MSN-prepared nurses
4-The main difference is that a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is focused more on clinical practice; while a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is research-focused. Choosing which degree path to take is based on the career goals of the nurse. MSN-prepared nurses practicing in an advanced role including nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, CRNA who wish to expand their knowledge base and achieve a terminal degree to enhance their practice would benefit from choosing the DNP path.
On the other hand, those who hope to get into education, research, and leadership would benefit from the PhD path. Ph.D. is research- and science-oriented, and it prepares graduates to develop new, evidence-based knowledge for the nursing profession. Nurses with a PhD use evidence-based research to develop policies and procedures and implement workflows that align with standards of care. They are especially involved with improving patient care outcomes based on research findings.
My main future career focus is education, therefore PhD seems like the better future career path for me.
Udlis, K. A. and J. M. Mancuso. (2012). Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs Across the United States: A Benchmark of Information: Part I: Program Characteristics. Journal of Professional Nursing 28(5), 265–273.
5-The difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing is not only with the amount of time education/ schooling might take but the career paths are very different. Education for a DNP can be full time one to two years to complete, and an average of 3-4 years’ part time where as a PhD will take an average of 4-6 years. A DNP degree is a doctorate of nursing practice which means the degree in itself focuses on the practice of nursing at the highest level a nurse can use their research practice with the intention to provide patient outcome. A PhD is a research doctorate in which graduates are prepared to conduct independent research and science. I want to purse my masters and become Nurse Practitioner. I am unsure if I would want to continue my education to a doctorate level it honestly depends on the stage of life I am after I finish my masters.
Reference:
NP Schools. (2019, January 31). What’s the Difference Between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing? Retrieved March 26, 2019, from https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com/faq/difference-between-dnp-phd-nursing/
