Topic: The Doctor of Nursing Practice; Title: Difficult Professional Choices: Deciding Between the PhD and the DNP

Although the PhD has been the traditional doctoral degree in nursing, nurses now have a choice between that degree and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. An Internet-based exploratory survey of DNP students (n= 69) investigated the motivation of nurses to pursue doctoral education, factors that influenced the decision between the two degrees, rationale for choosing the DNP program, and career plans after graduation. A majority reported considering the PhD but decided the DNP would be more appropriate for their professional and personal goals. Nursing education was ranked as an important career intention for 55% of respondents, dispelling the concern that the DNP will increase the shortage of nursing faculty. The results indicate that the DNP degree is a desirable option for clinically oriented nurses considering doctoral education and provides nurses with a choice of educational pathways for their professional careers. Citation: Loomis, J., Willard, B., Cohen, J., (December 22, 2006). "Difficult Professional Choices: Deciding Between the PhD and the DNP in Nursing". OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Vol. 12 No. 1. Available: Key words: