Serious question-how do you explain the DNP to the average layperson?
I'm not a NP (MSN-Ed) and I am currently in an education and leadership focused DNP program. I work in nursing education and am excited about the knowledge and opportunities that my advanced studies will bring. While still evolving (and rightly so), I believe that having a terminal practice degree is a great step for nursing. My question, though, is how do you explain what this means to the layperson? I thought I knew, until this week, when I attempted to explain it to my mother-in law. She asked how school was going and then said, "So...are you going to be an NP now?" I offered that it expanded my current skills and knowledge, as well as opportunities for leadership and faculty positions. She just seemed baffled that if it wasn't "seeing patients", what was it? I also made the parallel to the PhD, but pointed out the difference. It was a pretty short conversation as she lost interest quickly...
So, how do you explain the DNP to your friends and family; especially if you are considered part of the educated but non-advanced practice group?
I'm not sure if I can justify the cost of time and money just to satisfy academic fulfillment.
This is exactly the point of my question. A doctoral degree in any discipline consumes a vast amount of resources; even if one is doing it for love of academia, it's not the most efficient way to actualize---especially if the candidate doesn't really see any practical value in it.
I have seen DNP took their time to explain that DNP degree to patients and these patients were still confused...
I have seen patients get confused between attending and residents, medical students and attendings, psychologists and psychiatrists, podiatrists and orthopedists.... But when it comes to nurses suddenly this argument becomes valid why?
This is exactly the point of my question. A doctoral degree in any discipline consumes a vast amount of resources; even if one is doing it for love of academia, it's not the most efficient way to actualize---especially if the candidate doesn't really see any practical value in it.
I think there is a practical or a political value to it because they are achieving parity with physicians in the workplace since they got to call themselves doctors...
Come to think of it, why pharmacists, PT, OT don't do that?
Specializes in Urology, Nephology, Internal Medicine.
I explain the DNP in terms of it being a terminal degree at the highest level for the profession. Much like the physical therapist, psychologist, and pharmacist who are not their Dr. Nurse. The degree in and of itself requires the individual to utilize its content for the purpose of advancing the practice of nursing. This could be in many roles such as an administrator seeking the best environment for nurses to work in, education which prepares the nurse for practice or as an advanced practice nurse improving clinical practice and making an impact on patient outcomes. I don't get hung up on the degree because I feel as though my impact on nursing was made before pursuing the degree. This was my personal preference and I am happy, proud of the accomplishment. If others do not feel it is necessary to pursue the DNP that is fine as mentioned earlier this was a personal preference. Can't we all just get along!!
I think there is a practical or a political value to it because they are achieving parity with physicians in the workplace since they got to call themselves doctors...
Come to think of it, why pharmacists, PT, OT don't do that?
Then why is it okay for OMFS, Dentists, podiatrists, and psychologists to refer themselves by Doctor "X" but not nurses?
What is it about nurses that makes physicians and some nurses feel insecure about their own title that they feel the need to criticize and insult nurses for obtaining a terminal degree.
Then why is it okay for OMFS, Dentists, podiatrists, and psychologists to refer themselves by Doctor "X" but not nurses?
What is it about nurses that makes physicians and some nurses feel insecure about their own title that they feel the need to criticize and insult nurses for obtaining a terminal degree.
Your terminal degree is just a terminal degree by name... The other ones mean something!
The fact that you consider that the case doesn't make it true.
Each individual has the right to decide what they consider legit. I happen to think most people in the healthcare industry agree with me about the DNP degree; hence the many threads we are seeing here in this topic alone... As someone who is a member of the healthcare industry and also a consumer, I am glad that I have an idea as to which health professional to trust. Just like the other day my daughter was having a procedure which requires anesthesia and I let the physician know that I don't want a CRNA near my daughter, and I am glad they complied without asking me why...
Your terminal degree is just a terminal degree by name... The other ones mean something!
I see so you now set the standard for which degrees matter and which ones don't. That is really convenient. You have been faculty in a nursing program for how long? You have how many doctorates? You were part of the AACN DNP working group at what time period?..
Goldenfox
303 Posts
This is exactly the point of my question. A doctoral degree in any discipline consumes a vast amount of resources; even if one is doing it for love of academia, it's not the most efficient way to actualize---especially if the candidate doesn't really see any practical value in it.