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See Instruction

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course Name and Number

Instructor’s Name

Assignment Due Date

See Instruction

Exploring the DNP Journey

This paper aims to study and explore the DNP program's essentials and DNP as a journey

for students who are pursuing it. Moreover, the paper is also geared towards answering a series

of questions related to a DNP program. These programs are designed to equip experts in the field

of nursing who will assume system-focused roles that are outside direct patient care (Volkert &

Johnston, 2018). The DNP nurses are equipped with a wide range of skills such as leadership,

clinical, organizational, economic, etc. the nurse also helps design patient care programs.

Section I- Student Questionnaire

1) After reading the proposed articles, how do you see the importance of having a

DNP degree as the future leader of health care?

Leadership is a critical aspect in nursing. Nurses with a DNP degree are essential in

nursing because they help develop programs that improve healthcare outcomes and

conduct evidence-based research (McCauley et al., 2020). In general, a DNP degree

equips nurses with critical leadership skills in the modern-day nursing field.

2) Do you have any fear/apprehensions regarding the DNP-student journey?

One of the students' qualms about the DNP degree is strict timeline adherence (Pritham

& White, 2016). The DNP project tends to have strict timelines that may jeopardize the

whole project when not followed.

3) Who is your support system during this adventure?

One of the support systems is those who check and ratify Manuscripts and a successful
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capstone project.

4) What opportunities might you be interested in or consider as a graduate student?

Various prospects can benefit a DNP student after graduating from your programs. Some of

these include working in public health departments, schools and universities, private medical

offices, and nurse-managed clinics.

5) How do you think your short-term and long-term career goals will influence your

practicum and DNP scholarly project?

Essentially my short-term and long-term career objectives should be in tandem with my DNP

project. This would help me properly channel my resources and skills to ensure that I complete

my DNP project.

Section II-Interview with DNP –prepared Nurse

1) Why did you decide to enter the DNP journey?

I chose to enter a DNP degree journey to further my clinical expertise in my current APRN

role. A DNP degree equips me with developing programs that improve clinical outcomes.

2) How many years did you work as a registered nurse before deciding to go for

your DNP?

I worked as a registered nurse for nearly ten years after which I ventured into my DNP

program.

3) Did you have a support system?

Yes. During my tenure as a registered nurse, the support systems at my disposal included

clinical information systems, drug retrieval, and delivery system, which helped track the drug

prescription and dispensing (Bowie et al., 2019). Moreover, the mobile patient chart was also
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helpful. Furthermore, I also used medical devices and intravenous devices.

4) Did you have any fear/apprehensions when you entered the DNP journey?

The only fear I had was that this is a broad field of nursing that needed much attention and

commitment.

5) What will you say was your greatest challenge during the DNP program?

I had trouble adhering to strict timelines, but I successfully completed my DNP program.

6) Which suggestions will you provide to a student entering a DNP program?

DNP is a rigorous degree that requires maximum attention and commitment. Therefore,

students who wish to enroll in this program must exercise practical time management skills.

Moreover, the student should also ensure that they have a healthy work-life balance because it

is crucial for completing your programs without destabilizing your out-of-school lifestyle.

7) What was the topic of your practicum?

The topic was to do with Nursing informatics competencies and certification.

8) Which theoretical framework did you use to support your project?

I used research questions theoretical framework geared towards providing the project's

outcomes.

9) In your opinion, what are some topics of interest for a potential DNP project in

your daily practice?

One of the topics that a student can choose is Evaluating a school-based asthma protocol,

alcohol detoxification protocol, chronic disease care implementation, etc.

10) How did the DNP degree improve your professional and personal life

It equipped me with the ability to provide expertise in clinical practice and demonstrate

clinical leadership in my area of work. Furthermore, my degree also increased my salary.

Reflection Post Interview

1) What have you learned from your interview and this assignment?

DNP is a good degree for those who wish to advance their profession, gain valuable skills,

and have higher pay than other nursing degrees.

2) Which recommendations from the DNP-prepared nurse are you considering

using? How do you think you will influence healthcare with your degree?

DNP degree equips that nurse with the requisite leadership skills essential in the modern-day

nursing field (Bemker & Schreiner, 2016). Healthcare is in dire need of leaders who can lead

in decision-making in various nursing departments.

3) Do you think the theoretical framework used by the DNP-prepared nurse could

be compatible with your possible practice problem?

Yes, it is compatible because, in nursing, there are many clinical abased questions that the

nurse needs to tackle to provide quality care.

Conclusion

DNP degree program is the highest academic award that can be given to a nursing

student. Most nurses from various categories usually embark on a journey to pursue DNP

degrees to increase their pay and equip themselves with the skills. Skills such as evidence-based

care and leadership skills are critical in modern-day nursing settings. The degree also helps the

nurses to be able to practice nursing independently.

References

Bemker, M., & Schreiner, B. (Eds.). (2016). The DNP degree & capstone project: A practical

guide. DEStech Publications, Inc. [Link]

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Bowie, B. H., DeSocio, J., & Swanson, K. M. (2019). The DNP degree: Are we producing the

graduates we intended?. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(5), 280-285.

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McCauley, L. A., Broome, M. E., Frazier, L., Hayes, R., Kurth, A., Musil, C. M., ... & Villarruel,

A. M. (2020). Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree in the United States: Reflecting,

readjusting, and getting back on track. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 494-503.

[Link]

Pritham, U. A., & White, P. (2016). Assessing DNP impact Using program evaluations to

capture healthcare system change. The Nurse Practitioner, 41(4), 44-53.

[Link]

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Volkert, D., & Johnston, H. (2018). Unique issues of DNP students: A content analysis. Nursing

education perspectives, 39(5), 280-284.

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