The journey to the DNP program and beyond: what can we learn from pharmacy?

Advanced practice nursing has been elevated to a new level with the introduction of the DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice). One of the justifications for its implementation is the promotion of parity between nurses and other health care providers who require a practice doctorate. Concerns surrounding parity, the ability of DNP-prepared nurses to affect health care outcomes, equitable salary issues, and the DNP program's effect on the academic PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) program have been expressed. The purpose of this analysis is to explore these issues using pharmacy as an example for implementing a practice doctorate. Similarities and differences between the professions are examined, and lessons that nursing can learn from pharmacy are discussed.