When you think of a doctor, most people often think of someone who has dedicated their entire life to helping and caring for people. When in fact, it is much more complicated and intricate than merely intrinsic altruism.
Many degrees and certifications are available to those who want to make a difference in healthcare. Including nurse and nurse practitioner degrees!
The Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) is an advanced practice degree that prepares students for roles as nurse leaders with extensive clinical knowledge and skills. Instead of an MD, DNP focuses on the nursing aspects of the medical field, which most people associate with the actual care of patients as opposed to diagnosing and “fixing.” If you’re interested in pursuing this degree program, here are six ways that getting your DNP can change your career!
6 Ways a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree Can Change Your Career
1. Become a Nurse Leader
As you advance in your nursing career, you will take on more leadership roles. By the time you have worked up to a nursing manager position, you may find that your skill set is the perfect match to take on the nurse leader role.
A nurse leader is responsible for managing and directing the activities of other nursing personnel and providing consultation and Education related to practice. A nurse leader may also be involved in developing nursing education programs, assessing the nursing needs of an area, or conducting research related to nursing.
You may also be responsible for managing budgets and scheduling the other nurses. At this point in your career, you will already have gained extensive expertise and fantastic leadership and communication skills.
2. Better Research Skills
The DNP is a research-intensive degree program, and it prepares you for a career that involves conducting research, analyzing information, and making recommendations based on your findings. The DNP degree provides the necessary skills to conduct and/or supervise research, analyze data, and make recommendations based on findings.
The DNP is a terminal degree and is therefore considered a research degree. This means that you will be expected to complete the necessary research to write and defend a thesis, culminating in your Education and research. After graduation, you will have the necessary skills to conduct and supervise research, analyze data, and make recommendations based on your findings.
3. Providing the Best Possible Care
As a nurse practitioner and a nurse leader, you are responsible for providing quality care to your patients. With a DNP, you can further your Education and provide the best care possible. You will need to earn a DNP degree to progress in your field and provide better care.
The DNP is set to become the standard for advanced practice nursing degrees in the coming years, replacing many other advanced degrees in nursing, including the MSN and the PhD. DNP degrees are now readily available in all fifty states, expanding your chances of acquiring this degree. This means that you will be better equipped to provide quality care to your patients, and they will have access to the best treatment possible.
4. You Will Be an Expert in Your Field
As you advance in your nursing career and take on more advanced roles, you will be expected to lead and mentor others. A DNP degree can put you in the position to mentor and lead others who are newer in their fields. You will be expected to provide your expertise on a variety of subjects and will be expected to lead others who are new to the field.
A DNP degree means that you have significant clinical experience in your field and you have gained a wide breadth of knowledge in your specialty area. You will be expected to provide mentorship to others and share your expertise with your patients.
5. You Can Lead Change in the Healthcare Industry
When you pursue a DNP degree, you are making a conscious decision to take your career to the next level. You are deciding to become an expert in your field and lead change in the healthcare industry. By pursuing a DNP degree, you are investing in your future and the future of healthcare.
You will be expected to provide leadership and use your knowledge and expertise to improve the industry and provide better patient care. The DNP degree allows you to become an expert in your field and to provide a change in your community.
6. You Will Have a Wider Range of Job Opportunities
As you progress in your career, you may find that you are limited in where to work. A DNP degree opens the door to various job opportunities and allows you to work wherever you want. Whether you want to work in a hospital setting or a clinic, you will have the skills employers are looking for.
When you complete your DNP degree program, you will be expected to complete a clinical practicum to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate your ability to apply what you have learned. This experience will open up more job opportunities for you and give you more options for finding the right position.
Conclusion
Getting your DNP can change your career in many ways. It can help you become a nurse leader, provide better care to your patients, become an expert in your field, lead change in the healthcare industry, and give you a wider range of job opportunities. If you are interested in advancing your career and becoming an advanced practice nurse, a DNP degree may be your best option.
About the Author: Gabe Nelson is a content specialist with over seven years of experience, currently working with nurse.org & universities.com. Just out of high school, he started crab fishing on the Bering sea in Alaska. From there, he returned home to finish his college degree at the University of Montana. He has a passion and keen understanding of health and Education inside and out. He has written hundreds of content pieces in numerous niches. Currently, he lives in Missouri with his wife and kids.
