How Can I Balance Becoming an AGNP-PC, Earning My DNP and PhD in Nursing, and Staying Engaged in Both Clinical Practice and Teaching?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

You're almost there; congratulations! Your passion and aspirations are impressive.

Give Yourself Time

For now, embrace some uncertainty and stay open-minded. Understand that you may feel differently after gaining experience in the working world and with some clinical practice under your belt. While planning your career path is important, it is equally essential to remain receptive to the signs and opportunities that will arise along the way. Occasionally, you may feel like you're swimming upstream, which could indicate a need to adjust your course. Conversely, at other times, unexpected opportunities may appear, revealing options you hadn't previously thought of. That is how life works.

I suggest gaining at least a year of work experience before heading back to school. 

Two Divergent Paths

Essentially, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing is for nurses who want to become researchers, academics, and leaders in advancing the science and practice of nursing through research and scholarly work. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focuses on translating research into clinical practice and takes on leadership roles within a clinical setting. 

The reality is that most nurses, like yourself, who are drawn both clinically and academically, end up choosing one over the other, especially the further down the path you go. The more specialized you become, the narrower your focus.

But Can You Have it All?

That being said, here are some options:

• Complete your BSN, wait a year or so, and then start your Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-PC) DNP program.
• Even though there are only a handful of dual DNP/PhD programs, you might find that a DNP in AGNP-PC with a geriatric focus can set you up for a long-term career in dementia care.
• Many dnp programs offer research components as well, which could be a bridge into your future PhD aspirations. Provides you with our clinical expertise while also involving you in research from the outset.

Research and PhD Considerations

Once you've completed your DNP and gained experience in clinical practice, you can transition into a PhD in Nursing with a focus on dementia care. There are often more opportunities for PhD programs post-DNP because you'll have the clinical experience and research background necessary.

The PhD in Nursing would enable you to explore the barriers to dementia care, particularly end-of-life care, and develop strategies to improve the patient and family experience. This aligns perfectly with your goals of teaching, research, and continuing clinical work.

Finding the Balance Between Clinical Practice and Research/Teaching

After obtaining both your DNP and PhD, you can maintain clinical practice by working as a dementia specialist or geriatric primary care provider in various settings (e.g., outpatient clinics, palliative care units, long-term care).

You can also look into part-time faculty positions or adjunct roles at universities, which would allow you to teach and mentor nursing students while still maintaining your clinical work. Many programs value clinical expertise in teaching, especially in fields as specialized as gerontology.

Research can be conducted in collaboration with academic institutions, healthcare systems, or non-profit organizations dedicated to dementia care, providing opportunities to address barriers in dementia care while making a real-world impact.

Dual DNP/PhD Programs

While dual DNP/PhD programs in gerontology are rare, you might find flexible programs that allow you to combine your DNP work with research projects in dementia care or end-of-life care. You can consider reaching out to programs directly to inquire about the possibility of tailoring a curriculum to match your interests. Some programs may allow you to focus on research after you've completed your clinical DNP training.

If dual programs are not available, another option is to pursue the DNP first, gain some clinical experience, and then apply for a PhD in Nursing with a research focus on dementia care or gerontology. Some programs allow you to design your research focus as long as it fits with their institutional strengths.

 Time and Money Management

• Time. The path to completing both a DNP and a PhD can be long, so managing expectations and setting realistic goals is key. Some choose to pursue these degrees over a longer span of time, finishing the DNP first and then pursuing the PhD later, or opting for part-time options.
• Funding. Consider programs that offer scholarships or funding opportunities for doctoral students, particularly those interested in working in underserved areas or with specific populations, such as geriatrics or dementia care. Some schools may offer assistantships that allow you to work as a research assistant while funding your education.

It's all about prioritizing what's most important at different stages of your career. You don't have to do everything all at once. Pursue your DNP, gain some clinical experience, and gradually move into research and teaching. Is it possible to have a clinical practice, teach, and engage in research? This will likely be achieved through a combination of part-time and flexible opportunities.

In Summary

DNP in AGNP-PC with a focus on geriatrics/dementia care (this is your clinical foundation).

After gaining clinical experience, pursue a PhD in Nursing with a research focus on dementia care and barriers in end-of-life care.

Balance teaching, research, and clinical practice by exploring part-time teaching positions and flexible research collaborations.

This will provide you with the clinical foundation, teaching opportunities, and research pathway you desire, enabling you to make a meaningful impact in dementia care.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth