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

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.