Description of Program (DNP)
The focus of the Graduate Programs in Nursing is to prepare graduates to work throughout the healthcare delivery system as nurse educators, healthcare organization leaders, and advanced practice registered nurses with the goal of improving health of individuals, families, and communities.
Graduates of the DNP programs are prepared for a variety of advanced nursing roles (e.g. nurse leaders, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists). These graduates also have the foundation for continued graduate studies (i.e. PhD). Graduates of the DNP program are prepared for the highest level of clinical nursing practice.
Nursing science core courses, taken by all graduate students, build on students’ baccalaureate nursing knowledge to integrate scientific underpinnings for practice, understand nursing information management and decision making, and advocate for health promotion. Students develop evidence-based knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care while demonstrating leadership and professionalism. Courses within the selected programs of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Nursing and Organizational Leadership provide specialized knowledge and practice opportunities in each advanced nursing role. A unique feature of this program is the targeted emphasis on the nurse’s use of advanced knowledge and skills of health promotion with individuals, families, and systems in diverse populations to address health care needs within complex environments.
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (74 S.H.)
Students who elect the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program will develop and implement the role of clinical nurse specialist with the adult-gerontology population. Extension of advanced nursing practice roles of expert clinician, leader/manager, teacher, consultant, and researcher will be demonstrated within the framework of clinical nurse specialist practice in adult health/gerontology nursing. Clinical Nurse Specialist students will demonstrate competencies in three spheres of influence; patient/client, nurse/nursing personnel and systems/organizations. Graduates with the Program are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist exam. The clinical scholarship project is completed by all DNP students and involves demonstration of knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care in a variety of settings and for a variety of populations.
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