The Doctor of Nursing Practice Experience

Karen McBroom Butler, RN, MSN

Professional Background

• Clinical Nurse Specialist• Nurse Researcher (hospital-based with

multidisciplinary team)• Director of Nursing, University Health

Service • Faculty, UK CON

Professional Goals• Nursing faculty member• To promote and implement evidence-

based practice in nursing education and clinical settings

• To utilize knowledge and skills obtained through DNP to positively impact the health of college students

Why DNP?• Desire to function at the highest possible level

of nursing practice• Clinically focused doctorate• Prepares for clinical research & research

utilization• Focus on leadership• Focus on evidence-based practice• Desire to work “where the rubber meets the

road”: Translational research!

Impact of DNP Education

• Constant critique of and search for evidence, both in classroom and clinical settings

• Improved ability to analyze and grade existing evidence and identify gaps

• Design and use of clinical models• Development of interventions• Project and program planning and

management

Impact of DNP Education• Evaluation of clinical practices, programs, systems of

care• Continued development of expertise in a chosen

population• Highly developed leadership skills• Ability to translate research into practice• Collaboration with colleagues while bringing new skills

to the table• Opportunity for and support of scholarship

opportunities

MSN vs. DNP

• Skills to design, implement and evaluate innovations at the systems level

• Knowledge to ensure that we do the right thing for the right patient at the right time : EBP

MSN vs. DNP

• Advanced leadership skills needed to advance nursing practice:– individual, unit and systems levels– Individual patients and populations– practice, administrative and educational

settings– influence policy at all levels

MSN vs. DNP

• Knowledge to apply and analyze biostatistical methods and epidemiological principles

• Confidence that I have the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of others

Would I do it again?

ABSOLUTELY!

Thank you for the opportunity to

share!

Questions?