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DNP Course Descriptions

NDNP 802 Methods for Evidence-Based Practice

3 credits

This course focuses on the skills and advanced knowledge necessary for critical analysis of evidence on which to base nursing practice. The students will analyze the framework to transform research into practice through the use of research outcomes, methods and planned change processes. The best practice evidence from systematic research will be applied to current health care delivery. Students will be able to apply analytical methods to develop best practices and practice guidelines and to facilitate the evaluation of systems of care that will improve patient outcomes.

NDNP 804 Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3 credits

The philosophical and scientific underpinnings of nursing reflect the complexity of practice at the doctoral level and the rich heritage that is the conceptual foundation of nursing the practice doctorate in nursing uses science-based theories and concepts to determine the nature and significance of health and health care delivery phenomena. This course integrates nursing science with knowledge from biophysical, social, and organizational sciences as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice. Students analyze selected world-views and theories from a variety of disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the refinement of critical thinking skills.

NDNP810 Capstone Project Identification

1 credit

Doctor of Nursing Practice students will have an identified practice area that will provide a guide for their plan of study. In this course students will explore specific issues related to their practice that will lead them to the completion of a project at program completion. Students will explore literature related to specific practice concerns in their area as well as discuss issues with practice leaders to identify and refine their project goals.

NDNP 805 Design and Analysis in Evidence Based Practice

4 credits

This course extends foundational competencies in research methods and design for experienced advanced practice nurses. Emphasis is on identifying appropriate design and analytical approaches to fit purposes of inquiry. Elements of inquiry are examined including: development of research questions, sampling approaches, measurement of health outcomes, collection and analysis of data, and human subjects’ considerations. Common approaches to statistical analyses will be examined as well as epidemiological approaches to evaluate population health. Pre-requisite: NDNP802

NDNP 807 Information Systems & Technology for the Improvement
and Transformation of Health Care

3 credits

This course is designed to provide the DNP student with the knowledge and skills necessary to correctly utilize information systems and technology and to lead information systems and technology through transitions in order to improve and transform healthcare. This course will provide an advanced understanding of what currently constitutes an information technology enabled health care environment; the roles of the nurse leader and informaticist; the current state of affairs regarding information technology affecting patients and nurses within healthcare today; and leading edge issues within healthcare informatics which will impact the role of the DNP in a variety of health care settings. At the conclusion of the course, the student will have a foundation to function as an “informatics innovator” to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research; to develop solutions for current data management practices; and to demonstrate the interdependence of systems, disciplines, and outcomes.

*NDNP 811 Capstone II Project Development

1 credit

Doctor of Nursing Practice students have an identified practice area that will provide a guide for their plan of study. In this course students will develop a capstone project proposal based on an analysis of the literature. The role of the DNP as leader and innovator of complex organizational systems will be discussed as it relates to the capstone project proposal. Pre-requisites: NDNP802, NDNP804, NDNP810 / Co-requisite: NDNP805, NDNP807

NDNP 809 Complex Healthcare Systems

3 credits

This course focuses on the analysis, synthesis and application of complexity science and quantum theory to healthcare systems. This includes the contribution of organizational theories, organizational culture, and systems’ infrastructure in dynamic interplay across complex healthcare systems. The Doctor of Nursing Practice’s role in creation of new and futuristic organizing frameworks is explored. As leader the students will participate in a self leadership assessment to identify their unique strengths in assuming advanced roles as leaders and followers within interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary teams. Critique and evaluation of health systems models, and quality improvement systems are included. The dynamic influence of safety, quality, economic, financial, regulatory, policy, and ethical principles in the practice environment are addressed.

*NDNP 812 Capstone III Project Implementation

1 credit

Doctor of Nursing Practice students have an identified practice area that provides a guide for their plan of study and capstone project. In this course students will implement their approved capstone project proposal based on an analysis of the literature. The role of the DNP as leader and innovator of complex organizational systems will be discussed as it relates to the capstone project implementation. Pre-requisites: NDNP802, NDNP804, NDNP805, NDNP807, NDNP810, NDNP811 / Co-requisite: NDNP809

NDNP 815 Leadership & Interprofessional Collaboration

3 credits

This course is based on student independent learning that emphasizes theory and practical application through working with a health care system to address interprofessional and intraprofessional initiatives requiring nursing leadership at the level of a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The DNP student will demonstrate the ability to synthesize and apply theory and leadership principles to affect necessary change. The course focuses on the system dynamics as they affect highly collaborative teams and requirements for leadership. Concepts and applied experiences cover: assessment of self, synthesis and application of interprofessional and intraprofessional collaborative skills, theories of effective leadership, and functions of a change manager, use of influence without authority, facilitation of teams, concepts and dynamics of communication in complexity. The synthesis and application of new leader requirements and capacity will be addressed in relation to chaos and ambiguity in a changing system, policy requirements, and the identification of value propositions. Pre-requisites: NDNP809

NDNP 813 Capstone IV Project Evaluation & Dissemination

1 credit

Under final revision. Pre-requisites: NDNP802, NDNP804, NDNP805, NDNP807, NDNP809, NDNP810, NDNP811, NDNP812 / Co-requisite: NDNP815

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