Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice
Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice
I agree with you on the aspect that the DNP nurse is an individual who has the skills and competencies to lead efforts or act as a change agent within the health care system. Those having a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in nursing are essential in many areas of healthcare. DNP program graduates contribute to academia, clinical practice, health policy, and other fields like management, information technology, health economics, and insurance and insurance (Schoenbaum, 2018).
One of the most significant accomplishments of DNP graduates is their ability to design and evaluate complex patient care models. They can assess the effectiveness and viability of various treatment plans, which ultimately improve patient outcomes. The DNP program emphasizes the implementation of research-based practices in healthcare through its emphasis on evidence-based practice.
The adoption of DNP programs is bringing about a dramatic transformation in nursing education and the profession. The ending, neutral zone, and beginning stages of Bridges’ three-stage process can be used to characterize this transition. The nursing field is currently in Stage 1, the closing phase, where outdated beliefs, viewpoints, and facts are being questioned and changed. As more DNP programs are established, the field is moving into Stage 2, often known as the neutral zone, where a new reality and self-image are being constructed. For nurses with a DNP, roles and expectations alter.
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They can serve as advanced practice nurses, policy advocates, nursing care directors, and supervisors. Because of their extensive skill sets and knowledge, they can carry out these tasks effectively. When one moves up to a DNP position within a company, the expectations are raised (Donley & Kiraly, n.d.). The role of a nurse necessitates the routine use of accuracy, decisiveness, efficacy, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. The DNP program enhances knowledge and allows engagement with patients and staff to propose process modifications and implement them in ways that would minimize health inequalities among communities.
References
Donley, R., & Kiraly, C. (n.d.). The DNP-prepared nurse’s role in health policy and
advocacy. DNP Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing
Practice. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826171740.0018
Schoenbaum, A. (2018). Transformation of healthcare and health information technology. DNP
Education, Practice, and Policy. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826140197.0014
Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice
Every doctoral degree comes with certain responsibilities. When people see the title of doctor, inherently trust and respect result. Starting on the journey to a doctoral degree comes with a lot of responsibility to the profession, patients, community and self. The long and winding road will likely have bumps. Nursing has evolved and now provides two different avenues to meet the continually growing need for doctoral prepared nurses. While nurses who have a love for lifelong learning look to their future it is important to understand how an individuals goals align with each doctoral degree. Phd and DNP have different goals related to the future of nursing.
A PhD in nursing has a focus on research and teaching which means there is also a focus on ensuring funding via grants for the institution (Cleary & Hunt, 2011). Research requires a great deal of time and energy which translates to a long time before the information generation translates into practice changes. Nurses who pursue this avenue are often working to leave their mark on the world and this can take many years to accomplish. Due to the extensive time, effort, and costs associated with a PhD, completion is also an obstacle (Cleary & Hunt, 2011). It is not for the faint of heart as the research process requires an immense amount of work. As a result of this long lead time, the new doctorate in nursing was born (Sperhac & Clinton, 2008).
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The DNP was born out of a need to impact practice and patient care swiftly. Patients need to have better care today and nurses are expected to deliver this care. Nursing has a focus on evidence and data thus this lends itself to a focus on the practice side of nursing (Sperhac & Clinton, 2008). Integration of data and evidence-based practice provide credibility to the nurse thus leading to better outcomes for patients. The DNP also allows the exploration of more clinical based issues to be identified and explored more quickly as the DNP has access to needs as they are identified in the clinical setting. Innovation is expected of the DNP as they apply the research of the PhD.
DNP prepared nurses can also engage in research and apply the outcomes readily. Recent changes in the global climate have accelerated the need to apply information rapidly. The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched many practitioners to the breaking point and has also opened the doors to new areas of research and application (The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nursing Profession in the U.S. | AONL, n.d.).
Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice
Nursing is more than a profession to most who are successful. As I look at my career progression over the last twelve months, I would never have imagined the changes I would encounter or those our world would encounter. I am fortunate that nursing is my chosen passion as it is agile and able to meet the constant changes to which we have grown accustomed. The year 2020 was labeled the year of the nurse and to me this means the year of transformation. As a result of this transformation, I personally examined my goals in a new way. Given the chance to gain insight my lifelong goal of being the best nurse I can, has driven me to pursue my terminal degree in nursing. As an operating room nurse who turned to an informatics nurse the Doctor of Nursing practice is the degree for me as my journey in nursing is anything but standard. If not now, when. I am here to seize the day.
References:
Cleary, M., & Hunt, G. E. (2011). Demystifying PhDs: A review of doctorate programs designed to fulfil the needs of the next generation of nursing professionals. Contemporary Nurse : A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 39(2), 273–280.
Sperhac, A. M., & Clinton, P. (2008). Doctorate of Nursing Practice: Blueprint for Excellence. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 22(3), 146–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2007.12.015
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nursing Profession in the U.S. | AONL. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://www.aonl.org/resources/impact-of-covid19-on-nurses
NURS 8000 Discussion: The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice
In response to the constant changes in health care today, nurses are responsible for remaining up to date on numerous fast changing aspects of patient care. They are also intended to help improve the quality of health care. Participating in doctorate study is an admirable approach to prepare oneself for this aim, and it can lead to new career prospects.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree? What factors influenced your decision to seek your degree? What impact will this degree have on your career?
This week, you look at the qualities of various programs, such as the DNP and the PhD. The DNP degree focuses on clinical practice, whereas the PhD degree focuses on research. DNP- and PhD-prepared nurses frequently interact with other professional partners to assess crucial challenges and identify acceptable solutions.
This initial Discussion allows you to investigate what it means to achieve a doctorate and how your chosen degree program relates to your professional aspirations.
To get ready:
Consider why you’ve opted to seek a graduate degree. How do you expect this degree to help you achieve your career goals?
Consider the experts’ remarks in this week’s media on the value of a DNP degree and the many roles open to DNP-prepared nurses, as well as the features of the PhD program and opportunities for PhD-prepared nurses.
Have you generated any new ideas or goals for your future based on the information offered this week? If so, what exactly are they?
By Day 3
Post a unified response that addresses the following points:
What does it mean to be a nurse with a doctorate in practice or research? What are the expected outcomes of this degree? How would this alter for a nurse with a different degree?
How do these factors relate to your current motivation to seek a doctorate?
Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice
Read a few of your coworkers’ postings.
By Day 6
Respond in one or more of the following ways to at least two of your colleagues:
Share an insight gained from reading your coworkers’ postings, synthesizing the information to bring fresh viewpoints.
Use your own experience and further research to validate a notion.
Make a recommendation based on further evidence gathered from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
Expand on your colleagues’ posts by offering new insights or opposing viewpoints based on readings and evidence.
Walden Instructor Manager
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Due to the fact that this is the first week of class, I have opted to initiate the discussion.
Both DNP- and PhD-educated nurses are “leaders” in their own right, but the DNP-educated leader is far more focused on clinical concerns and results than the PhD-educated leader, who concentrates primarily on research and contributing to the body of literature that leads our profession.
What I find most admirable is the professional mutual respect between the two doctorates (DNP and PhD). It is acknowledged that, by working together, we are making a significant contribution to the nursing profession and, ultimately, to healthcare on a global scale.
When I received my PhD, the DNP was only beginning to gain acceptance, and many schools and universities were hesitant to declare it a terminal degree or permit its graduates to teach at that level.
Now that colleges and universities recognize that DNP grads are excellent clinical instructors and that many also teach theory courses, the situation has drastically improved. The PhD has historically
Respected and, because it is a research-based degree, preferred by schools that place a premium on having their professors publish, conduct research, and receive national recognition for new pedagogical practices, etc.
Both degrees are now highly esteemed, and it might be difficult to distinguish between what they do. I do not believe any student could make a mistake by selecting either degree. It is basically a matter of personal preference and choice when determining what to pursue after completing a PhD degree.
I feel that your expectations for this prize reflect that you chose the appropriate degree!
Week 1 Discussion
Today we live in a world where health care is at the forefront. Many people are looking towards health care professionals for hope and answers for the future. This is one reason why nurses from all backgrounds are pursuing a degree in higher education and clinical practice. When I think of obtaining a doctoral degree in nursing, I see a journey with a purpose. A nurse with a practice or research doctorate deeply holds the potential to make the greatest impact on any given specialization. From my experience, there are magnitudes of nurses who would excel in academic endeavors but merely just do not have the opportunity or life fortune. For that reason, I see experiencing the journey of pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing as a gift, as the ultimate way I can help others. Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice
According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the goal is bridging nurse scientists and researchers in collaboration to advance and pioneer the profession towards global reform, (Michael & Clochesy, 2016). The expectations of a doctoral student involve much of the same motivations required in prior academic achievements like dedication and commitment. The professional goals associated with both the DNP and PhD degrees may vastly differ, that is the beauty of learning from other nursing students. Most DNP students are driven by clinical outcomes and evidence-based practices.
PhD in Nursing students often aspire to add to the nursing library and literature. In the future, we can collaborate to bridge gaps in clinical practice and nursing research. Some differences for nurses and educational paths include untraditional learning modalities, bridge-programs, access to cutting-edge technology and mere geographical influence on culture and preferred methods. As we dive further into learning about doctoral level practice and research, we may discover the ways in which we uniquely impact the medical field and the lives of everyday individuals.
Reference:
Michael, M.J. & Clochesy, J. M. (2016). From scientific discovery to health outcomes: A synergistic model of doctoral nursing education. Nurse Education Today, 40. 84-86.
Initial Post
Every PhD degree carries specific obligations. When people see the term ‘doctor,’ they naturally develop a sense of trust and deference. Beginning the path to a doctorate entails a great deal of responsibility to the profession, patients, community, and oneself. The long, curving route is likely to have potholes. As a result of nursing’s evolution, there are now two ways to address the growing demand for doctoral-prepared nurses. While nurses with a passion for lifelong learning contemplate their future, it is essential to comprehend how their ambitions fit with each PhD degree. The Ph.D. and DNP have distinct nursing future objectives.
A PhD in nursing focuses on research and teaching, which necessitates an emphasis on securing grants for the university (Cleary & Hunt, 2011). Research necessitates a substantial investment of time and effort, which leads to a lengthy period of time between the development of new knowledge and its application in reality. It can take several years for nurses who pursue this path to make their influence on the world. Due to the substantial time, effort, and expense required to earn a PhD, completion is also challenging (Cleary & Hunt, 2011). It is not the case
The research procedure is not for the faint of heart because it demands an enormous amount of effort. Due to this lengthy delay, the new PhD in nursing was born (Sperhac & Clinton, 2008).
The Doctor of Nursing Practice was created out of a need to improve practice and patient care rapidly. Today’s patients require better care, and nurses are expected to provide it. (Sperhac & Clinton, 2008) Nursing’s emphasis on evidence and data lends itself to an emphasis on the practice side of nursing. Integrating data and evidence-based practice lends credibility to the nurse, leading to improved patient outcomes.
As the DNP has access to demands as they are identified in the clinical setting, the DNP also enables the identification and examination of more clinically-based concerns with greater speed. The DNP is expected to be innovative when applying PhD research. Additionally, nurses with a DNP can engage in research and readily implement the results. Recent climate changes have increased the urgency with which information must be applied. The COVID-19 epidemic has pushed many practitioners to their limits and opened up new avenues for research and application (The Impact of COVID-19 on the Nursing Profession in the U.S. | AONL, n.d.).
To the majority of successful nurses, nursing is more than a job. As I reflect on the trajectory of my career over the past twelve months, I never would have guessed the changes I would experience or those our world would experience. My chosen profession, nursing, is adaptable and able to accommodate the continual changes to which we have been accustomed. The year 2020 has been designated as the “Year of the Nurse,” which signifies to me the year of transformation.
As a result of this transition, I reexamined my personal objectives. Given the opportunity to gather knowledge, my lifetime ambition to become the best nurse possible has motivated me to seek a terminal degree in nursing. As a former operating room nurse who became an informatics nurse, the Doctor of Nursing Practice is the appropriate degree for me, as my nursing journey has been anything from typical. Unless now, when?
I am present to seize the moment.
References:
Cleary, M., and G. E. Hunt (2011). A evaluation of doctoral programs geared to meet the needs of the future generation of nursing professionals to get a PhD. Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 39(2), pages 273-280.
Sperhac, A. M., and P. Clinton (2008). The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Roadmap for Excellence
Pediatric Health Care Journal, 22(3), 146–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2007.12.015
The Effects of COVID-19 on the U.S. Nursing Profession | AONL (n.d.). 29 March 2021, retrieved from https://www.aonl.org/resources/impact-of-covid19-on-nurses
Due to the rigorous curricula set for doctorate prepared advanced nurse practitioners, as well as the clinical skills acquired, the DNP is in a prime role for leadership and making changes through research, making this a pretty versatile role. (Falkenburg.-Olson. 2019) Reading the assigned readings this week, it appears one commonality is that the role of the doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) is not clearly defined. (Beeber. 2019).
DNP’s have been noted to carry the traditional role of an APN in clinical practice whereas some have been found in administration roles. In one instance a DNP was noted to have used this position and used the position to promote equitable healthcare and in another instance a DNP led an interdisciplinary team with the use of evidenced based practice. (Tussing. 2018) Otherpositions that have been filled by DNPs are healthcare policy, executives, informatics, and community focused roles.
When developing the DNP programs, part of the rational was to learn how to recognize gaps and develop practice knowledge and skills to improve healthcare delivery (Falkenburg-Olson. 2019). This type of training would also serve purpose in becoming an educator as it would allow for ability to share and train new DNPs to not only recognize gaps but also ways in solving problems. In one example from Tussing, a DNP who was in an educator role, “led a multidisciplinary team in the development of educational resources and a staff training plan for the care for patients experiencing infection and emerging pathogens such as Ebola Virus disease” (Tussing. 2018)
Other examples of DNP’s is as a clinical coordinator to build better care plans, assist with maintaining goals and provide support for patients and families on medical-surgical units due to a need for increased quality and increased length of hospital stays. Another DNP was noted to have worked on quality improvement projects using evidenced based practices. (Tussing. 2018)
Expectations associated with obtaining doctorate, similarities and differences to other degrees
The DNP is a practice focused degree and takes into consideration the clinical experience and skills an NP has developed that will help align DNPs to take leadership roles. In embarking on the journey to obtain the DNP degree, anticipate the completion to be a doctoral project that is inclusive of scientific content and research methodology (AANC. 2006). While taking courses and furthering education to support the final project, one must put emphasis on learning scholarly approaches to navigate through making advances in nursing practice and addressing gaps in practice using evidenced bases, implementation and evaluation. (Falkenbur-Olson. 2019)
Hartjes recommends that if the DNP is going to be used in the role of becoming an educator that educational coursework should be considered during this process. (2019). “to critically appraise current evidence, translate research into practice, and implement quality, process, organizational, and operational improvement methods to positively impact patient outcomes and the delivery of health care” (Hartjes. 2019)
Another terminal degree that can be obtained is a PhD however this is a more research focused education path. The PhD curricula will place more emphasis on theory, research and statistics. The goals that have been set in each program are slightly different however are complimentary to each other. The completion of the PhD program is displayed by a dissertation with an extensive research study. (AANC. 2006) The PhD focuses much on “producing data that can be translated into practice to advance all levels of health care” (Falkenburg-Olson. 2019) When you combine a PhD with an NP you are widening the scope of practice by having strong research abilities and skilled clinical practice which is quite effective in trouble shooting areas of concern.
“Requirements for admission, the length of the programs and the graduation requirements, as well as the overall cost also differ” ( Hartjes. 2019) PhD programs are typically research based, are more commonly online and have smaller classes. Many PhD programs allow admission once a semester and require a mentor to be in place. The amount of work necessary during the program often makes it impossible for students to partake in work outside of their education process and the program could be quite lengthy. Whereas, DNP programs are doing hybrid classes, allowing for higher quantity. Admission to these programs are frequently throughout the year and allow more flexibility in the students life. (Hartjes. 2019)
My motivation and how will I contribute to potential organization
We are often being asked, how we are going to make a change, what are we going to do. This is a struggle for me to come up with an answer. Over the last few years, I have learned that if you take a step back and just pay attention, take note of what is happening, you will see where you are needed and what you are needed to do. I have also learned that I am very much a problem solver. I am not a “put a bandaid on it” kind of person. I like to look for the root cause and try to find a solution from the bottom up. I do believe obtaining my DNP is the path that was created for me and am excited to see where it leads.
I have, however, come across some areas that I recognize need improvement. Medication errors that occur during transfer of facilities happen quite often. I have had a patient go to the hospital on two medications and those medications just disappear from their profile, no rationale, and new medications started. As I am experiencing these situations, I take everything in. It does appear that it is due to a poor medication reconciliation, poor communication or lack of preparedness upon discharge and admission. It is difficult for me to explain how I problem solve, but I take things in, constantly. I trouble shoot in my head until I can figure out a possible way for it to be better. I am always taking in the systems I work within and how they function so I will hopefully one day be able to connect the pieces and produce an effective solution.
Formally, I could do a questionnaire, possibly asking individuals of their transfer process, not what policy is but what they actually do. The questionnaire alone may actually help solve some of the problem as it could represent a self-evaluation as well. Often self-evaluations help individuals recognize their weaknesses and strengths. Chart review could also be used as part of the assessment of the gap in care. Once completed and a plan is established, it would be implemented. Afterwards, chart audits would be able a simple way of evaluation. (Fiset. 2019)
I do believe part of these errors occur because many people just do not take that little extra step. This is also why I want to become an educator. I see how many errors that I have caught, with my patients alone. I work in mental health, many of my patients are unable to advocate for themselves. My hope in becoming an educator is to add a touch of humanization to practitioners. To teach them to take that one extra step because someone’s life really could depend on it.
What experiences have you had in addressing a gap in practice or a practice change?
In my role now, I provide psychiatric care to people in the community-skilled nursing facilities, assisted livings and in their homes. In doing so, I have seen many patients admitted to the hospital due to a lack of knowledge or education on the caregivers part. There are many things that come into play with this. I am working with our hospital systems education department to start a program that we can offer to outside facilities and families, anyone who provides care to dementia patients, giving them a virtual experience on what it is like to have dementia as well as supportive basic education.
American Association of Colleges
