Keywords

Doctor of Nursing Practice, entry to practice, graduate nursing education, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), nurse practitioner

Authors

1. Idzik, Shannon DNP, RN, ANP-BC
2. Buchholz, Susan W. PhD, RN, ANP-BC
3. Kelly-Weeder, Susan PhD, RN, FNP-BC
4. Finnegan, Lorna PhD, RN, FNP
5. Bigley, Mary Beth DrPH, RN, APRN

Abstract

Background: The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has made the commitment to move all entry-level nurse practitioner (NP) education to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree by 2025.

Problem: Although there are more than 250 DNP NP programs throughout the United States, many other NP programs have yet to transition to the doctoral level.

Approach: Leaders representing licensure, accreditation, certification, education, and practice organizations attended a NONPF 2017 Summit to discuss the DNP degree as entry into NP practice. Summit participants strategized on building collective strengths and addressed barriers to implementation. A solution-oriented discussion with action items has been operationalized for the last 4 years.

Outcomes: Four workgroups were created to address education, outcomes, capacity, and messaging related to moving all entry-level NP education to the DNP degree.

Conclusion: Ongoing collaborative efforts are critical to facilitate advancing all NP education programs to the DNP degree by 2025.