What is a DNP and its importance in nursing?

Nursing has many acronyms to recollect, and DNP is one in all them. The DNP is a big milestone in nursing education and is taken into account the head of educational achievement.

Studying for a DNP helps nurses gain many skills that may also help them advance of their fields due to the various profession paths available. Let’s take a take a look at what this degree entails and what its role is in nursing.

What is a DNP in Nursing?

The DNP degree is designed to organize advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) for leadership roles in clinical practice. Although that was the unique idea, only 14% APRNs have earned a DNP as of 2019. Most have a master’s degree as their highest level of education. Roles that APRNs often perform include:

• Nurses (NP)
• Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
• Clinical nurses (CNS)

The DNP in Nursing builds on prior knowledge gained from advanced courses, including:

• Improving quality
• Evidence-based practice
• Systemic leadership
• Health policy
• Epidemiology
• Independent practice

Nurses can earn a DNP after earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or a master’s degree in nursing (MSN). BSN-DNP programs typically last three to 4 years of full-time work, while MSN-DNP programs typically last one to 2 years.

DNP education culminates in a final project demonstrating the coed’s mastery of his or her education and expertise. There is not any specific DNP certification exam, but there are certification exams for APRNs.

Currently it’s 426 DNP programs nationwide, with many additional programs within the planning stages. College enrollment continues to grow as employers recognize the worth of DNP-prepared nurses.

There are several key components of a DNP in nursing. This degree:

• It is meant for nurses looking for a sophisticated degree that’s more directly related to nursing practice
• It serves as a substitute for research-oriented PhD programs
• Prepares nurses for high-level roles reminiscent of nursing leadership, management, or administration
• It focuses on translating research into practice
• It goals to enhance patient and population outcomes

Kristin Gianelis, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, WHNP-BC, nurse within the DNP program at Frontier Nursing University, summarized the true meaning of the DNP.

“The DNP is truly a practice-focused doctorate,” she said. “The DNP degree is about translating research into clinical practice to improve individual patient outcomes and the overall health of the population.”