NURS 8100 Week 1 Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice

 NURS 8100 Week 1 Discussion The Doctoral Degree and Professional Nursing Practice

Thank you for an interesting post!  I really enjoyed reading it. 

Like all things related to process improvement, the pursuit of a doctoral degree in nursing is noted as the terminal level of the nursing education process.  Obtaining a doctoral degree provides nurses with the knowledge and tools to practice at the highest and most respected roles in the profession.   

Considering the practice doctorate level degree is not a new concept, it is however an evolving degree over the last 20 years since the first practice focused doctoral programs launched.  Both the DNP and the PhD degrees assume leadership roles to impact change.  The focus is distinctly different as the DNP (practice focus) and the PhD (research focused), however they share the same educational level of distinction which both compliment and enhance nursing practice.   Other nursing degrees, the Bachelor and Master prepared nurses are entry level nursing staff or mid-level managers who deliver and/or manage the delivery of patient care.  Doctorate level prepared nurses are respected as the most advanced nursing leaders, and have the ultimate responsibility for the continuum of advanced nursing practice.  

 Dr. Linda Beechinor also states in the video, “In order to make changes, empower yourself, and sit at the table where decisions are made, you need the education, background, and the credibility of the doctoral degree.” (Laureate Education, 2011).  

How do you feel your professional life may change once you complete your doctoral degree? Have you given it any thought? 

Reference: 

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Introduction: The doctor of nursing practice [Video file]. Available from https://class.waldenu.edu