SWOT Analysis of Moving from MSN-prepared FNP to DNP-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner This is a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis for moving from an MSN-prepared FNP to a DNP-prepared FNP.

·  DNP training FNPs to be a systems leader, which makes them more able to run and manage entire health systems

·  DNP-FNP provides advanced research and research integration skills, which make the major contributors to improved nursing practice and care delivery

·  DNP-FNPs have a higher capacity to provide quality patient care using research evidence, which makes them better at patient care than other nurses of lower education levels.

·   Shortage of healthcare professionals and high patient care demand in primary care settings can also increase the pressure on the DNP-prepared FNP and increase the risk of poor work-life balance and burnout

·   A better and expanded scope of practice with a DNP degree, creating more work opportunities

·   Health systems focused on preventative care creating new opportunities for DNP-prepared FNP

·   New technologies like telemedicine improving service delivery

·   The health system’s resistance to change may mean that DNP-FNP and other DNP-prepared nurses may fail to be readily taken up by the system

·   Unfavorable government regulations that may affect employment and reimbursement levels, making no difference in the earnings of DNP-FNPs and MSN-FNPs

·   Competition from physicians