3 Reasons the DNP Degree is NOT So Scary

Dr. Molly J. Bradshaw DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, WHNP-BC
Oct 16, 2020
2 min read

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is a practice-focused terminal degree in nursing. It is a degree in nursing not a role. It allows nurses to have the knowledge, skill, and confidence to better engage in complex, high-stake, leadership roles. The DNP skill set allows one to identify problems, examine and implement evidence-based solutions, and determine the impact of those actions on health outcomes (Bradshaw & Vitale, 2020). In review of social media conversations, some nurses express concern, perhaps fear, of the DNP degree process -- especially in regard to the DNP Project.

Here are 3 Reasons the DNP Degree is NOT So Scary:

1) Nurses are engaged in life-long learning.

The Institute of Medicine, Future of Nursing Report puts words to what nurses already know. A nursing career requires a commitment to life-long learning. More doctorally prepared nurses are needed to lead, manage healthcare resources, advocate for healthcare policy, and deliver care in known gaps such as primary care and mental health (Ulrich, 2015). Nurses can handle school. The DNP degree is NOT so scary, it's just another round of school. It does require a different skill set, putting perhaps more emphasis on writing skills, oral presentation skills, and leadership skills.

2) Nurses can learn process.

Nurses are very process oriented. Nursing Process guides our practice. If framed in that context, then the DNP Project is NOT so scary. The DNP Project involves use of process to identify and solve health-related problems in evidence-based ways. The role of the DNP faculty is to mentor you and guide you through the process of leading a real-world project so that you have the ability to repeat that process and continue to solve problems post graduation.

3) Nurses are scrappy.

Scrappy is the word I use to define a person who is smart, resourceful, go-getting, creative, and determined. The DNP Degree and the DNP Project are significant endeavors. The goal here is not to underestimate them. Rather, the goal is to remind nurses that we are a scrappy bunch. We can figure it out. Also, there are mentors, resources, peer support and more. For these reasons, the whole idea of the DNP is NOT so scary.

Are you convinced? Is the DNP Degree right for you? Do you want to know more about the DNP Project?

Join me Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 11:00 am EST on Facebook Live to learn more. Go to my page @DNPmollyB to join the session, or click on this link https://fb.me/e/3r4J03oCf.