A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice. It is a terminal degree in nursing, and, as such, there is no higher level of education available for practice-based nursing training.
A DNP is a professional degree in nursing focused on nursing practice. The DNP offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. It is one of three doctorate degrees in nursing, the others being the Doctor of Nursing Science and a Ph.D.
A DNP prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice roles as well as leadership roles in healthcare organizations. A DNP degree requires coursework over more advanced clinical skills as well as high-level organizational skills, such as health policy, healthcare administration, program management and leadership.
Nurses with a DNP are needed to fill positions in nursing leadership with a focus on clinical application. They are key players in the future of healthcare in the US.
As a program of study, the DNP is designed to help RNs who hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) advance their careers with the highest level of education possible. DNP curriculum concentrates on evidence-based practice and quality improvement. In combining these two concentrations, nurses who pursue a DNP are prepared to improve health and wellness outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and entire populations.
Upon receipt of their required credentials, they may work either in a leadership role or in a clinical setting. DNPs have skilled knowledge to affect healthcare outcomes through direct patient care, health policy implementation and organizational leadership.
A DNP prepares nurses for the highest level of nursing practice by increasing their knowledge of healthcare practice, policy and ethics. Whether nurses work as educators, administrators, or nurse practitioners, earning a DNP prepares them to make a difference.
DNP vs RN
One of the biggest differences between a DNP and an RN is the level of education involved. Registered nurses typically have either an associate degree (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree (BSN). DNPs, on the other hand, have a doctoral degree. RNs generally get at least 400 hours of clinical experience, whereas DNPs need 500 or more hours.
A DNP’s role is more expansive than that of an RN. A DNP also has more responsibility and autonomy than an RN. In some states, DNPs work autonomously and have their own practices.
RNs work with DNPs to provide care to patients. Their responsibilities are different, however. Some DNPs have similar responsibilities as that of a physician. DNPs, who are also Nurse Practitioners, Nurse-Midwives, or Nurse Anesthetists see patients, diagnose, and create treatment plans. RNs, on the other hand, provide care and health education to patients. RNs work under the supervision of a clinician such as a doctor or a DNP Nurse Practitioner.
Some RNs become DNPs as a natural part of their professional development.
DNP vs NP
An NP (nurse practitioner) is given to a nurse who has completed additional clinical training and earned a master’s degree. An NP is one of four advanced practice registered nurse roles, that also includes clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist and certified nurse-midwife. NPs must be certified by an accredited certification body. While NPs can select from multiple certification or practice areas, 88.9% of NPs choose primary care as their area of focus. Therefore, most NPs specialize in an MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner.
A DNP degree, on the other hand, prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice roles as well as leadership roles in healthcare organizations. DNP-prepared nurses might provide clinical training for nurses and NP students, work in an administrative nursing position, serve on a hospital board or work on emerging health policies. A DNP degree requires coursework that is focused on more advanced clinical practice skills and high-level organizational skills such as health policy, healthcare administration, program management and leadership.
DNPs provide high-quality advanced nursing care in a clinical setting, like an NP; however, they have taken their career a step further. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) states that transitioning from advanced practice NP degrees to the doctoral level is in “… response to changes in health care delivery and emerging healthcare needs…”. In addition, the knowledge required to provide leadership in the discipline of nursing is so complex and rapidly changing that additional or doctoral level education is needed.”
DNP vs PhD
When considering a Ph.D. vs DNP, it’s important to remember that both represent the highest level of education in nursing. A DNP prepares a nurse for practice roles, whereas a Ph.D. equips a nurse for research roles.
A DNP highlights the delivery of high-quality healthcare. A DNP is positioned as a principal in the enhancement of healthcare systems and patient care, applying research to practice. The DNP-prepared nurse can meet critical practice needs in primary care and other specialized areas of nursing and nursing education.
Ph.D. programs stress scientific content and research methodology in an academic context. A Ph.D. in nursing prepares one to perform healthcare research helping other nurses and medical professionals in practice settings.
Can a DNP be called a doctor?
This can be a controversial and potentially confusing topic. DNPs are doctors, but are usually not called that in clinical settings to prevent confusion with MDs (medical doctors). It may be more common for DNPs, or nurse PhDs, who teach in academia to be referred to as doctors, in the same way that non-medical professors can be called doctors of their field.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the provider, at any level, to explain their scope of practice and educational background to their patients. This discussion goes beyond just what to call your provider and allows the patient to make informed choices about their healthcare options.
What do DNPs do?
A DNP’s specialization will determine what is done career-wise. For the individual who decides to become a nurse practitioner, they’ll be able to diagnose and treat patients, order blood work and imaging tests, prescribe medications and provide education to patients about their healthcare. A nurse practitioner provides high-quality care at reduced costs. It has been shown that a patient who utilizes the services of a nurse practitioner will have fewer prescription costs and fewer hospital visits.
A registered nurse anesthetist works in hospitals providing anesthesia and monitoring their vitals while a patient is under anesthesia. A certified nurse midwife is involved in prenatal care of a patient, including labor and delivery.
A DNP can also head into research to lead medical studies and resolve healthcare issues patients face today. A DNP can work for a community health office, providing research to assist lawmakers in making informed public health decisions.
Where do DNPs work?
DNPs can expect to work in one of several locations including:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Healthcare clinics
- Primary Care practices
- Specialty practices focusing on cardiology, oncology or another specialized area
- Autonomous practices, working without oversight of a medical doctor where allowed
- Colleges and universities teaching
- Public & Private Health settings
- Healthcare Organizations
DNPs can also work in an administrative role at a hospital or a healthcare facility or take on a political role in health care policy advocacy organization. There are host of occupational settings possible.
How to earn a DNP degree
Current or aspiring nurses interested in pursuing higher education might consider earning a DNP.
There are several different routes you can take to expand your nursing career.
Become a registered nurse
The very first step to pursuing a DNP is to become a nurse. You will want to obtain your BSN along with becoming an RN and passing the NCLEX-RN (National Counsel Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).
Earn your MSN
You can also pursue your DNP with an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing). An MSN is one step closer to a DNP degree.
Is a DNP right for you?
If you’re thinking about obtaining your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you are in good company. The number of nurses who have enrolled in DNP degree programs has increased significantly in the past few years. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends all entry-level NP education be moved to the DNP degree by 2025. More nurses want the professional opportunity that a DNP will afford and are returning to school to pursue a terminal clinical degree in nursing.
The overall demand for advanced nursing roles such as nurse practitioners is projected to increase by 40 percent by 2031. And the demand for Medical and Health Services Managers is expected to increase by 28% by 2031. Both of these roles present clinical and leadership opportunities for qualified nurses who want to advance their careers.
If you are interested in an advanced nursing practice career, then a DNP may be the right choice for you.
Advance Your Nursing Career at Keiser
If you want to advance your career in nursing with a DNP, Keiser offers an amazing program with many different benefits. The program at Keiser is filled with theory, evidence-based research, healthcare insights and practical skills to make a meaningful impact on your nursing career.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for MSN-educated nurses along with MSN-educated APRNs preparing for a variety of career opportunities, from leadership roles to direct patient care to education of future healthcare and nursing professionals. At Keiser, this doctoral nursing program teaches research and research utilization for improved delivery of clinical systems’ management, patient care and patient outcomes. DNP students will obtain the proficiencies recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) guidelines.
Graduates of Keiser’s DNP program are prepared for leadership roles that provide patient care, conduct research, develop healthcare policies and education of others on public health issues.
The Keiser University Doctor of Nursing Practice program strives to advance the nursing profession by enhancing, alleviating and ameliorating health and healthcare delivery services.
