Module 1: Leadership and the Doctorate of Nursing PracticeQUESTION #4: Doctoral Education Research or PracticeCrossing the Quality Path: A New Health System for the 21st Century(IOM, 2001) highlights that safety and quality of care problems exist largely due to a lack of adequately trained staff and an unsupportive system, when these are in practice. In 2002, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing developed a Practice Doctoral Task Force and published a DNP position statement calling for a transformative change in the training required for nurse practitioners who will practice at the most advanced level. As of 2008 there were 113 research-focused doctoral (PhD) programs and 92 practice-focused (DNP) doctoral degrees, there are plans to implement an additional 102 DNP programs throughout the USA PhD: Doctoral Program Prepares the Nurse scholar to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundations of nursing practice and health care delivery. Possess knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological and analytical approaches that will enable you to conduct research to discover and apply knowledge in nursing science and healthcareDNP: Patient health/disease state managementThe nurse-patient relationshipThe instructional coaching functionProfessional role and leadershipManaging and negotiating healthcare delivery and outcomesMonitoring and quality assurance of healthcare practiceCulturally sensitive careBecause of this gap we can look at concerns about DNP which fall into three categories: education, economics and practiceThe debateEducation: the position of 'AACN......middle of paper......argaret Flinter, Vice President and Clinical Director of FQHC believes that without an institutional practice-based residency, DNP is unable to enter and undertake an independent practice of which is fully accountable, its statement that residency training followed by an educational program allows academic education to be translated into clinical practice that is safe and provides high-quality care. Recognition of the gap that exists between research findings and their application to practice is growing, DNPs must be able to translate newly discovered relevant scientific knowledge into their healthcare delivery and navigate the healthcare system to improve patient outcome. Both training paths complement each other, from research to practice, collaboration is an essential skill for all researchers and practitioners in 21st century healthcare.