The watchword of modern nursing is education. More and more nurses are BSN-prepared today, and the majority of acute care hospitals now require RNs to earn a BSN if they do not already have one. Many nurses are returning to school to obtain master’s degrees and other nursing courses, either to sharpen their skills or to advance into advanced practice roles.
While most nurses recognize the value of a BSN or master’s degree, the case for a nursing doctorate — a Ph.D. or DNP — is not as clear. In this blog, we’ll explain how a doctorate in nursing can open more doors than your expectations. Let’s start!
Table of Contents
How Beneficial A Nursing Doctorate Can Be?
1.  A DNP Makes You A Sought-After Professional
From 2019 to 2029, the advanced practice nursing profession is expected to grow by 45 percent. There are already numerous opportunities, and this will only grow in the coming years. This means that the skills you will gain with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree will make you a valuable professional in the job market.
2.  You Are Ahead Of The Curve If You Have A DNP
Even those with a master’s degree can work in advanced practice nursing. However, the nursing profession as a whole is shifting away from this. Professional nursing organizations are increasingly endorsing the DNP as the best way to prepare for an advanced practice role. This is one of the most compelling reasons to pursue a DNP. Obtaining a DNP now will allow you to be better prepared for the future of the nursing practice.
3.  You Do Not Have To Give Up Everything To Obtain A DNP
Obtaining an education will always be a significant undertaking. However, many DNP programs take into account their students’ hectic schedules. There are DNP programs that can be completed entirely online in a relatively short period of time. This means you can get your degree while working and you don’t have to devote a lot of time to your career goals.
4. You Will Receive Doctoral-Level Hands-On Training.
You may be aware that there are two types of doctoral nursing degrees: the Ph.D. and the DNP. The Ph.D. is primarily a research degree, whereas the DNP is more focused on nursing practice. Therefore, if you imagine yourself as a more hands-on nursing professional, a DNP is worthwhile.
5.  A DNP Is An Investment In Your Future As A Nurse
Let’s be honest. Nursing can be a physically demanding profession. Many nurses spend a lot of time standing, walking, stooping, and doing other things that aren’t so good for their bodies. Having a DNP allows you to take on roles that are not as physically demanding. Considering this, you may have a better chance of staying in the profession for a longer period of time.
6.  Having A DNP Can Give You More Independence
One major reason why a DNP is worthwhile is that it can provide nurses with a sense of independence rather than having to rely on physician orders all of the time. Depending on the state and specialty, advanced practice nurses may be able to function as primary care providers and have prescribing authority.
7.  You Have The Ability To Create Opportunities For Others
When you pursue a degree, you may consider how it will help your career. What you may not realize is that by pursuing a DNP and possibly becoming an independent practitioner, you can start entrepreneurial ventures that will provide jobs for others. In other words, you will not only be advancing yourself, but you will also be giving others a chance to succeed.
To Wrap Up:
We hope you can see how beneficial a nursing doctorate can be. Visit our blog section if you’re interested in pursuing a career in nursing and want to know about the scope of nursing. You can find more information about nursing on our website.