Role Development Module 6: PhD vs DNP

Doctorates can be ____________ or _____________

researched focused or practice focused

Research focused degrees

PhD, DNS, DSN, DNSc

Doctor of Nursing Science [DNS]

DSN Doctor of Science in Nursing

Goals of research focused programs

Prepares nurse scientists & scholars, scientific content & research methodology

Requires original research as well as a dissertation

Practice focused degrees

DNP, ND, DrNP, DNAP

goal of practice focused degrees

Prepares experts in specialized advanced nursing practice that is innovative & evidence-based

integrative

requires final DNP project

PhD and DNP are __________degrees representing complementary, alternative approaches to the highest level of educational preparation in nursing

terminal degrees

The degree title (DNP, PhD) does not ___________

delineate the specialty of practice

when and where was the first practice focused doctorate program?

1979: Case Western Reserve University offered a Doctorate in Nursing (ND)

1999: To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System was in response to?

50,000-100,000 deaths annually related to medical errors, reducing preventable events

__________ provide a framework for DNP programs

DNP Essentials (1-8 required for all programs)

Benefits of practice focused programs

•Enhanced knowledge to improve practice and outcomes

•Matching program requirements with credentials earned

•Option for practice-focused advanced knowledge

•Parity with other health professions

•Improved image of nursing

•Increased supply of faculty for clinical instruction

Issues and challenges of DNP programs

•Unified versus diverse approach

•Differences in degree titles

•Current advanced practice nursing programs

•Preparation for the clinical educator and faculty roles

•Accreditation and regulation

PhD dispersement in the field

•40% = academia

•60% = clinical

(Management of patient care, Project development, Leadership positions)

benefits of PhDs in the field of APRNs

•Bridges research/practice gaps

•Leadership, administrative & education roles

•Develop new nursing science

•Big data research to drive changes in practice

gives nursing a “voice”

collaboration of PhDs and DNPs

•Dependence on each other to improve health

•Both prepare graduates to develop new knowledge that shapes how nurses practice and advance scholarship

•Collaboration to implement new nursing science and practice innovations

•Ensures contemporary nursing practice remains relevant

•Translational research and implementation science

•Translate newly generated knowledge into practices that improve health and healthcare

•Share in the scholarship of teaching, practice, and research