A doctor of nursing practice degree, or DNP degree, can help nurses increase their potential for salary, while also opening up a lot of unique job opportunities that are only available to those who have advanced training. If you would like to really make good money in the nursing field and take on some of the higher-up jobs, then you need to earn a DNP degree.
There are a number of benefits of going after the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree DNP, even though it does take some hard work and dedication to achieve. Some of the benefits of earning a DNP degree include:
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Get the Highest Nursing Credentials
With the DNP, you will be able to get some of the highest credentials available within the field. There are some other types of nursing degrees, but they fit under the doctoral nursing degree heading. They may include options like Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Science, and Doctor of Philosophy to name a few.
Unlike some of the PhD options, the DNP is more practice-focused so you can get out there and help the patients more. The idea is to learn more about the practice of medicine within the field, rather than on research or theory.
Because they provide you with such a high credential, these DNP programs are very rigorous. They will integrate coursework together with practicum and clinical experience that will help build on your master’s degree program. This helps emphasize actionable change within the healthcare sphere.
Each program is a little different in what they offer, but you will be able to get some amazing results as well. Once you are done with the program, you will have high nursing credentials and be ready to take on any job in the medical field that you desire.
More Career Opportunities
One benefit that many nurses enjoy when they go for a DNP degree is that they can expand their opportunities for the best jobs, along with their earning potential. This education program is there to prepare the nurse to take on executive-level leadership roles in scientific inquiry and practice, which means you are more valuable to the facility you choose.
There are a few things that a DNP degree graduate will know that other nursing professionals won’t. for example, they will know how to:
- Identify emerging trends
- Mobilize their teams
- Initiate some of the necessary efforts to address clinical issues
With these unique competencies, you will be more qualified to take on more responsibility in the medical field, which naturally comes with higher pay. For nurses who would like to have higher pay and more job opportunities, then the DNP degree is one of the best options to choose.
Parity with Other Health Professionals
When you get your DNP degree, you will find that you have parity with other health professionals. Dentists, physical therapists, and medical doctors are just a few examples of the clinicians in the field who will need to get their own doctorate in order to practice in their fields.
Having a degree that allows you to be a doctorate just like them allows for more respect and appreciation within the field. This degree is also designed to equip you with the skills to contribute and lead effectively, which is part of the role that many advanced nurses will need to accomplish.
High Demand for DNP Nurse Educators
There are several factors that are driving the need for doctorally-prepared nurses. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, one of these driving factors is the shortage of nursing faculty out there.
Out of 870 nursing schools, there were a reported 1715 faculty vacancies available for the 2018 to 2019 school year. And almost 91% of those positions preferred or required someone with a doctoral degree to take over. These are advanced positions that the universities are struggling to get filled.
This is causing a lot of problems down the road as well. Without the right doctoral educators in colleges and nursing schools, there are not enough professionals to train future RNs and nursing professionals. To keep up with the problem, nursing schools had to reject more than 75,000 qualified applicants in 2018 alone.
This means fewer nurses are getting into college, which means there are fewer to fill the need in the real world and in medical facilities. Until this can be fixed, the demand will be high and it is a problem.
As someone with a DNP degree, you will be able to take some of these nurse educator positions as well. These are good jobs that allow you to educate the next generation of nurses while earning a great pay for your time in school and your knowledge. This can be a great career path for those who have a DNP degree.
Helps You Get a Leadership Role
According to a report done in 2011 by the Institute of Medicine, nurses are called upon to assume a more influential role in making changes to our healthcare system. IOM recommends that more nurses take on leadership positions and become part of the executive decision-making about healthcare in the future.
DNP degrees can help prepare the nursing professional to take on some of these leadership positions. These programs are designed to teach advanced nursing expertise and other organizational skills so the nursing professional can take on administration and leadership roles.
If you have wanted to take on more of a leadership role as a nurse, then the DNP degree is your key to getting this done. You will learn the necessary skills to take on these leadership roles in no time.
Choosing to Get Your Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
There are many great opportunities for nursing professionals, no matter what level of education or certification they choose to go with. With the help of your DNP degree, you can take your career to the next level. Take a look at some of the benefits above and then look for the right program to help you get your DNP degree.
