I completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) about a year ago from DeSales University in Center Valley, PA. Along the way I read some quite helpful books for DNP students.

I’ve received a bunch of emails from readers asking for advice on whether or not to return to school for a DNP. In response, I have gathered a list of the best books written for the advanced practice nurse in the “contemplation” and “preparation” stage of pursuing a DNP (like what I did there with the stages of change?). In short – this is a list of books for DNP students or prospective students.  If there are any other good books out there that I missed, please email me and let me know.

I recommend picking at least one book to read before making the jump into your DNP. Order it, check it out, and see if it interests you. This will give you a good sense of whether a DNP is the right path for you! Enjoy!

The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Guidebook for Role Development and Professional Issues

By Lisa Chism

PictureSummary: The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Guidebook for Role Development and Professional Issues is a comprehensive guidebook for role development of the DNP student. This text covers potential roles of the DNP graduate, including leader, clinician, educator, ethical consultant, and health policy advocate. The Third Edition also addresses professional issues, such as the title of doctor, educating others about the degree, making the decision to pursue the DNP degree and marketing oneself as a DNP. The future of the DNP degree is also discussed.

 

Role Development for the Nurse Practitioner

By Julie Stewart & Susan DeNisco

PictureSummary: Role Development for the Nurse Practitioner is an integral text that guides students in their transition from the role of registered nurse to nurse practitioner. The text provides a comprehensive framework for interactive discussions on the role of the nurse practitioner, giving students a full understanding of the skills and knowledge needed for this dynamic profession. The authors cover the history of the nurse practitioner role while weaving in the AACN Master’s Essentials and Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials.

 

 

Nurse Practitioners: The Evolution and Future of Advanced Practice 

By Eileen Sullivan-Marx, Diane McGivern, Julie Fairman, & Sherry Greenberg

PictureSummary: This fifth edition discusses the evolution and future of advanced practice nursing, primarily for APN faculty and APN/NP practitioners as well as for leaders and administrators in education. Nurse Practitioners: The Evolution and Future of Advanced Practice is fully updated and expanded, the book comprehensively describes the historical, social, economic, and global contexts of advanced practice nursing. The team of expert contributors provides a wealth of insight into key issues of the day, such as the mechanics of financial recognition of NPs, the effects of managed care, and the globalization of advanced practice models.

 

Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice

By Michael Dreher & Mary Ellen Glasgow

PictureSummary: Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice presents a distinctive two-part chapter organization that provides content followed by one or more Reflective Responses, which consist of commentaries that may counter or support the opinions of each chapter author. Written by well-known DNP leaders representing the diverse roles and experience of academics, administrators, and practitioners from different DNP programs, these Reflective Responses are thought-provoking. This stimulating and provocative text presents issues germane to DNP education, core competencies, and unfolding role development.

DNP Capstone Projects: Exemplars of Excellence 

By Barbara Anderson, Joyce Knestrick, & Rebecca Barroso

PictureSummary: With a unique focus on exemplary, completed DNP capstone projects, this book delivers key information on designing, constructing, and completing a high-quality capstone project. It demonstrates the impact that a well-conceived capstone project can have on facilitating change and addresses all program, administrative, policy, and clinical issues that DNP students may encounter during the capstone process. DNP Capstone Projects: Exemplars of Excellence examines a variety of capstone projects from across the U.S. including quality improvement projects, strategic plans, advocacy, clinical case narratives, and other innovations.

Philosophies & Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice

By Janie Butts & Karen Rich

PictureSummary: Why not start diving into the philosophy of practice now? Philosophies and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice was developed as an essential resource for advance practice students. This text is appropriate for students needing an introductory understanding of philosophy and how a theory is constructed. This edition (2nd) discusses the AACN DNP essentials which is critical for DNP students as well as PhD students who need a better understanding of the DNP-educated nurse’s role.

 

DNP Education, Practice, & Policy

By Stephanie Ahmed, Linda Andrist, Sheila Davis, & Valerie Fuller

PictureSummary: The text focuses on the educational requirements of DNPs engaged in the arenas of leadership, health care policy, and information technology. It covers the growth and development of the DNP role, particularly in the context of contemporary healthcare challenges. With a focus on the Capstone Project, the DNP Education, Practice, & Policy addresses the relationship of the DNP role to ongoing scholarship. It covers three important essentials of the DNP curriculum including evidence-based practice, health information technology, and outcomes measurement. 

 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

By Katherine Moran, Rosanne Burson, & Dianne Conrad

PictureSummary: This text develops a process and framework for completing the Scholarly Project in an effective and efficient manner. The Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project helps DNP students through every step of their Scholarly Project. It includes action plans recommending next steps, concept maps highlighting the stages of the DNP Scholarly Project, interviews with practicing DNPs, and sidebars from thought leaders and experts from the field to help readers make the most of their Scholarly Project. My advice? Start thinking about your project before you even apply.

 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials

By Mary Zaccagnini & Kathryn White

PictureSummary: This is the first text of its kind and is modeled after the eight DNP Essentials as outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing(AACN). Each section discusses the materials relevant to an element of the Essentials document and advises on the steps necessary to fulfill the requirements of the degree. The text is written for current DNP students as well as those considering the degree program. It also serves as a fantastic reference for professionals and those who have already completed a DNP program. The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials is a must read!

 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice 
the Nurse Executive Role

By Al Rundio & Virginia Wilson

PictureSummary: Crucial topics in leadership and personal and organizational success are addressed, using current concrete examples in nursing management. This is a unique, indispensable tool for nursing educators, current nurse executives, and those planning on taking up the nurse executive role. Suitable as a reference for both clinical and classroom use, The Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Nurse Executive Role will take seasoned nursing professionals and future leaders of the profession on a an educational journey