The Doctoral Nursing Council has as its focus support, networking, and information dissemination for nurses who have a Doctoral Nursing Council degree, students in a Doctoral Nursing Council program, and anyone interested in the Doctoral Nursing Council degree. The council members represent a variety of practice areas: advanced practice nurses (CNS, CRNA, CNM, NP), administrators/executives and educators.
The Doctoral Nursing Council fosters a community of education, collaboration, and advocacy for nurses with a Doctoral Nursing Council degree and those who support the profession.
Trish West, DNP, MSN, CMSRN, PCCN-K, CEN, NEA-BC – Chair
Stephanie McDonald, DNP, MSL, RN, NEA-BC – Co-Chair
Megan Woody, DNP, RN – Practice Representative
Nancy Jo Thompson, DNP, MSN, RN-BC – PhD Collaborative
Cynthia Herndon, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC – PhD Collaborative
Christy Swinson ›, MSN, FNP-C, CMSRN – Tar Heel Nurse Collaborative
Katie Alwes, FNP – Student
Interested in joining the Doctoral Nursing Council? We would love to have you! NCNA members can join any council by updating their profile:
› Click the “Account” tab.
› Choose “Personal Info” on the left-hand side.
› Scroll down to select the councils you’d like to join.
› Don’t forget to click “Save” at the bottom.
Explore these key resources to learn more about accredited programs, best practices, and professional guidelines for Doctoral Nursing Council education and practice.
CCNE Accredited Programs
Select state and Doctoral Nursing Council
Accredited DNP Programs in North Carolina ›
AACN White Paper
The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Current Practice and Clarifying Recommendations
Published August 2015
Read the AACN White Paper ›
Comparison Grid
DNP vs. PhD programs comparison chart
View the Comparison Grid ›
The Essentials of Doctoral Education
Key standards for advanced nursing practice education
Explore the DNP Essentials ›
