Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) can build on their knowledge and leadership skills with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
The Importance of a DNP Degree
The healthcare environment is constantly evolving. Nurses require a comprehensive skill set to incorporate advances in care. To improve patient outcomes, nurses need clinical expertise, scientific acumen and leadership abilities.
The DNP degree advances these crucial skills. The nursing community has embraced the degree as one of the most important tools for advanced practice nurses who wish to further their practice and profession. DNP programs cover a wide variety of disciplines, including healthcare informatics, policy, quality improvement and evidence-based practice, as well as systems leadership.
An Opportunity in Education
Before the DNP was established, nurses pursuing advanced clinical degrees found limited options with a Ph.D. However, a Ph.D. is best for nurses who plan to become researchers.
The DNP is an educational opportunity for nurses who prefer to remain in the clinical setting. Translating evidence into the practice environment forms the focus of the degree.
Leading the Profession Into the Future
Nurses with a DNP are prepared to assume leadership roles in practice management, quality improvement and evidence-based implementation. DNP graduates know how to use information technology to increase the efficiency of healthcare organizations. They also know how to design treatment methods rooted in evidence-based science.
Putting Research Into Action
While someone with a Ph.D. in nursing is focused on research, a DNP graduate translates that research into action at the clinical level. DNP graduates can also shape health policy through advocacy.
Nurses with a DNP are critical to advancing healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes. They are leaders, mentors, role models and problem solvers. DNP-prepared nurses play an important role in shaping the future of their profession and the healthcare industry as a whole.
Learn more about UTA’s online DNP program.
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Nurse.Org: Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) – What Is A DNP and Is It Worth It?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
