DNP and PhD in Nursing
As nurses focus on acquiring a doctoral degree in nursing, they are faced with the challenge of choosing the pathway to pursue the degree. They are required to choose between the doctors of nursing practice (DNP) or doctor of philosophy (PhD). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused doctorate, while PhD is regarded as being a research-focused doctoral degree (Oermann et al., 2016). Nurses, who are planning to advance their nursing education, must, therefore, choose between the programs based on their ambitions and goals. The discussion board provided gives an illustration of the controversy that exists between the two.
First, the discussion board presents the debate that exists among students about the two programs. The text admits that the two programs are essential in enhancing the nursing profession. Similarly, the discussion board highlights the growth of DNP over PhD though it acknowledges how PhD is equally crucial to a nurse because of its focus on research. According to the text, the ultimate application and scope of the two programs portray some slight differences. However, graduates from both PhD and DNP can still work as nurse practitioners, provided that they attain all the necessary credentials (Edwards et al., 2016).
On the other hand, the text brings into knowledge the issue of evidence-based practice in nursing. However, this focus is, in most cases, for the DNP program. Evidence-based nursing practices will help to enhance the outcomes of the clinicians. Lack of evidence in nursing practices leads to poor experience among the patients and affects the financial results. For the case of the DNP program, students are required to demonstrate intimate knowledge and high skills of evidence-based practice. This is different from the PhD program, which focuses on research methodology and original research.
References
Edwards, J., Rayman, K., Diffenderfer, S., & Stidham, A. (2016). Strategic innovation between PhD and DNP programs: Collaboration, collegiality, and shared resources. Nursing Outlook, 64(4), 312-320.
Oermann, M. H., Lynn, M. R., & Agger, C. A. (2016). Hiring intentions of directors of nursing programs related to DNP-and PhD-prepared faculty and roles of faculty. Journal of Professional Nursing, 32(3), 173-179.