What Is the DNP Scope of Practice? Overview and FAQ
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scope of practice is determined by several factors, including state laws and certification type. Nurses who have earned a DNP may also have advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure, and could work in a range of roles.
Because there’s a great deal of variety in what DNP-prepared nurses do in their jobs, there’s also a wide range of laws and regulations they follow in practice. In this article, we’ll go into more depth regarding the role of DNP-prepared nurses, explain the duties they may be authorized to perform, and provide tips to help your team provide safe and effective patient care.
What Is a DNP? Title Definition and Overview
The title Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) refers to an academic degree, not a type of nursing license.These nurses often work as nurse practitioners (NPs) and follow the NP scope of practice. Nurses with this doctorate nursing degree may also work in the following roles:
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
These specialty areas have specific professional boundaries. DNP degree programs can also prepare nurses to serve as nurse leaders in non-clinical roles.
Doctoral Degree Career Paths for Nurses
You may be wondering, What does a DNP do on a daily basis? The work that a DNP-prepared nurse does depends on the career path they’ve pursued. While CRNAs specialize in anesthesia administration, CNMs provide holistic care for women, with a focus on family planning, childbirth, and postpartum care. Many DNP-prepared nurses work in administrative roles, serving as facility leaders.
DNP Scope of Practice: FAQs
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest clinical degree a nurse can earn. Individuals who hold this degree may also obtain APRN credentials. DNP-prepared clinicians can work in a variety of settings and often serve as:
- Clinical leaders
- Facility administrators
- Educators
- Nursing Managers
- Informaticists
Like other nursing degrees, the daily duties, tasks, and responsibilities of DNP-prepared nurses vary depending on the role they serve. The specific rules that govern the professional practice of DNP-educated nurses depend on their clinical role.
Understanding these regulations is essential to maintaining regulatory compliance. While the intricacies of each state’s nursing laws make it challenging to generalize practice guidelines, we’ll broadly answer some frequently asked questions pertaining to a DNP-prepared nurse’s legal scope.
What is the DNP scope of practice?
Nurses who have earned their DNP degree will have a scope of practice if they’re practicing in a clinical capacity. When this is the case, their scope will be aligned with their area of specialization. For example, a CRNA will be expected to abide by the professional boundaries related to safe and appropriate anesthesia administration.
What is the scope of practice for DNP-prepared specialized nurse practitioners?
Many DNP-prepared nurses work as specialized nurse practitioners, in areas such as:
- Family (FNP)
- Acute care (ACNP)
- Neonatal (NNP)
In this case, their scope of practice falls within the scope of general NPs. However, the extra training they’ve earned qualifies them for additional leadership and management responsibilities.
According to AANP scope of practice guidelines, DNP-prepared nurses serving in specialized NP roles are responsible for:
- Providing team leadership.
- Spearheading systemwide evidence-based practice (EBP) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives.
- Conducting research aimed at improving patient outcomes.
- Developing healthcare policies that promote patient safety and staff wellness.
- Collaborating with other members of the multidisciplinary team to develop care plans.
- Incorporating health technology and informatics into patient care strategies.
What regulations shape a DNP-prepared nurse’s scope of practice?
The rules that govern the professional practice of DNP-prepared nurses come from a combination of state laws and professional organization guidelines. The three main documents that outline the roles and responsibilities of DNP-educated APRNs are listed in the table below:
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This document outlines the requirements for practicing as an APRN in the U.S. APRN Consensus Model regulations outline the professional roles, education, accreditation, licensure, and certification of all nursing professionals who have earned a Master’s Degree of Nursing (MSN) or higher. |
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These regulations outline the clinical responsibilities of all master’s, post-master’s, and doctoral level nursing professionals. It reviews patient care priorities for DNP-prepared nurses and other APRNs. |
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Each state and U.S. territory is required to develop their own Nurse Practice Act to govern nursing practice. These laws outline the rules, delegation responsibilities, and licensure requirements for nursing professionals (LPNs, RNs, and APRNs) practicing in that state. |
What are the differences in DNP scope of practice by state?
As mentioned in the table above, each board of nursing independently governs its own professionals and outlines the unique duties, responsibilities, and rules that pertain to its specific APRNs. While most of these state documents contain similar licensure requirements and rules surrounding practice, each lists unique delegation responsibilities and penalties for law violation.
Nurse Practice Acts hold clinicians accountable for the type and quality of care they provide. Be sure to review your state’s Nurse Practice Act for more details on the unique legal scope of DNP-prepared nurses who practice as APRNs in your state.
Is a DNP a doctor?
The degree “Doctor of Nursing Practice” can be confusing. Many individuals may think this is a type of provider who offers the same level of clinical care as a medical doctor (MD) or physician. However, these terms are not synonymous and describe completely different clinical roles.
A DNP might be referred to as a doctor in academic settings, because they’ve obtained a doctorate degree. In clinical settings, however, the title “doctor” is not advised because it can be confusing for patients and coworkers.
DNP vs. MD scope of practice: What are the differences?
The main difference between DNP-prepared nurses and MDs is their approach to patient care. DNP-prepared nurses working in clinical settings provide holistic and person-centered care, while the MD scope is more disease-centered and focuses on diagnostics. Additionally, DNP-educated APRNs may work in administrative or leadership roles, whereas most MDs work in patient-facing positions and provide direct clinical care.
Stay Up to Date On the Latest Healthcare Regulations
Understanding the DNP scope of practice is the first step to ensuring your team practices safely and effectively. Looking for more support with your compliance efforts? Our healthcare industry guides are designed to keep you in the know.