Are you interested in pursuing work in the medical field in California?
DNPs are highly qualified nurses who sit at the top of their fields, leading nursing teams in American hospitals as they treat patients, conduct research, and even teach. Professional DNPs have high earning potential and the opportunity to ascend to senior-level positions in the medical field.
The following article explores the ways in which DNPs serve critical functions in California’s healthcare system. We’ll start at the foundational level, exploring what, exactly, a DNP is, as well as different possible jobs for qualified DNPs, which may be existing job opportunities at hospitals and other healthcare facilities around the Golden State. We’ll also touch on the average salary of DNPs in California, and then consider two case studies of DNPs in action at some of the most prestigious public universities in the state.
What Is A DNP?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree in the field of nursing, which means it’s the highest level of education you can achieve as a nurse – you can think of it as the nursing equivalent to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) for physicians.
DNP programs are designed to prepare nurses for the highest levels of clinical practice, leadership, and sometimes even teaching. It’s all about taking those foundational nursing skills and knowledge you’ve gained as an RN or MSN to a whole new level, focusing on applying research to practice, improving patient outcomes, and influencing healthcare policy. But why would someone pursue a DNP, especially if they’re already a certified RN?
For starters, having a DNP qualification opens up a wealth of advanced career opportunities. DNPs often work as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives, roles that come with a lot more autonomy and responsibility when compared to traditional RN roles.
DNPs can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently in many states. These advanced-level nurses are often seen leading healthcare teams, conducting research, and implementing policies that can shape the future of healthcare.
It also doesn’t hurt that having a DNP is a strong way to earn a significantly higher salary.
As of 2024, the average annual salary for a DNP in California is approximately $121,098, which translates to about $58.22 per hour.
Over the course of several years – and the duration can vary depending on which credentials and/or degrees you have prior to enrolling – DNP programs typically cover advanced topics like evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership. DNP candidates also get hands-on clinical experience and often work on a capstone project that addresses a real-world healthcare issue.
This rigorous training ensures that DNPs are not only skilled clinicians but also innovative leaders and educators who can drive change and improve healthcare outcomes. Today, DNPs in California serve critical roles at the frontlines of the Golden State’s healthcare system, which will be explored in greater depth below.
DNP Jobs in California
California offers a wide range of job opportunities for DNP-prepared nurses, reflecting the state’s diverse healthcare needs and its emphasis on advanced nursing practice.
The demand for DNPs in California is driven by the need for highly skilled practitioners who can address complex healthcare challenges, implement evidence-based practices, and lead healthcare teams. DNPs in California work in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to academic and research institutions. They are pivotal in improving patient outcomes, enhancing healthcare delivery systems, and contributing to health policy and education. The state’s progressive healthcare landscape and its commitment to advancing nursing roles make California an ideal place for DNPs to thrive.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of possible jobs for qualified DNPs, which may exist at healthcare facilities in California, such as:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
- Director of Nursing
- Health Policy Analyst
- Healthcare Administrator
- Academic Faculty/Professor
- Researcher in Clinical Settings
- Public Health Nurse
- Quality Improvement Coordinator
- Informatics Nurse Specialist
- Director of Patient Care Services
- Nursing Program Director
- Clinical Director
- Consultant in Healthcare Systems
- Telehealth Nurse Practitioner
- School Nurse Administrator
- Palliative Care Specialist
These roles highlight the versatility and impact of DNP-prepared nurses. For instance, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists provide advanced clinical care and improve patient outcomes, while nurse administrators and chief nursing officers lead healthcare teams and manage nursing departments.
In academic settings, DNPs contribute to nursing education and research, fostering the next generation of nurses. Public health roles allow DNPs to work on population health initiatives, addressing broader health issues and disparities.
The diversity of opportunities reflects the critical need for advanced practice nurses in various healthcare domains, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care across the state.
How Much Does a DNP Make in California?
DNP-prepared nurses in California enjoy substantial earning potential, reflecting the state’s high demand for advanced practice nurses and the critical roles they play in the healthcare system.
Top earners in the 90th percentile of this field can make up to $181,157 annually.
This salary range varies significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and specific role within the healthcare system.
For instance, cities like Santa Clara and San Francisco offer some of the highest salaries, with averages of $140,422 and $136,458 per year, respectively. The diverse healthcare landscape in California provides numerous opportunities for DNPs to leverage their skills in various high-paying roles.
Nurse practitioners in specialized fields such as psychiatric mental health and women’s health can earn upwards of $165,410 and $152,130 annually, respectively. Additionally, DNPs working in administrative and executive roles can earn between $153,740 and $200,340 per year, depending on their level of experience and the specific responsibilities of their position.
Case Study 1: Dr. Frances Akubuilo and “Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation”
The “Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation” (HNHN) project is an initiative started by the American Nurses Association. This program, founded in 2017, focuses on supporting the continued well-being of the more than 5 million nurses employed throughout the United States. Initially, HNHN established six primary categories of healthfulness for nurses: mental health, nutrition, physical activity, rest, quality of life, and safety. In 2020, the organization announced that it would be adding “financial health” to this list of requirements.
For our first case study, we’ll consider Dr. Frances Akubuilo, DNP, RN. Dr. Akubuilo is the Director of Patient Care Services at GFK Home Health Agency in Cypress, California, and an active participant in the HNHN project.
As part of Dr. Akubuilo’s doctoral research in the DNP program at California State University (or Cal State), she explored the fact that many nurses seem to struggle with their physical and mental health. Posing the question, “Nurses, how can we take care of our nation, if we don’t take care of ourselves?”, Dr. Akubuilo is an active participant in the Healthy Nurses, Healthy Nation project, which led her to pursuing additional certification as an Advanced Holistic Nurse.
Today, Dr. Akubuilo focuses on improving nurses’ health through self-care. Primarily, her work – which included the publication of a self-care video through the Healthy Nurses, Healthy Nation platform – has focused on physical activity, but she has also underlined the significance of mental wellness, including mindfulness practice.
Case Study 2: DNPs at the University of San Diego Collaborate with Local Nonprofit for Terminal Patient Advocacy
In 2021 and in response to the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, three DNP students from the University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing – Tania Huezo, Elena Johns, and Venessa Oteniya – began working with a local nonprofit, the San Diego Coalition for Compassionate Care (SDCCC), on a capstone project to promote the use of advance directives (ADs) – documents that outline a patient’s wishes for life-sustaining treatment, relieving family members from making difficult end-of-life decisions.
During the course of their project, Huezo, Johns, and Oteniya worked to educate clinical staff and patients on discussing and documenting these sensitive requests specifically in light of the coronavirus pandemic. These efforts were made to ensure that, during such unpredictable and vulnerable times for highly at-risk patients, these individuals’ preferences are made known and respected, even in the event of serious cognitive or physical decline.
Huezo, Johns, and Oteniya began by observing advanced care planning conversations between patients, clinical staff, and patients’ families, gaining experience in the very sensitive work of communicating, recording, and respecting patients’ end-of-life wishes. The initiative highlights the importance of starting these conversations early, ideally with primary care providers, to avoid making rushed decisions in crisis situations.
In their work, the students have emphasized the need for all individuals, regardless of age, to have an advance directive in place to ensure that their end-of-life care aligns with their desires.
One key way that this was made possible, particularly with patients who are native Spanish speakers, was through the use of technology to make translation services more easily accessible. Technology also allowed for patients to have these conversations with their families and healthcare providers from the safety of their nursing homes, at-risk facilities that often maintained strict visiting policies during the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the vulnerability of the nursing home population.
Still, the DNP students maintained that young patients should also discuss the terms of their ADs, as events like overdoses, car accidents, or severe cases of COVID-19 can also have mortal consequences, no matter the age of the patient.
Can A DNP Be Called “Doctor” in California?
In California, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can technically be referred to as “doctor” due to their doctoral-level education. However, state laws impose restrictions on this usage in clinical settings to prevent confusion among patients who might mistake a DNP for a medical doctor (MD). California law generally prohibits DNPs from using the title “doctor” in a clinical environment to ensure clarity about the provider’s qualifications and role.
Despite these restrictions, some DNPs have challenged the law, arguing that their advanced level of education and expertise warrants the use of the title “doctor.” This debate continues as some believe that allowing DNPs to use the title can enhance patient trust and recognition of their qualifications, while others argue that it can lead to confusion and misrepresentation.
Becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice
Becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in California involves several key steps, starting with obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). First, you need to become a Registered Nurse (RN), which requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After gaining some clinical experience, usually one to two years, you can then apply to a DNP program. These programs typically require a BSN, though some also accept applicants with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Admission requirements often include a competitive GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and sometimes relevant work experience or certifications.
Once admitted to a DNP program, students can expect to spend three to four years completing their studies if they are attending full-time (the program is likely to take longer for part-time students).
The DNP curriculum includes advanced coursework in areas like health policy, clinical practice, leadership, and nursing informatics. DNP candidates will also complete clinical projects that demonstrate their ability to apply research to practical healthcare problems. Many programs offer specializations such as family practice, psychiatric-mental health, or nurse anesthesia. Upon graduation, DNPs must meet any state-specific licensing requirements, which may include additional exams or certifications. This advanced training prepares DNPs for leadership roles in clinical practice, administration, and education within the healthcare system.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures reflect state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2024.