What is the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing? Updated

What is the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing? In your own words, explain the differences between a transactional nursing leader and a transformational nursing leader. What one is more like your Nurse Executive? Describe how the Nurse Executive “leads the charge” for transformational leadership in an organization where you work or have done prelicensure clinical experiences.

What is the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing?

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are two of the most common terminal nursing degrees. The significant difference between DNP and Ph.D. is that the DNP program focuses more on nursing practice while a Ph.D. focuses more on nursing research. Thus, through its curriculum that focuses on nursing and leadership abilities, the DNP programs improve nurses’ comprehension of clinical practice. Ph.D. is rooted in theory and science, and nurses gain skills crucial to creating and implementing clinical research initiatives.

According to the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), DNP is regarded as the highest degree for nurse practitioners (McCauley et al., 2020). This is because DNP graduates are trained to translate evidence-based research into practice. Equally, DNP graduates can lead multidisciplinary healthcare teams, thus improving health care systems and evaluating healthcare results among particular patients. In essence, a DNP is crucial for practitioners since it focuses more on the practical elements of nursing practice, such as information technology and applied focus.

On the other hand, a Ph.D. in nursing, also known as a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), emphasizes academic research and trains nurses on developing and contributing to evidence-based knowledge in nursing. DNS graduates are trained to lead research personnel, establish research methodologies, implement research outcomes in clinical settings and research education, and offer statistical data evaluation, analysis, and scientific theory expertise. A review by Bullin (2018) demonstrates that Ph.D. nursing graduates contribute to nursing education and teaching.

I intend to pursue a Ph.D. with the intention and desire to contribute to nursing education and research. The changing health demographics and its effect on illness have contributed to my desire to pursue a research-based program. Through a Ph.D. program, I will understand the complexity of healthcare as exacerbated by current and changing health needs. For instance, the Ph.D. dissertation project allows students to gain insight into research studies and contribute to nursing literature by creating new or original knowledge and scholarly products.

References

Bullin, C. (2018). To what extent has doctoral (Ph.D.) education supported academic nurse educators in their teaching roles: an integrative review. BMC nursing, 17(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-018-0273-3

McCauley, L. A., Broome, M. E., Frazier, L., Hayes, R., Kurth, A., Musil, C. M., … & Villarruel, A. M. (2020). Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree in the United States: Reflecting, readjusting, and getting back on track. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 494-503. 10.1016/j.outlook.2020.03.00

In your own words, explain the differences between a transactional nursing leader and a transformational nursing leader. What one is more like your Nurse Executive?

As a nurse leader, you may find yourself wondering what the difference is between a transactional nursing leader and a transformational nursing leader. Both types of leaders are important in the nursing field, but they have different styles and approaches. A transactional nursing leader is focused on maintaining the status quo. They work to keep things running smoothly and efficiently, and they may be more task-oriented. A transformational nursing leader, on the other hand, is more focused on change and innovation. They want to improve the system and find new ways of doing things. Transformational leaders may be more people-oriented than transactional leaders. So, which type of leader is more like your Nurse Executive? It depends on their style and approach. If they are focused on efficiency and maintaining the status quo, then they are likely more like a transactional leader. If they are focused on change and innovation, then they are likely more like a transformational leader.

Describe how the Nurse Executive “leads the charge” for transformational leadership in an organization where you work or have done prelicensure clinical experiences.

As a nurse executive, one of my primary goals is to lead the charge for transformational leadership within my organization. I strongly believe that this type of leadership is essential for creating positive change within healthcare organizations. To that end, I work to promote and support initiatives that foster transformational leadership among our nurses.

One way I promote transformational leadership is by encouraging nurses to take on leadership roles within their own units. I believe that every nurse has the potential to be a leader, and it is important to give them the opportunity to develop their skills. By providing nurses with opportunities to lead, we can help them grow into strong leaders who are capable of enacting positive change within our organization.

In addition to promoting leadership among our nurses, I also work to create a culture of collaboration and innovation. I believe that transformation cannot happen without these two things. By encourage nurses to work together and think outside the box, we can create an environment where new ideas are welcome and where change can occur.If you want to see transformational leadership in action, come join us at our organization! We are always looking for ways to improve and would love to have you be a part of our team.