Characteristics of the DNP-prepared nurse
Becoming a DNP-prepared nurse offers many opportunities for advancement on a personal and
professional level. On a superficial level it opens doors to career opportunities in education,
practice, and research that may not otherwise be available to those without a doctorate. Since this
is a terminal degree, it shows a person’s commitment to furthering their education and striving to
provide the best care for patients and the communities in which they live and work. In addition,
pursuing a doctorate in nursing prepares nurses to become strong, decisive leaders who can
systematically analyze a situation, make complex decisions, and work toward improving
outcomes through evidence-based approaches. On a larger scale DNP-prepared nurses are
uniquely positioned to improve care and health outcomes through translating research into
practice. Critical thinking skills, strong clinical judgement, and valuable experience are also
gained through the rigorous journey DNP-prepared nurses undertake to achieve such a high level
of education. Overall, the level of knowledge and experience a DNP-prepared nurse obtains
serves themselves, their patients, their community, and the healthcare system as a whole.
National practice problem
The national practice problem that I am interested in examining more closely is obesity. I have
struggled with my weight my entire life, so in addition to seeing my patients face weight related
issues, it is of personal interest to me as well. According to Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (2021) the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. was 41.9% in 2020, steadily rising from
30.5% in 1999. During this same time severe obesity nearly doubled from 4.7% to 9.2%. In
addition, the financial burden of obesity was estimated to be around $173 billion dollars in 2019
and has only been increasing. Based on these numbers alone it is clear that obesity and the
subsequent health problems caused by it are of epidemic proportions in the U.S., making it an
issue that requires immediate attention.
It is a well-known fact that obesity is a risk factor that contributes to many serious disease
processes. Not only does it predispose a person to multiple long-term health issues, but it works
to decrease their quality of life and longevity. When looking at which risk factors drive the most
death and disability in the United States obesity related risk factors occupy six of the ten spots,
four of which are in the top five (GBD, 2019). While this is extremely concerning, imagine the
benefits of reducing obesity in patients and seeing six of the ten risk factors that cause the most
death and disability mitigated. Of course, obesity is a complex and multifaceted problem, which
makes addressing a specific aspect that drives change essential. One of the most impactful ways
that obesity can be managed is through diet and exercise. Although exercise is important for
cardiovascular health and helping to burn excess calories, implementing a healthy diet that is free
of excess calories and other harmful components is key. The American diet is notoriously high in
saturated fats, added sugar, high sodium, and excessive calories. All of these contribute to
increased weight, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and so on, which increases
related death and disability. Because of this I am specifically interested in examining how
improving diets among Americans can decrease obesity and its comorbidities, thus decreasing
related death and disability and improving health outcomes.
Becoming a DNP-prepared nurse offers many opportunities for advancement on a personal and
professional level. On a superficial level it opens doors to career opportunities in education,
practice, and research that may not otherwise be available to those without a doctorate. Since this
is a terminal degree, it shows a person’s commitment to furthering their education and striving to
provide the best care for patients and the communities in which they live and work. In addition,
pursuing a doctorate in nursing prepares nurses to become strong, decisive leaders who can
systematically analyze a situation, make complex decisions, and work toward improving
outcomes through evidence-based approaches. On a larger scale DNP-prepared nurses are
uniquely positioned to improve care and health outcomes through translating research into
practice. Critical thinking skills, strong clinical judgement, and valuable experience are also
gained through the rigorous journey DNP-prepared nurses undertake to achieve such a high level
of education. Overall, the level of knowledge and experience a DNP-prepared nurse obtains
serves themselves, their patients, their community, and the healthcare system as a whole.
National practice problem
The national practice problem that I am interested in examining more closely is obesity. I have
struggled with my weight my entire life, so in addition to seeing my patients face weight related
issues, it is of personal interest to me as well. According to Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (2021) the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. was 41.9% in 2020, steadily rising from
30.5% in 1999. During this same time severe obesity nearly doubled from 4.7% to 9.2%. In
addition, the financial burden of obesity was estimated to be around $173 billion dollars in 2019
and has only been increasing. Based on these numbers alone it is clear that obesity and the
subsequent health problems caused by it are of epidemic proportions in the U.S., making it an
issue that requires immediate attention.
It is a well-known fact that obesity is a risk factor that contributes to many serious disease
processes. Not only does it predispose a person to multiple long-term health issues, but it works
to decrease their quality of life and longevity. When looking at which risk factors drive the most
death and disability in the United States obesity related risk factors occupy six of the ten spots,
four of which are in the top five (GBD, 2019). While this is extremely concerning, imagine the
benefits of reducing obesity in patients and seeing six of the ten risk factors that cause the most
death and disability mitigated. Of course, obesity is a complex and multifaceted problem, which
makes addressing a specific aspect that drives change essential. One of the most impactful ways
that obesity can be managed is through diet and exercise. Although exercise is important for
cardiovascular health and helping to burn excess calories, implementing a healthy diet that is free
of excess calories and other harmful components is key. The American diet is notoriously high in
saturated fats, added sugar, high sodium, and excessive calories. All of these contribute to
increased weight, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and so on, which increases
related death and disability. Because of this I am specifically interested in examining how
improving diets among Americans can decrease obesity and its comorbidities, thus decreasing
related death and disability and improving health outcomes.
