Instructions:
1. Address 2 of the following discussion questions in your post:
1. Describe the evolution of the Doctor of Nursing practice curriculum and its potential impact on the future of nursing.
2. Analyze factors in our current healthcare delivery system that is driving the need for nurses prepared as at the doctoral level
3. How do you determine the impact of the DNP degree? What methods should be used to determine the impact of DNP graduates? See pg 52 of Pritham & White article.
4. What are your thoughts on having a universal standard for APRN entry?
Below is an outline of the items for which you will be responsible throughout the module1.
Resources to Use
Zaccagnini, M. & Pechacek, J. (2021). The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials. (4th Ed.), Jones Barlett Learning. ISBN 978-1-284-16707-8
1. Read introduction from Zaccagnini, M., & Pechacek, J. (2021). The Doctor of Nursing practice essentials. (4th Ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
2. National Academy of Medicine (2021). The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. National Academy of Sciences, Chapter 4: The role of nurses in improving health care access and quality, p. 99-126.25982.pdf
3. AACN Essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice AACN DNP Essentials.pdf,
4. NONPF The Doctorate of Nursing Preparation 2015 NONPF The DNP Preparation NONPF Perspective.pdf
Introduction
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was initiated in the United States in 2004 to meet the growing need for highly skilled and educated nurse leaders. The DNP curriculum evolved to prepare advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) for leadership roles in clinical practice, education, and research. This post aims to address two discussion questions from the four given options, which are:
Describe the evolution of the Doctor of Nursing practice curriculum and its potential impact on the future of nursing.
Analyze factors in our current healthcare delivery system that are driving the need for nurses prepared as at the doctoral level.
Evolution of the DNP Curriculum
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) developed the first set of DNP essentials in 2006, which served as a guide for schools of nursing to develop DNP curricula. The essentials focused on the knowledge and skills necessary for APRNs to become leaders in healthcare organizations, implement evidence-based practice, and improve healthcare outcomes. The AACN revised the essentials in 2015 to include leadership, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and systems thinking.
The DNP curriculum is designed to meet the complex healthcare needs of individuals, communities, and populations. The curriculum includes courses in clinical practice, leadership, quality improvement, research methods, and health policy. The DNP program also includes a capstone project that focuses on translating evidence into practice, improving healthcare outcomes, and developing innovative solutions to complex healthcare problems.
The potential impact of the DNP program on the future of nursing is significant. DNP graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to lead change and improve healthcare outcomes. DNP graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centers. The DNP program also prepares nurses to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations and advocate for policy changes to improve the health of populations.
Factors Driving the Need for Nurses Prepared at the Doctoral Level
The healthcare delivery system in the United States is complex and rapidly changing. Nurses prepared at the doctoral level are essential to meet the growing demand for highly skilled and educated nurse leaders. The following are factors that are driving the need for nurses prepared at the doctoral level:
Changing Healthcare Landscape: The healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, and nurses prepared at the doctoral level are needed to lead change and improve healthcare outcomes. Nurses prepared at the doctoral level have the knowledge and skills necessary to implement evidence-based practice, develop innovative solutions to complex healthcare problems, and improve healthcare outcomes.
Aging Population: The aging population in the United States is increasing, and nurses prepared at the doctoral level are needed to meet the complex healthcare needs of older adults. Nurses prepared at the doctoral level have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to older adults, including managing chronic diseases, promoting healthy aging, and improving end-of-life care.
Healthcare Disparities: Healthcare disparities exist among different populations in the United States, and nurses prepared at the doctoral level are needed to address these disparities. Nurses prepared at the doctoral level have the knowledge and skills necessary to implement culturally competent care, reduce healthcare disparities, and improve healthcare access for underserved populations.
Technological Advances: Technological advances in healthcare are rapidly changing the way healthcare is delivered, and nurses prepared at the doctoral level are needed to lead the implementation of these advances. Nurses prepared at the doctoral level have the knowledge and skills necessary to implement and evaluate technological advances in healthcare, including electronic health records, telehealth, and mobile health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DNP program has evolved to meet the complex healthcare needs of individuals, communities, and populations. DNP graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge and skills to lead change and improve healthcare outcomes. Nurses prepared at the doctoral level are needed
