Doctorate of Nusring Practice-Bradley Robinson

My interest in a DNP reflects very much on all the opportunities that come from such a degree. A DNP is similar to a regular physician in the jobs they do, but the education paths are very different. A DNP comes from nursing which is what I originally was interested in. I wanted to see what else a nurse could do to expand on their roles. DNP’s becoming more and more common as the medical world gets more complex. Thus leading to a need for new more pivotal roles to emerge. I am not officially set on this career path, but am very interested in pursuing.

            

Not many people know what a DNP is or what they do. A DNP is a doctor of nursing practice and goes through nursing school plus advanced education towards their doctorate. A DNP is not a PhD, a PhD in the nursing field would be a doctor of nursing philosophy and they are more research orientated. On average it takes around 6-8 years to earn a DNP, but in most cases people will work as nurse (first four year degree) while they work towards their doctorate.  You can also get a DNP online making it easier to continue working. This allows for a steady income and most DNP programs will work around a job. The average yearly salary for DNP’s is $96,807, making them the highest paid practitioners.

DNP’s have many job opportunities after receiving their degrees. The most common jobs for DNP’s range from general medical staff in hospitals to independent practices.

            General Medical: In a hospital having a doctorate in nursing allows a bigger role in the staff and will be very common in managing other nurses and hospital/Doctor office staff.

            Research: If interested in research there are many opportunities to pursue along with getting a PhD.

            Public Health: The knowledge background of a DNP allows for them to become experts in public health opening them up to jobs that influence policymakers and health officials. Influential in developing procedures and policies. Also shows a big role in educating the public on health care issues.

            Physicians’ Offices: A DNP allows for higher salary working under a lead physician. Also allows more responsibility like leadership roles in patient care.

            Independent Practice: A DNP has enough qualifications to open and run their own practice, usually a smaller office, but allows for higher pay and responsibility.

 DNP’s are at the highest level of their fields and education. They are highly respected and the job market is usually wide open for a DNP. 

"Reach the Pinnacle of Your Career with a Doctorate in Nursing." Doctor of Nursing Career Paths. AllNursingSchools, n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2016.

     "Research or Practice? PhD in Nursing Education or Doctor of Nursing Practice?" Capella University. Capella University, 22 Dec. 2014. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.