Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared nurses are in a unique position to respond to the call of the Institute of Medicine for nurses to become more involved and active in improving the healthcare system. According to McCauley et al. (2020), the DNP is a professional degree that prepares graduates to perform such nursing functions as clinical practice, leadership, research, and academia. DNP-educated nurses have a unique set of skills that considerably influences the healthcare system through their various contributions. As per Armstrong and Sables-Baus (2019), these are the contributions to clinical practice, nursing education, health policy advocacy, leadership, and application and assessment of evidence-based research. Moreover, DNP practicing nurses have expert and diverse skill sets aimed at the evaluation, translation, and dissemination of research into practice to improve patient health.
When it comes to National Practice Problems, the one I would consider examining is high blood pressure. I am interested in it due to high blood pressure usually not resulting in any symptoms until serious problems have emerged. As per Cifu and Davis (2017), around a third of American adults with the condition do not know they have it and are not treated to manage it. In accordance with research studies, to control high blood pressure, one is recommended to adjust themselves to a lifestyle that is beneficial to their heart (Cifu & Davis, 2017). It includes choosing heart-friendly foods and, possibly, taking medication. In addition to that, a person is to attempt to maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, and avoid drinking alcohol. Controlling blood pressure helps in preventing or delaying a number of health problems, including cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and vascular dementia.
References
Armstrong, G. & Sables-Baus, S. (Eds.). (2019). Leadership and systems improvement for the DNP. Springer Publishing Company.
Cifu, A. S., & Davis, A. M. (2017). Prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 318(21), 2132-2134. Web.
McCauley, L. A., Broome, M. E., Frazier, L., Hayes, R., Kurth, A., Musil, C. M., Norman, L. D., Rideout, K. H., & Villarruel, A. M. (2020). Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree in the United States: Reflecting, readjusting, and getting back on track. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 494-503. Web.