Shifting grounds: Effects of the DNP on graduate public health nursing education

Background & Issues: Advanced practice nursing education experienced a seismic shift when the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) changed graduate nursing education by creating the Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). In 2006, the AACN deemed entry into advanced practice by 2015 would require a DNP. Additionally, to be accredited through AACN, nursing programs must meet the new essentials for baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. What are the ramifications of these changes for community/public health nursing education, for addressing the public's health, as well as for ensuring social justice and equity for vulnerable populations? Description: During the past 5 years, the number of nursing schools offering a DNP program has rapidly increased. Considering the proliferation of programs since 2009 and the 2015 deadline for the APRN-DNP requirement, the number of schools offering a DNP is expected to continue to grow. How will this rapid DNP expansion affect community/population health graduate nursing education? Lessons Learned: The 2007 ACHNE list of nursing programs offering a Master's in community/public health nursing was utilized to examine the influence of the DNP on population health. Results focus on changes in Master's community/public health offerings compared to DNP offerings during the five year period. Recommendations: Implications of these results for PHNs interested in graduate education as well as faculty who teach in these programs are addressed. Although analysis of future trends in workforce planning indicates shortages in the public health arena, the direction for university-educated nurses seems to unjustly privilege preparation of primary care providers.