1. Address 2 of the following discussion questions in your post:
1. Describe the evolution of the Doctor of Nursing practice curriculum and its potential impact on the future of nursing.
2. Analyze factors in our current healthcare delivery system that is driving the need for nurses prepared as at the doctoral level
3. How do you determine the impact of the DNP degree? What methods should be used to determine the impact of DNP graduates? See pg 52 of Pritham & White article.
4. What are your thoughts on having a universal standard for APRN entry?
Below is an outline of the items for which you will be responsible throughout the module1.
Resources to Use
Zaccagnini, M. & Pechacek, J. (2021). The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials. (4th Ed.), Jones Barlett Learning. ISBN 978-1-284-16707-8
1. Read introduction from Zaccagnini, M., & Pechacek, J. (2021). The Doctor of Nursing practice essentials. (4th Ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
2. National Academy of Medicine (2021). The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. National Academy of Sciences, Chapter 4: The role of nurses in improving health care access and quality, p. 99-126.25982.pdf
3. AACN Essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice AACN DNP Essentials.pdf,
4. NONPF The Doctorate of Nursing Preparation 2015 NONPF The DNP Preparation NONPF Perspective.pdf
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree program in nursing that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This degree program prepares advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) for leadership positions in healthcare organizations, where they can have a significant impact on patient outcomes, healthcare delivery, and healthcare policy. The evolution of the DNP curriculum and its potential impact on the future of nursing will be addressed in this essay.
The evolution of the DNP curriculum can be traced back to the 1990s, when the first DNP programs were established. Initially, the focus of these programs was on clinical practice, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and quality improvement. However, over time, the curriculum has expanded to include coursework in healthcare policy, leadership, and systems improvement. As a result, the DNP curriculum now prepares nurses not only for advanced clinical practice, but also for leadership positions in healthcare organizations where they can have a significant impact on healthcare delivery and policy.
The potential impact of the DNP on the future of nursing is significant. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” recommends that APRNs be prepared at the doctoral level. The IOM report also states that the DNP is critical to the future of nursing because it prepares APRNs for leadership positions in healthcare organizations where they can influence healthcare delivery and policy. In addition, the IOM report suggests that the DNP can help close the gap in the shortage of primary care providers and improve access to care for underserved populations.
One factor driving the need for nurses prepared at the doctoral level is the rapidly changing healthcare delivery system. With the increasing complexity of healthcare, there is a need for nurses who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead healthcare organizations in implementing evidence-based practices, improving quality, and reducing costs. The DNP curriculum prepares nurses to be leaders in this changing healthcare environment and to meet the challenges of the future.
Another factor driving the need for DNP-prepared nurses is the increasing demand for APRNs. According to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), there is a shortage of primary care providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. APRNs are well-positioned to help fill this gap because they are trained to provide a full range of primary care services. The DNP curriculum prepares APRNs to provide these services and to lead healthcare organizations in addressing the challenges of the healthcare delivery system.
In order to determine the impact of the DNP degree, a variety of methods should be used. According to Pritham and White (2021), one method is to conduct surveys of employers, patients, and other stakeholders to assess their perceptions of the impact of DNP graduates. Another method is to track the clinical and organizational outcomes of DNP graduates, such as improvements in patient outcomes, increased efficiency and cost savings, and improved patient satisfaction. Additionally, the authors suggest that studies should be conducted to compare the impact of DNP graduates to other advanced practice registered nurses who do not have a DNP degree.
Finally, regarding the question of a universal standard for APRN entry, it is important to note that APRN education and practice is regulated at the state level. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has developed APRN competencies and recommended that APRNs be licensed, but there is currently no national standard for APRN entry. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has recommended that all APRN programs be at the doctoral level, but this is not a universal standard.
In conclusion, the evolution of the DNP curriculum and its potential impact on the future of nursing are significant. The DNP prepares
