ABSTRACT
Ongoing challenges caused by increased complexity of care, changing patient demographics, and shifting health care delivery systems are necessitating a transformation of advanced practice. The practice doctorate has the potential to prepare graduates to meet these challenges now and in the future. This article conceptualizes the practice doctorate curriculum for nurse practitioners (NPs), with particular focus on how it will prepare NPs as expert clinicians with enhanced leadership and research skills. Nurse practitioner doctoral education and practice is articulated and differentiated from current NP education and practice, with distinguishing features clearly identified. A compelling argument is made for how this educational preparation will facilitate NPs in meeting future societal needs. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance for all advanced practice educational programs considering adoption of a practice doctorate, and to contribute to the advancement of thinking about the practice doctorate for clinicians as well as educators.
Subject(s)
Clinical Competence , Education, Nursing, Graduate/organization & administration , Nurse Practitioners , Nurse's Role , Certification/organization & administration , Curriculum , Faculty, Nursing/organization & administration , Forecasting , Guidelines as Topic , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , Leadership , Models, Educational , Nurse Practitioners/education , Nurse Practitioners/organization & administration , Nursing Informatics/education , Nursing Research/education , Nursing Research/organization & administration , Organizational Innovation , Philosophy, Nursing , Program Development , WashingtonSubject(s)
Clinical Competence , Education, Nursing, Graduate/organization & administration , Family Nursing , Nurse Practitioners/education , Curriculum , Faculty, Nursing/organization & administration , Family Nursing/organization & administration , Goals , Humans , Knowledge , Leadership , Needs Assessment , Nurse Practitioners/organization & administration , Nurse's Role , Nursing Research/education , Nursing Research/organization & administration , Nursing Theory , Organizational Innovation , Organizational Objectives , Program Development , Thinking , WashingtonABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To describe pioneers' experience of establishing the nurse practitioner (NP) role, and their experiences in maintaining and building the NP role in the contemporary practice environment. DESIGN: The study sample included 50 middle-aged women currently practicing in Washington State as licensed advanced practice nurses, who began the NP role during 1965-1979. METHODS: This descriptive study included interviews and focus groups to gather data about the nurses' early experiences. Interpretative methods of grounded theory were used in data collection and analysis. FINDINGS: The central organizing theme, Advancing Autonomy to Make a Difference, was manifested through six broad themes: Breaking Free, Molding the Clay, Encountering Obstacles, Surviving the Proving Ground, Staying Committed, and Building the Eldership. CONCLUSIONS: Autonomy was requisite to practice to one's full potential and maintain commitment over time. The data findings show the evolution of advanced nursing practice in the United States and provide guidance for nurses who are working to establish advanced practice nursing in other countries.
