How to decide on a PhD or DNP? Objectives. What fits for you? Chandler & Shea 1. How do goals, process and outcomes compare?

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1 How to decide on a PhD or DNP? How do goals, process and outcomes compare? Genevieve E. Chandler PhD, RN Carole A. Shea PhD, RN, FAAN The speakers have no conflict of interest to disclose Objectives Compare PhD and DNP programs Review criteria for selecting a doctoral program Discuss strategies t for successful completion of a doctoral program What fits for you? Consider your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years? Do you see yourself practicing as an expert clinician? or Do you see yourself conducting research, teaching in an academic setting, or being a research consultant in practice? Chandler & Shea 1

2 How do programs compare? PhD Objective: Prepares nurses to conduct research to advance nursing and health innovations Process: Knowledge and skills in theory, methods and analysis to take a leadership role in discovering and applying new knowledge Outcome: Nurse scientist leader in research, education and policy to advance nursing science DNP Objective: Prepares nurses at the highest level of practice to translate and apply research into practice Process: Knowledge and skills in translating, disseminating and integrating research into practice, providing leadership and developing policy Outcome: Expert clinical leader in practice, policy administration and education Selecting a PhD Program: A Research Focused Degree 1. What is the reputation and ranking of the School and program? 2. Look for faculty with research interests similar to yours so you can find a mentor match. 3. Review funded research programs of current faculty 4. Learn the structure of the program Structure of the program What is the student retention and average time to degree? Is there a statistician at the school or are there connections for stat consultant? Is there an active mentoring gprogram? What are the resources to help you succeed in program and to help you transition to a position or post doc upon graduation? What are the expectations and opportunities to be a research assistant and teaching assistant? Chandler & Shea 2

3 Get to know the school Review the programs through university website Note the mission of the school, does that fit your interests? Attend Doctoral information sessions offered by the school to meet faculty and students Communicate with faculty who share same clinical and/or research interests, just ! Consider a campus visit or sitting in on a class Selecting a DNP Program: A Practice Focused Degree 1. Look for program accreditation and reputation 2. Who are the clinically credentialed program faculty and what is their current clinical practice? 3. Look into work/clinical experience requirements before you apply ppy 4. What are the program clinical requirements and preceptor options? 5. What are funding opportunities during your program to support your education 6. What is the structure of the program? Structure of the program What is the course delivery: online vs. in-person, hybrid? What resources are available to help you succeed in program and upon graduation? Speak to a current students and alums Chandler & Shea 3

4 Differences: BSN-DNP vs. Post-MS DNP BSN-DNP Post-MS DNP Includes specialty area of study Meant for MS specialty prepared nurses (NP, CNS, CRNA, etc.) Full-time = around 3 years including l Full-time = around 1 year including l summer session, varies per program summer session, varies Considered a Bridge Program Can go part-time (4-5 years) Can go part-time (2 years) Selecting a DNP Program in a Clinical Specialty Area: Questions to Consider 1. Is this clinical specialty area a good fit for me? 2. Can I achieve my goals for completing this clinical specialty in a reasonable amount of time? 3. What does my future look like as a specialist in this clinical area? Employment options? Salaries? Work/life balance? 4. Is this program reputable? Are the faculty engaged in clinical practice? Are the faculty academically productive in this clinical area? What is the certification exam pass rate? Where are graduates employed? 5. How is the clinical specialty content integrated with the DNP coursework? What are examples of the final DNP projects in this area? Course of Study Core Courses that all students take Electives DNP Project or PhD Dissertation Chandler & Shea 4

5 How To Be a Successful Doctoral Student Manage your own doctoral program; it s your degree Create synergy among opportunities such as course papers and other projects Strategically prioritize opportunities to prevent being spread too thin without time to think Foster continuous interactions with advisor: don t hide Actively seek constructive criticism and assistance; don t wait Cultivate personal assets and leverage them with faculty and colleagues Plan a doable DNP project or PhD dissertation Work hard to be an excellent student Successful Online Learners Self- motivated and independent learners Learn from small group discussions Tend to be visual and cognitive learners rather than auditory/kinesthetic and emotional learners Manage frustration and find options when technology does not work Flexible Enjoy trying out new teaching methods and technology, can professionally work with persons with divergent ideas Application Process: References Choose people who can speak about your: Nursing competency Dependability Integrity Leadership potential Q Quality of written/oral communication Maturity Motivation/Initiative Intellectual capability DNP applicants = clinical practice PhD applicants = research interests Chandler & Shea 5

6 Application Process: Writing Essays Doctoral students must possess a strong writing ability: Ability to present thoughts ht in a logical, l sequential, and analytical manner Ability to properly cite outside sources Ability to use proper grammar and syntax Application Process: Preparing for Interview Interview s are often by invitation. If asked to interview the most successful applicants are individuals who come prepared by: Doing background research on school and program. Know the faculty you may want to work with Reviewing your own interests/goals/qualifications and be prepared to talk about them Anticipating questions about any weaknesses in your application Take the perspective of the faculty member: What will you contribute to their graduate program? Why should you be accepted? What sets you apart from other applicants? Anticipating questions and rehearse potential answers Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Your degree! This is your graduate program, pick a place that fits, people you d like to work with, courses that meet your goals and a project that will build towards your future. DNP and PhD programs: DNP and PhD programs: Chandler & Shea 6

7 Take care of yourself Look at this opportunity through an Appreciative Inquiry lens, ask yourself, what gives you energy about this process? What is exciting? Know that to be empowered it takes good relationships to provide you with the right information, the right support, the right resources and the right opportunities. Writing to learn and learning to write are key. Consider the classics: Lamott, A. (1994) Bird by bird. NY: Anchor Books Elbow, P. (1973). Writing without teachers. London: Oxford University Press References Lamott, A. (1994). Bird by bird. NY: Anchor Books Elbow, P. (1973). Writing without teachers. London: Oxford University Press Chandler & Shea 7