DNP or PhD as a Credential for Nurse Faculty: Choices and Consequences

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Academic Nursing
• Faculty Development

Background:

• The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is established as the designated practice doctorate.
• Professional nursing organizations have accepted the DNP as a terminal degree.
• This shift prompts reevaluation of faculty appointment criteria in nursing education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implications of the DNP's terminal degree status on nursing faculty appointments.
• To address emerging questions within academic nursing regarding faculty roles and qualifications.
• To stimulate discussion on the future of teaching and learning in nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• Review of the historical background of the DNP.
• Analysis of recent trends in academic nursing programs.
• Identification of critical issues and concerns for nurse faculty and administrators.

Main Results:

• The DNP's acceptance as a terminal degree presents new considerations for faculty appointments.
• There is a need to carefully examine the impact on the teaching-learning process in nursing.
• Key issues and concerns have been illuminated for future planning.

Conclusions:

• Nurse faculty and administrators must proactively address the implications of the DNP.
• Strategic planning is essential to navigate the evolving landscape of nursing education.
• Ensuring the future of effective teaching and learning in nursing requires careful consideration of these changes.