Practicing DNPs’ Perceptions of the DNP

Abstract

This qualitative key informant study examined the emerging role of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree to fill a gap in health care in the United States. Although the DNP degree was proposed to bring added value to the health care system, it is new with little research to confirm the assumption. This research addressed this need by phone interviews of 12 practicing DNPs in the United States. Questions asked of the participants focused on differences in role/practice as a DNP and challenges faced. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and responses coded for themes. Five broad categories with relational themes emerged from the data of DNPs perceptions of their practices. The categories included educational preparation, practice settings, role acceptance, leadership, and challenges. The results of this study provide insight into the perceptions of practicing DNPs experiencing adjustment to practice as a DNP. These perceptions aid other DNPs and educators in preparing advance practice nurses for the future.

Exploring the necessity of establishing a doctor of nursing practice program from experts’ views: a qualitative study

“…A DNP program is only one piece of the puzzle in solving these issues. Stoeckel and Kruschke [ 33 ] assessed DNP-prepared NPs’ perceptions of the DNP degree, and reported that although DNP programs improved health population, evidence-based practice, research, and healthcare policies, it did not result in any significant progress in clinical skills. Participants mentioned laws and regulations as barriers to the full practice of DNP-prepared nurses.…”

Assessing DNP impact Using program evaluations to capture healthcare system change

“…In a small study (N = 12) in the Western United States, Stoeckel and Kruschke examined practicing DNP-prepared NPs' perceptions of the DNP degree. 6 The majority of the respondents reported growth through their DNP academic programs (mainly in the areas of population health, evidence-based practice, research, and healthcare policy) but no signifi cant improvement in clinical skills. Half of the respondents were teaching in nursing and medical schools, and some were instrumental in the development of DNP programs at their institutions.…”

“…The investigators found that nursing peers and physicians reported uncertainty as to what additional skills, knowledge, and expertise could be offered by DNP-prepared NPs versus those with a master's degree. 6 As a result, support for the new clinical doctorate degree was lacking. The study's participants identifi ed laws and regulations as barriers to full practice of the DNP-NP role and called for national nurse leaders to increase DNPfocused support.…”

“…But this will require knowing the value DNP-prepared nurses add to the nursing profession and healthcare system overall. 6 A small group of Michigan chief nursing officers (CNOs) were surveyed to explore the role of DNP-prepared nurses within healthcare organizations. It soon became apparent that the CNOs were not well versed in the clinical or population health outcomes anticipated from DNP practice; 7 therefore, it is imperative that a standardized tool is developed to measure the DNP degree's value and make the fi ndings public.…”

Exploring the Necessity of the Establishment of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program from expertise’s view; A Qualitative Study

“…Stoeckel and Kruschke (2013), assessed DNP-prepared NPs' perceptions of the DNP degree, the results showed although the DNP programs improved those to in areas of population health, evidencebased practice, research, and, healthcare policy, it does not result in any significant progress in the clinical skills. Participants mentioned laws and regulations as barriers to the full practice of the DNPprepared nurses(20).Ambiguity the role of the DNP graduates in public and other healthcare professions mentioned as another of the significant concerns. In the same line, Udlis and Kimberly (2015) stated that multiple areas of ambiguity concerning the role of DNP-prepared nurse existed in research, academia and academia leadership and, scholarship(21).…”