Nurses taking advantage of doctoral education

BY VALERY MCKNIGHT

In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) called for a change in the education required for professional nurses who will practice at the most advanced level of nursing. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is now recognized as the highest level of preparation for clinical nursing that focuses on the aspects of a disease process and provides education in evidence-based practice and quality improvement.

The DNP also provides advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse administrators, with the knowledge and skill for providing innovative leadership to the profession and for ensuring high quality health care across all settings to patients, families, communities and populations.

After the completion of their DNP programs in the spring and fall of 2015, these nurses can hold local, national and international leadership positions and respond to the public’s health needs by developing and adhering to the highest standards of nursing care.

Charrita Ernewein

Family Nurse Practitioner earned her Master of Science in Nursing from South University. She is a member of the National Association of School Nurses, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also served in the United States Air Force as a family advocacy nurse.

Joyce McCray 

Healthcare Administrator earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix & a Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing Education from the University of South University. She is a member of the Florida Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Latina Williams

Assistant Professor of Nursing earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Mercer University. She is a member of the Society of Pediatric Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Congratulations to the three of you in advance.