A difference of degrees

I was surprised to read in the latest ACNM newsletter, an update on the Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree development. I had never heard of this. I did a little searching around and learned that advance practice nurses have an several degrees available to them:

1. M.S. or M.S.N or M.S.N.P. (Master of Science, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing Practice): masters degrees and training as a nurse practitioner

2. Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy): doctoral degree, the traditional preparation for research and academic posts

3. DrNP or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice also known as the Practice Doctorate in Nursing): "Graduates will be experts in designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating health care delivery systems and will be prepared to lead at the highest clinical and executive ranks."

The first two of these I'm familiar with. Nurse practitioners have their master's degree. Nursing scholars often have a Ph.D. in addition to their master's training.

But what of this "Practice Doctorate?" Case Western Reserve University's web site best explains the reasoning for the DNP:

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP) is a practice doctorate, similar in concept to practice doctorates in other professions such as medicine (M.D.), law (J.D.) and dentistry (D.D.M.).

Individuals with practice doctorates are the most highly educated and qualified practitioners in their fields. Instead of focusing primarily on research and teaching, like those with Ph.D.'s within their fields, those with practice doctorates use their education and expertise in leaderships roles on the front lines of their profession.

I have to say I'm having a hard time seeing the vacant niche. What does the DNP offer that nurses couldn't get through Masters training? Aren't nurse practitioners already "the most highly educated and qualified practitioners in their fields?"

If one wants more clinical training than a nurse practitioner, it seems medical school is the appropriate next step. If one wants to enter management and administration, Public Heath programs offer tracks in Health Management and Health Administration.

Admittedly I have a bias against credentialling. I recoil at anyone but a physician referring to herself as "Doctor." This includes a friend with her D.P.H. and another with a Ph.D. I am offended by the listing of credentials in any setting other than the most conservative of professional venues (e.g. business cards).

The DNP looks to this outsider like nursing's attempt to legitimize itself relative to doctoring: "We can be 'doctors' too." And while I'm sympathetic -- nurses get far too little credit for what they do and know -- I think there is nothing wrong with proudly brandishing one's "CNM, M.S.N." credential when the need arises.

If there are nurses out there, especially DNPs, who can shed light on what the DNP degree provides that one can't find elsewhere, I would sincerely like to know. I suspect there must be some "value added." Otherwise Columbia University wouldn't proudly proclaim its status as the FIRST such program in the country. Please also correct any misinformation I put up about the other degree programs. This is a first, and admittedly less-than-expert, take on the matter.

--doulicia B.A., J.D., CD (DONA)