The DNP and Ph.D. in nursing are two of the most distinguished scholarly degrees one may obtain in healthcare. Both degrees have intricate roles and expectations related to experience. Understanding and differentiating between both degrees are imperative when a nurse selects his or her career path. The Ph.D. in nursing is heavily focused on gathering years of research to create particular sciences related to nursing. In other words, the Ph.D. prepared nurse produces evidence based on knowledge, thus more researched focused. The DNP implements the sciences based on evidenced, thus more practice intensive. ‘The focus on the DNP is expertise in clinical practice” (Chism, 2016, p. 4). Current research, support from the AACN, new healthcare reform, and hospitals with the desire to become magnet status are the impetus for the DNP degree. The AACN, crediting body administrators and the institute of medicine are key stakeholders that add credence to the degree by allowing the DNP nurse the role of solving issues in healthcare thus improving patient outcomes. One may think the DNP may not be important when it comes to healthcare reform however “the threat of reduced reimbursement for poor outcomes warrant the need for best evidence to be implemented into clinical practice” (Slyer & Levin, 2012, p. 7). I am committed to practice, therefore, would apply my DNP as a resource to ensure my organization is providing the most appropriate and efficient approaches to patient care.

Chism, Lisa A. (2016). The Doctor of Nursing Practice, 3rd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781284093094/

Slyer, J., & Levin, R. F. (2012). On the doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Research & Theory For Nursing Practice, 26(1), 6-9 4p. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.26.1.6