Doctor of Nursing Practice Education

Running Head: DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE EDUCATION 1
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE EDUCATION
Name
Institution

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE EDUCATION 2
Doctor of Nursing Practice Education
For years now, healthcare system has been under scrutiny by healthcare professionals and
the federal government in regards to provision of quality care. As follows, there has been a call
to professionals to implement systems and initiatives aimed at improving quality care. The
Doctor of Nursing Practice is one such program that was implemented to close the gap in quality
care experienced in clinical settings. Therefore, individuals seeking to affect significant change
for both the health care system and patients in actual clinical settings are encouraged to pursue
the degree. Having worked as a nurse in the intensive care unit and senior transporter in an
emergency department, I am of the opinion that the degree could impact the nursing practice on
both long term and short term basis.
Whilst there are numerous benefits that can be attributed to the degree, it is my belief that
the two areas that are likely to greatly benefit from the DNP program are the healthcare systems
and nursing academics. The program serves as an alternative to research-focused doctoral
programs, as such, nurses with this qualification are expected to affect practical changes in the
advancement of workforce and the way healthcare is delivered. Moreover, nurses will be
equipped with skills that are geared towards achieving organizational, positive patient outcomes,
and advancing nursing profession.
Notably, individuals in possession of the DNP degree possess competencies that can see
them placed in leadership capacities as nurses in institutions of healthcare delivery. This is
because the program enhances a person’s skills for the advancement of personal practices and
successful application of research evidence to support changes in clinical settings in order to
enhance outcomes. Besides, the new skill sets will see the inclusion of nurses in affecting
fundamental changes within healthcare settings. According to Dunbar-Jacob, Nativio, & Khalil,