Post the following:
A brief explanation of your personal motivations and goals in pursuing the DNP degree.
A description of the expectations and role of a nurse with a practice doctorate and how they may differ from those of a nurse with a research doctorate.
A description of how, as a DNP-prepared nurse, you hope to address an organization’s quality improvement needs by attending to a gap in practice or implementing a practice change. Include any previous experiences you have had in addressing a gap in practice or a practice change within an organization.
Sample Answer
Personal Motivations and Goals
My personal motivation for pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree stems from a profound desire to bridge the persistent gap I have observed between research and clinical practice. Throughout my years at the bedside, I've seen countless instances where evidence-based findings from research papers do not make it into the daily routine of patient care. A practice change is often met with the sentiment, "This is the way we've always done it," a barrier that I feel can only be effectively overcome by a leader with a specific skill set.
My primary goal in pursuing the DNP is to become such a leader—a clinical scholar who can translate evidence into tangible, sustainable improvements in patient care and organizational systems. I aim to develop a deep understanding of systems-level thinking, quality improvement frameworks, and the complex process of organizational change. My ultimate goal is not to produce new research in a lab, but to be an expert practitioner who can evaluate the best available evidence and lead my peers in its implementation to enhance both patient outcomes and the professional practice environment.