The Difference of DNP Program from a Traditional Ph.D. Program - Essay Example

Discuss how a DNP program is different from a traditional PhD program A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is different from a traditional PhDprogram because the DNP program seeks to provide opportunities for nurses in enhancing their systems/organizational roles (AACN, 2010). Although the DNP program is different from the traditional PhD program, it is still founded on the same principles, including the establishment of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership (AACN, 2010).

What sets the DNP program from the traditional program is the fact it is specifically fashioned for nurses seeking a terminal degree in the nursing practice; it is also meant to equip them with the ability to fully implement the scientific concepts prepared in the PhD, DNSc, and other nursing doctorate programs (AACN, 2010). Healthcare is continually advancing, even as its delivery is becoming progressively complicated. Advancements in the nursing practice have been prompted due to the inability of the current nursing practice to meet these changes and complications (AACN, 2010).

The DNP program has been set forth as a much-needed step towards the development of a non-research clinical doctorate program which can arm expert practitioners with the skills needed to serve as clinical faculty (AACN, 2010). In effect, it is different from the traditional PhD program in the sense that it takes the learning process one step further towards a more clinical approach to nursing education and practice. The DNP program will also incorporate the APRN content which is already in the master’s programs.

It will also highlight evidence-based nursing, as well as nurse competency in converting research into practice, in assessing evidence, in applying research in the decision-making process, and in employing feasible clinical advancements to the nursing practice (AACN, 2009). This program focuses on obtaining assessment data on the population or cohorts and how to use such data in making program decisions. In instances when a DNP wants a more formal research role, an additional preparation would be required.

In the PhD and DNS/DNSc programs, their focus is research and most of the graduates in these programs expect to work in academic or government positions where the bulk of their work would be related to research (AACN, 2009). On the other hand, the graduates in the DNP program would likely be seeking leadership roles in the following tasks: management of quality initiatives, executives in healthcare organizations, directors of clinical programs, and faculty members in clinical program delivery and clinical teaching (AACN, 2009).

In effect, the DNP program is different from the traditional program because the DNP program would prepare and train leaders in the clinical practice, whereas the traditional PhD program would prepare and train researchers in the academic and governmental units. Essentially, the DNP program already encompasses the elements seen in the traditional PhD program, ensuring that the practice would be at its highest level of competency (AACN, 2009). It also helps to transition the nursing academic program into specialty nursing education.

The traditional PhD program is still important; however, it has a narrow focus which does not allow for openings in the advancement of the clinical nursing practice. All in all, the DNP program seeks to fill in gaps in the clinical nursing practice – focusing on the improved delivery of specialized nursing care. Works Cited Frequently Asked Questions. (2009). American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Retrieved 17 February from the World Wide Web. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/DNPFAQ.htm The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). (2010). American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Retrieved 17 February 2011 from the World Wide Web. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/dnp.htm