Career Goals

[Jennifer]

Have you ever considered academia as a career with your DNP? I don’t think I originally went into my DNP program thinking this was an option. I know that we do have the clinical experience and knowledge, and it could lead us to help fill the gap of the nursing faculty shortage. Just wondering your thoughts on this?

[Anonymous]

Hello Jennifer, I too did not know that I would be able to go into academia upon graduating from my current DNP program. I was under the misconception that to go into education, we needed an education degree. This was all speculation, and from what I have heard from other colleagues who want to go into education. I now have further knowledge to educate those torn between an education degree and a DNP degree. With the immense faculty shortage and the education DNP programs provide, DNPs are certainly more than qualified. DNPs add diversity to education with their experience in clinical practice and their education. DNPs have the knowledge and skills to guide students from the classroom into practicing nurses. Academia is certainly something I would love to pursue in the future.

[Anonymous]

I had not initially thought about looking into pursuing anything in academia with my DNP after I finish. I was solely going into my program with a one-track mind only thinking about practice, but I have been pleasantly surprised to have been introduced to multiple scholarly articles that really elaborated on the different career paths, including one in the academic world, of a DNP graduate and it opened my eyes to how versatile the degree really is. I agree with your statement that it could help fill the gap in the faculty shortage, there will always be a need for well-trained, educated, and experienced faculty for DNP programs and I believe that the way towards that is to change the nature of the conversation regarding what a DNP graduate can do or be. By looking at the DNP as more than just a solely clinical practice-facing degree, we can potentially gain a lot more interest in those who are in the nursing world and want to make the jump to advanced practice, but they may not want to work the clinics or acute care facilities in practice, and may not want the research heavy PhD.

[Janet (Jan)]

There are several interpersonal and institutional barriers that I’ve experienced firsthand upon returning to Sage College for my postmasters as a nurse educator and a psychiatric nurse practitioner, after earning my Doctor of Nursing Practice at Stony Brook. I was met with skepticism and a negative demeanor from my former professors, one of whom referred to me condescendingly as “Miss DNP” while they were pursuing their own Doctor of Nursing Science degrees. While I respected their academic pursuits, this attitude felt dismissive and undermined my desire to contribute to the institution.
Despite my eagerness to teach a class, I was offered only clinical rotations. This was disheartening as I felt I had more to offer. I feared that these biases might affect my academic standing negatively, prompting me to take proactive measures. I approached the Dean, presenting my concerns about the curriculum and the potential for unfair grade manipulation.
I was determined to ensure fair treatment and maintain my academic integrity. After voicing my concerns, necessary corrections were made. I managed to graduate on time with the grades I rightfully earned. My journey into teaching was never about financial gain; it was always about the gratification of seeing my students progress and thrive in their careers.
Indeed, the journey to becoming an educator is fraught with challenges, some of which may seem insurmountable. I’ve heard remarks questioning the validity of my qualifications, questioning whether a postmaster’s degree in education is sufficient for teaching. Some even argue that a PhD is necessary to command respect in the academic field. I’ve encountered similar sentiments in job descriptions, such as one at the University of Connecticut, where the qualifications for a full-time professor explicitly require a PhD.

[Johana]

When I thought of my career in the long-term, I always thought I would go into academia later in my career. I am in a DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program, which would put me more involved in the clinical setting. However, I am learning quickly about the leadership that entails as a Doctorate prepared nurse. I wanted to pursue my doctorate because I wanted the possibility to become an educator at the university level. It is refreshing to learn about all the doctorate roles that nurses play and be a part of, especially that of an expert clinician. I am reflecting on what I am currently learning in my doctorate course, and I find it interesting how interconnected a doctorate and a PhD degree are, and the usefulness of both degrees. I considered pursuing a master degree for FNP and then getting my PhD later, in hopes of being more involved in education. After starting my DNP course and learning the role of the doctorate advanced nurse practitioners, I am really glad to have chosen to pursue my doctorate along with my FNP.

[Christina]

Hi Jennifer,
I, too, have never considered going into academia after graduating with this DNP degree. As a hobby or something on the side, I wanted to spearhead mission trips to different third-world countries. Bring students and mentor them within the hospitals and clinics in these third-world countries. I have a love for traveling and have decided to do something more with it and make a difference in these countries that need our help. I’m still not a hundred percent sure of everything I would have to accomplish to get to this goal besides my degree, but thankfully, one of the professors at my school is doing the same thing, so I do have someone guiding me. I am also considering returning to the East Coast (New Jersey) to open my private practice since APRNs can practice independently in New Jersey versus California. It is one solution to the nursing faculty shortage; however, I would lose my clinical skills. I want to feel like I am physically and emotionally making a difference with my patients. I enjoy being hands-on at work and want to continue doing so. There will be times when we, as DNP graduates, will teach, mentor, or lead others, but I don’t believe solely focusing on academia is in my interest.

[Priscilla]

Hi Jennifer. As a clinical educator in an academic medical center and a DNP student, I have considered pursuing a career in academia after obtaining my DNP degree. I believe a career in academia could help address the nursing faculty shortage and better prepare nurse graduates for their professional practice. Given the current and future shortage of nurses, addressing the nursing faculty shortage is crucial. A career in academia can be fulfilling as educators can impact nursing students’ careers, regardless of where they begin their professional journeys. Teaching pathophysiology and assisting students to apply their learning in clinical settings can be such a rewarding experience. However, I believe there are challenges in the academic field, such as providing timely and relevant education in an ever-evolving healthcare field. Also, commitment is vital as frequent faculty changes could affect educational quality due to inconsistency. I also believe that it is essential for individuals aspiring to be professors in academia to have part-time or per-diem positions in the clinical field; this would ensure they stay knowledgeable about current nursing practices. I believe being a preceptor is another excellent option for those unable to commit to academia but who want to assist with academic challenges. With the shortage of nurses, there is also a need for faculty and preceptors. Thank you for the question and the opportunity to discuss.

[Nicholas]

Hi Jennifer, pursuing academia as a career with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an excellent and viable option, especially given the growing nursing faculty shortage. While many people enter DNP programs with the intention of advancing their clinical practice, the degree also opens up opportunities in education, leadership, and research. The nursing profession is facing a significant faculty shortage, which impacts the ability to educate and prepare new nurses. DNP-prepared nurses, with their clinical expertise and advanced practice skills, are in a unique position to fill this gap. By entering academia, they can directly contribute to the education and mentoring of future nurses, which is crucial for addressing the broader healthcare workforce challenges. Entering academia as a DNP is not just a career shift but an opportunity to make a broader impact on the nursing profession and healthcare as a whole. If you’re passionate about education, leadership, and contributing to the future of nursing, academia could be a fulfilling path for you.

[Cham]

Hi Jennifer,
I completely understand what you’re thinking about this. Like many others, my first focus while pursuing my DNP was on leadership positions in healthcare settings and clinical practice. But as the program has gone on and I’ve learned more about the wider range of effects DNPs may have, going to college has become increasingly enticing.
One of the most pressing issues facing the nursing profession is the shortage of faculty. As DNPs, we are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap, thanks to our extensive clinical experience and knowledge. By integrating practical and theoretical skills into the classroom, we can equip the next generation of nurses with invaluable real-world insights. This is crucial in ensuring that nursing graduates are well-prepared to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare.
One of the aspects that draws me to academia is the potential to shape nursing education and support the career advancement of aspiring nurses. As DNPs, we can develop curricula, mentor students, and integrate evidence-based practice into educational initiatives. This can have a profound impact on the overall quality of care provided by future healthcare workers, extending far beyond the care of a single patient.
Academia also offers opportunities for research and scholarship, areas where DNPs can make significant contributions. We can lead studies that address healthcare inequities, improve patient outcomes, and advance nursing practice. Our impact can be further amplified by using this knowledge to influence policy and clinical practice, making a real difference in the field of healthcare.
Even though it wasn’t my first intention when I enrolled in the DNP program, I’ve grown to take academia more seriously. Academics are a strong option for DNPs because they can address the shortage of nursing professors, shape the next generation of nurses, and advance nursing research and scholarship. It’s undoubtedly something to consider, particularly in light of the expanding demand for qualified nurse educators. Personally, I’ve found that the intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to shape the future of nursing have been incredibly rewarding.

[Author]

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