Doctors of Nursing Practice, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity corporation formed by a group of advanced practice nurses to enhance the profession and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to improve healthcare outcomes.

In 2005, a cohort of DNP students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing had a lively discussion in a Philosophy of Science course. The idea of creating a journal to address the informational needs of Advanced Practice Nurses seeking their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree was discussed.

In the fall of 2006, a group was formed to complete a course objective for a Leadership class. A business plan was developed and the need to move forward with the plan was evident to all. Doctors of Nursing Practice, LLC, now Doctors of Nursing Practice, Inc., was formed on November 21, 2006. Objectives and strategies for the growth of this site to meet the communication needs of professionals interested in this emerging degree were generated.

The first website opened on February 21, 2007. DNP, Inc. proudly displayed a poster at the First National Conference on The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Meanings and Models, Annapolis, Maryland, March 28-30, 2007. This conference was sponsored by Drexel University. We also presented at the Sigma Theta Tau 39th Biennial Conference, Baltimore, Maryland, November 2-7, 2007. By December 2007, the site was modified to allow for greater flexibility to meet the needs of the members registered on the site. Annual national conferences are an ongoing contribution to the discipline along with multiple services as can be found on this website.

Since the beginning years DNP Inc. has evolved to provide national conferences, continuing education, a repository of doctoral projects, DNP program listings, a foundation, and other services.  Long-term strategic plans continue to support the growth and development of nursing colleagues. It’s great to have you as a part of this process.

For a complete history of national and regional DNP conferences, click here.

Mission

The mission of Doctors of Nursing Practice, Inc. is to improve healthcare outcomes by promoting and enhancing the doctoral-prepared nursing professional.

Vision

The organization is dedicated to:

• Providing accurate and timely information
• Supporting, developing, and disseminating professional practice innovation
• Collaborating in a professional manner that demonstrates universal respect for others, honesty, and integrity in communications and,
• Responding with open discussions and dialogues that promote the evolution of advanced nursing practice and the growth of the DNP degree.