Nursing Case Study

Introduction: American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) recommended that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) should become the graduate degree for the current Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) roles of a clinical nurse anesthetist, nurse specialist, nurse midwife and nurse practitioner. Thus, making the DNP the educational necessity for APNs by 2015 and will coexist with PhD programs. Although Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) prepared nurses will continue to perform research and disseminate findings, DNP prepared nurses will apply and evaluate these findings in the clinical environment. In this way, the two degree work collectively to improve patient outcomes rather than threaten each other’s existence. There are two types of Doctoral programs

As an educator and a leader I need to enhance my knowledge to advance in my nursing practice, patient outcomes and learning leadership skills to strengthen practice and health care delivery. A better equivalent of program requirements and credits, time with the credential earned, provision of an advanced educational credential for those who require advanced practice knowledge, but do not need or want a strong research, enhanced ability to attract individuals to nursing from non-nursing backgrounds; and increased supply of faculty for practice instruction (AACN, 2006). By taking this class as a DNP student I would be an asset and a good resource person in my facility. Under this objective, I would integrate nursing science and patient care. Additionally, as a graduate DNP nurse I will be able to perform at the highest level of leadership in practice and scientific inquiry by using evidence based theories to understand the nature of health and healthcare