The Impact of DNP Scholarly Projects on Healthcare Organizations: A Road Map for Success

The value of comprehensive evaluation DNP projects

Inconsistencies in DNP project identification and scope, and the demands of the DNP project on faculty remain a source of ongoing challenges and discussion in DNP education. Additionally, the demands on organizational resources generated by student DNP projects strain the already stressed post-pandemic healthcare system. At the same time, the need for more student project sites is growing along with the increasing number of DNP programs. Engaging students to conduct comprehensive evaluations as a DNP project option is a strategy to meet this demand for projects that also offers significant benefits for organizational partners. However, few articles highlight the role of a comprehensive evaluation as a DNP Project. This article discusses the value of comprehensive evaluation projects using an evaluation framework or model and appropriate methodologies to meet the criteria for DNP projects. We share outcome data and exemplars of successful evaluation projects in several settings.

Exploring the Scholarly Value and Impact of DNP-Prepared Nurses Through the Lens of Nursing Leaders

OBJECTIVE

To explore organizational nursing leaders' perceptions of impact, value, and support for doctor of nursing practice (DNP)-prepared nurses engaging in practice scholarship.

BACKGROUND

DNP nurses are educated to lead change at the system level and direct practice-based initiatives to enhance health outcomes. Organizational support and the value of DNP scholarship need to be better understood.

METHODS

An exploratory cross-sectional survey of organizational nursing leaders (N = 87) who participated in hiring or interacting with DNP-prepared nurses was implemented.

RESULTS

More than half of the organizational nursing leaders reported that scholarship competencies were integrated into DNP-prepared nurses' job descriptions, yet almost half reported no time allotment for scholarship activities. Respondents reported that the highest impact of the DNP-prepared nurse was on the quality of care, and the greatest value reported was the implementation of evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives, the development of innovative roles, and as change agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent organizational support for DNP-prepared nurses to engage in practice scholarship could maximize the value and impact of these highly educated nurses on healthcare systems and health outcomes.

Student-led Doctor of Nursing Practice projects in the clinical environment: Viewpoint from hospital-based nurse scientists and leaders

BACKGROUND

Exponential increases in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program enrollment have come with a rapid rise in the number of capstone projects conducted in clinical environments. However, misaligned priorities between students, faculty, and clinician leaders have created significant challenges.

PURPOSE

Identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration between academic and clinical stakeholders to better support DNP projects and education.

METHODS

Experienced hospital-based nurse leaders engaged in scholarly discourse supplemented by policy and research in DNP education.

FINDINGS

Facilitating a DNP project requires significant investment of time, resources, and funds from the healthcare institution. Discord has arisen due to unclear responsibilities or decision-making ability for clinical stakeholders, ethical dilemmas for students who are also employees of the clinical site, and mismatched priorities between clinical need and student/academic project desires. Clinical leaders have raised significant concerns about DNP project proposals that are research-focused, diverge from healthcare institution goals, and lack a sustainability plan.

DISCUSSION

Fortification of academic-practice partnerships and clarification of roles in the DNP student project are necessary to ensure that the project is of educational value to the student, a demonstration of learning for faculty, and of sustained clinical value to the healthcare system.

Enhancing Organizational Review and Promoting Sustainability of DNP Student Projects: Implications for Nurse Leaders

This project aimed to evaluate the DNP projects at an academic medical center, assess the sustainability of DNP final projects, and explore potential opportunities to enhance the organizational review processes. The organization's graduate student review committee reviewed DNP projects implemented at the organization over the last 8 years. The sustainability of projects was less than anticipated. Recommendations are provided to enhance the DNP project approval process and improve strategies for sustainability.

The DNP project: Two decades of impact

ABSTRACT

Twenty years ago, pioneer Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program students completed the first DNP projects. Today, DNP projects remain a requirement for graduation. This article illustrates how the DNP project can be integrated throughout the DNP curriculum to maximize effectiveness and promote the introduction, reinforcement, and evaluation of competencies in the new American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials.