What Does a Doctorate Degree in Nursing Entail? An education in nursing can put you in many different directions, and a doctorate degree makes it easy for you to choose a specialization. Doctorate degrees in nursing have been offered for the longest time; however, it has seen an increase in popularity more recently. While you may not require a doctorate degree for advanced nursing jobs, having one will advance your career. You have the option to choose from four kinds of nursing doctorate degrees for specific career paths. Doctor of Nursing (ND) – This degree specializes in developing advanced skills. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – It involves clinical practice-oriented leadership training. Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (Ph.D.) – It focuses on scholarly research and inquiry. Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) – It emphasizes research and investigation skills. Nurses often think, “When we have a steady career, why should we earn a doctorate?” Well, you must be aware of the fact that nurses who have earned a doctorate degree tend to stay more in demand as compared to their counterparts. With health care issues making a headline, there is a growing demand for well-trained nurses. Thus, enrolling in a doctoral program will make you more marketable over the years. Related: A Look into 2-year Nursing Degrees – Is it a Scam? Here are 5 more reasons why you should get a doctorate degree and various benefits that come along with it. 1. A Ph.D. or the doctor of nursing philosophy degree leads to many exciting and interesting research posts. Nursing is an ever growing field where research work can immensely benefit the human race. Moreover, research work handled by someone trained in this field can bring about the required change. 2. The nursing field offers great advantages. People usually take up the nursing field not because they believe that schooling is easier than that of a medical doctor, rather they want to touch people’s lives by practice nursing. A doctorate in nursing helps the nurse to level the playing field between nurses, doctors, and psychiatrists working as a team. If you want to work toward the welfare of the human race and want to take care of your patients, a doctorate degree will
elevate the nursing perspective as compared to other members working as a team. 3. Increased level of education will help the nursing fraternity to improve their image and reputation in different areas of practice. 4. Quality teachers are always required for the faculty position as they help advance quality nursing practice. So if you want to widen your prospect in the nursing field, opt for a doctorate degree, as it will help you get a job you prefer. 5. Highly trained nurses have always been in demand. With responsibilities and functions of nurses expanding, management skills and leadership quality are emerging as an important aspect. Nurses are becoming a major part of the decision-making team regarding the care of patients. Therefore, having the ability to mentor others and great management skills will come to your benefit. A doctorate degree takes approximately four to six years to complete; however, students who are motivated and self-disciplined can finish the program sooner. If you have time, finances, and want to achieve something in your life, take up the doctorates degree. What advice can you offer to nurses who want a doctorate? Related: International Nurses Association - What's Your Superpower? T-shirt Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter