DNP, RN
Patient care is continuously becoming more complex resulting in a greater need for practice knowledge expansion. Healthcare systems need nurse leaders who are well-equipped for the changing landscape to improve the quality of care. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepared nurses can enhance the quality of care by applying evidence-based practice and the DNP degree can prepare nurses to become leaders in healthcare and advance the profession.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree in nursing designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for leadership positions in health care administration, nursing education, and clinical practice. The DNP degree, like the Ph.D., is a terminal degree in nursing, meaning it is the highest level of education that one can obtain in the field.
The DNP degree was created to prepare nurses to initiate changes in nursing practice. Initially, there was the nursing doctorate (ND), Doctor of Science in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) in addition to the DNP. Currently, the DNP and the Ph.D. are the highest levels of education in nursing. Presently, the number of DNP programs is growing continuously. “DNP programs are now available in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.” Students can choose from various in-person, hybrid, and remote options for the DNP. There are non-clinical areas of focus, such as executive leadership, nursing education, and nursing informatics. There are also DNP programs for Nurse practitioners, Certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
The Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum is focused on quality improvement, evidence-based practice (EBP), and clinical scholarship. These programs also include a scholarly project intended to demonstrate the skills required to be a nurse leader that can bring evidence into practice. The key for this project is not meant to create new concepts and tools. The DNP capstone project aims to incorporate current research into the routine, analyze the findings, and evaluate the outcomes. The program typically also includes 1,000 practicum hours.
Each individual should decide which is best for him/her and if pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is practical and worthwhile based on one’s educational and career goals. As with any degree, there are both criticisms and benefits to consider.
The purpose and necessity of the DNP degree is often misunderstood. Many confuse it for a Ph.D. in nursing or assume that it automatically means that an individual is a nurse practitioner. Others may question the validity of this degree, arguing that it is an easy way to achieve a doctorate. This misunderstanding happens among fellow healthcare providers and healthcare consumers and even in the nursing profession. Another concern is whether the healthcare delivered by DNP graduates will differ from that provided by APRNs without a DNP degree.
Despite criticisms of the DNP degree, there are many benefits to obtaining this degree. Before obtaining the DNP, it is essential to understand the purpose and clarify misconceptions. The foundation of the DNP degree is nursing practice. The DNP and Ph.D. are both terminal degrees in nursing, but the perspectives differ. The DNP-prepared nurse will not conduct research; however, they will complete quality improvement (QI) projects. The QI project provides insight and recommendations for a particular patient population. For example, the findings of a QI project at one hospital are not generalizable to another hospital or even another unit.
The DNP degree can broaden career opportunities for those who pursue it. This degree allows nurses to move into leadership roles. These roles include nursing director, nurse executive, informaticist, or expert in healthcare policy or public health. Pursuing a DNP degree also helps to move the nursing profession forward. This degree can allow nurses to become experts in areas such as population health, information technology, quality improvement, and academia.
The DNP degree is an excellent choice for a nurse who would like to advance in nursing practice. This degree allows nurses to make a difference in nursing practice by translating and applying evidence to improve practice outcomes. DNP programs are constantly growing, allowing nurses to learn in any environment and at different paces. The DNP degree is a wonderful option for nurses who want to pursue a terminal degree and make a difference in nursing.
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