Policy and planning perspectives for the Doctorate in Nursing Practice: an educational perspective

Planners need to understand key policy and operational issues in higher education as well as complexities of the change process itself before considering implementation of the Doctorate in Nursing Practice. This article offers some planning perspectives and practical advice, based on relevant literature and presidential perspectives. While major differences exist across universities and states, there are many common tasks of planning, such as identifying key external and internal policy issues which must be considered. It is also important to develop strong proposals consistent with the organizational mission and "anchoring ideologies," and to identify adequate resources and significant local needs. Of particular importance are overcoming policy concerns that relate to the allocation of limited public funds for doctoral education and ensuring faculty personnel policies support DNP development and preparation.