The DNP Role in a Rural Healthcare Environment, Coursework Example

The DNP role in a rural healthcare environment may provide opportunities to expand the quality of care and treatment that patients receive in a given setting; therefore, the DNP must demonstrate an ability to work cohesively and exercise flexibility in this setting. This reflects an ability to provide a high quality practice environment that is based upon prior knowledge, skill, and expertise in healthcare that will translate into positive and meaningful direct patient care at the bedside and in the office setting (Chism, 2012). It is important for a DNP to recognize the value of this role in a rural environment in bridging many gaps in knowledge and current practice objectives so that patients will receive a more well-rounded and comprehensive experience that they deserve. The knowledge base of the DNP is instrumental in this process, and exploring current boundaries must support a dynamic that is grounded in advancing quality of care, improving communication between nurse and patient, and supporting a long-term plan of care that will establish a level of trust and guidance (Chism, 2012). These factors will have a positive and meaningful impact on outcomes and influence how patient-centered care is achieved in the rural environment.

In examining the possible areas for the DNP scholarly project, I am potentially interested in exploring the area of chronic disease prevention in adults, including hypertension and diabetes. This topic interests me because I have close family members who are affected by these conditions, and I would like to learn more about them and how behaviors and the surrounding environment impact health in this manner. I believe that this project has significant meaning and value to the nursing community, and in particular, DNP-level practitioners, because it emphasizes the importance of behaviors and how they influence health, as well as the impact of education on achieving greater health and wellbeing in the care and/or prevention of chronic disease in the adult population.

References

Chism, L.A. (2012). The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Guidebook for Role Development and  Professional Issues. Jones & Bartlett Learning.