246 ■ III: ROLE FUNCTIONS OF DOCTORAL ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE
In almost all cases, there was a general level of acceptance for the DNPs in their
roles despite some instances of misunderstanding and tension. Peers in the context of
the work setting were generally accepting of these individuals in their new roles, espe-
cially for the nurse executive and nurse educators.
Theme 2: The Emerging Feelings of Confi dence and Respect in the Role as a DNP
The second major shared theme from this study was feelings of confidence and
respect in the role as a DNP- prepared nurse. The majority of informants in the roles
of advance practice, nurse administrator, and nurse educator expressed confidence in
their current roles. One informant said: “It is satisfying I guess, because having the
doctorate, you do feel like more of a peer with the other colleagues with doctorates
on campus.” Another said, “It just feels like, I guess with the DNP degree, that doors
kind of opened up for me.” The degree has helped many of the informants feel well
prepared and confident about how they both perceive their role and how they work in
their role. One informant said, “I have become more open minded and I’m not afraid
to bring my ideas to the table.” Another informant reported that, “I think that having
a level of confidence and not being afraid to fail is important.” Some informants felt
that the degree and preparation have helped them feel more confident in a specific role
function such as evidence-based research. This is supported when one informant said,
“I do feel prepared for that— sometimes I surprise myself.”
Overall, the informants in this study felt that the DNP program prepared them
with a sense of confidence and empowerment for their current role. Many felt that they
perform their role well resulting in feeling respected— how they interact with peers,
patients, students, and others in their role. Many informants felt that they were well
prepared by their academic program to do their respective jobs. For many, it means that
the degree has helped them feel confident and respected. Many informants felt that
because they feel confident in their role currently, they will continue to grow and feel
more confident and respected in the future.
Theme 3: Finding a Settled Place in the Perceived Role of the DNP
The third major theme described by the informants in this study was finding a settled
place in the perceived role of the DNP- prepared nurse. This particular theme was evi-
dent in almost all the informants’ experiences as they described their current role as a
DNP. This shared theme is closely linked to themes one and two for many reasons. One
clear connection was the fact that many informants were involved in multiple roles in
their current role or primary and secondary jobs as a DNP. As found in the original
study (2011) it is as if the informants in the study were seeking to find the right fit for
their new- found confidence and a sense of being respected or valued by trying out a
variety of roles. One informant said, “It feels good. I think that I could do anything.”
One informant felt that she has always been confident as a nurse practitioner but that
her doctorate is giving her confidence to do well in any setting.
Informants in this study felt that they were originally seeking a place and a fit.
They felt more comfortable in their current roles. Institutions and peers have accepted
them in their role and they feel settled. This settled sense can be seen in the following
statement by several informants: “I think people value DNP. I think they respect it.
I think that when I am at the table with physicians, I think there is a sense of the play-
ing field a little more level.” Another informant said, “I think that the best thing I could
say is that I am doctorally prepared and I feel more confident and comfortable arguing
my points.”