PhD versus DNP in Nursing

The traditional route for those that want a doctoral degree in nursing is that of a PhD, however, nurses can now pursue what is known as a Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP degree. The degree itself focuses on the clinical aspects of a particular disease's process. Much of the curriculum is based primarily in treatment of diseases and overall disease diagnoses. The DNP degree is often a choice for a registered nurse as it prepares then to become a primary care provider (Loomis et al., 2007). Literature on the PhD program in nursing primarily discusses that the degree prepares nursing scholars to successfully and effectively integrate the theories and research they have learned throughout their course of study into the roles of administrators, educators and/or researchers. 

In my pursuit of furthering my education in nursing, I would select the Doctor of Nursing Practice over the PhD in Nursing as I like the hands-on experience that it provides and the clinical aspects that it can offer nursing. I am currently working as a Neonatal Nurse; therefore, I would seek to further my studies and acquire professional development by obtaining a DNP in Neonatal Nursing. 

Pressler and Kenner (2009) discussed the high demand specialty practice in lengthy detail noting that these nurses are needed in a variety of settings especially "in tertiary level neonatal intensive care units" (pg.1). Therefore, it is my goal in pursuing this route over the PhD to be able to further my education to address the issues that pertain to neonatal nursing and the decision-making processes. As Neonatal Nurses are in high demand, because "the shortage and high vacancy is long-standing," (Pressler and Kenner, 2009) many of the guidelines of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing are being discussed in order that nurses who opt for the DNP can focus on their specialized market niche and be better prepared knowledge wise once they graduate. It will be important in furthering my education, that I select a program that has a Neonatal Nursing program specialty so that once I graduate; I will be even more prepared to assist patients who are in need of my help. 

References

Loomis, J. A., Willard, B., & Cohen, J. (2007, January 1). Difficult professional choices: Deciding between the PhD and the DNP in nursing. 12(1), doi:10.3912/OJIN.Vol12No1PPT02

Pressler, J. L., & Kenner, C. A. (). The NNP/DNP shortage: Transforming neonatal nurse practitioners into DNPs. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing, 23(3), 272-278. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/static?pageid=938617