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?
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...
Well from a consumer standpoint wanting the person that probably does the least amount of anesthesia instead of the most to do your family members anesthesia makes perfect sense...just like most of your statements on here.
wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA
5,128 Posts
Well from a consumer standpoint wanting the person that probably does the least amount of anesthesia instead of the most to do your family members anesthesia makes perfect sense...just like most of your statements on here.