DNP and Phd?

The separate paths for DNP and PhD have created a new dichotomy in doctoral education for nurses where DNP grads are expected to be practitioners in all types of areas (clinical arena, management, education) using evidence from research and applying it in their practice. The training culminates in a Capstone Project that allows the future doctorally-educated nurse to apply learned concepts in specific areas of interest to improve nursing practice. PhD's retain the heavy research focus and contribution to the development of nursing science with a requirement for dissertation in the end. PhD programs are longer (4-6 years) compared to DNP (3-4 years if done after BSN).

Having said that, this "ideal situation" does not always happen in real life. I have 2 colleagues who are NP's with DNP's who are also in academia in a tenure track position as Associate Professors at a smaller state university albeit not the research intensive type. You can certainly work in a clinical capacity with a DNP (i.e., as an Advanced Practice Nurse) or as a Nurse Manager but if your goal is to make it far in academia doing original research with an eye for future promotion, I think it is a safe bet to pursue a PhD for that purpose.

Also be aware that I have seen a few combined DNP/PhD program (likely will take as long as a traditional PhD and more) and depending on how successful these programs are, some schools may follow in that direction. Have a look at these:

Dual Doctorate DNP/PhD in Nursing: FPB School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University

https://uthsc.edu/nursing/academic-programs/dnp-phd-dual-program/index.php