While a PhD has long been the usual doctorate in nursing, nurses can now choose between that and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Simply put, the DNP is more about hands-on clinical practice, and the PhD is more research-oriented. The DNP covers applying research findings to nursing practice, understanding healthcare policy (including budgets, financial management, leadership theory), and developing practical expertise. On the other hand, the PhD curriculum focuses on research methods, nursing research theories, and training future faculty.
Lots of PhD programs need you to have a Master’s degree first. Usually, the DNP is for nurses who want to keep working in a hands-on setting. People with a PhD in nursing often become faculty or work in research (Loomis, Willard, and Cohen, 2006). Personally, I’d rather go for a DNP than a PhD.
A DNP program gets nurses ready for leadership roles in evidence-based practice, like in patient care, education, policy, and executive positions. It’s all about being skilled in using research in practice, checking evidence, using research to make decisions, and bringing in new ideas to change how things are done in health systems. I’m more into improving clinical practice than doing research in nursing. Still, I do have a liking for education. Since I started in the OB department last year, I’m thinking of becoming a nurse midwife. Being a nurse opens up lots of chances, and no matter which path you choose, it’s a rewarding journey. The whole DNP vs PhD debate is something to think about.
References
Loomis, M. E., Willard, L. T., & Cohen, S. T. (2006). While a PhD has long been the usual doctorate in nursing, nurses can now choose between that and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Nurse Educator, 11(3), 3-6.
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