Manner In Which I Feel the DNP Degree Is Necessary and Justifications
I find the DNP degree necessary for meeting the needs of the healthcare industry, addressing the existing challenges, and advancing the career growth and development of nurses. The dynamics of healthcare continue to change, and a DNP degree strengthens practice and healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes through the highest level of competent nursing care in a complex environment (Graves et al., 2021). For example, the responses of DNP students justify the need for a DNP Degree. Responses from DNP graduates indicated that a DNP Degree offers the highest level of quality and patient safety during care delivery and prepares the graduate to provide holistic and comprehensive healthcare despite the rapidly transforming healthcare delivery system. A DNP graduate also gains essential knowledge for translating evidence into practice, improving healthcare quality, sustainability of effective processes, and cost-effectiveness. One is also equipped on how to integrate their collaborative clinical practice with current trends. A DNP graduate also gains the competencies necessary to recognize problems in the health delivery system and conduct evidence-based scholarly projects to solve the problems (Joel, 2022). The justifications matter as they present the views of the people who have undertaken the degree, and they show no regrets. The justifications support my view that a DNP degree is necessary for meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare industry and addressing the complex challenges facing the industry.
Whether it is a degree that I Plan to Complete, why, and What to do with It
I plan to complete the degree to increase my potential to unlock high-level opportunities. The degree offers advanced skills and competencies that I can utilize to pursue various career opportunities, increasing the potential for career growth and development. For example, I can pursue leadership positions in various health settings after attaining my degree. The degree also offers competencies that I can utilize to conduct research projects and initiate quality-based projects that improve health outcomes in health settings. I intend to utilize the degree to pursue opportunities to improve clinical practice through various initiatives, including evidence-based practices and quality improvements in care delivery processes. I also intend to utilize the leadership competencies gained to influence other nurses toward integrating evidence-based practice in patient care to offer patients effective treatment interventions that are safe, quality, and cost-effective. My passion is to act as a change agent and improve the experiences of patients and nurses, increasing their satisfaction.
My Thoughts on the length of the DNP programs and Whether They are Appropriate
Obtaining a DNP degree appears like a lengthy and daunting process, but I believe the time invested is worth it since I view the program as a valuable investment. According to Rivaz et al. (2021), DNP is a powerful strategy for preparing nurses for the most advanced clinical nursing practice level. The knowledge and skills gained at the end of the program empower one to become a more capable healthcare provider. I believe that my thoughts are appropriate since there are other options that an individual can choose from depending on their view on the length of a DNP program. If one feels it takes too long to complete a DNP program, they can select other more convenient options. Personal interests and career goals influence one’s view on the length of the DNP programs and one’s choice to pursue a program.
References
Graves, L. Y., Tamez, P., Wallen, G. R., & Saligan, L. N. (2021). Defining the role of doctor of nurse practice in symptoms science research opportunity for collaboration. Nursing Outlook, 69(4), 542.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8410634/
Joel, L. A. (2022). Advanced practice nursing: Essentials for role development 5th ed. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.
Rivaz, M., Shokrollahi, P., Setoodegan, E., & Sharif, F. (2021). Exploring the necessity of establishing a doctor of nursing practice program from experts’ views: a qualitative study. BMC Medical Education, 21(1), 1-7. https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-021-02758-w