What IS scholarship for Nurse Practitioners

The importance of nursing research to enhance the health of the nation is well established. However, the meaning of scholarship and role of research for nurse practitioners is still evolving. Now is the time to more clearly define NP scholarship. Relevant documents published by professional organizations involved in advanced nursing practice and education will help guide this process.

Scholarship for NPs is different than the scholarship of nurse researchers, but equally important. Areas of NP scholarship involve practice and service as well as research. In practice NPs provide innovations to improve care and care delivery for patients, families, and communities. NPs provide service for patients and agencies within communities where they practice and/or teach. NPs conduct research to address issues related to clinical practice and patient care, community health, NP education, and NP history.

Due to the proliferation of DNP programs and the shortage of nursing faculty, some DNP prepared nurses will be needed to fill faculty roles. These individuals will play an important role in enhancing NP scholarship for students, graduate programs and the nursing profession. The importance of NP scholarship is growing. With the increased recognition of the importance of the DNP role as well as the recent IOM recommendations to remove barriers to full nursing practice, the need for quality education for NPs will continue to grow. Scholarship is surely a component of that education.

Similar to a newly discovered oil field, rich with potential, the promotion of NP scholarship could provide a rich source of research opportunity, as yet untapped. NPs traditionally do not consider themselves researchers; however, they have access to the populations where research is applied. NPs are often on the front-line in translating research evidence into practice. DNP students often conduct or assist with Translational Research which is recognized by NIH and NINR as an important area for funding.

During this presentation participants will be invited to share their ideas about the meaning of scholarship for NPs and how NP scholarship can be enhanced. A discussion of the role of NONPF in defining and promoting NP scholarship also will be invited.