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American Journal of Critical Care. 2005;14: 471
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LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

To the Editors:

I read with interest your editorial on the doctor of nursing practice. As an advanced practice nurse with a PhD, I am one of the very few who has been able to successfully blend a research degree with clinical practice. Most of my colleagues with PhDs have found comfort in the world of academia and have chosen to focus on research and teaching. In fact, having been a faculty member, I struggled for some time with the notion that academia is where I should return.

However, since then I have come to terms with my true strengths: the ability to make a difference as an advanced practice nurse and promote clinical research at the same time. I completed my MSN in 1981 and started my first job as a clinical nurse specialist in critical care. In those days, the role was quite new, and I spent my first 2 years explaining to nearly everyone in my path just exactly what was a clinical nurse specialist and my job duties. Since that time, all of the advanced practice nursing roles have evolved into respected and valued members of the health team.

I am pleased that a doctorate is being considered as the entry into advanced practice. However, I am concerned about perceptions of our team members and the public as well. Because of the fundamental nature of the PhD as a research degree, I cannot suggest that it be considered as the terminal degree for advanced practice nurses. I am suggesting, however, that if we consider a clinical doctorate in nursing that there be only 1 type of clinical doctorate, whatever we choose to call it. Most of our nursing colleagues do not know the differences between any of the nursing doctorate degrees: DNP, DNSc, DNS, DSN, DN, and ND. I am embarrassed to admit that I don’t know the differences either. I wouldn’t want our advanced practice nurses of the future to struggle with public confusion as we all have struggled with the entry into practice issue.

Linda L. Morris, PhD, APN, CCNS
Chicago, Ill





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