when it comes to the desired career path in nursing. Standard classes that a graduate of MSN goes through include theoretical foundations of nursing practices, health care policies, and advanced health assessment. These classes prepare the nurse for a job as a nurse consultant or educator and nurse practitioner (Walker et al., 2016). DPN degree focuses more on the administrative and leadership roles in the field.

References

Edwards, N. E., Coddington, J., Erler, C., & Kirkpatrick, J. (2018). The Impact of the Role of Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurses on Healthcare and Leadership. Medical Research Archives, 6(4). https://doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v6i4.1734

Graham, J., Clements, K., Doty-Sweetnam, K. & Smith, N. (2016). Faculty of Health Studies. Brandon University. https://www.brandonu.ca/health-studies/files/2016/11/DPN-Sessional-Instructor-Orientation-Handbook-1.pdf

Walker, L, Clendon, J & Nelson, K. (2016). Nursing roles and responsibilities in general practice. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282222453_Nursing_roles_and_responsibilities_in_general_practice_Three_case_studies