Sample Answer for NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2 Included After Question
Discuss the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing. Select a role requiring either a DNP or a PhD in nursing, and explain how this role functions within an interdisciplinary healthcare setting (clinical or non-clinical).
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2
A Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing (PhD) have similarities in that they are both research focused. However, having a PhD in nursing means that the research that is done is research that is original. Meaning, the PhD of nursing is finding groundbreaking research that will create new processes in healthcare. PhD grads are “prepared for careers as nurse scholars to conduct research that advances the discipline of nursing, health, and health care quality” (Johns Hopkins University, 2022). DNP grads are prepared “to become expert clinicians by applying research and knowledge to create more efficient practices and better patient outcomes” (Thomas, 2018). The DNP program involves research, but the difference is that the DNP uses the research and evidence-based processes created by the PhD. The DNP is focused on “quality improvement” and improved patient outcomes.
While a DNP prepared NP can wear many hats in education, management, acute care, and primary care, they can also be Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA). These advanced practice nurses fully practice to the “extent of their license” and work among physicians and surgeons in the surgical setting (American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology [AANA], 2018). CRNAs are responsible for anesthesia needs during surgical cases. They intubate patients and place central and arterial lines prior to surgery. CRNAs are involved in the leadership of interdisciplinary teams. CRNAs offer “leadership and expertise in the interdisciplinary team though relationships, clear communication, shared goal creation and decision-making” (American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology [AANA], 2018). Further, they are able to promote patient safety and satisfaction by introducing improved anesthesia care treatments.
References:
American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology [AANA] (2018). Patient-driven interdisciplinary practice. https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/practice-aana-com-web-documents-(all)/professional-practice-manual/patient-drive-interdisciplinary-practice.pdf?sfvrsn=c14a5bb1_14
Johns Hopkins University (2022). Nursing, doctor of philosophy: School of nursing. https://e-catalogue.jhu.edu/nursing/doctoral-degrees/nursing-phd/
Thomas, J. (2018). Professional development in nursing. In GCU’s: Trends in healthcare: A nursing perspective. https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs440vn/trends-in-health-care-a-nursing-perspective/v1.1/#/chapter/3
A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2
A PhD and DNP are terminal degrees for nurses. These qualifications also demonstrate that a nurse is an expert in his or her field. Conversely, the two qualifications are different based on their focus Price, S. & Reichert, C. (2017). A DNP degree focuses on clinical practice with the core curriculum centered on translation of research evidence into practice. The curriculum also focuses on healthcare policy on issues that include leadership modes and cultivation of practice expertise. The main research areas include application of theoretical models and statistics. Those applying for the degree require bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN). On its part, a PhD focuses on research where nurse practitioners center on research methodologies, conduct studies on relevance of nursing theories and development of faculty (Neal-Boylan, 2020). Those seeking this qualification should have a master’s degree in nursing while other programs accept BSN candidates.
The differences show that DNP graduates use their education and expertise in leadership roles in frontline nursing settings that include clinical practice, in administration and teaching as well as improvement of healthcare system and designing health policy and its development (Neal-Boylan, 2020). PhD in nursing prepares nurse practitioners for careers in research, being a nurse scientist, and faculty members at the university level. Those pursuing PhD qualifications get the chance to undertake research which has significant impact on the nursing practices and science.
The differences between these qualifications or degrees are fundamental in selecting one’s future education in nursing. Consequently, I would pursue a DNP in nursing since I believe in translating research into practice to help populations improve their health outcomes. Through the DNP, I believe that I will enhance the use of evidence-based practice interventions clinical environments (Price & Reichert, 2017). The qualification will also allow me to enhance the use of evidence-based practice.
References
Neal-Boylan, L. (2020). PhD or DNP? That Is the Question. The Journal of Nurse Practitioners,
16(2): PA5-6.
Price, S. & Reichert, C. (2017). The Importance of Continuing Professional Development to
Career Satisfaction and Patient Care: Meeting the Needs of Novice to Mid- to Late-Career Nurses throughout Their Career Span. Administrative Sciences, 7(17).
A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2
The DNP and PhD are both advanced level qualifications in nursing but they are different. PhD is the highest level qualification that one can get in nursing. PhD nurses do not work in the clinical area but they are qualified nurse educators who train other nurses. They hold positions as lecturers in colleges. PHD nurses hold high expertise in different areas, hence they work as consultants who offer professional advice related to nursing. Unlike the DPNs who work in the clinical area, PhD nurses are nurse researchers. They inform the nursing profession with evidence-based information (Falkenberg-Olson, 2019). DNP nurses work as managers and administrators in clinical practice. They work as nursing officers and they are highly ranked and positioned as overall in charge of units and departments. PhD nurses work less hours and they get more salaries compared to DPNs. Training for DNPs requires is much shorter, whereas PhD requires a number of years to complete.
References
Falkenberg-Olson A. C. (2019). Research translation and the evolving PhD and DNP practice roles: A collaborative call for nurse practitioners. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 31(8), 447-453
A Sample Answer 4 For the Assignment: NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440NV Topic 3 DQ 2
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) defined the DNP degree’s objective as a practice-based doctorate that trains students to be leaders in a variety of practice areas, such as interdisciplinary care, quality improvement, patient safety, and information technology utilization. It is crucial that there be consistency regarding the content of DNP training programs and how DNP graduates are prepared to perform in the contemporary healthcare system because the DNP degree is currently recognized as the terminal degree for the practicing nurse. The Task Force’s study makes clear the difference between PhD programs that are practice- and research-focused. Although the translation, application, and evaluation of scientific knowledge have historically been central to DNP projects, the AACN Task Force recognizes that DNP program graduates may also be equipped to create new knowledge using approaches that differ from those used in research-based programs. Practice change initiatives, evidence translation, and the application of quality improvement procedures for groups are some of these techniques. Such approaches might benefit people who are suffering from a variety of diseases.
Reid Ponte, P., & Nicholas, P. K. (2015). Addressing the confusion related to dns, dnsc, and dsn degrees, with lessons for the nursing profession. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 47(4), 347–353. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12148
See Also: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2