Introduction
The Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP, is a degree program that prepares an individual for roles within the nursing practice and patient care. Pursuing higher education is an essential step in professional and personal growth since it enables a person to get proficient knowledge, which helps an individual make a more significant impact in their chosen field of study. Earning a DNP is integral to my journey to achieve my goals. In this essay, I will discuss how obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice will contribute to my goals and explain why this doctoral degree aligns with my interests. Also, this essay will highlight the professional experiences that have prepared me for doctoral study. Additionally, the paper will explain a particular area of interest that can be improved through an evidence-based doctoral project.
Contributions to Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice
Obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice will significantly contribute to my professional and personal goals in several ways. Firstly, earning a DNP will increase my career opportunities by qualifying me for various positions that are not available to nurses with BSN degrees or Associate Degrees in nursing. A DNP equips a person with the skills needed to fulfill the requirements for several nursing positions, such as clinical leadership, administrative, or academic roles (Allison, 2021). Apart from increasing the job titles I qualify for, a DNP will improve my career outlook because these positions are highly in demand.
Also, earning a DNP will enable me to learn from several experts in the nursing profession. Since earning a DNP involves learning from a faculty of experienced and skilled nurses, I believe that with DNP, I can gain critical insights into modern nursing beyond what I have seen or learned up to this point. As a registered nurse and midwife, with several years of experience in emergency and operating rooms, and maternity wings, in both Namibia and Kenya, I have witnessed vulnerable populations facing challenges in accessing quality healthcare. Earning a DNP will equip me with the needed skills to address these disparities effectively. Additionally, DNP programs will enable me to gain unique mentorship and career guidance opportunities. If I decide to be a teacher, DNP will be a helpful credential in instructing the next generation of nurses.
Furthermore, earning a DNP will help me to stay current in a rapidly evolving world since several facets of healthcare are continually changing. According to Paplham and Austin-Ketch, (2015), from more significant insights into disease processes to new medicines and advanced technologies, nurses and other clinicians need to remain informed. Since I believe that DNP is designed to prepare nurses to be future leaders in nursing, the program offers up-to-date information and training to continuing nurses in medical education plans. With my educational background in health service management, nursing education, and community health, these tools will help me stay on top of future trends and changes for the time of my career. Obtaining a DNP will therefore be instrumental in advancing my professional goals of influencing healthcare policy and advocating for reforms that improve patient outcomes.
Also, getting a DNP will help me achieve parity with other healthcare professionals, such as medical doctors, dentists, and physical therapists, among others. As a practicing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) for the last six months and also an ICU nurse for the past seven years, I have recognized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in delivering comprehensive care. Therefore, earning a DNP will give me an educational credential comparable to my expert colleagues and equip me with the skills to lead and contribute efficiently in multidisciplinary teams.
Importance of DNP over Other Doctoral Degrees
While other doctoral degrees in nursing, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc), and a nurse doctorate (ND), have their merits, the DNP aligns more closely with my career interests. Miley and Reinisch (2016) argue that unlike the DNSc, Ph.D., or ND, which primarily focus on research skills, high-level specialty skills, or scholarly skills, the DNP delivers practice-based training to improve patient outcomes. Given my passion for clinical practice and my desire to implement meaningful change in healthcare systems, I find DNP suitable since it provides an appropriate avenue for achieving my goals.
Professional Experiences Prepared for Doctoral Study
My extensive professional experiences in various healthcare settings have prepared me for doctoral study. Working in operating rooms, emergency rooms, maternity wings, and intensive care units has allowed me to witness the challenges faced by different patient populations and gain a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and adaptability, qualities that are essential for doctoral study and the pursuit of impactful research.
Moreover, my recent role as a PMHNP has provided me with firsthand exposure to the mental health challenges faced by vulnerable youths. This experience has ignited my passion for improving access to mental health services for this population, leading to my area of interest in the DNP program. By combining my clinical experiences with the knowledge and skills acquired through doctoral study, I will be well-equipped to design and implement evidence-based interventions that address the mental health
Additional Research Areas of Interest
In addition to my primary area of interest in improving access to mental health services for vulnerable youths, I am also intrigued by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers and the subsequent need for support and interventions in the post-pandemic period. The pandemic has placed an unprecedented burden on healthcare professionals, exposing them to physical, emotional, and psychological challenges (Reisz & Crișan, 2022). Exploring the long-term effects of the pandemic on healthcare workers’ well-being, resilience, and job satisfaction would be an essential research area. This research can inform strategies and recommendations for supporting healthcare workers and promoting their overall well-being.
Conclusion
In sum, DNPs in clinical practice are expected to take on larger duties in advocacy and problem-solving, acting as liaisons with other healthcare professionals. Due to these responsibilities, getting a DNP comes with higher pay rates and more opportunities for advancement. Getting a Doctor of Nursing will therefore contribute significantly to my personal and professional goals empowering me to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. The DNP program aligns perfectly with my goals allowing me to advance my clinical expertise, leadership skills, and knowledge of healthcare systems.
References
Allison, T. L. (2021). Measuring outcomes of doctor of nursing practice. Outcome Assessment in Advanced Practice Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826151261.0011
Miley, H., & Reinisch, C. (2016). Doctor of nursing practice program capacity building and Scalability: Improving the capstone experience. Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice, 9(1), 69–72. https://doi.org/10.1891/2380-9418.9.1.69
Paplham, P., & Austin-Ketch, T. (2015). Doctor of nursing practice education: Impact on advanced nursing practice. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 31(4), 273–281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2015.08.003
Reisz, D., & Crișan, I. (2022). Perspectives on mass media and governmental measures during the 2020 covid-19 pandemic in a Romanian sample of healthcare practitioners. Healthcare, 10(2), 191. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10020191
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