The Doctor of Nursing Practice provides information regarding the DNP degree and related role and professional topics. This unique reference includes chapters on the discussion of the evolution of doctoral education in nursing and the development of the DNP, rationale for the development of the DNP degree including relevant discussion of the American Association of Colleges of Nurse's (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice Nursing, the AACN's Position Paper on the DNP, and the Institute of Medicine's Report calling for higher education among health care professionals. This book also discusses the various roles of the DNP prepared advanced practice nurse including researcher, health policy advocate and nurse leader.