Online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Credits – 3

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the skills needed to develop either a research study proposal or a healthcare improvement proposal. This course prepares the student to identify practice problems and critique current research for relevance and application to practice. An overview of theory is presented as a vehicle for understanding public health or healthcare research. Basic concepts of qualitative and quantitative research methods will be examined in order to plan and evaluate a practice change or answer a research question. Using an evidence-based and/or research approach, students identify a clinical or public health problem within a specific population or setting, considering ethical issues. Students will develop a research study proposal or healthcare improvement proposal for implementation. Students use reflection in the evaluation of public health or healthcare system research.

Credits – 3

This course presents the foundational skills required for public health and healthcare provider students to engage in a systematic approach to population health. Disease prevention and health promotion are addressed through examination of social and behavioral determinants. Evidence-based strategies inform how to identify and assess at-risk populations, implement both preventive and therapeutic interventions, and evaluate outcomes at the population level. Models of health behavior change synthesize psychological, biophysical, cultural, ecological, environmental, and social dimensions to analyze population-based outcomes. The roles of national initiatives, public policy and cultural values are explored in relation to health equity to support population health at institutional, local, state, and national levels.

Credits – 3 The intent of this course is to facilitate the development of collaborative leadership skills for healthcare providers to lead and improve outcomes and facilitate the design of high performing clinical settings in a global society. Theories of leadership, management, and organizational behavior such as vision, motivation, group dynamics, interpersonal relations, negotiation, organizational politics, career development, job design, communication, conflict management, and consultative processes are applied to healthcare settings. Emphasis is on collaboration with interprofessional teams to improve outcomes for patients, families, staff, and healthcare systems. 42 theory hours. Previously NS 0615.

Credits – 1

This seminar provides the foundation for development of the scholarly DNP Project. In conjunction with the first two research courses in the DNP curriculum, this seminar gives students the opportunity to further refine their proposed DNP project aimed at improving the healthcare delivery system or patient outcomes. This project could be a quality improvement project, a practice change project, a program evaluation, a policy development/improvement project, or another project with a focus on patient outcomes and practice improvement. Project plans are developed to include the identification of an appropriate clinical practice problem, the patient/system/population outcomes that the project is intended to affect, the proposed project site, and the proposed steps for implementation and outcome assessment. Students will continue to work with their DNP Advisor in developing the project. In addition, students will identify potential Immersion experiences that focus on achieving program outcomes. Previously NS 0697.

Credits – 3

This course begins by applying microeconomic theory to the health sector of the U.S. economy with a focus on financial incentives throughout the healthcare system. Topics include the demand for healthcare and health insurance, quality improvement, managed care and the role of government. The U.S. experience is compared to healthcare systems in other countries. Evidence-based skills include cost analysis and business plan and budget development. 42 theory hours. Previously NS 0602.

Credits – 3

Prerequisites: NURS 7601, NURS 7608.

This course focuses on the critical analysis, synthesis and application of qualitative and quantitative research methods for improvement of outcome indicators at the individual, family, system and population level. Emphasis will be placed on current paradigms of scholarship including Boyer’s Model of Scholarship and the philosophy of reflective practice, bridging the gap between research and practice, and outcome assessment in healthcare. The evaluation of instruments to measure quantitative outcomes and methods of qualitative analysis will be examined, and ethical and legal considerations will be addressed as they relate to the IRB process. The process of identifying potential sources of grant funding and models of long-term program evaluation will also be explored. Students will develop an IRB-ready project proposal based upon a previously identified practice problem within their area of specialization. 42 theory hours. Previously NS 0612.

Credits – 1

DNP graduates are healthcare leaders who will care for a cohort of patients within their specialty, while using a cross-population perspective to assess, manage and evaluate common problems. The immersion experience prepares the graduate in the design, delivery, and evaluation of evidenced-based care incorporating advanced practice nursing competencies. In addition, students will provide leadership in promoting evidenced-based practice in the advanced practice specialty while functioning as a practice specialist/consultant in the resolution of clinical problems. The DNP immersion experience culminates in the completion of a scholarly DNP Project, disseminated in both the form of a conference-style poster and a publication-ready manuscript. Previously NS 0687.