Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions that one can enter and it is also a profession that tends to attract very dedicated and very hard working individuals into its fold. One of the reasons so many people find themselves drawn to the world of nursing is for the career progression opportunities that come with the job. This makes nursing an ideal option for those who relish the idea of forming a lifelong career. After initially earning your degree and qualifying for an entry-level nursing job, you will get some idea of what the different levels of nursing are and what each one involves. The nurse practitioner doctorate degree (DNP) represents the highest level on the nursing ladder. There are several reasons why those who have currently obtained their bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) should seriously consider studying for a DNP.
To Improve the Level of Care You Can Deliver
By studying one of the many doctor of nurse practitioner programs available you will familiarize yourself with the most advanced theories of nursing and will learn to deliver the very highest standard of care as possible. By studying for this highest level of nursing qualification, you will position yourself to get involved in effecting significant changes, both in your current place of employment and for the field as a whole. This degree is aimed at those who are looking to not just deliver high-quality care to their patients but to also consider and propose changes that can lead to the entire industry performing better.
To Shape the Future of Your Hospital
A DNP degree not only prepares you for effecting change at the level of overarching policy; it also puts you in a position where you will be training the next lot of nursing leaders. This means that you are able to pass on skills, tips, tricks, and other information that you think are relevant, allowing you to leave your own personal mark on the industry, even after you have left it.
To Further Your Understanding of Nursing
By the time you have completed a DNP degree, you will know all there is to know about nursing, both from the perspective of a nurse delivering healthcare to patients and from the perspective of managers and other administrative positions. Both types of understanding are essential for a leading nurse to make accurate judgments about the state of both nursing and of their individual place of work. Anyone who only understands one part of the bigger picture will struggle to formulate ideas that are truly beneficial to the profession as a whole.
A doctorate of nursing program is an excellent way for a qualified nurse to take the final step towards becoming a leader in their profession. It is estimated that only 1% of nurses obtain a doctorate level degree, even though a study known as The Future of Nursing study showed that at least 10% of nurses would have to reach this level in order to secure the number of nursing leaders necessary to keep up with the rise in the number of nurses.