Exploring the Scholarly Value and Impact of DNP-Prepared Nurses Through the Lens of Nursing Leaders

Authors

Katherine Moran, Author Affiliations: Associate Professor (Dr Moran), Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Graduate Medical Education Simulation Lab Program Manager (Dr Beebe), Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover, Delaware; Researcher (Dr Corrigan), Centre for eIntegrated Care, Dublin City University, Ireland; Associate Professor and Interim Dean (Dr Manderscheid) and Retired Associate Professor (Dr Conrad), Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Associate Professor, Director of Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects (Dr Kesten), The George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Sarah L. Beebe
Catherine Corrigan
Amy Manderscheid
Dianne Conrad
Karen S. Kesten

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2-1-2025

Journal

The Journal of nursing administration

Volume

55

Issue

2

DOI

10.1097/NNA.0000000000001537

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore organizational nursing leaders' perceptions of impact, value, and support for doctor of nursing practice (DNP)-prepared nurses engaging in practice scholarship. BACKGROUND: DNP nurses are educated to lead change at the system level and direct practice-based initiatives to enhance health outcomes. Organizational support and the value of DNP scholarship need to be better understood. METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional survey of organizational nursing leaders (N = 87) who participated in hiring or interacting with DNP-prepared nurses was implemented. RESULTS: More than half of the organizational nursing leaders reported that scholarship competencies were integrated into DNP-prepared nurses' job descriptions, yet almost half reported no time allotment for scholarship activities. Respondents reported that the highest impact of the DNP-prepared nurse was on the quality of care, and the greatest value reported was the implementation of evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives, the development of innovative roles, and as change agents. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent organizational support for DNP-prepared nurses to engage in practice scholarship could maximize the value and impact of these highly educated nurses on healthcare systems and health outcomes.

APA Citation

Moran, Katherine; Beebe, Sarah L.; Corrigan, Catherine; Manderscheid, Amy; Conrad, Dianne; and Kesten, Karen S., "Exploring the Scholarly Value and Impact of DNP-Prepared Nurses Through the Lens of Nursing Leaders" (2025). GW Authored Works. Paper 6668.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/6668

Department

Nursing Faculty Publications