[Gabriela]

Hi Avery,
I completely understand your frustration and hesitation as I’ve also had similar experiences where colleagues or even friends question the value of pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). In addition to colleagues, I hear it from family (all MD’s). It’s disheartening when our aspirations are met with discouragement rather than support and I’m surprised that so many of us have gone through similar discouraging responses/comments. However, it’s important to remember why we chose this path in the first place.
The DNP is more than just a degree—it’s a commitment to advancing our knowledge, skills, and ability to provide high-quality patient care. While it may come with financial challenges, the long-term benefits, both professionally and personally, can outweigh these concerns. The advanced education and training we receive through a DNP program empower us to take on leadership roles, influence healthcare policy, and bring innovative solutions to the challenges facing our healthcare system.
I know it can be a bit frustrating but it’s important to find a support system, whether through fellow DNP students, mentors, or professional organizations, family, friends, where we can share our experiences and encourage each other. Let’s not be discouraged by negative feedback but rather stay focused on our goals and the positive impact we can make in healthcare.
Has anyone found effective ways to respond to such discouraging comments or to educate others about the value of the DNP? It would be great to share strategies and support each other in this journey.

[Gabriela]

Thank you, for bringing up this important issue. The proposed California AB 765 legislation and similar bills in other states, such as Florida’s HB 583, highlight a significant challenge in how we define and recognize professional titles in healthcare. These bills aim to protect patients by ensuring transparency and clarity regarding who is providing their care. However, they also raise concerns about the recognition and respect for advanced degrees earned by nurses and other healthcare professionals.
As a DNP, I understand the importance of clearly communicating our roles and qualifications to patients to avoid any confusion. However, it is also crucial to acknowledge that earning a doctoral degree, whether it be a DNP, PhD, or EdD, represents a significant achievement and expertise in our respective fields. These degrees contribute to the overall quality of healthcare by bringing advanced knowledge, leadership, and a unique perspective to patient care. The key I think is to find a balance that maintains transparency for patients while also respecting the hard work and contributions of non-physician healthcare providers. One potential solution could be to allow the use of the title “doctor” with a clear indication of the professional’s specific field, such as “Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)” or “Doctor of Education (EdD),” to avoid any misunderstanding.
It’s important for professional organizations, nursing advocates, and legislators to work together to address these concerns. Engaging in open dialogue and advocating for policies that recognize the value of all healthcare professionals will be essential in navigating this complex issue. Additionally, keeping informed about similar legislation in our own states and participating in advocacy efforts can help ensure that the voices of all healthcare providers are heard.

[Gabriela]

I appreciate the thoughtful insights both of you have shared. As DNPs, our role is indeed complex and multifaceted. While it’s crucial to recognize that a DNP degree equips us with advanced clinical skills and the ability to practice at a high standard, it’s equally important to acknowledge that our scope is distinct from that of physicians (something I am currently learning in school). Our practice is rooted in the nursing philosophy, which emphasizes holistic care, patient education, and preventive measures. Integrating our nursing background into advanced practice allows us to approach patient care with a unique perspective that complements the work of our physician colleagues and overall patient care. It’s also true that obtaining a DNP does not mean we will be practicing medicine but I didn’t think of it this way until reading this post. However, the expertise we gain through a DNP program enhances our ability to contribute significantly to patient outcomes, whether we’re directly providing care or working within a collaborative healthcare team. The goal should always be to leverage our education, skills, and certification to improve health care outcomes, respecting the boundaries and strengths of our respective roles.
I will add that, I worry about navigating the scope of practice as a DNP-FNP. On one hand, I am apprehensive about overstepping my professional boundaries. On the other, I fear that my role may not be fully respected by physicians, something I’ve already observed in the bedside settings. The goal should be collaborative practice, where the unique strengths of both DNPs and MDs are recognized and utilized to improve patient outcomes. Where MD’s and NP’s have mutual respect and strive for collaboration, recognizing that our different training and perspectives are what make our healthcare teams stronger and more capable of providing excellent patient care.

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