Nursing professionals don’t have to stop at a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is a terminal degree in nursing and is the highest level of practice in nursing. The DNP degree is not to be confused with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing, which prepares nurses to conduct research, contribute to scientific literature, and teach or mentor future nurses in an academic setting.
The DNP degree prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership, and application of research and evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes and deliver expert care in various healthcare settings and roles. Arkansas State University (A-State) offers an online DNP – General program that equips graduates with the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to excel in nursing leadership and research roles.
DNP Leadership Skills and Nursing Leadership Styles
Strong nurse leaders are necessary in the healthcare field. The American Nurses Association (ANA) outlines several important leadership skills in nursing. Nurse leaders need effective communication to help facilitate clear messaging, foster shared decision-making and create a focus on common goals. Ongoing education and professional development allow leaders to adapt to the changing face of healthcare while maintaining a commitment to quality, evidence-based practices. Additionally, effective leadership in nursing ensures the well-being of patients and healthcare staff.
Understanding ethical practice is also important. This skill allows nurse leaders to model integrity, accountability and adherence to professional standards. Lastly, professionalism and collaboration build strong relationships with various healthcare teams, driving decision-making and positive team outcomes. These skills enable DNP nurses to lead effectively, enforce improvements in healthcare delivery and contribute to advancing the nursing profession.
In addition to these skills, nurse leaders can influence their teams by adapting an approach to meet the needs of their team and health systems through one of the following leadership styles:
- Transformational: encourages and motivates a team through a shared vision
- Autocratic: makes decisions with little input from others and is often effective in emergencies
- Laissez-Faire: promotes team autonomy and provides minimal supervision
- Democratic: encourages collaboration and values input from all members
- Servant: considers the needs of the team as well as individuals
- Situational: analyzes the situation and determines the best approach
- Transactional: maintains routine, manages performance through established policies, and focuses on structure, clear goals and rewards
Nurse leaders can use these skills and styles to improve care quality in diverse clinical settings. However, leaders must apply the approach that best addresses employee and team needs, not just what comes naturally to a particular leader.
DNP Leadership Opportunities and Career Outlook
There is a growing demand from professional organizations and healthcare systems for nurses who have a DNP degree and can assume leadership roles. Opportunities for DNP degree holders include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Clinical director: These professionals manage and organize the operations of healthcare facilities or departments. Responsibilities may include budget management, quality improvement/quality assurance and policy implementation.
- Director of nursing: These individuals manage nursing staff and some human resource responsibilities, develop and implement nursing policies, develop goals for their department, handle the budget and maintain regulatory compliance.
- Nurse informaticist: These professionals combine their nursing experience with knowledge of information technology to develop and manage computer systems in healthcare systems. They analyze medical data to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and communicate their findings to enhance the efficiency of patient care.
- Nurse educator: Nurses with a DNP degree can teach at nursing schools or facilitate education and staff development among colleagues within a healthcare organization.
- Nurse practitioner: Although nurses can become nurse practitioners (NPs) with an MSN, a DNP degree affords more opportunities and a deeper understanding of the scope of NP practice and exemplifies the commitment to advanced education and patient care.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a rapid growth rate for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including DNP-prepared nurses, between 2022 and 2032. In addition to a stable career, nurses with a DNP degree can expect a competitive salary. Indeed reports an average U.S. salary of $110,912 for nursing professionals with a DNP degree. The salary and growing demand for nurses with a terminal degree in leadership roles contribute to encouraging nurses to obtain a DNP degree.
Why the Online DNP General Degree From Arkansas State University?
A-State’s online DNP – General program provides a comprehensive education that prepares nurses to excel by developing leadership and clinical skills through training in quality improvement, healthcare policy, advocacy and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared to push innovation, enhance patient care and advance the nursing profession. The DNP degree is valuable for nurses aiming to advance their careers, addressing the many challenges in healthcare and playing an important role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
Learn more about A-State’s online DNP – General program.