Assessment Description
Discuss the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing. Select a role requiring either a DNP or a PhD in nursing, and explain how this role functions within an interdisciplinary healthcare setting (clinical or non-clinical).
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Discuss the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing. Discuss which of these you would choose to pursue if you decide to continue your education to the doctoral level and explain why.
Nurses with a master’s degree in science nursing are increasingly seeking to advance their careers by obtaining a DNP or a Ph.D. A nurse considering a career in leadership may be confused about how to differentiate and choose between these two doctorate programs. While both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are considered terminal nursing degrees for APRNs, there are significant differences between them.
The primary distinction is in the nature and scope of the programs. The DNP is a practice-oriented program, whereas the Ph.D. is a research-oriented program. A DNP program focuses on clinical practice, so it primarily seeks to advance the nurse’s clinical and leadership skills. After completing a DNP program, a nurse will be able to: • effectively integrate evidence-based practice into practice • spearhead various interdisciplinary care teams • systematically evaluate and translate care outcomes
A Ph.D. program, on the other hand, focuses on academic research. The programs place a greater emphasis on developing and improving students’ research and writing skills, with the ultimate goal of allowing them to develop and improve evidence-based knowledge in the nursing field. Furthermore, the program emphasizes understanding the origins and evolution of nursing as a profession.
A Ph.D. graduate can work in education research, lead research teams, and be involved in the development and implementation of various types of studies.
Educational prerequisites
To receive a DNP, a student must complete a capstone project demonstrating adequate knowledge and clinical practice skills. A Ph.D. program, on the other hand, requires students to complete and defend dissertation research in front of a committee.
As part of the graduation requirements for a DNP program, students must complete at least 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice. In contrast, a Ph.D. program does not require students to complete any clinical hours of practice because the majority of their tasks are performed outside of the clinical setting.
Making a decision between a DNP and a Ph.D.
Both the DNP and the Ph.D. are rewarding programs, so the decision is personal. If I had to choose between these two doctorate programs, I would be influenced by a number of factors.
For example, if I want to continue working in clinical practice but in a leadership role, I’d pursue a DNP. A Ph.D. program, on the other hand, would be my first choice if I wanted to work in research, education, or academia.
References
K. Canady (2020). Practical and philosophical factors to consider when deciding between a DNP and a Ph.D. in nursing. Professional Nursing Journal
N. R. Yancey (2020). DNP or Ph.D. as a Nursing Faculty Credential: Options and Consequences 217-221 in Nursing Science Quarterly, 33(3).
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Study Bay Notes
The Difference Between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing
Nurses who want to advance their careers and education have two options for earning a terminal degree in nursing: a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in nursing. Both degrees are valuable and respected, but they have different focuses and outcomes. This blog post will discuss the main differences between a DNP and a PhD in nursing, and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is a DNP?
A DNP is a clinical practice degree that prepares nurses to become experts in delivering high-quality, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. DNP graduates can work as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or clinical nurse specialists. They can also work as leaders, educators, policymakers, or innovators in various healthcare settings.
A DNP program typically takes 2-4 years to complete, depending on the entry level (master’s or bachelor’s) and the specialization. A DNP program requires students to complete core courses on topics such as scientific underpinnings for practice, organization and systems leadership, information systems/technology and patient care, healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration, clinical prevention, population health, and advanced nursing practice. Additionally, students must complete clinical hours and a final project that demonstrates their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.
What is a PhD in Nursing?
A PhD in nursing is a research degree that prepares nurses to become scholars, scientists, and leaders in the field of nursing. PhD graduates can work as faculty members in academic institutions, researchers in medical laboratories or healthcare organizations, or consultants or advisors for governmental or non-governmental agencies.
A PhD program typically takes 4-6 years to complete, depending on the entry level (master’s or bachelor’s) and the research focus. A PhD program requires students to complete core courses on topics such as development of research, critique of theories and literature, designing research, research ethics, measurement and sources of error, analytical approaches, secondary data and informatics, grant and proposal writing, scientific communication, diversity and equity, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and leadership. Additionally, students must pass a comprehensive exam, conduct original research, and write and defend a dissertation.
What are the main differences between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing?
The main differences between a DNP and a PhD in nursing are:
– The focus: A DNP focuses on clinical practice, while a PhD focuses on research.
– The outcome: A DNP prepares nurses to improve healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practice, while a PhD prepares nurses to generate new knowledge through scientific inquiry.
– The career path: A DNP prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles or leadership positions in healthcare settings, while a PhD prepares nurses for academic or research-based roles in educational institutions or other organizations.
Which degree is best for you?
The answer to this question depends on your personal and professional goals, interests, and preferences. Here are some questions to consider when choosing between a DNP and a PhD in nursing:
– Do you enjoy working directly with patients or populations, or do you prefer conducting research and analyzing data?
– Are you interested in applying existing knowledge to solve problems in practice, or do you want to create new knowledge to advance the science of nursing?
– How often do you want to work in a clinical setting or an academic setting?
– Do you want to teach students or mentor researchers?
– What is your view on influencing healthcare policy or healthcare innovation?
There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. Both degrees are equally important and valuable for the nursing profession. The choice depends on your passion and vision for your future career.
References
[1] NurseJournal.org. (2023). DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: What’s the Difference? Retrieved from https://nursejournal.org/resources/difference-between-dnp-phd-nursing/
[2] Nurse.org. (2023). DNP vs PhD in Nursing – What is the Difference? Retrieved from https://nurse.org/education/dnp-or-phd-in-nursing-difference/
[3] UCSF School of Nursing. (2023). PhD in Nursing vs DNP: What’s the Difference? Retrieved from https://nursing.ucsf.edu/phd-nursing-vs-dnp-whats-difference
