DNP and PhD scholarship: Making the case for collaboration.

Abstract

The Institute of Medicine calls for meaningful collaboration between doctor of nursing practice (DNP)- and doctor of philosophy (PhD)-prepared nurses to improve health outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to answer the questions: 1) how do Colleges of Nursing influence DNP and PhD collaboration for faculty and students? 2) how does DNP and PhD collaboration in an academic setting impact health care practices and patient outcomes? Two examples of DNP and PhD collaboration (one faculty and one student) are presented. Shared faculty responsibilities and a supportive organizational culture influenced collaboration between faculty and students. Research and practice roles can complement and strengthen each other while improving health outcomes. Colleges of Nursing should build processes and culture that encourage faculty and students to collaborate across doctoral programs. Successful intraprofessional collaboration has the potential to positively impact healthcare quality, and outcomes, while advancing the nursing profession.