Research and the doctor of nursing practice: a cause for consternation.

This column concerns itself with the issue of research and the doctor of nursing practice. The reports of the Institute of Medicine about patient safety, quality in healthcare, and the restructuring of education of healthcare providers are reviewed. The reasons for the creation of the doctor of nursing practice are illuminated along with the essentials of educating nurses for the role and the position statement on nursing research by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Finally, the impact that those with a doctor of nursing practice who conduct nursing research may have on the discipline of nursing is considered.