DNP Special Issue 2022 by Springer Publishing Company

DNP SPECIAL ISSUE 2022

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Table of Contents

In This Issue

Features

8 The Benefits (and Challenges) of Pursuing

Editor’s Notebook

the DNP By Julia Quinn-Szcesuil

12 The DNP Executive Leadership Career Path: Is it Right For You? By Michele Wojciechowski

16 Seven Attributes of a Successful DNP Student By Jonathan V. Llamas, DNP, RN-BC, PMHNP-BC, PHN

DNP Special Issue 2022

Editor’s Notebook The DNP: Pursuing the Terminal Degree

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For many nurses, education is truly a lifelong commitment, so the idea of a terminal degree may seem counterintuitive to your very nature. However, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is worthy of your consideration. In our special DNP-focused issue, Julia Quinn-Szcesuil provides an overview—from defining your own career goals to choosing the right program to overcoming the challenges. Admittedly, this career path is not for everyone. If your interests align more with research than clinical practice, for example, then you may want to focus on the PhD path instead. Like many nursing degrees, the DNP does offer you versatility in your career choices and there will be no lack of opportunities with the looming nurse faculty and nursing shortage, so the future is bright for DNPs. If a role in leadership is your goal, you may want to opt for the DNP Executive Leadership track that many nursing programs offer, which emphasizes health care business principles and systems leadership for those pursuing Chief Nursing Officer type roles. Michele Wojciechowski talks with deans and directors of such programs to help you learn the difference and decide whether this particular path is right for you. In any case, if you make the decision to pursue the DNP, you’ll want to pay attention to the seven attributes of a successful student from a fellow DNP. Jonathan V. Llamas, who received his DNP in 2019, shares his advice on making the most out of the program and setting yourself up for success.

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The rewards of obtaining your DNP may not be as immediate as other degrees so you should weigh your options carefully depending on your current financial situation and career goals. But if you’re looking to blend academics and evidence-based practice to help make a real difference in patient care, look no further. —Megan Larkin

For editorial inquiries and submissions: editor@minoritynurse.com For subscription inquiries and address changes: © Copyright 2022 Springer Publishing Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, distribution, or translation without express written permission is strictly prohibited.

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Rosalind Franklin University continues to lead, inspire and compassionately educate a diverse student body of healthcare professionals in announcing the new College of Nursing. The academic programs of RFU’s College of Nursing are the result of years of planning and building strategic partnerships that work to impact today’s healthcare challenges, address the social barriers to health and wellness, and ultimately lead to better community health outcomes.

Meet the Nurse of the Future. Our new 33-month, hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is geared for RNs who seek the required classroom experience and clinical training to become board certified and meet future demands in the field. Starts in August 2022 on our campus in North Chicago, Illinois.

LEARN MORE about our new DNP-PMH program at rosalindfranklin.edu/pmh.

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The Benefits (and Challenges) of Pursuing the DNP BY JULIA QUINN-SZCESUIL

DNP Special Issue 2022

hen nurses consi der pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP), many realize the decision differs from other educational choices they have made. And with more DNP program options offering plenty of choices, embarking on this path can seem even more weighty. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, DNP graduates are on the rise as are the number of DNP programs. The DNP is a terminal degree for nurses— meaning it’s the highest level of academic achievement they can earn, and nurses pursue the degree for varied reasons. Whatever their inspiration— from a desire to offer the best patient care, a preparation for leadership roles, or a plan for a salary increase—nurses who attain the degree are driven by excellence.

practitioner program director at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University. “There were high rates of childhood obesity, asthma. I was seeing patients one-on-one, but wondered, ‘What else can I do from a larger perspective?’” Reyes realized her skill set, though robust for offering top-notch patient health care, didn’t equip her to have the impact she sought. In talking with nurses who held DNPs, Reyes heard about the kind of broad-scope projects that appealed to her and that allowed for change on a wider level. With a career goal of teaching, Reyes also wanted to make her clinical practice better and the DNP blended both the academic and clinical paths. “The DNP armed me with the ability to evaluate what is out there in the research and distill those findings down to my clinical practice,” Reyes says.

The DNP is a terminal degree for nurses— meaning it’s the highest level of academic achievement they can earn, and nurses pursue the degree for varied reasons.

“The DNP armed me with the ability to evaluate what is out there in the research and distill those findings down to my clinical practice,” Reyes says.

Clarifying the End Goal Merging Academics with Clinical Practice “A big motivator for me was that I found myself getting frustrated at work from a population health perspective,” says Imelda Reyes, DNP, MPH, CPNP-PC, FNP-BC, FAANP, clinical associate professor and pediatric primary care nurse

Danielle McCamey, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FCCP, the founder, president, and CEO of DNPs of Color, says any nurse considering a DNP program should be clear about what they want from taking this extra step. “I tell people this because the value of the degree isn’t immediate,” McCamey

says, noting that a DNP path requires significant commitment. “The DNP is more longterm for the expansion and development of their career. It’s not always monetary, but it will increase your knowledge for the best care and management of your patients.” Although there’s a shift toward a higher salary for DNP nurses, it’s not universal, says Reyes. If a salary increase is the main driver for gaining the higher degree, it’s a good idea to find out if that’s a possibility in your organization. Reyes says the professional growth a DNP affords is sometimes unexpected. “I look through a different lens now,” she says. With MSN programs, Reyes says students learn to ask the critical questions that will bring them greater health care capabilities. But students in DNP programs work through a process of evaluating evidence and a problem. They often design and showcase their solutions to assess if they made a difference in, for instance, a policy, clinical intervention, or in a role as an educator, says Reyes.

Choosing a Program To find the right DNP program, attend open houses and note the length of the program, the difficulty of the curriculum, and the benefits from the particular institution, says McCamey. Shorter programs, she says, aren’t necessarily better. “Enjoy the process associated with the DNP pathway,” she says. “It takes a lot of reading and writing to unlock that scholarly approach and so shorter may not give you the depth. You don’t want to miss out on the development

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of what happens during the program.”

Overcoming Challenges Nurses who belong to underrepresented groups may find they encounter familiar roadblocks as they move into advanced degree programs. “Every program I have been in, I am the only Latina in the program,” says Reyes. “My BSN, MPH, MSN, DNP—all of those I was the only one.” To counter that, Reyes and McCamey nurture their professional networks carefully. It’s important to under-

To find the right DNP program, attend open houses and note the length of the program, the difficulty of the curriculum, and the benefits from the particular institution, says McCamey. stand the leadership roles that come with a DNP, Reyes says, so involvement in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, and DNPs of Color helps her learn while also giving others a chance to learn from her. Take advantage of the distinct experiences of your classmates, says McCamey, and find a study buddy or a study group so you begin to build your own cohort. They are the ones who will help you dig deeper for more reflection, will ask questions to give you a different perspective, and will hold you accountable for your goals, she says.

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Nurses who belong to underrepresented groups may find they encounter familiar roadblocks as they move into advanced degree programs.

DNP Special Issue 2022

Acknowledge the Struggle Grit is required for any advanced degree program. When the going gets tough, Reyes says remember why you are doing the program and reflect on your original motivation. “Keep your eyes

on the prize and on that end goal,” she says. The personal and professional benefits of a DNP are lifelong. “It’s a transformative degree that helps you on a broader level,” McCamey says. “I had exposure to things I didn’t know existed through

my mentors and experiences. And I was now looked at as a thought leader. Being a DNP says a lot about you.” Julia Quinn-Szcesuil is a freel ance writer based in Bolton, Massachusetts.

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The DNP Executive Leadership Career Path: Is it Right For You? BY MICHELE WOJCIECHOWSKI

DNP Special Issue 2022

uite a number of nurses are earning DNP degrees these days. But suppose you also are thinking about working in a leadership position in the field? If you are, the Doctor of Nursing Practice Executive Leadership (DNP-EL) track may be the right career path for you. First, before deciding, you need to know what the particular program offers. “The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares nurses for advanced nursing practice roles, becoming leaders to bring evidencebased knowledge to practice, improve patient and health care outcomes, and strengthen the leadership role in guiding complex health care delivery. The Executive Leadership track is an educational focus of the DNP,” explains Terri L. Allison, DNP, ACNP-BC, FAANP, Assistant Dean for Academics, Doctoral Nursing Practice and Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. “The DNP Executive Leadership educational program provides the graduate with advanced knowledge in leadership, economics, finance, and health care business

“The DNP Executive Leadership educational program provides the graduate with advanced knowledge in leadership, economics, finance, and health care business principles and prepares them to lead systems and organizational change.”

principles and prepares them to lead systems and organizational change.” “Nurses in advanced practice, including those in systems leadership roles, need advanced skills and knowledge to meet the demands of an increasingly complex health care system,” says Allison. “The DNP with an emphasis on Executive Leadership prepares graduates to meet health care system demands. Graduates are able to use skills and knowledge learned in the DNP-EL program to readily pivot in response to health care crises. They are prepared to use nursing and other scientific findings to design sustainable programs of care delivery that are innovative, economically feasible, and have significant impact on health care outcomes.” If you decide to pursue this type of program, it’s also important to know exactly what to look for in a college or university. “Students should look for a program designed for executive leadership with faculty who are experienced

“Students should look for a program designed for executive leadership with faculty who are experienced nursing leaders,” says Joyce M. Knestrick, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, Director of the Executive Leader, Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the George Washington University School of Nursing (GWUSON).

nursing leaders,” says Joyce M. Knestrick, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, Director of the Executive Leader, Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the George Washington University School of Nursing (GWUSON). “[Our] program is designed for nursing leaders in senior management positions or those with substantial leadership experience. The program focuses on intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial approaches to leadership and incorporates experiential projects, often within your organization or community.” Allison says that at Vanderbilt University, they also have expert faculty with “extensive experience in leadership roles.” No matter where you go, make sure the faculty has this type of background. “These faculty are adept at helping DNP-EL students meet their academic and career goals, regardless of where these students are in their leadership trajectory,” says Allison. If you already have a DNP, Allison says that the DNP-EL program wouldn’t be the one for you, but you could seek out other leadership educational opportunities or certificates via CEU or non-degree focused educational offerings in a specific area. Also, be sure to determine how much time you have to attend one of these programs. For example, at Vanderbilt, Allison says that students attend a 3-4 day on-campus

Before starting a DNP-EL program, Allison says to use a lot of self-reflection.

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intensive experience at the beginning of each semester, so three times each year. The remaining course work is online, and most students complete the program in five or six semesters, or 20-24 months. The curriculum design, explains Allison, meets the competencies identified in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership’s (AONL) Nurse Executive Competencies. At GWUSON, the program is three-years, part-time, and designed specifically for adult learners. Their didactic content is completely online. Knestrick says that clinical practicums and DNP project hours are completed within the students’ current work setting or in their communities. They have opportunities for live sessions so that students can connect with each other, experts in the field, and their project mentors. Their program, Knestrick says, is based on the AONL criteria as well. Before starting a DNP-EL program, Allison says to use a lot of self-reflection. “Examination of personal career goals against the skills, knowledge, and degree requirements for desired leadership roles is essential. A doctoral degree is a thinking degree. The curriculum can be demanding and taxing. Prospective students should consider if their current profession and personal life can accommodate the addition of a rigorous doctoral education program,” she says. “Academic success and optimal learning occur when students can devote the time

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and energy necessary to synthesize what is taught in order to apply learned concepts to their practice as a nurse leader.”

DNP Special Issue 2022

Michele Wojciechowski is a

to fainting when she actually

national award-winning free-

sees blood. She’s also author

lance writer based in Baltimore,

of the humor book, Next Time I

Maryland. She loves writing about

Move, They’ll Carry Me Out in a

the nursing field but comes close

Box.

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Rumay Alexander, EdD, RN, FAAN Whole Person Leadership: Dismantling Racism Begins with Me

Dorrie Fontaine, PhD, RN, FAAN Self-Care

Teddie Potter, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP Planetary Health

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Lori Knutson, MHA, BSN, RN, HNB-BC Advancing Integrative Nursing: The Role of a Change Agent

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Greater Boston Nursing Collaborative

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Seven Attributes of a Successful DNP Student By Jonathan V. Llamas, DNP, RN-BC, PMHNP-BC, PHN

This article originally appeared on MinorityNurse.com.

DNP Special Issue 2022

nrolling in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program can be a daunting task for many students due to the rigorous academic requirements often associated with it. Although DNP school can be intimidating, students who choose to enroll not only embrace the significance of pursuing higher education but also the possibility of advancing their roles as prominent health care leaders in the nursing profession. As a DNP myself, I’ve grown to appreciate the triumph and struggles associated with pursuing a terminal degree. Therefore, I believe students who are considering pursuing their DNP degree must harness these seven attributes to ensure that they are not only readily prepared but also successful in their scholastic endeavors.

1. Clear Vision Setting a vision and goal for the future is vital for success in the DNP program. Possessing a clear vision is necessary because it helps you organize your individual objectives and helps you maintain accountability throughout the program. If choosing to enroll in DNP school perfectly aligns with your personal and professional goals, having a vision that is well defined will not only help you focus on your objectives but also create a sense of purpose that ultimately becomes your own measurement for success.

Students who know what and how to prioritize tend to be more successful in DNP school because they know how to differentiate tasks as either critical or noncritical. school because they know how to differentiate tasks as either critical or noncritical. One of the best ways to prioritize in DNP school is by looking over the program and course objectives of each class and determine which tasks need to be completed first. By knowing how to prioritize your tasks wisely you will not only be able to minimize stress but also maximize results more effortlessly and efficiently.

3. Effective Time Management Skills Possessing excellent time management skills is an important trait prior to beginning DNP school because of the high academic workload associated with pursuing a doctoral degree. Managing your time effectively will allow you to accomplish more tasks in a shorter period of time and help lower your stress and increase your concentration and attention. To ensure that your time is properly managed, it helps to keep a written or electronic record, diary, or calendar to ensure that you know what tasks are required and when they must be completed.

4. Strong Work Ethic 2. Ability to Prioritize Students who know what and how to prioritize tend to be more successful in DNP

Maintaining a strong work ethic is essential in determining your overall success in DNP school. Students who possess

a strong work ethic understand that success can only be achieved by practicing the ideals of discipline and hard work on a regular basis. To maintain a strong work ethic, it is vital to practice positive habits consistently every day so that hard work is almost automatic. Forming respectable habits such as exercising daily, staying punctual, maintaining your obligations, and finishing tasks immediately help establish your credibility and image as a doctorally prepared nurse.

5. Healthy Work-Life Balance While it is important to study and work hard in DNP school, it is equally important to create a healthy work-life balance and set aside much needed time for yourself and your loved ones. Learning how to care for yourself is extremely important in DNP school as working too much can ultimately cause you to become overwhelmed, overworked,

adequately cared for in DNP school.

6. An Understanding that Excellence is a Lifelong Process One of the key principles that DNP students must understand is that excellence is a lifelong process. Understanding this concept is vital because sustainable success in DNP school and in life is not something that is built overnight but rather an extended period of time. As leaders in the nursing realm, DNP students must understand that sustainable excellence requires constant monitoring, learning, and improvement with the realization that the journey is just as important as the destination.

7. Perpetual Curiosity DNP students who remain perpetually curious are more susceptible to success because curiosity not only propels innovation but also self-reflection. Fostering your curiosity in DNP

While it is important to study and work hard in DNP school, it is equally important to create a healthy work-life balance and set aside much needed time for yourself and your loved ones.

and overstressed. To avoid this, it is best that you take consistent breaks throughout the day to maintain your overall well-being. Learning how to take ample rest breaks is vital to ensure your physical, mental, and emotional health is

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As leaders in the nursing realm, DNP students must understand that sustainable excellence requires constant monitoring, learning, and improvement with the realization that the journey is just as important as the destination.

school is essential because it allows you to be fully present in the moment. Curious people are not only happier but also more successful because they

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are non-blaming, non-shaming, supportive, and focused on exploring options to find the best solution that supports collaboration and innovation. Jonathan V. Llamas, DNP, RN-BC, PMHNP-BC, PHN, is a board-certified nurse leader, psychiatricmental health nurse practitioner, motivational speaker, and freelance writer from Los Angeles, California.

DNP Special Issue 2022

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