The introduction of a practice doctorate has been controversial. While many believe that our complex healthcare system requires practice leaders to be prepared as a doctoral level, others believe that it is not necessary and may draw nurses away from PhD programs which will eventually impact on the development of nursing science. It is important that you, as a future DNP, be aware of the history, the intentions, and the controversies around the development of practice doctorate programs. You need to be prepared to argue the pros and the cons of the DNP including the impact on local, regional, and national healthcare system, nursing as a profession and nursing science, and you as a nurse leader.
Question
Start your WebQuest with the American Academy of Colleges of Nursing’s DNP web page: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/index.htmLinks to an external site.
Be sure to thoroughly explore the DNP essentials: https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/DNPEssentials.pdfLinks to an external site.
Now, explore what other professional nursing organizations have to say about the DNP. Start with your own professional associations and then look at others. Many professional associations have issued position statements on the DNP, many not very positive. Is there a difference between what the advanced practice nurse associations have to say and administrative or educational associations?
Finally, look at nursing journals. There have been many articles as well as letters to the editor regarding the pros and cons of the DNP.
Share what you have found and whether it supports your decision to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing and a DNP, specifically.