Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN) degree was first introduced in 2004. Its primary focus is to offer a doctorate level of clinical preparedness. But what does it really offer a nurse over other advanced degrees such as the Master of Science in Nursing? Here’s an overview of what a DNP offers, why nurses get one, and the benefits of going for a DPN.

What does a Doctor of Nursing Practice Offer?

Nurses who are interested in pursuing a DPN can do so after receiving their MSN or by enrolling in a BSN to DNP program. Each path has different benefits.

Those who already have an MSN will be able to increase their clinical expertise while focusing on patient populations. They also have the option to obtain a certification in patient populations. DNP students have the opportunity to specialize in topics like health policy, informatics, and executive leadership.

BSN to DNP students also have the opportunity to pursue the same types of focuses. At the same time, they can receive their initial certification and state licensure in specialties like clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner or neonatology, woman’s health, and pediatrics among others.

Why Nurses Choose a Doctor of Nursing

Nurses opt to obtain a DPN either because they want to achieve the highest proficiency in complex care or because they want to exert positivity in healthcare roles that don’t involve taking care of patients. Graduates who receive a DPN work in patient care, organizations, leadership roles, policy roles, and academics.

Benefits of a Doctor of Nursing over a Master of Science in Nursing

The MSN is a standard of advanced practice for nurses. But the DPN offers the opportunity to increase clinical knowledge, patient outcomes, and cost management strategies. And graduates are prepared to be leaders in their jobs, which is why they are frequently tapped for such roles. In addition, DPN holders make more than their MSN counterparts. DPNs make $8,000 more on average. Since DPNs are trained to study the psychosocial, organizational, and biophysical alongside nursing science, they are able to evaluate what is effective and not in healthcare.

Employers are always looking for well-qualified nurses to serve in patient care and non-patient care roles to improve their organizations.

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