There is an ever-growing need for nurses who hold advanced degrees in the field of healthcare. Such a prospect makes the nursing field immensely attractive to individuals seeking job security. Also, dynamics such as an increase in the aging population reflect the constant evolution of healthcare. It is where an advanced nursing degree comes into the fray. A decade ago, earning a degree such as a DNP was a noble pursuit for some. Nowadays, it is becoming necessary. The (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) AACN recommends that it will become the required educational credential for individuals looking to work in the field of nursing. Such news might intimidate individuals who hold a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree.
These individuals can earn an advanced nursing degree such as an MSN (Master of Science in nursing) and work as a nurse practitioner. However, they will not receive the same pay package as a DNP holder might earn. Furthermore, nurses who want to take on a more entrepreneurial role and open up their private practice need to have a DNP. It allows them to become experts in their field. If you are a healthcare individual who wants to continue their nursing education, here are some benefits of becoming a DNP-prepared nurse:
- YOU CAN TAKE ON MORE OF A LEADERSHIP ROLE
A DNP degree program consists of a well-rounded curriculum that focuses more on the nursing field’s technical side. While you are earning your DNP, you will have to work more on your leadership skills to enter a nurse practitioner’s fast-paced working environment. The program will help you develop your ability to make difficult decisions during stressful situations. It will also let you become the most exceptional leader you can be.
When talking about owning your private practice, the DNP program coursework will teach you the requirements needed to run your clinic. It will also teach you the accurate way to effectively fill paperwork at your clinic and manage your nursing team. So, go ahead and search for DNP programs online and enroll yourself into one to learn the leadership skills necessary to be an efficient and effective nurse practitioner or nursing entrepreneur.
- LEARN FROM OTHER EXPERTS IN THE NURSING FIELD
You will not find all the professional knowledge inside textbooks. You can always learn from other DNP-prepared nurses and hear from their experiences the numerous benefits it has to offer to you. You can also take advantage of unique and fantastic opportunities for mentorship and career counseling through such an approach.
Suppose you are interested in teaching further on in your career. In that case, a DNP degree will help you when you want to instruct the next crop of nursing professionals.
- ALLOWS YOU TO STAY UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NURSING PRACTICES
Another reason to earn such an advanced nursing degree is due to the ever-changing aspect of healthcare. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to remain updated with the latest healthcare technologies, disease prevention techniques, and new treatment methods to stay relevant in the healthcare field.
Going for a DNP degree program will inform you of updated information about the latest nursing practices and train you in the latest medical education processes. Doing so will allow you to remain on top of your nursing game for the years to come.
- INCREASED JOB SECURITY
The demand for DNP-prepared nurses is likely to increase due to the changing aspects of healthcare and the decrease in trained healthcare professionals’ availability. Individuals with a DNP might bridge the gap between these two problems and provide an all-in-one solution for both. Furthermore, during the last decade, we saw a shift in the credentials required for practicing nurses from a master’s to a doctoral degree.
And (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) AACN supported by other organizations endorses such a change. A DNP after a master’s in nursing will allow you to secure your future as a practicing nurse. And take your career to levels you only imagined in your wildest dreams.
- IT WILL ALLOW YOU TO BROADEN YOUR CAREER OPTIONS
A DNP degree aims to allow candidates to view healthcare from a top-down clinical point of view. Such a thing will allow you to pursue a wide range of career options in the nursing field. Some of them are available at the executive and administrative levels, where you will oversee an entire clinic. In contrast, others require a more hands-on role.
As a DNP-prepared nurse, some career options you can apply for include nurse practitioner, clinical nursing specialist, nurse supervisor, health manager, and many more. As a DNP-prepared nurse, you will have endless possibilities regarding career options in the healthcare field.
- STUDY ACCORDING TO YOUR SCHEDULE
Unlike some camp-based nursing degrees, online education methods are more suitable for nurses who have busy routines and work schedules. While an online DNP still requires a significant time commitment from your side, it will offer you more flexibility than a campus-based one.
You might have a wish to take on a hefty course load. Still, there will always be an aspect of flexibility, allowing you to adjust it according to your routines and schedules. You will be able to work through everything on your own time and according to your own pace.
- BYPASS A MASTER’S OF NURSING DEGREE
An online DNP degree will allow students to earn a quality education with a more streamlined educational experience. While students think that they will need an MSN before enrolling in a DNP program, it is unnecessary. A BSN to DNP will allow them to bypass earning a master’s degree in nursing.
The (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) AACN suggests at least three to four years of study to move into a DNP program from a BSN directly. However, various online BSN to DNP degrees will allow you to do so without the hassle of spending your money and time on something that you can avoid.
CONCLUSION
A DNP is an extremely versatile education for nurses and will prepare them for various roles and healthcare careers. It will be a sound investment for the future from your side, regardless of where you will be in the future. If you dream of working in the field of advanced nursing, then looking at the benefits above will help you decide quickly. Although these benefits do not cover everyone out there, they will give you a starting point and help you make up a decision.