Do You Have to Write a Dissertation for DNP?

If you are studying nursing or looking to pursue a DNP, you will be required to display your expertise and deep understanding of the course before you can be referred to as an expert in nursing and clinical matters. As such, each DNP student is required to conduct a Capstone Project before they can graduate. It involves identifying a healthcare issue, studying it in detail, and providing evidence-based proposals and recommendations for a solution. Your DNP program also requires you to undergo an engaging clinical residency before you graduate. DNP is one of the ultimate degrees in the nursing field and an excellent career path to take. So, do you have to write a dissertation for DNP? Absolutely! Here is everything you need to know before you make that life-changing application.

What is DNP?

DNP is Doctor of Nursing Practice in full. It is one of the two nursing doctorate degrees offered in America, the other one being a Ph.D. in nursing. We elaborate DNP as a more comprehensive continuation of the nursing programs, offering a more detailed study into the following areas:

Systems leadership
Quality improvement
Evidence-based practice

The traditional nursing scene has been surpassed by the changing times and the incorporation of technology in patient care. This has necessitated the need for additional knowledge to offer qualified leadership for practicing nurses due to the rapidly evolving changes.

Importance of Practice-Based Doctoral Nursing

DNP research leads to an improved image and reputation for the nursing profession
More clinical nursing departments
Improved capability to interest individuals from non-nursing settings into the profession
Advanced academic credentials for nurses who seek progressive practical expertise without the in-depth research demanded by other departments
The program offers advanced knowledge to improve patient outcomes and the overall nursing practice
Leadership skills to improve the delivery of health care services

What Does a DNP do?

A DNP is still primarily a nurse so your most basic task will be providing medical care to patients. However, you will have the ability to perform advanced nursing duties such as:

Educating patients about their healthcare
Ordering that bloodwork and imaging tests be conducted
Prescribe medication to patients
Diagnose and treat patients

You can choose to pursue a career in medical research and be at the forefront in conducting studies to help resolve the healthcare issues facing both patients and nurses today. We have seen a significant number of DNP nurses going into the community health sector and teaming up with lawmakers to impact public health decisions through their expertise and research.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Vs Nurse Practitioner

Doctor of Nursing Practice is a nursing terminal degree while Nurse Practitioner is a nursing career or occupation. DNP is a program that trained experienced and licensed nurses for advanced practice nursing (APRN) careers and leadership roles. As such, the program is open for nurse practitioners as well as other nursing professionals and cannot be classified as an occupation in its own right.

A nurse practitioner needs to pursue a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing to become a certified nurse practitioner. This academic qualification also allows them to enroll in a DNP program as well.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Nursing?

A DNP graduate has access to a unique variety of career opportunities that aren’t available for regular nurses. That is because they are viewed as professionals in the nursing industry especially with regards to reforms, technology, and the improvement of healthcare facilities. Take a look at these career opportunities that you can pursue as a DNP graduate:

Health Care Executive

The leadership skill you acquire as a DNP make you the best candidate for an executive job. Healthcare organizations are always looking for strong self-driven individuals to ensure the smooth running of their facilities. You would be tasked with managing team members, preparing schedules and budgets, and speaking on behalf of the organization at shareholder meetings.

Nursing Faculty

If you choose to become a nursing faculty, you will be in charge of educating your students through professional advice, research, mentoring, and even publishing research in academic journals. This career is perfect for nurses who wish to inspire future generations of nursing experts.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Advanced Practice Registered Nursing comprises numerous fields including the following:

Nurse-midwives
Clinical nurse specialists
Nurse practitioners
Nurse anesthetists

Your role in the above fields would be to provide primary patient care with the advantage of specialized health care services depending on the facility or state you are working in. you can work in clinics, hospitals, schools, and private organizations. APRN positions require a master’s degree in nursing but a DNP degree offers you leadership skills that set you higher on the expertise ladder.

Health Care Activist

If you are more of a political enthusiast, this may be an exciting venture for you. You can help make a real and positive change in health care policies in different parts of the country by becoming a health care activist. This would see you working with nursing organizations, government agencies, and insurance companies that are committed to changing health care regulations and legislation for the better. Of course, this would require some experience in corporate health care or a background in law.

Clinical Researcher

As a DNP, you will be required to provide evidence to validate certain practices or provide new guidelines to improve patient care and engagement. This evidence is generated by conducting clinical research. You may find yourself performing a critical analysis of existing practices, developing new guidelines, and assessing their impact on patient outcomes.