The DNP: Knowledge and perceptions of students in an accelerated master’s program in nursing

While the nursing community generally agrees that the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree will strengthen nursing as an academic discipline, there is little known about students’ perceptions of the advanced degree. Nursing students enrolled in an accelerated master’s program in nursing (N = 45) were surveyed to assess their knowledge of the DNP degree while also identifying the perceived effect a DNP might have on their careers, on nursing as a discipline, and on public perceptions of nursing practice. In this study, 51% of participants supported the transition to the DNP as the standard degree for practice nursing while 29% were opposed. The majority of participants (71%) planned to pursue an advanced practice nursing degree/certification with 81% of this group signifying that they would do so even if a DNP is required. The majority of participants agreed that the DNP will improve public perception of advanced practice nursing, but 71% thought the title of “doctor” would confuse patients. While current nursing students are generally informed of the upcoming DNP transition, there is disagreement regarding its implications for their careers and for the extent of public understanding.

护理硕士专业学位研究生安全行为现状及影响因素分析

目的了解护理硕士专业学位研究生安全行为现状及影响因素,为提高其安全行为表现提供参考。方法便利选取48所高校的265名护理硕士专业学位研究生,采用一般资料调查表、安全行为量表、中文版实习护生患者安全态度和职业素养问卷、护理专业自我概念量表进行调查。结果护理硕士专业学位研究生安全行为总均分4.17±0.51、患者安全态度和职业素养总均分3.71±0.47,护理专业自我概念总均分2.83±0.35。患者安全态度和职业素养、护理专业自我概念与安全行为呈正相关(均P<0.01)。年级、患者安全态度和职业素养、护理专业自我概念是护理硕士专业学位研究生安全行为的影响因素(P<0.05,P<0.01),可解释其总变异的35.5%。结论护理硕士专业学位研究生安全行为表现较好,但有待进一步提高。护理教育者应特别重视低年级研究生的安全行为表现,采取针对性教育策略培养和提升其安全行为。