DNP job description

[Beverly Kosmach-Park]

I am so pleased to have found this website! I recently heard about the DNP conference in September and wished I had known of it earlier. I hope to attend in 2010. Congratulations on the development of this site. I will graduate in May 2010 and I'm looking for ways to develop my current position as a CNS to the DNP role. Do any of you have a DNP job description that you would be willing to share? Any thoughts about how to approach your manager about how you want to change your position? I have been a peds CNS for 16 years and love the work I do, but I want to work on a different level now - more program development, leadership, research. Any suggestions on how to propose this to my manager?

[Aurelia Ramos]

I concur with Sheryl H. that DNP job descriptions will vary from institution to institution and will be defined by the focus of the DNP Program completed. However, the 8 Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (A... must be the "generic" job description of a DNP because our education equipped us with these knowledge and skills: (1) utilize science-based theories to practice: (2) be a systems thinker; (3) engage in clinical  scholarship; (4) utilize information technology/systems to improve health care; (5) analyze and develop health care policy; (6) collaborate with intra- and inter-professional teams to improve outcomes; (7) be involved in clinical prevention and population health to improve the health of the nation; (8) and advanced nursing practice. As ANCC states, the DNP education is a specialization of either one focused on advanced practice nursing or care of the individual or one focused on aggregates, systems, or the organization. What I hope to see is a national certification for DNP prepared nurses who are not APNs .

[Sheryl Heinicka]

I think it is difficult to come up with one specific DNP job description.  Job descriptions are usually job site specific and can vary from employer to employer.  Also, DNP nurse roles are varied and include Clinical Nurse Specialist,  Nurse Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner, etc.  These roles are very different from each other and the job description for one will not fit the description of another.  Think instead about how you can function differently in your current position, to include job attributes that are enhanced by having a DNP.  Also, different DNP programs emphasize different areas, such as education, administration, and clinical practice.  Again, think about your current position and how these additional roles may or may not fit your specific practice.  I myself want to become more skilled in administration and desire to add more of an administrative role to my current clinical practice role. 

[Anthony David Lecours]

You know, I graduated from Case Western Reserve 12 years ago with an ND. In 2007 my ND was official converted to the now DNP and in all these years I have never seen a DNP job description. In my day, we wrote a doctoral thesis, but I was just thinking what a good idea it would be for DNP students to create a new standard (job description) for their capstone projects required. Since individual institution and industry actually create job descriptions, I doubt we'll actually see DNP job descriptions soon, especially while we are still working within an ANP licensure paradigm. Thats where the change must occur, nursing doctors! Personally, I believe each ANP should be certified as a clinical specialist within their practice domains, and that the national standard for nursing doctors in practice should be the passing of a DNP licensure exam ... standards that similarly reflecting the those of dentistry and medicine.

[JoAnn C. Green MSN, RN, CCNS]

I too would love to see a job description! I am in Florida, and am a CCNS functioing in the role of Educator as our hospital doesn't really use the CNS role ... I would like to know what type of roles the DNP can take on upon graduation. Please email me at [e-mail]
Thank you,
JoAnn

[Victoria Odesina]

I would appreciate receiving job descriptions and suggestions for salary upgrades for DNP positions. There are three of us n the same small academic health center and even though the VP of nursing appears to be supportive, HR would like to have some evidence from other DNPs. Please send to [e-mail].

[Tim Sparling]

I am so glad to hear of other DNP students wondering the same thing. I would love to see a DNP job description, even if it is generalized I could customize it to my particular setting. I might not have a job where I work currently if I do not come up with an impressive job description for a DNP.

[Mary Polit]

Can anybody send me a job description of a DNP who is working in a general position to institute evidence-based medicine, assist with research, participate in academic activities such as writing articles, and oversight of either in patient or out patient care? Also, what do you think a fair salary would be for a new DNP but one that is an experienced CRNP, MSN? Thank you! Please e mail me at [e-mail]

[Catherine Wells]

I would love to know the same. I have actually seemed to become dissatisfied with my current position in light of the "new knowledge" gained in the DNP program. I feel a need for professional growth.