The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) DNP Essentials outlined the
core competencies expected of DNP graduates. The Doctor in Nursing Practice
(DNP) focuses on preparing nurses for advanced clinical practice and leadership
roles, aligning with a growing need for nurse leaders who are equipped to tackle the
complexities of the healthcare system. The Essentials emphasize that DNP
graduates are prepared to lead evidence-based, innovative changes in healthcare.
While the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) prepares individuals for nursing research, the
DNP equips nurses with skills to apply research findings directly to practice. This
distinction is important because healthcare settings need practitioners who could
integrate evidence into real-world settings, not just those who could conduct
theoretical research. The DNP’s applies focus filled this niche, providing nurses who
are equipped to deliver practice-based leadership and improve patient care
(Giddens et al., 2022).
According to Gray & Jones (2023), the new essentials likely reinforce a broader
scope of competencies that address modern healthcare delivery's needs at a
doctoral level. The earlier DNP Essentials emphasized the preparation of advanced
practice nurses for evidence-based practice and leadership. However, as healthcare
systems shift towards value-based care, increased emphasis on preventive health,
and personalized medicine, the New Essentials would need to adapt to ensure DNP
graduates can meet these growing challenges. For instance, integrating
interprofessional collaboration or population health into the New Essentials may
reflect the demand for nurses who are equipped to lead change on a systemic level,
addressing both individual care and broader community or population health
concerns.
Opposition to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from professionals with
different doctoral credentials, such as physicians and PhD-prepared nursing leaders,
results from various factors that highlight divergent views on advanced practice,
education, and the transforming role of nurses in healthcare (Jenkins, 2022). Certain
physicians contend that the clinical training linked to the DNP lacks the scope of
medical training experienced by physicians, especially in specialized fields. They
may perceive that the DNP program, although advantageous in clinical
environments, lacks the ability to prepare nurses to operate at an equivalent
standard in complex diagnostic or therapeutic decision-making. On the other hand,
several PhD nurses expressed concern that the DNP diverts attention from the
significance of nursing theory and research, thereby compromising the focus on
generating new information and promoting nursing as a scientific discipline.
However, the reality is that these three degrees represent three distinct academic
and professional pathways, each with specific priorities and objectives within the
healthcare field. Although all three degrees signify the highest level of education in
their specific fields, they differ in endeavor, training, and the professional roles they
prepare graduates to assume (Bennett & McNally, 2023).
After receiving my DNP, I see myself acquiring enhanced competencies in
healthcare systems administration, leadership, and clinical practice. This degree will
enhance my readiness in clinical practice to lead, execute quality improvement
programs, and facilitate organizational change. I perceived myself applying the
skills and tools acquired to cooperatively enhance outcomes with fellow healthcare
professionals. Taking this approach will provide me with several opportunities for
advancing my nursing profession to the maximum level.
Bennett, L.K., & McNally, E. (2023). The impact of DNP education on patient
outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice, 58(2), Article
2059. Revised on Jan 8, 2025; from: [Link]
Giddens, J., Douglas, J.P., & Conroy, S. (2022). The Revised AACN Essentials:
Implications for Nursing Regulation. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(4), 16–22.
Revised on Jan 8, 2025; from: [Link]
Gray, K. & Jones, P. (2023). Aligning the post-master’s DNP with the 2021 AACN
Essentials. Journal of Professional Nursing, 46, 65–69. Revised on Jan 8, 2025; from:
[Link]
Jenkins, S. M. (2022). DNP graduates and the future of nursing leadership in the U.S.
Nursing Leadership Review, 38(5), 78-85. Revised on Jan 8, 2025; from:
[Link]
Yes, an academic doctor who is also an advanced practice nurse (APRN) can work on
both a PhD and evidence-based practice (EBP) tasks. APRNs with a PhD can do
research on a wide range of topics, including health policy, nursing education,
healthcare systems, and patient care. This means that an advanced practice nurse
can use EBP in clinical settings to improve patient outcomes and also do research
that supports evidence-based guidelines and practices. The number of advanced
practice nurses currently working as nursing faculty in Florida universities with a
doctoral degree varies. Most university nursing faculty have advanced degrees,
such as a PhD or DNP. For nursing research degrees, the vast majority of faculty
have a PhD, while for nurse practitioner or clinical specialist programs, most faculty
members have a DNP.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, approximately 20-25%
of faculty members at U.S. medical schools are involved in research and hold
advanced degrees, though this number includes MDs/DOs who are also leading or
contributing to clinical or biomedical research. So, typically around 2-5% of all U.S.
physicians might be considered physician-scientists.
Association of American Medical Colleges. (2020). Faculty at U.S. medical schools:
2020 data. Association of American Medical Colleges. Retrieved January 11, 2025,
from [Link]
