[Gulshen]

As I was starting my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, I was unsure of what to expect besides gaining clinical knowledge to provide care as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). However, even at this early stage, my perspective on the role of an APRN has drastically changed. The courses I have taken taught me the importance of mastering the eight DNP essentials, developing leadership and collaborative skills, and facilitating evidence-based practice. I have learned the significance of active participation in health policy, which can help improve health outcomes, promote the growth of the nursing profession, and ensure that patient needs are met. Furthermore, I had a wake-up call about the importance of considering social determinants of health when treating patients and taking a broader view of holistic care.
Pursuing an advanced degree can feel overwhelming at times. However, it is highly motivating to know that this program provides us with the opportunity to improve our clinical competence, develop essential leadership skills, learn how to utilize evidence-based practices, engage in policymaking, enhance our critical thinking and writing abilities, and develop skills in collaboration, communication, and mentorship. As the future of the healthcare and nursing profession, we are responsible for transforming health policy, advocating for patients and ourselves, and contributing to nursing faculty and nursing shortages. I am excited to acquire the knowledge necessary to excel as an APRN and achieve my post-graduation goals.

[Gulshen]

Hi Susan, Thank you for sharing the Bill with us. As someone who is still in the early stages of pursuing my DNP degree, I never imagined that I would need to justify why I should be addressed as “Dr.” after devoting years to the nursing profession and working hard to attain the terminal nursing degree, DNP. Aren’t DNPs and other professionals, besides physicians and surgeons, prioritizing patient safety, protection, disclosure, and transparency?

While I appreciate the concerns regarding using the doctor title, which could confuse patients in clinical settings, this concern should not overshadow the immense value of the DNP degree to the nursing profession and the healthcare delivery system. DNP is the terminal degree in the nursing discipline, and DNPs are trained to provide most of the care that physicians provide as primary caregivers, hospitalists, and urgent care and emergency care providers to fill the gap for physician shortage.

I do not believe anyone is trying to replace a physician or surgeon by calling themselves a doctor. Regardless of what we are called, what matters in the end is the quality of service we provide and the outcomes we achieve for our patients. That should be our focus. By focusing on the quality of our service and disseminating the contributions of DNPs in patient care, education, and research, we can build trust and confidence with our patients and ultimately earn a reputation as a reliable and reputable healthcare provider.

[Gulshen]

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The article provided valuable insights into the review processes – single-blind, double-blind, and open reviews – that I had never known or thought about. It was an eye-opener to learn how personal bias could affect one’s review, and I am grateful for the opportunity to educate myself on this important topic. In a world where we live among people with diverse cultures, it’s important to acknowledge that everyone has the right to believe what they think is correct. However, it’s equally important to ensure that one’s belief doesn’t harm or interfere with the beliefs and lives of others.

As a DNP student, I am currently gaining knowledge and skills that will enable me to contribute to the nursing research field in the future. As a reviewer, I would evaluate research studies and provide critical feedback to help improve their quality. The beliefs held by authors and reviewers should not influence the scientific research findings. Instead, the research should be conducted based on the principles of scientific inquiry, and the evidence gathered should be rigorously analyzed and interpreted. This will ensure that the results are unbiased and can be used to inform clinical decision-making and policy development in the nursing field. Therefore, I wonder if Open Review should be the gold standard for scientific research.

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