Sample Answer for NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2 Included After Question
Discuss the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing. Discuss which of these you would choose to pursue if you decide to continue your education to the doctoral level and explain why.
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are nurse’s leaders that are at the highest level of nursing practice. The DNP improves patient outcomes and translates research into practice. They specialize in providing information based on evidenced based practice. They also provide quality improvement, systems leadership, and among other key areas of nursing. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nurse researchers prepared in PhD, DNS, and other research-focused nursing doctorates. (DNP facesheet, 2022).
The desire to apply theory and develop formal programs of research, become faculty of nursing, combine clinical practice with formal research, and advance through professional leadership in the ranks of hospitals and health systems organizations. The Phd focuses on the research and philosophy and are considered more of nurse scientists who do research and use evidence-based practice.
If I had to choose between the two, I would definitely try to pursue a degree of DNP rather than PhD. Both seem to be very interesting and both seem to have different areas of knowledge that each contains but DNP would be my choice no doubt.
DNP Factsheet. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/DNP-Fact-Sheet
Rice D. (2016). The Research Doctorate in Nursing: The PhD. Oncology nursing forum, 43(2), 146–148. https://doi.org/10.1188/16.ONF.146-148
Thomas, J. (2018). Professional Development in Nursing. In Trends in Health Care: A Nursing Perspective. essay, Grand Canyon University. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs440vn/trends-in-health-care-a-nursing-perspective/v1.1/#/chapter/3.
A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
Great post! It definitely seems like there is a much bigger emphasis on independent research in PhD programs compared with the clinical component involved in DNP programs (Neal-Boylan, 2019). Most nurses who pursue their PhD in nursing likely have aspirations to work in academia, research or on the administration side of the healthcare field. I think this is probably a growing field because of the IOM’s recommendation that more nurses serve in leadership roles within healthcare organizations. On the other hand, nurses who wish to become advanced practice nurse will pursue the DNP.
Reference:
Neal-Boylan, L. (2019). PhD or DNP? That is the Question. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2019.11.015
A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) (2011) recommended in their report on The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health in 2010 to increase education for nurses, most especially towards increasing the number of nurses with baccalaureate degrees and doubling the number of nurses with doctoral degrees (Melnyk, 2013). Confusion in the roles of PhD versus DNP still exists throughout the United States. These programs have distinct endpoints. The PhD degree prepares researchers and scholars to generate external evidence to extend science and theory and guide practice. DNP degree on the other hand prepares experts clinicians to prepare internal evidence and to translate evidence produced through rigorous research into practice to improve health care quality, patient outcomes, and organizational and health policy (Melnyk, 2013). In real world setting, the DNP focuses on providing leadership for evidence-based practice (EBP). DNP graduate will seek to engage in roles as educators, but the focus needs to be advanced practice specialization, not the process of teaching.
Given the option to expand this writer’s nursing career, he will pursue DNP. There is too much time involved and schooling to devote to finish PhD degree and at his age. This writer may not be able to enjoy and share the learned experience for very long given my age. Writer also is still completing his BSN deree and may need some break. Writer’s goal is to work as a consultant. He loves to work with application of EBPs and creating policies that will help in risk management assessment and prevention.
Melnyk, B. M. (2013). Distinguishing the Preparation and Roles of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduates: National Implications for Academic Curricula and Health Care Systems. Journal of Nursing Education, 52(8), 442–448. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3928/01484834-20130719-01
Institute of Medicine. 2011. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/12956.
A Sample Answer 4 For the Assignment: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
Nice information that you provided for this weeks discussion. I feel the same that I too would rather go for a DNP then a PhD. I just like the fact that I would be able to continue being at the bedside helping patients then working behind a desk. Just like a nursing there are so many specialty fields that you would be able to go into. From DNP I had worked with before they are some that work in the trauma bay in the ED or in the ICU as a critical care provider specialist. There have been some that I work with that work in an outside clinic like cardiac and they can help the surgeon in the OR and become a first assist. That’s what I would like to do because I find that the most fascinating to be.
When thinking about acquiring a doctorate program, the guiding principle should be the idea that matches a nurse’s specific goals. Commonly, the usual terminals include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). In many instances, nurses find it challenging to differentiate the two. DNP is practice-centered, while Ph.D. commences a nurse’s path to research since it is a research-focused program.
The DNP focuses on clinical practice for nurses, implying that it improves knowledge related to what happens in everyday practice. The Sentinel Watch (2020) stated that DNP’s curriculum emphasizes a combination of clinical and leadership skills while looking forward to advancing a nurse’s understanding of the nursing practice. After graduation, nurses are better positioned to lead interdisciplinary care teams and improve care systems. On the other hand, Ph.D. programs focus on academic research. They keep the nurses away from practice roles to prepare them to develop new, evidence-based knowledge applicable to the nursing profession (Gaines, 2019). Considering that the nursing practice experiences numerous challenges [practice and patient-related], a nurse pursuing a Ph.D. seeks knowledge and publish it to be a reference when solving problems. Graduates with a Ph.D. in nursing are better equipped to lead research teams and work in fields that deal with nursing research and education.
When choosing between a DNP and Ph.D., a nurse should first examine his or her area of focus. A nurse should carefully assess whether the motivation is a career in research or service leadership and nursing practice. I would go for a DNP program if I were continuing my education to the doctoral level. I am more passionate about dealing with patient populations, solving their problems, and improving care systems than engaging in research.
References
Gaines, K. (2019, Sep 11). DNP vs Ph.D. in Nursing – What is the difference?. nurse.org. https://nurse.org/education/dnp-or-phd-in-nursing-difference/
The Sentinel Watch. (2020, Jun). DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: What’s the difference and which is best for you?. https://www.americansentinel.edu/blog/2014/10/01/terminal-degree-programs-what-is-the-difference-between-the-dnp-and-ph-d/#:~:text=The%20two%20most%20common%20terminal,is%20a%20research%2Dfocused%20program.
A Sample Answer 5 For the Assignment: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
Title: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 2
With the endorsement of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs by nursing education leaders (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2004), nurses seeking a terminal degree gained access to a new avenue for achieving doctoral education. Within the discipline, a general consensus has emerged regarding the differences and similarities between the long-established research doctorate, the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), and the more recent DNP degree. Both programs prepare nurses to the highest level of knowledge and expertise in their respective foci, provide a pathway to organizational and policy leadership positions, and can serve as a springboard for a career in nursing education (Bednash, Breslin, Kirschling, & Rosseter, 2014).Because program goals differ, each approach is valuable and unique within the profession. The PhD prepares nurse scientists to develop research programs that advance the development of new knowledge, whereas the DNP prepares practice experts to apply and translate that knowledge into better direct patient care settings or nurse executive roles (Edwardson, 2010).
To achieve the various goals, various curricula and program structures are required. The PhD curriculum, for example, emphasizes intense research content and lived research experiences, whereas the DNP curriculum emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice and health systems leadership (Melnyk, 2013). The PhD program prepares nurse leaders for scientific research careers. Students learn how to conduct nursing research and lead research teams, how to develop theory and contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing and the health sciences, and how to disseminate research findings through scholarly publications, presentations, and teaching.PhD program graduates work as nurse scientists in research or in positions of leadership in academic and non-academic settings. Recent PhD in Nursing graduates hold positions such as assistant professor, clinical research unit manager, faculty instructor, post-doctoral fellow, program director, co-founder, and chief nursing officer.
Edwardson, S. R. (2010). Doctor of philosophy and doctor of nursing practice as complementary degrees. Journal of Professional Nursing, 26(3), 137–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2009.08.004
Melnyk, B. (2013). Distinguishing the preparation and roles of doctor of philosophy and doctor of nursing practice graduates: National implications for academic curricula and health care systems. Journal of Nursing Education, 52(8), 442–448. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20130719-01
See Also: NRS 440VN Topic 3 DQ 1