NURS 8100 Week 1 Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice

NURS 8100 Week 1 Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice

There are two approaches to achieving a doctoral degree in the nursing field. Research translation which is in accordance with a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in nursing and a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) in clinical practice (AACN, 2006). In my case, I am going for a DNP degree. The role of a nurse with a DNP varies depending on what route an individual wants to go for. According to Beeber et al., (2019), DNP prepared nurses are usually carrying the role as an advanced practicing nurse in clinical care or as leaders in healthcare systems. In general DNPs should be able to display leadership skills, advanced clinical skills, and adherence to evidence-based practice. Expectations might be different from a nurse without a DNP because educational requirements have equipped individuals to practice under their designated scope of practice. The only similarity to practice as a DNP is an Advanced Practice Nurse with a master’s degree. DNP prepared nurses have stronger assessment skills and are better able to concentrate on systemic problems that revolve around quality of care and finance (Beeber et al., 2019). My motivation to practice as a DNP, steers toward having the opportunity to practice at the highest level of nursing. Which in turn will give me access to gaining knowledge that will allow me to accumulate leadership skills, advanced clinical skills, and the confidence of adhering to evidence-based practice throughout my career. According to Giardino & Hickey, (2020), the educational journey of a DNP candidate redefines and enhances the role of professional development. I believe that my role as a DNP prepared nurse will guide me into solving specific gaps in any organization that I attend because it will mold me into an advocate that can influence the decisions made for improving patient outcomes. I personally do not have experiences addressing a gap in practice, but I am sure I will come across issues in the future. When the time comes, I’ll be able to face those gaps head on and use my DNP skills to address those gaps to the best of my ability.

References:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/DNPEssentials.pdf

Beeber, A. S., Palmer, C., Waldrop, J., Lynn, M. R., & Jones, C. B. (2019). The role of Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared nurses in practice settingsLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.. Nursing Outlook, 67(4), 354–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2019.02.006

Giardino, E. R., & Hickey, J. V. (2020). Doctor of Nursing Practice students’ perceptions of professional change through the DNP programLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.. Journal of Professional Nursing, 36(6), 595–603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.08.012