The DNP: An Eye-Opening Experience
I have been a champion for the DNP since before I enrolled in a DNP program in 2006. In fact, I was the first student to apply to Oakland University in Rochester Michigan when they began interviewing students for their program. This also happened to be the first DNP program in the state of Michigan. I have been advocating for the DNP degree ever since.
Recently, one of my closest friends applied and was accepted to University of Michigan’s DNP program and began taking her first courses. She is a pediatric nurse practitioner and has been practicing in various settings for over 10 years. She is a compassionate and highly skilled nurse practitioner. She is also an excellent problem solver, lifelong learner and strong advocate for her patients.
When she began her program, I openly offered my advice and assistance. My friends are accustomed to my enthusiasm about the DNP degree. After about two weeks in the program, I asked my friend if anything surprised her about the program. She responded with these comments:
“During the first week, I still compared the program to my master's program and figured graduate school was graduate school. It was during the second week that I began to understand that this program was much different than my master’s degree program. My master’s degree program was much more applicable to what I was doing at the time clinically. It built on the tasks and skills that I would need to succeed as a nurse practitioner. The DNP degree is so much more. There is much more depth in the content. I am beginning to understand how this degree will improve my practice on a different level. I am already an expert clinically but the DNP degree will prepare me with a very different perspective. I also think folks need to realize that pursing this degree is a tremendous responsibility and requires a great deal of accountability. This degree must be a priority in your life or it will not be achievable. Having said this, I believe the DNP degree should be the terminal degree for nursing practice. I am an advocate for transitioning to this degree as preparation for advanced practice nursing” (Tonya Schmitt, Personal Communication, January, 2012).
I am so proud of my friend and the journey she is on. She recently began a position which will enable her to grow as a leader and allow her to improve practice on a systems level. She is a wonderful exemplar of a highly skilled clinician who will be successful wherever her journey leads her.
Editor's note: At the DNP Answers blog we take your questions about the DNP and answer them as best we can. This post is written by blogger Lisa Chism, NP, DNP, NCMP. Lisa was selected as the 2011 North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Provider of the Year. Comment below to discuss this topic, or send new questions to jford@advanceweb.com.
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