Abstract
Increasing numbers of doctoral-prepared nurses are joining interprofessional health care teams. Interestingly, the evolving doctoral programs for nurse leaders can be confusing to other health care professionals. Advanced education for nursing leaders is driven by a growing need for cost-effective implementation of evidence-based practices. Professional nursing organizations and nursing education programs have redefined education to respond to the call for knowledgeable experts to lead evidence-based quality improvements. As interprofessional health care management teams face the daunting task of selecting team members, an understanding of the differences in nursing doctoral programs is needed. A doctor of nursing practice degree-prepared nurse can strengthen the health care team by providing a skill set that includes not only the ability to translate evidence into best practice, but also the ability to communicate effectively with all members of the interprofessional team.