The world and its people seem to be in a state of upheaval. In the midst of unfathomable natural disasters across the globe, unending violence in homes and the streets, the unrelenting aggression seen in war, and uncompromising views and actions of people, where do we as part of humankind find the strength to continue forward and maintain hope for a promising future? Most likely during the years of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt is credited with saying, "We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon." And a quotation from a lesser-known person, Cathy Hake, RN, reads, "The nursing profession is built on hope-the hope that things can and will get better. The Christian nurse has the ultimate hope, because she works with her hand in God's."1 I have no doubt that the latter quote also applies to nurses who do not identify with a Christian faith. I personally rely on faith and the understanding of my purpose as a nurse to make it through the times when I question, "Why did I want to be a nurse?" Introspection is magnified during challenging or questioning times with more intense emotional responses. As a reader, author, and editor, I find hope in what nursing has accomplished and the value it continues to demonstrate. Words are a powerful way to make a difference, evidenced by the scholarship we present this month.
DNP scholarship
Our April issue annually includes a special recognition of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholarship. Articles written by DNP-prepared NPs and other APRNs or DNP program faculty are featured. This year's articles address two clinical topics: mpox (monkeypox) and dementia with Lewy bodies; two practice topics: a model colorectal surgery NP fellowship and increasing relative value units (RVUs); and a DNP project on individualized diet conversations. Advancing the scholarship of NP practice is an expected competency for DNP graduates. As graduates disseminate their work, they show other healthcare professionals, employers, and the public how DNP advanced education, training, and skills translate into improving healthcare for everyone. Graduates can demonstrate scholarship through publications; public speaking; presentations at conferences; creating videos, podcasts, or other media; and advocacy activities. Each year I hear less the question, "What is the difference between a DNP and PhD degree?" I have often repeated to DNP students that everyone must notice a difference in how they practice after graduation. However, not everyone has been privileged enough to have contact with a DNP-prepared NP; therefore, sharing the experience of practice through publication is an ideal way of increasing awareness of the possibilities, challenges, successes, and future of clinical doctoral education for nurses.
More this month
April 7, 2023 is World Health Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates the vision of improving public health for everyone everywhere with its 75th anniversary on this day; the theme is "Health For All." Upon reflection, NP master's and DNP graduates offer hope for a promising future of health equity-increased access to care, higher quality of care, and improved health outcomes, not restricted by location, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education level, insurance status, or any other social determinant of health. NPs have been a constant force in providing care to the most vulnerable populations among us. Despite the challenges presented by a world seemingly in upheaval, NPs are stronger than ever, are continuing to move forward in numbers and strength, and are here to stay. Help spread the word: #HealthForAll #WHO75.
Continue your own NP education by joining us April 19-21 for the National Conference for Nurse Practitioners (NCNP) virtual event. Share what you learn:#NCNPconf.
Jamesetta A. Newland, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, DPNAP, FAAN
Editor-in-Chief mailto:[email protected]
REFERENCE