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.
Family Nurse Practitioner (79 S.H.)
Students who elect the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) DNP program are prepared to perform an expanded nursing role as primary health care providers. In addition to the nursing science core courses and the direct care core courses, content includes comprehensive assessment of the health status of adults, children and families; diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health problems; provision of counseling and teaching in areas of health promotion and disease prevention; and collaboration with other health professionals. Clinical practicums are under the supervision of qualified nurse practitioners or other primary care provider preceptors will focus on primary health care in a variety of settings. Graduates with the program are eligible to take the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Program’s (AANPCP) national board certification FNP exams. 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.
In 2007, WSU was selected for the “National Outstanding Faculty Practice Award” from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
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