The DNP degree was established to prepare APRNs, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. The development of the DNP is interlinked with the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) report on the prevalence of medical errors and safety and quality issues. Based on this report, in 2003, the IOM rallied for health system transformation through interprofessional evidence-based care and expert clinical leadership by nurses (Al-Dossary, 2017). Based on the increasingly growing complexities within healthcare, as well as the recommendations of the IOM, it was understood that the healthcare system would primarily benefit from doctorate-educated practitioners. This situation influenced other disciplines to adopt a doctorate practice exit.
In 2004, the members of the AACN sanctioned its Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate, which rallied nursing schools towards transitioning from a master’s to a DNP standard for APRN preparation before 2015. The AACN further published recommendations in The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and the DNP Roadmap Task Force Report to promote the initiative (McCauley et al., 2020). Nonetheless, the IOM failed to clearly outline the need for a practice doctorate as a universal requirement for advanced practice nursing entry. This failure challenged the profession’s ability to influence the adoption of DNP.
The transformation of APRN education to a universal DNP standard is still a challenging goal within the nursing profession. In 2014, the AACN issued strategies for realizing the BSN-DNP track by coming up with three conditions for realizing accreditation, certification, student, and market demand (Cleveland et al., 2019). Eight years later, these three conditions remain highly unaddressed. As nursing roles continue to become complex, so do the DNP-educated roles. Complexities relating to the adoption of tech-driven innovations like electronic health records (EHRS) and telehealth systems are changing the future of healthcare delivery (Glaser & Shaw, 2022). These systems help with patient care through efficient integration and ensure data security.
The future DNP leaders will be able to guide healthcare transformations towards offering and securing patient care. The focus on value-driven healthcare and the changing regulatory frameworks calls for practitioners who can work economically and legally beneficial to both the facility and the patient. As the human element continues to evolve, physician shortages and the prevalence of an aging population will likely bring significant challenges to patient care and the kind of care required to treat patients (Jamesetta, 2019). The future of healthcare will need a DNP holder to confidently lead toward achieving the set goals despite the prevailing challenges. Professional organizations still debate whether APRNs need to hold doctoral degrees.
Today, DNP–educated RNs can seek opportunities to fill different roles within the advanced practice spectrum. This group can work as family nurse practitioners (FNPs), nurse educators, clinical managers, nursing officers (CNOs), and nursing school administrators. The program also equips one with the capabilities to take leadership roles and a higher salary. I feel that the degree will be my appropriate career path as it enhances my ability to lead teams or a facility to enhance the health status of individuals and populations.
References
Al-Dossary, R. N. (2017). Leadership in nursing. Contemporary Leadership Challenges.
Cleveland, K., Motter, T., & Smith, Y. (2019). Affordable care: Harnessing the power of Nurses. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 24(2).
Glaser, J., & Shaw, S. (2022). Digital Transformation Success: What can health care providers learn from other industries? NEJM Catalyst Innovations in Care Delivery.
Jamesetta, N. (2019). Growth of the DNP degree. The Nurse Practitioner, 44(4), 8–8.
McCauley, L. A., Broome, M. E., Frazier, L., Hayes, R., Kurth, A., Musil, C. M., Norman, L. D., Rideout, K. H., & 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.