The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Coursework Example

The DNP role provides many challenges for nurses in order to advance the profession and to achieve the intended outcomes. This requires astute knowledge of many areas of nursing practice and the policies that govern the profession in different ways. Advanced practice nursing supports evidence-based practice and a team-based approach to learning that contributes to positive outcomes for patients (AACN, 2015; Brown & Crabtree, 2013). From this perspective, it is necessary to establish a greater understanding of the content of the DNP education program and how it is integrated into the practice environment to provide patients with the best possible chance for recovery.

DNP-level nurses must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of patient care and treatment, as well as develop their evidence-based practice knowledge and tools to improve their own work environments (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2011). The proposed project reflects the need to gather prior evidence and to synthesize it in accordance with the development of new protocols to improve health and wellbeing (DiCenzo, Guyatt, & Ciliska, 2014). Clinical skills are one critical component of this process that must be identified, as well as other forms of evidence that may improve outcomes for the chosen patient population. There must be a greater emphasis on quality and patient outcomes, the latter of which may be difficult to identify (Brown & Crabtree, 2013). As a result, it is important to demonstrate clarity regarding the DNP project and to have the appropriate level of focus.

Finally, the DNP role must embody the core values and beliefs of the nursing profession, along with other factors that influence patient wellbeing. The project topic must be well understood and provide a basis for examining the key variables that impact change for patients. With this in mind, it is important for the DNP project to emphasize framework that supports continuous forms of knowledge and an understanding of the dynamics of patient care and treatment.

References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2015). The doctor of nursing practice: Current issues and clarifying recommendations. Report from the task force on the implementation of the DNP. Retrieved from https://learn.stfrancis.edu/courses/1014008/files/46729199/download?wrap=1

Brown, M. A. & Crabtree, K. (2013). The development of practice scholarship in DNP programs: A paradigm shift. Journal of Professional Nursing, 29(6), 330-337. doi: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2013.08.003

DiCenso, A., Guyatt, G., & Ciliska, D. (2014). Evidence-based nursing: A guide to clinical practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (Eds.). (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins