The healthcare sector is in desperate need of more graduates from Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs. They are the officers, educators and executives who are required to ensure that medical care provision in the U.S. keeps pace with the increasing demands placed on it.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that the growth rate in DNP vacancies in the decade to 2031 will be an incredible 45%. The reasons are varied and include the way that these advanced nursing professions are able to fill gaps left by a shortage of physicians. DNP graduates are also at the forefront of the work to address the healthcare needs of an aging population.
So, where are those advanced nursing professionals going to come from?
The answer could be parents returning to work after a break in their nursing careers or parents who are ready and able to orchestrate online learning alongside their family and job commitments.
Why are parents in a strong position to fulfill these roles?
There are many ways that parenthood prepares you for DNP studies and leadership careers in nursing. For example, the process of gaining qualifications while raising children is the perfect illustration of your transferable time management and organizational skills.
Parenting is also an experience that enhances your empathy, resilience and problem-solving abilities, which are highly prized attributes for advanced nurse practitioners. You could even list conflict resolution, crisis management and negotiation skills as personal abilities enhanced by being a parent.
You are certainly in a good position to argue that your life experience as a parent makes you a strong candidate for roles when an ability to communicate with patients of all ages is paramount.
Also, parents have the opportunity to impress would-be recruiters for nursing officer posts with their passion for change and improvement in nursing, as evidenced by their DNP studies.
Focusing on what matters to you
The concept of ‘having it all’ as a parent has been largely debunked. However, it has been replaced by the belief that it is practical to focus on your own personal and professional goals at the same time as raising children.
This is a more realistic juggling act and involves setting priorities, careful timing and support from various sources. It involves a clear set of aims that matter to you individually rather than the pursuit of being good at ‘everything’ at the same time.
When balancing parenting with investing in your career, you certainly need determination and commitment. This can be underpinned by the knowledge that advancing in your chosen profession benefits your whole family as well as you personally.
The rewards of pursuing your DNP
The hard work – and any sacrifices you make – to gain your advanced nursing status will become worthwhile when you are in a position to apply for attractive jobs with higher salaries and other benefits.
Graduates with DNP qualifications are ideally placed to apply for roles with leadership or educational responsibilities in healthcare. This can mean more regular and consistent work patterns and less shift work, for example. You are also in a far stronger position to negotiate for hours that fit around your family’s schedule and needs.
So, enrolling in a DNP program as a parent is not only a professional step in the right direction but also a way of achieving an even better work-life balance in nursing.
Fortunately, online qualification programs are now available and can make it far easier to fit DNP studies around your job and family time compared to concentrated, in-person study options. Online programs also enable students to learn at their own pace, which can be imperative when parenting depletes not just your time but also your energy levels.
Six easy steps to make DNP graduation more assured
Parents may now be asking themselves, should I get a DNP? Baylor University offers the exciting opportunity to pursue a DNP degree remotely, with a wealth of expert support. This includes a mix of both online advanced learning and skill development alongside crucial experience and mentoring.
The next consideration is likely to be the practicalities of completing your DNP as a parent. Here are some insights on how this can be achieved:
- Firstly, take advantage of the mentoring and general educational support offered by Baylor University. This is designed to make the degree process as streamlined and successful as possible. It is also highly recommended that you engage with your peers on your DNP course, as this can be a wonderful source of support and motivation.
- Also, keep in contact with your DNP program tutors and be ready to be transparent when asking for additional help.
- The next thing to consider is having a strong plan for how you are going to manage your time and energy. It is important to be organized, with enough scheduled slots for 100% focus on your studies.
- The plan you create may well need space in your home so that you can progress your studies uninterrupted, with all the technology and other equipment required.
- Getting enough support from your partner and other helpers is vital. Also, additional childcare could prove to be a wise investment in getting yourself much higher up your nursing career ladder.
- Keep in mind that there may be ways to get financial help to pursue DNP programs. This includes potential support from your existing employer, who may also allow paid vacations for your studies.
A realistic goal
Even with a great support system and learning plan in place, completing your DNP degree program will involve hard work and some forms of sacrifice. This means that you must also schedule enough self-care into your busy week. When your nursing career involves advanced leadership roles, the personal job satisfaction and financial rewards will make every bit of this ‘juggling’ worthwhile.
