DNP's: What Can We Expect?

The United States' health care system is evolving, with the introduction of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a growing population of elderly, an increasing demand and dwindling supply of primary care providers, and a shift to health information technology. The nursing profession, 3 million strong, prepares to meet these challenges and improve healthcare through leading change in patient care delivery and health care policy. The American Association of College of Nurses (AACN) recognizes the growing demands on practicing nurses, educators, and nurse leaders, and endorses the advancement of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree to prepare advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) as practicing scholars and influential leaders in health care.(1) Although the DNP is not to replace the research-focused PhD degree, questions arise as to what roles the DNP can fill. The proposed roles of the DNP include practitioner, leader, and educator. This article will review the development of the DNP education, the possible roles of the DNP, and whether the DNP prepared nurse can help the nursing profession meet the demands of a growing population, educate future nurses, and promote positive change through leadership and contributions to the health care system.