DQ 2: Discuss the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing NRS 440 Topic 3 DQ 2 Discuss the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing. Discuss which of these you would choose to pursue if you decide to continue your education to the doctoral level and explain why.

DQ 2: Discuss the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing NRS 440 Topic 3 DQ 2 Discuss the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing. Discuss which of these you would choose to pursue if you decide to continue your education to the doctoral level and explain why.

Nursing education is theory driven. Theories are derived from the humanities, sciences, and Biblical concepts. Nursing knowledge, theory, research, and health promotion are influenced by spiritual perspectives, and ethical, legal, political, historical, and social influences. The faculty values excellence in teaching with an individual focus on the learner. Teaching includes a variety of methods, learning modalities, and practice situations. Faculty provide opportunities for students to give comprehensive care to diverse client populations, and the learning environment is created and arranged to meet individual learning outcomes that are consistent with the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions program outcomes. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions supports life-long learning endeavors and fosters an appreciation of diversity among traditional and nontraditional learners. Students are educated to provide, direct, and evaluate client-centered care while focusing on the person as an integrated whole.

REPLY TO DISCUSSION

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are nurse’s leaders that are at the highest level of nursing practice.  The DNP improves patient outcomes and translates research into practice. They specialize in providing information based on evidenced based practice. They also provide quality improvement, systems leadership, and among other key areas of nursing. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nurse researchers prepared in PhD, DNS, and other research-focused nursing doctorates. (DNP facesheet, 2022).

The desire to apply theory and develop formal programs of research, become faculty of nursing, combine clinical practice with formal research, and advance through professional leadership in the ranks of hospitals and health systems organizations. The Phd focuses on the research and philosophy and are considered more of nurse scientists who do research and use evidence-based practice.

If I had to choose between the two, I would definitely try to pursue a degree of DNP rather than PhD. Both seem to be very interesting and both seem to have different areas of knowledge that each contains but DNP would be my choice no doubt.

DNP Factsheet. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022). Retrieved from   https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/DNP-Fact-Sheet