example 1 ( Melanie) For nurses who have already achieved their Master’s Degree

example 1 ( Melanie)
For nurses who have already achieved their Master’s Degree and are pursuing their next steps, two options are offered, DPN (Doctor of Nursing Practice or Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing) (Bal, 2023). Both degrees are the highest degrees a nurse can achieve and offer a variety of opportunities within a chosen field. Though DPN and Ph.D. are both advanced degrees, they prepare nurses for different roles in the healthcare workforce (BAL, 2023). DNP programs focus on educating nurses who wish to become experts in the clinical field and assume leadership roles within the clinical setting (Bal, 2023). Ph.D. programs prepare nurses for academic or research positions, often assuming positions within an academic institution or research in a medical laboratory (Bal, 2023). DNP nurses may diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medication and order diagnostic testing (among other responsibilities), where as Ph.D. nurses may design and conduct research, write proposals and apply for grants and develop new nursing methods (among many)(Bal, 2023).
Advanced degrees in nursing opens limitless doors of career opportunities. An Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) is one of many positions that may be obtained with a DNP degree (Maryville University, 2024). Adult Nurse Practitioners care for patients in the adult age range group and focus care on preventative measures, and patients with acute or chronic conditions (Maryville). Adult Nurse Practitioners may provide a variety of primary care services including diagnosing and prescribing medications. Nurse Practitioners assess and treat patients in collaboration with other healthcare members. ANP may collaborate, delegate and supervise team members, act as advocates for patients and ensure and coordinate continuity of care.
References
Bal, D (2023). DNP Vs Ph.D. in ursing: What’s the Difference? NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/difference-between-dnp-phd-nursing/
Maryville University (2024). DNP Degree: What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Nursing? https://nursing.maryville.edu/blog/what-can-you-do-with-a-doctorate-in-nursing.html
Example 3 (chidimna)
The Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is a terminal nursing degree that entitles nurses to advanced practice positions. DNP-prepared nurses are experts in their field and fully comprehend the complex medical needs of the patients they care for. They use this knowledge to improve patient outcomes and deliver top-notch treatment. They operate in a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care institutions, and community health organizations, offering patients, families, and other healthcare professionals skilled treatment and advice. In addition to being crucial for the development and implementation of clinical practice standards, they are also crucial for the education and mentoring of other nurses. One of the main responsibilities of a DNP-prepared nurse is direct patient care, which includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of difficult medical conditions. They work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized treatment plans for their patients, monitoring their progress and making adjustments as necessary. Additionally, they serve as an advocate for their patients, ensuring that all of their medical needs are met and that they receive the finest care possible (Beeber et al., 2019).
Reference
Beeber, A. S., Palmer, C., Waldrop, J., Lynn, M. R., & Jones, C. B. (2019). The role of Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared nurses in practice settings. Nursing Outlook, 67(4), 354–364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2019.02.006