Doctor of Nursing Practrice
Course Descriptions
410. Evidence-Based Practice I: The Nature of Evidence.
This course explores the philosophical underpinnings for nursing knowledge relevant to the role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Quantitative and qualitative research methods related to the generation of evidence will be analyzed related to practice. Students will develop search strategies to answer questions related to their topic of interest. Fall [2]
412. Informatics for Scholarly Practice.
This course provides an overview of informatics, the transformation of data into information, knowledge, decisions and actions to improve outcomes. To take advantage of electronic data mines, scholars of the future will need to understand the basics of databases and the structure of vocabularies. Knowledge management to support evidence-based practice will be a critical skill. In addition, this course prepares the student to use available technology tools to present, interpret and organize data. Fall [2]
414. Statistics in Health Sciences.
This course provides an overview of the logic and appropriate use of statistical techniques most commonly reported in the research literature of the health professions. The spectrum of topics encompasses most univariate parametric and nonparametric procedures, including correlational and repeated measures analyses. Across the varied topics, emphasis is placed on: 1) becoming knowledgeable of the underlying logic of each statistical technique, 2) the appropriate use and underlying assumptions of the procedure, 3) interpretation of results from statistical software, and 4) evaluation of published results using statistical procedures. Fall [3]
420. Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice I.
This is the first of a four-course series that provides the DNP student with mentored opportunities to identify, develop, implement, evaluate and disseminate an independent, analytic scholarly project focusing on problems of practice within specific populations. Each course builds on the knowledge and practice expertise of the DNP student, culminating in the completion of the scholarly project. The range of projects will be varied as they relate to the unique clinical practices of the DNP student, e.g., quality improvement, analyzing policy, designing and using databases, designing and evaluating new models of care, collaboration with researchers to answer clinical questions, program development, implementation and evaluation. Throughout these courses, DNP students will establish the expanded advanced practice nursing role focusing on their populations of interest. To complete the objectives of this course successfully, the student is expected to practice a minimum of 100 hours in a clinical area related to their topic of interest. Each student will be required to submit individual objectives for each of the four integrative experiences. Spring [1]
422. Evidence-Based Practice II: Evaluating and Applying Evidence.
This course will build on Evidence-Based Practice I by preparing DNP students to evaluate evidence designed to improve clinical outcomes related to their identified topic of interest, and to translate the evidence into practice environments. Spring. Spring [3]
424. Epidemiology.
Epidemiology focuses on the distribution and determinants of disease frequency in human populations. This course prepares the student to use epidemiological strategies to examine patterns of illness or injury in groups of people. Concepts of health, risk and disease causality are examined. Implications for development of data based programs for disease/injury prevention and control as well as policy implications will be discussed. Spring [3]
430. Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice II.
In this second course of a four-course series, the DNP student works with a faculty mentor to refine the design and begin implementing the scholarly project. Students must successfully complete an oral defense of the project prior to implementation. To complete the objectives of this course successfully, the student is expected to practice a minimum of 100 hours in a clinical area related to their topic of interest. Each student will be required to submit individual objectives at the beginning of the semester. Summer [1]
432. Health Care Economics and Finance.
This course covers basic economic theory, market drivers and restraints, health care finance and reimbursement, cost/benefit analysis and health care entrepreneurism. Theory and application are integrated throughout the course with a particular focus on the clinical role of the DNP within the contemporary health care environment. Students Take either N432 or 434. Summer [3]
434. Advanced Health Care Economics and Finance.
This course addresses advanced application of economic theory, financial principles and financial modeling in the health care market. Theory and application are integrated and aimed at preparing the student to assume an executive-level DNP role in large and complex health care organizations. Summer [3]
436. Clinical Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation.
This course focuses on analysis and application of theory and expertise needed to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the clinical care of a population within integrated health systems. This course builds on behavioral, social and organizational sciences. Topics include: needs assessment stages and methodologies, development of mission statements and program designs, data management, allocation of resources, evaluation strategies and use of business plans. Summer [3]
440. Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice III.
In this third course of a four-course series, the DNP student implements the evidence-based scholarly project specific to a population of interest within a clinical setting. In order to successfully complete the objectives of this course, the student is expected to practice a minimum of 100 hours in the identified clinical area. Each student will be required to submit individual objectives at the beginning of the semester. Offered beginning Fall of 2009. Fall [1]
442. Quality Improvement and Patient Safety.
This course prepares students to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based quality health care practices for patient populations (individuals and aggregates) in acute, home and community settings. Working as partners in interdisciplinary teams, students will assess organizational culture, gather safety information, analyze data and translate findings into systems changes through action learning experiences within their own organizations. Offered beginning Fall of 2009. Fall [3]
444. Management of Organizations and Systems.
This course synthesizes leadership theory and organizational models within the context of the health care industry. Models of human resource management, change management, strategic planning, program development and implementation will be explored and applied. Based on these theories and models, the student will derive the DNP's role in complex health care organizations. Offered beginning Fall of 2009. Fall [3]
450. Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice IV.
In this capstone course, the DNP student evaluates the evidence- based scholarly project and the impact health care outcomes. Students will disseminate their findings through an oral presentation and a manuscript suitable for a peer-reviewed publication. Students will apply knowledge and skills obtained in the didactic and integrative courses in order to address the ethical, legal, financial and organizational aspects of the scholarly project. The DNP student will discuss his/her topic of interest, the development of the project and how it addressed the needs of a selected population; and evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the project. In order to successfully complete the objectives of this course, the student is expected to practice a minimum of 200 hours in a clinical area related to the topic of interest. Each student will be required to submit individual objectives at the beginning of the semester. Offered beginning Spring of 2010. Spring [2]
452. Health Policy.
This course addresses health policy from the perspectives of evidence development, analysis and economic impact within a socio-political context. There is a secondary focus on the role of regulation within the U.S. health care system. The DNP contribution to health policy development is explored. Offered beginning Spring of 2010. Spring [3]
454. Legal and Ethical Environment.
This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal, regulatory and ethical environments that impact DNP practice. Offered beginning Spring of 2010. Spring [3]