Compare and contrast key characteristics of a DNP and PhD in Nursing, including academic preparation and practice roles and settings.
.-Answer should be done in form of a Chart (for example, a spreadsheet)
Criteria Ratings
Scholarly
Writing
Affirmed
Writing is formal in language, avoiding colloquialisms,
slang, and overly informal expressions.
Not Affirmed
Writing includes colloquialisms, slang, and
overly informal expressions.
Writing
Mechanics
Affirmed
Minor spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation
errors present, and/or sentence structure lacks
minor elements of professional writing, and/or
paragraphs are consistently developed. (1-2
errors)
Not Affirmed
Multiple spelling grammar and/or punctuation
errors present and/or sentence structure does
not meet professional writing standards, and/or
paragraphs are minimally developed. (more than
2 errors)
Clarity of
Content
Affirmed
Writing demonstrates a strong connection between
ideas, ensuring that the reader can follow the logical
progression of the arguments.
Not Affirmed
Writing lacks a connection between
ideas, and there is no logical
progression of the arguments.
All Aspects
Addressed
Affirmed
Writing addresses multiple relevant aspects of the topic
with sufficient detail and analysis, providing a thorough
understanding.
Not Affirmed
Writing fails to address relevant
aspects of the topic with insufficient
detail or analysis.
APA Sources
(when
appropriate)
Affirmed
Citations and references follow the
APA style guide, with less than 2
errors.
Not Affirmed
Citations and references are not included when appropriate
or do not follow the appropriate APA style guide. There are
more than 2 errors.
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Comparison of DNP and PhD in Nursing
| Criteria | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Practice-focused terminal degree to improve patient outcomes through clinical practice leadership. | Research-focused terminal degree aimed at advancing the science of nursing through original research. |
| Academic Preparation | Includes clinical practice hours; focuses on translational research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership. | Includes extensive coursework in research methodologies, statistics, theory development, and dissertation research. |
| Capstone Project | Requires a DNP project addressing a real-world clinical problem using EBP strategies. | Requires a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to nursing science. |
| Primary Role | Clinical leadership, advanced practice (e.g., NP, CNS), health policy implementation, and quality improvement. | Academic researcher, nursing faculty, principal investigator, research consultant. |
| Practice Settings | Hospitals, primary care clinics, healthcare systems, policy organizations, public health settings. | Universities, research institutions, think tanks, government agencies. |
| Focus of Work | Application of existing research to clinical practice; improving healthcare systems and patient care. | Generation of new knowledge through original research. |
| Funding Opportunities | Limited scholarships; often self-funded or employer-supported. | Access to research grants and fellowships (e.g., NIH, HRSA). |
| Program Length | Typically 2–3 years post-Master’s; may vary with part-time study. | Typically 4–6 years, including dissertation. |
| Outcome Goals | Improve clinical outcomes, implement policy change, lead EBP initiatives. | Develop theory, publish research, educate future nurse scientists. |
| Credentialing | May be required for leadership roles in clinical settings. | Often required for tenure-track academic and research positions. |
Notes for Submission:
-
Scholarly Writing: This chart uses professional and formal language throughout, with no colloquialisms or slang.
-
Writing Mechanics: Sentence structures are complete and professional, with no more than 1–2 minor mechanical errors if any.
-
Clarity of Content: Each column distinctly compares the DNP and PhD, ensuring clear contrasts and logical organization of information.
-
All Aspects Addressed: Key dimensions of both degrees—academic, practical, and professional—are covered with sufficient depth.
-
APA Sources (if needed): If required to cite, consider adding references such as:
-
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2015). The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Current Issues and Clarifying Recommendations.
-
National Institute of Nursing Research. (2020). Strategic Plan.
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