Question

In approximately 500 words, reflect on the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.  Using at least 5 evidenced-based articles found through an academic library search that are no older than 5 years, describe (1) the history and purpose of the degree, (2) the current state of the DNP, (3) the future state of the DNP, (4) how DNP-prepared APNs will assist with transformative healthcare and help solve complex health problems, and (5) the advantages of having the DNP and reflect on your own thoughts on why (or why not) the degree would be appropriate for your career pat

Answer

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP) DEGREE

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is a practice focused doctorate designed to prepare expert nurses in specialized advanced practice roles.

The objective of this paper is to reflect on the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and determine if it’s appropriate for my career path.

History and purpose of DNP degree

During the 1960s and 1970s, visionary nurse scholars began to articulate their views of nursing as both a profession and as a discipline. Dr. Rozella Schlotfeldt first worked as a nurse educator in 1939. She began thinking of better ways to combine teaching and practice while experimenting with creative approaches that held promise for improving nursing care. (Center for the study of nursing, n.d). In 1978, the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) nursing faculty prepared and distributed a formal document describing the new Doctor of Nursing (ND) program (Fitzpatrick, 1986). This program leads to the ND degree and prepares individuals as generalists with knowledge, skills and values necessary to enter first level positions in a variety of healthcare settings and to be licensed as registered nurses.

Current state and future state of DNP

Despite lack of agreement about many aspects of the DNP degree, DNP programs continue to flourish. From 2015 to 2016, DNP graduates in the United States increased from 4,100 to 4,855 (AACN, 2017)

A commonly emphasized synergy facilitating DNP/PhD nurse collaboration focuses on the necessary paradigm shift that addresses the growth of DNP programs concurrent with the need to improve practice expertise and move the translation of evidence into practice more efficiently (Brown and Crabtree, 2013).

Ways in which Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) will assist with transformative healthcare

The need for DNP graduates is impacted by healthcare system trends in quality, patient safety, patient-centered care, value based payment models, process improvement and sustainability of improvement within complex systems.

Advanced practice nurses with DNP degrees will assist significantly with transformative healthcare by reducing the cost of healthcare, achieving improved population health and realizing better patient experiences.

Advantages of having a DNP degree

A doctor of nursing practice degree can help nurses increase their salary potential, while also opening up career opportunities. (Deering, 2021). Once you hold a DNP degree, you can become employed across the full spectrum of healthcare organizations, from community health centers to hospitals and from private clinics to universities. Obtaining a DNP degree opens up many opportunities for growth.

Conclusion

A DNP degree will greatly improve my clinical expertise and add certification in patient population focus. Therefore, I find the DNP degree appropriate for my career path because;

1. I’ll achieve the highest credential in nursing.
2. It will increase my earning potential.
3. It will position me for leadership roles.
4. The demand for DNP nurse educators is high.

References:

Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP (2021). Why We Created Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP. Retrieved 1^st September 2021 from https://www.doctorofnursingpracticednp.org/what-is-a-dnp/

Springer publishing company (2021). The History and Future of the DNP in Nursing. Retrieved 1^st September 2021 from https://connect.springerpub.com/content/book/978-0-8261-8863-2/part/part01/chapter/ch01

University of Florida College of Nursing (2021). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Retrieved 1^st September 2021 from https://nursing.ufl.edu/programs/doctor-of-nursing-practice-dnp/

Deering M. (2021). Why Get a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP)? Retrieved 1^st September 2021 from https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/why-get-a-dnp-degree/

Spring Arbor University (2021). DNP Benefits. Retrieved 1^st September 2021 from https://online.arbor.edu/news/dnp