Essential II of DNP, Essay Example

The American Association of Colleges recommends that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal nursing degree that focuses on practice(American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2006). This degree has met both support and criticism since its introduction. The DNP Essentials explain the foundational competencies, which advanced nursing practice should consider to ensure delivery of quality care. This reflection provides a self-assessment concerning my knowledge and skills that meet the pertinent DNP competencies after engaging in active learning throughout this course.

Essential II of DNP explains important aspects of leadership in healthcare organizations and systems, which affect healthcare delivery and patient outcome (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2006). Learning this essential throughout the course provided me with the expertise to assess organizations, identify various issues in the institutions, and facilitate change in the organization to provide quality care. I can develop and implement important institutional, local, national, and international health policy. I have also learned the fifth Essential of the DNP, which explains that nurses play a significant role in forming and advocating healthcare policy (Sperhac& Clinton, 2008). I can educate the decision makers and other people concerning the importance of developing health policy that will improve patient care outcome.

I can actively participate in committees, boards, or task forces at different levels to improve delivery and outcomes of healthcare. I can also advocate for a nursing profession that considers policy and healthcare communities by promoting evidence-based practice and collaborations among the staff. During my industrial program in a hospital, I noted that nurses based their practices on evidence to achieve good results. My supervisor advised me to read nursing and health-related academic materials to have a deeper knowledge on this topic. This has greatly influenced my perception of nursing, encouraging me to base my practice on evidence. Essential VII suggests that a DNP should equip nursing students with the requisite knowledge and skills for improving the health of the nation (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2006). The course has equipped me with adequate knowledge and skills, which recognize the need to advocate for equity and ethical policies in the healthcare sector to improve nation’s health. I have played a critical role in developing policies that ensures equity in delivery of health care services in the hospital I have worked at, thus promoting health of the population.

In conclusion, DNP Essentials provide important concepts and competencies that are critical for nursing professionals, enabling them to provide quality care and improve patient outcome. I have gained relevant knowledge and skills by completing the course, which I can utilize to improve patient care and outcomes. I have good leadership skills necessary to develop and implement health policy that focuses on providing quality care to all patients without discriminatory practices.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006). The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. Retrieved October 12, 2015, from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/dnp/Essentials.pdf

Sperhac, A. M., & Clinton, P. (2008). The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 3(22), 146-151.