The Brooks College of Health School of Nursing is proposing a new degree program, the Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). This new degree will build upon the current MSN degree. The purpose of the program leading to the DNP is to enhance the preparation of advanced practice nurses by giving them the cutting edge skills and education necessary to engage in an evidence-based practice while conducting research related to their practice. In addition, these graduates will be well prepared to undertake the difficult task of educating new nurses. This new degree will require 48 credit hours of graduate credit, post master’s degree. Objectives for the program are based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing essentials for Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice (2006). The program objectives build upon those for the masters in nursing program. The objectives for the DNP program state that upon completion of the program the graduate will be able to:
- Develop, implement and evaluate new practice approaches based on scientific knowledge.
- Ensure accountability for quality care and patient safety for populations with whom they work.
- Demonstrate analytical methodologies for the evaluation of clinical practice and the application of scientific evidence.
- Utilize technological information systems to evaluate outcomes of care, health care delivery, and quality improvement.
- Develop, evaluate and provide leadership for health care policy which shapes health care financing, regulation and delivery.
- Work collaboratively with transdisciplinary teams to meet health care needs of individuals and populations.
- Analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and occupational data for the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs of clinical prevention and population health.
- Base practice on the application of biophysical, psychosocial, behavioral, sociopolitical, cultural, economic, ethical and nursing science as appropriate to area of specialization.
Additional Resources: Additional library resources have already been identified and discussed with the Director of Library who is investigating getting these resources. The Cochrane Library and two additional nursing journals (Evidence Based Nursing, British Medical Journal and World Views on Evidence-Based Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International) will also be needed. These needs have already been communicated with the Director of the Library. In addition funds have been requested to defray some of these library costs. Additional resources needed for the growth of the program are equipment for Distance Learning as many courses would benefit from this technology. Distance Learning Technology will provide access to other groups of students and allow for self-sustainability of the program.
Budget: Additional secretarial support (1) is being requested. An increase in the operating budget for the unit is also being requested. One faculty line will be requested for each of years two and three and then again for year five of the program.
(Click the link for a more detailed version of the DNP proposal.)
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