Through their heroic duty of protecting those most in need, healthcare workers inspire many individuals who wish to pursue a similar degree. Making a choice to go into this career path isn’t an easy decision though. Lack of guidance and direction in fields such as nursing results in unexpected outcomes that may cause anxiety in students.
The degree you require in the US and many other parts of the world to pursue a career as a nurse is called the Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP for short. This is a higher-level degree. After you have qualified, you can work on your clinical application to elevate yourself to the position of a highly qualified nurse.
An insight into the program
The DNP program offered by many universities, such as Wilkes University, provides a deep insight into the healthcare world. Through programs such as the Wilkes DNP, individuals analyze different aspects of the patient management and care system. If you want to expand your skillset and land a leadership role as a healthcare professional, getting this degree will definitely help you stand out.
Individuals exploring this program typically need a master’s degree in nursing to fulfill the eligibility requirements of most colleges. Students enrolled in this degree program get to analyze and research different loopholes in the healthcare system.
How is it different from a PhD program?
A DNP is different from PhD in nursing as it is focused mainly on practice than research. In a PhD, you are required to complete independent research and teaching hours, but a DNP qualification requires you to complete a certain number of clinical hours. A DNP program also takes less time to complete than a PhD in most cases. Both degrees offer different perks and have different learning methodologies.
What difference does a DNP create in your nursing career?
Nurses with a DNP qualification are equipped with the abilities and skills for management and leadership positions in the healthcare industry. Individuals in leadership roles have the knowledge and power to change the healthcare system by creating workplace policies. The degree is mostly practice-based, so it also allows nurses to enhance their skills and get in touch with the needs of modern healthcare systems.
Additionally, DNP-qualified nurses have the choice to play a more significant part in state or national policy formulation. Many government opportunities allow them to play a role in public health, especially during pandemics and emergencies.
Getting a doctorate in nursing is a remarkable accomplishment on its own, but it also creates several job opportunities. More hospitals want highly educated nurses as part of their team of healthcare professionals to provide better patient care. Nurses can maintain their jobs alongside degrees as many online DNP programs are now offered as the world is shifting to online learning.
Conclusion
A DNP program is a great way to boost your nursing career. Besides being the highest degree in the field, it also helps you learn more skills through increased interactive learning and clinical experience.
