Benefits of Earning Your Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

This was the rationale behind the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's 2004 endorsement of the Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing, which was supported by nearly three years of research. The decision paved the way to shift the requirement for entry into advanced nursing practice from a master's degree to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP). This shift should be complete by 2015, according to the AACN in their latest DNP fact sheet (aacn.nche.edu).

Since the DNP is a relatively new degree--in 2005, fewer than 10 programs nationwide were admitting students--you may be wondering how it fits into your career plans. Here are the top three benefits of earning your DNP.

1. Improve Your Practice Skills

The DNP focuses on improving direct care, emphasizing the skillful applications of scientific research, clinical scholarship, and patient care technology. The program requirements include a minimum 1000 clinical hours post baccalaureate in order to perform DNP competencies through practice immersion experiences.

Even though graduate nursing credit requirements are sometimes double the number of other MS degree programs at the same university, modern advanced clinical practice is simply becoming too complex to master in the course of an MS nursing program. As the new terminal practice degree, the DNS will prepare you to successfully navigate the complexities of advanced nursing practice today.

2. Solidify Your Leadership Role

Advanced practice nurses continue to take on more intensive and significant responsibilities. The DNP degree prepares you for a strong leadership role by specifically training you in health care advocacy positions, organizations and systems leadership techniques, and interprofessional collaboration strategies.

"My practice has become so noticeably like that of a doctor that patients often call me 'doctor' (despite the fact that I always introduce myself as a 'nurse practitioner')," wrote Chris Stewart, NP, MSN, in a letter to the American Journal of Critical Care editor. "Having the professional title of "doctor" would...clarify for my patients and colleagues that I do have independent 'doctoral' practice rights." Stewart went on to express a firm intention to earn the DNP.

3. Provide Better Patient Care Outcomes

Studies by Dr. Linda Aikens, Ph.D., RN, have established an unmistakable correlation between more advanced levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes. Dr. Aiken reports documenting "significantly higher patient outcomes in hospitals with more highly educated nurses at the bedside...." as quoted in the Journal of the American Medical Association (September 2003). Observed patient outcome improvements included better control of hypertension and diabetes, among others.

Is a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Right for You?

Despite ongoing theoretical discussions about the pros and cons of the DNP, nurses are walking the walk: between 2007 and 2008, the number of nursing students enrolled in DNP programs nearly doubled and the number of DNP graduates tripled. Unless you're just around the corner from retirement, if you want to work at the advanced practice level then you should give serious consideration to earning your DNP.

In addition to the three benefits highlighted above, there are many other reasons to earn your DNP. For example, although there are not yet any conclusive reports on average salaries, it is to be expected that compensation increases would be on par with other healthcare professionals practicing at the doctorate level.

Ultimately, the question of the DNP is a personal decision for every committed nurse. Does it make sense for your career and practice goals? Make the choice that will benefit your patients, your colleagues and you.

Explore Online Nursing Doctoral Programs
Find a doctorate degree in nursing from top ranked accredited nursing schools. Compare programs to find those that match your interests and complete the short information request form to receive additional information from school advisers from all schools that interest you: Online PhD in Nursing Programs - Nursing Doctoral Degrees

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Course-based - Leadership
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Self-Designed

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
• Doctor of Health Administration
• M.S. in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Online
Fairfield
Costa Mesa
San Jose
San Francisco
Pasadena
Gardena
Salida
Rancho Cordova
Woodland Hills
Livermore
Sacramento
Elk Grove
Los Angeles
Roseville
Oakland
Lathrop
Palm Desert

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Addison

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• RN to MS in Nursing - Regis University (Licensed RNs only)

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Administration (Online)
• Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (Online)

Campus Locations:

San Diego
National City
San Marcos

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• MSN in Executive Leadership

Campus Locations:

Chicago