201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing...

53
School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Faculty Guidelines 2013-2014

Transcript of 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing...

Page 1: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

School of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing

Practice Program

Faculty Guidelines

20

13-2014

Page 2: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 2 | P a g e

Contents Welcome to the OHSU School of Nursing Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) Program ____________________ 3 Hallmarks of DNP Education at OHSU __________________________________________________________ 5

Academic Advising and Mentorship _______________________________________________________ 7 DNP Faculty __________________________________________________________________________ 8 General Information __________________________________________________________________ 10

Curriculum/Progression___________________________________________________________________ 14

Time to Degree ______________________________________________________________________ 20 Continuous Enrollment ________________________________________________________________ 20 Leave of Absence _____________________________________________________________________ 20 Good Standing, Probation, & Dismissal ____________________________________________________ 21

Doctor of Nursing Practice Progression Benchmarks ____________________________________________ 23

Benchmark Policy ____________________________________________________________________ 23 Scholarly Inquiry Paper (SIP) GUIDELINES __________________________________________________ 24

DNP Practicum __________________________________________________________________________ 40

Guidelines __________________________________________________________________________ 40 Clinical Inquiry Project _________________________________________________________________ 49 Clinical Inquiry Project _________________________________________________________________ 50 Proposal and Final Report Guidelines _____________________________________________________ 50 Graduation and Degree Clearance ________________________________________________________ 52

FORMS ________________________________________________________________________________ 53

DNP Portfolio Sakai Site________________________________________________________________ 53

Page 3: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 3 | P a g e

Welcome to the OHSU School of Nursing Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Welcome to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program in the School of Nursing at Oregon Health & Science

University! The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents the highest degree in nursing practice. Graduates

receive not only additional integrative clinical preparation designed to expand practice in breadth and/or

depth, but also coursework and mentorship to facilitate leadership and clinical inquiry in their professional

career. The DNP program was implemented at OHSU School of Nursing in 2007 and celebrated its first

graduates in 2009. The DNP program educates nurses prepared in advanced practice nursing (NP, CNM, CRNA,

and CNS) or health systems/organizational leadership to provide leadership in clinical inquiry, policy, and

innovation in health care. The DNP program builds on the advanced nursing practice masters programs and

prepares leaders in a culture of innovation and inquiry.

The DNP offers two foci: an advanced practice clinical focus and a health systems/organizational leadership

(HSOL) focus. The clinically focused DNP prepares expert clinicians in the critical analysis of ethical and equity

concerns as well as health systems and policy in order to optimize health outcomes. The health systems focused

DNP prepares organizational leaders to engage in contextual and systematic analysis of clinical phenomena in

order to optimize health systems in the delivery of high quality care. The spirit of innovation and inquiry is

foundational to graduating DNP practitioners prepared in leadership to identify, develop, and evaluate solutions

to health care’s most troubling challenges. In addition to the competencies for the MN degree and specialty,

DNP graduates are expected to meet DNP program competencies.

Accordingly, the DNP graduate is prepared to:

1) Engage in advanced nursing practice in a professional, evidence-based, skilled, and ethical manner;

2) Influence health and health outcomes of individuals, groups, and populations through clinical inquiry;

3) Influence health policy and systems of health care in the local, regional, state, and international forums.

This guidebook was created to be a reference for DNP students at OHSU School of Nursing. In addition to this guidebook, students should familiarize themselves with the most current OHSU School of Nursing (SON) Catalog and Student Handbook as well as the OHSU Code of Conduct which are found on the OHSU/SON website. These will be important resources to facilitate decision-making throughout the program. The

guidelines in this book include information to guide students in the completion of the DNP Program. Included

are the descriptions of the progression benchmarks and the respective evaluation rubrics, guidelines for the clinical practicum, and guidelines for the clinical inquiry project. As with any dynamic program, this is not meant to be an exhaustive resource. Your DNP program faculty advisor and other DNP program faculty are available to discuss questions and concerns you may have and to provide consultation. We sincerely hope your experience in the DNP program is challenging and rewarding. We look forward to partnering with you on your doctoral journey!

Page 4: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 4 | P a g e

For general DNP program concerns, please contact Dr. Gail Houck, Program Director, [email protected] or

503-494-3825. For concerns with registration, courses, and progression please contact Shauna Hoffman,

Academic Administrative staff for the DNP program, [email protected] or 503-494-4168.

Page 5: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 5 | P a g e

Hallmarks of DNP Education at OHSU

The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents the highest level of preparation in nursing practice. The

OHSU DNP program is designed to prepare leaders to drive the application of evidence to promote excellence in

nursing practice and health care. As a practice-focused doctoral program, innovation and inquiry are central to

graduating DNP practitioners prepared in leadership to identify, develop, and evaluate solutions to the

challenges found in clinical practice and health care.

Hallmarks of the DNP Program at OHSU School of Nursing include a scholarly approach to the discipline

developed through doctoral level course work, DNP program benchmarks, and the DNP clinical inquiry project.

In addition, a commitment to the advancement of the profession is evidenced through leadership and

innovation in practice, developed through course work and the integrative practice immersion reflected by the

DNP clinicalpracticumpracticum. The DNP curriculum and clinical practicum are broadly shaped around the

eight Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (DNP Essentials) found at this website:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/

1) Apply scientific underpinnings for practice: integrate sciences and knowledge as the basis for nursing practice;

2) Provide leadership to organizations and/or systems for quality improvement and systems thinking; 3) Engage in clinical scholarship methods for evidence-based practice through critical appraisal of the

literature, application of evidence into practice, evaluation of clinical outcomes, quality improvement projects, and/or practice improvement initiatives;

4) Evaluate, select, use, and/or design information systems/technology and patient care technology for

the improvement and transformation of health care; 5) Analyze, influence, develop, and/or implement health care policy for advocacy in health care; 6) Engage in interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes; 7) Address clinical prevention and population health perspectives; and

8) Engage in competent advanced nursing practice.

The focus and depth of course work and clinical experience related to each of these core competencies will

vary according to the role for which the student is preparing. Those preparing for an APRN role (nurse

practitioners and nurse-midwives) will have more content in the advanced practice specialty and emphasize

the essentials in relation to advanced specialty practice, integrating the application of evidence for innovative

practice and to improve clinical outcomes. Those preparing for a role in organizational leadership (HSOL) will

have greater depth in the science of health systems and organizational dynamics, with an emphasis on the

application of evidence for leadership and the contextual and systematic analysis of clinical phenomena in

Page 6: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 6 | P a g e

order to optimize health systems in the delivery of care. Those students preparing for either role and choosing

a policy component to their work are able to obtain increased depth in health care policy.

In the last year of the DNP program, the clinical practicum provides the opportunity for practice experiences

designed to achieve learning goals related to the DNP Essentials as well as specialty or subspecialty

competencies. For MN/DNP students, the clinical practicum is an opportunity to build and assimilate

knowledge for advanced specialty practice, perhaps with a subspecialty focus, in addition to providing an

opportunity to synthesize the other DNP essentials. Post master’s DNP students will also have the opportunity

for in-depth subspecialty work with experts from nursing as well as other disciplines but greater emphasis will

be placed on the synthesis and integration of the DNP essentials into their advanced specialty practice. The

clinical practicum provides the context within which the clinical inquiry project is completed.

The purpose of the clinical inquiry project is to demonstrate synthesis of the student’s work and provide an

experience that can be the foundation for future clinical scholarship. The clinical inquiry project may take a

variety of forms. Examples include a practice initiative, a program evaluation, a quality improvement project, a

proposal for a new practice model and evaluation, a critical literature review that yields practice guidelines,

and evaluation of clinical outcomes. Inquiry projects may be newly initiated or part of an existing project.

According to the DNP essentials, these forms of scholarly experiences are characterized by the use of evidence

to improve practice or clinical outcomes. The clinical inquiry project is reported in a written paper that is

reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee constituted by two faculty members and a clinical mentor.

FACULTY;

ESSENTIALS

Page 7: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 7 | P a g e

Academic Advising and Mentorship

Students in the DNP program are assigned an academic advisor based on student and faculty expertise

and/or mutual practice interests. The academic advisor provides a vital link between the student and the DNP program. Academic advising occurs in group and individual formats. Group advising sessions are announced in advance, whereas individual advising is scheduled on an as needed basis. Students are strongly encouraged to make regular advising appointments throughout the program. The academic advisor works closely with the student and provides a smooth transition to the DNP Practicum/CIP Chair for the final year; the DNP Practicum/CIP Chair will then assume academic advising responsibilities. A DNP Practicum/CIP Chair and committee agreement form must be completed and submitted to Shauna Hoffman.

Responsibilities of Academic Advisors:

Assists the student with registration procedures as needed

Reviews and monitor academic progress in the DNP program

Assists the student with choice of elective courses in the DNP Program

Assists the student with identifying a DNP Practicum/CIP Chair (may or may not be the academic advisor)

Evaluates the interim benchmark if a chair has not been chosen

Responsibility of DNP Practicum/CIP Chairs:

Assumes responsibilities for academic advising with the student

Assists the student with the development of goals for the clinical practicum (and case report for MN/DNP students)

Evaluates the interim benchmark—Scholarly Inquiry Paper

Mentors the student through the practicum (separate from the clinical mentor in the setting)

Mentors the student through the development and conduct of the clinical inquiry project

Responsibilities of Student:

Communicates with advisor/chair regarding current or anticipated plans, goals, and progression issues

Initiates and maintains contact with advisor/chair

Is aware of OHSU SON, DNP, and specialty program policies

Informs advisor/chair of any problems that impact academic performance or progression

Participates in the selection of a DNP Practicum/CIP Chair and development of clinical practicum goals

If a student desires a change in their DNP Practicum/CIP Chair, the student must first discuss this with his/her

current chair. Once a new chair has been identified, the student must submit a DNP Change of Practicum/CIP

Chair form obtained from the DNP program support staff. The DNP program director will review and approve the

request and a letter will be sent to the student, previous chair, and new chair to confirm the change. If an

academic advisor leaves the School of Nursing, this will be discussed with the student and options for a new

advisor will be identified; the student will meet with the various faculties and mutually select a new advisor. If a

DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing chair will be asked to remain on the

Page 8: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 8 | P a g e

committee and the second committee member will be asked to assume the chair position in order to retain

stability and have continuity.

DNP Faculty

Below is a list of faculty in the School of Nursing who teach and/or mentor in the DNP program. These faculty

members hold a doctoral degree and have graduate preparation in an advanced practice nursing specialty,

public health, or health systems leadership. Faculty profiles that describe their respective clinical, policy, inquiry,

and teaching experience and interests will be found on the School of Nursing website. These should be helpful

for identifying faculty with similar interests and the expertise to guide you through your clinical practicum and

clinical inquiry project.

This list is not intended to be an exclusive list; students will interact with specialty program faculty and other

faculty within the School of Nursing. There are opportunities to interact with faculty in other disciplines as

well as other schools of nursing through elective courses and clinical practicum activities. Elective courses are

available through NEXUS, a course exchange program offered through a collaboration of schools of nursing at:

http://www.winnexus.org/.

Name Email Phone Inquiry/Policy Focus Clinical specialty

Bradley, Katherine, PhD, RN [email protected] 503-494-1137 Population Health Outcomes, Health System Reform & Public Health Policy

Management, Public Health

Crusoe, Kristen, EdD, MN, RN [email protected] 541-297-2155 Complexity science HSOL

Driessnack, Martha, PhD, PNP [email protected] 503-418-1271 Genetics, Health Literacy, Child Health

PNP

Emeis, Cathy, PhD, CNM [email protected] 503-494-3873 Maternal child health/midwifery practice

NMW

Goodell, Teresa, RN, CNS, PhD, CCRN, ACNS-BC, CWCN

[email protected] 503-418-1217 Critical care, gerontology, trauma and skin/wounds.

Gero CNS

Houck, Gail, PhD, PMHNP [email protected] 503-494-3825 Preventive mental health

PMHNP

Howe, Carol, DNS, CNM [email protected] 503-494-3822 Advanced Practice Nursing;

NMW

Jones, Kim, PhD, FNP [email protected] 503-494-3837 Fibromyalgia FNP

Laustsen, Gary, PhD, FNP [email protected] 541-962-3132 Rural NP practice, NP education research, national NP policies

FNP

LeCuyer, Elizabeth, PhD, PMHNP [email protected] 503-494-3604 Maternal-child interaction and children’s self-regulation

Adult PMHNP

Page 9: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 9 | P a g e

Criteria for DNP Practicum/Clinical Inquiry Project Chair are all of the following:

1. An earned doctorate 2. Member of OHSU School of Nursing DNP Faculty 3. Demonstrated scholarship 4. Current licensure as an APRN or MPH or graduate degree in an aggregates focus area (health systems,

public health, health outcomes) 5. Faculty actively involved in DNP program teaching, meetings, and/or curriculum development. 6. Optional but preferred: Experience as a DNP Practicum/CIP Chair or second reader.

McKimmy, Mandy, FNP [email protected] 503-494-5315 Childhood development and Autism

FNP

Messecar, Deborah, PhD, MPH, CNS

[email protected] 503-494-3573 Public Health; care of older persons; families of veterans

Gero CNS

Mist, Scott, PhD, MAcOM, Lc.Ac. [email protected] 503-494-4326 Alternative medicine/ integrative medicine

Nagel, Corey, PhD, MPH [email protected] None Public Health; built environment

Gero; MPH

Noone, Joanne, PhD, RN, CNE [email protected] 541-552-8453 Reproductive health

Perry, Cindy, PhD, FNP [email protected] 503-418-2036 Physical activity promotion

FNP

Ross, Amy, PhD, CNS [email protected] 503-494-2123 Organizations Systems HSOL

Salveson, Catherine, PhD

[email protected] 503-494-3558 Access to and reimbursement for care as related to clinical specialty.

Public health; CAM .

Scharf, Margaret, DNP, PMHNP, FNP

[email protected] 503-494-3691 Community mental health; Metabolic Syndrome

PMHNP, FNP

Shaw, Maggie, PhD, CNM [email protected] 503-494-5864 NMW

Turnbull, Teresa, DNP, FNP [email protected] 503-418-3256 Primary Care with underserved; immigrant health

FNP

Turner, Helen, DNP, PCNS [email protected] 503-418-5138 Program evaluation/systems; Pain Management

PCNS-Pediatric CNS,

Vaughn, Kristi, DNP, ACNP, FNP [email protected] 503-494-2691 CAM, acute & chronic pain

ACNP,FNP

Wickenhagen, Sarah, DNP, FNP [email protected] 503-418-2327 Veterans Issues, Genomics

FNP

Page 10: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 10 | P a g e

General Information

University ID Badge A checklist outlining the procedure for obtaining an OHSU ID badge can be found on Public Safety’s website http://ozone.ohsu.edu/pubsafety/id/index.shtml. Business Cards DNP students may have business cards printed with the OHSU logo and the OHSU School of Nursing as your "place of business" or location. Use your current credentials and specify your title as “DNP Student”. If you choose to include your home address, please specify with (home). If you include your cell and/or home phone numbers, please specify as (cell) or (home). Contact Shauna Hoffman to place the order (503-494-4168 or

[email protected]). If a grant or scholarship will provide funds for the cards, please provide the alias account

number when placing the order. Otherwise, a personal check will be required. Students can no longer print their own business cards with the OHSU logo. Graduate Nursing Senate The purpose of the Graduate Nursing Senate (GNS) is to provide a student government organization for all full time and part time matriculated graduate students within the School of Nursing. Accordingly, the GNS:

1. Represents graduate students to the School of Nursing academic governance committees and the School of Nursing Student Grievance and Conduct Committee;

2. Facilitates an exchange of ideas and information among students; and

3. Coordinates and facilitates interchange between students and faculty, including guests and faculty from outside the School.

Each fall the Graduate Nursing Senate provides names of students who will agree to serve as student representatives on the committees named above. Meetings of the Graduate Nursing Senate are held regularly and notices are sent by email or placed in graduate student mailboxes. Doctoral Center Post Master’s DNP and Post Baccalaureate DNP students in their 3rd year will have access to and use of the Doctoral Center located on the 5th floor of the School of Nursing building, Room 582. The room provides shared study space as well as access to computers. To obtain a key to the Doctoral Center, please see Shauna Hoffman. Lockers

Lockers are available for student use on the 1st and 3rd floor of the School of Nursing building. The lockers are available on a first come, first serve basis, and students provide their own locks. Students need to email Shauna Hoffman to notify her that they are taking a locker.

Page 11: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 11 | P a g e

Campus Security Information Students are encouraged to check the OHSU Public Safety website for campus security information: http://ozone.ohsu.edu/pubsafety

Computer Resources & Proficiency

The OHSU School of Nursing relies heavily on the use of computers to accomplish student activities both in the classroom and online using the Internet. A significant number of courses have online components, many of the library journals are online, and email is a primary means of communication. All students must have internet access and are expected to meet the current hardware and software requirements. This is to ensure that students will be able to collaborate with both faculty and peers and be able to complete the many activities required during their program. DSL, cable from home, or wireless services from within campus or other locations are preferable. Dial-up service using a 56k modem may prove to be unacceptable for some online content and activities. On the Portland campus, SON Room 128 is an unstaffed computer room to which students are allowed access when the room is not scheduled for courses or training. Students receive the lockbox code during orientation. Doctoral students on the Portland campus have eight computers and a printer available in the Doctoral Center, located on the fifth floor (#528). Windows vs. MAC The School of Nursing is a Microsoft Windows environment. Software required for some courses may not come in a MAC version or there may be differences in functionality between the Windows and MAC versions. If you choose to use a MAC, you need to be prepared to deal with these issues when they arise in order to fully participate in all coursework requirements. Newer MACs with the Intel processor can run a Windows environment through Boot Camp, Parallels or Fusion VMware. However, the cost of the related software and a Windows license can be an expensive option. Laptops vs. Desktops The School of Nursing encourages the use of laptop computers for on-campus students. They are easily used when working with fellow students in groups and for classroom presentations. All OHSU campuses have wireless networking capabilities at various access points around campus. NETBOOKS are not acceptable as a primary computing device. They are made to keep a person connected by primarily providing access to the Internet, web site browsing, and e-mail. In order to conserve power and extend battery life, most are underpowered to run Microsoft Office and do not include DVD drives, which makes installation of additional software difficult. Hardware The hardware requirements listed in this document are for new, incoming students. These are minimum requirements. Most new computers exceed these requirements. Meeting these minimum requirements is essential, as computer resources on campus are limited. Students who have computers and Internet access

Page 12: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 12 | P a g e

should be able to successfully complete any student activities required by faculty for their courses. Currently enrolled students should compare their computer’s specifications to the minimum specification required of new students. If the computer is not close to meeting the new requirements, students should upgrade components or replace their computer. Discounts are available for OHSU students purchasing new computers. OHSU School of Nursing has recommended minimum hardware specifications. Let us know if you have questions.

Operating System: Windows Vista, Windows 7 or MAC OSX Speed: 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or Newer Memory: 2.0 GB (4GB or more preferred) Hard Drive: 160 GB or larger

Web Cameras For those students who participate in courses with an online component, a web cam may be required by the faculty. Your course syllabus should note if this is a requirement. Software The software requirements listed in this document are mandatory for all students. If you find that your software has not been updated in a number of years, this is the time to invest in getting it updated so that you can participate in all the required activities. Academic versions of software packages commonly used by the School are available to students at a discount.

Microsoft Office. All Students are required to own and use the Microsoft Office Suite. Microsoft Works, Apple iWorks, OpenOffice, and Corel WordPerfect are NOT acceptable alternatives. Acceptable versions of Microsoft Office include the following:

Office 2007 or Office 2010 for Windows

Office 2008 or Office 2011 for MAC

Additional Software: Additional software that may be useful includes:

Adobe Acrobat 8 or newer

Adobe Flash & Shockwave

Apple QuickTime

RealPlayer

Internet Security & Antivirus Software: With all of the Internet threats to personal computers, virus protection

is a must. Some campuses and internet providers offer virus protection software for free. Check with your campus or provider to see what might be available. Below are a few of the acceptable virus protection packages:

Microsoft Security Essentials (free from Microsoft)

McAfee Antivirus

Norton Antivirus

Avast! Antivirus

Page 13: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 13 | P a g e

TrendMicro Titanium

AVG Internet Security

Required Internet Browsers:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher

Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher

Optional Internet Browsers:

Apple Safari

Google Chrome

OTHER Devices There are a number of portable devices on the market which provide easy and instant access to information, digital media, and the Internet. Such devices include Palms, eReaders/Kindles, iPods/iPads, iPhones, and other SmartPhones. The School of Nursing encourages innovation and the use of these devices where possible. However, as much as we love these devices for what they can do, they cannot do everything. If you use these devices, be aware that your assigned coursework will dictate that they be used in conjunction with a good computer or laptop. E-Mail OHSU uses Microsoft Exchange 20 0 7 for our e-mail and calendar systems. An e-mail account is provided by OHSU for all current students. Cohort specific e-mails lists are created and utilized to communicate specifically with OHSU students and student groups within the School of Nursing. OHSU units like Financial Aid, Billing, Registrar, and program faculty and staff will communicate important student information to the OHSU e-mail address only. It is expected that every student will maintain and regularly check the OHSU- provided e-mail account in order to receive critical student updates. Creating “rules” to forward e-mail to a personal account is prohibited by policy. All students are expected to log in and use their OHSU Outlook account. OHSU Helpdesk The OHSU ITG Helpdesk is available to assist students with e-mail account or account access issues between 6am – 6pm, Monday thru Friday, at 503 494-2222. SAKAI The School of Nursing uses Sakai to deliver online course content to our students. It is recommended that you use Mozilla Firefox. Sakai is supported by our University’s Academic Technology Group. You can find more information about Sakai on their web pages. If you need help with Sakai, you can contact the Sakai Helpdesk at 503-494-7722 or by email at [email protected].

Page 14: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 14 | P a g e

Curriculum/Progression The DNP degree may be earned through four avenues, according to the applicant’s previous level of education:

The accelerated baccalaureate to PMHNP or Nurse-Midwifery (MN/DNP) program requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and acceptance into the PMHNP or Nurse Midwifery program. Successful program progression includes: earning the BS degree in nursing and obtaining RN licensure, earning the MN degree in the PMHNP or NMW specialty, and completing the DNP program interim benchmarks. These include a scholarly inquiry paper, one case report, and obtaining pertinent national certification and state licensure, before completing the final year of courses, practicum, and inquiry to earn the DNP degree. The post baccalaureate program (MN/DNP) requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing and RN licensure. Successful program progression includes earning the MN degree in an advanced practice specialty (previously described) and completing the DNP program interim benchmarks. These include a scholarly inquiry paper, one case report, and obtaining pertinent national certification and state licensure, before completing the final year of courses, practicum, and inquiry to earn the DNP degree.

The post master’s certificate option (PMCO/DNP) is for those students who seek to obtain a second specialty and to earn the DNP. A previous master’s degree in nursing is required for clinical specialties whereas a master’s degree in nursing or in a related field is acceptable for the Health Systems & Organizational Leadership specialty. In addition to completing the requirements of the new specialty, students complete the DNP courses offered within the MN program and the DNP program interim benchmarks. These include a scholarly inquiry paper, one case report, and obtaining pertinent national certification and state licensure, before completing the final year of courses, practicum, and inquiry to earn the DNP degree.

The post-master’s DNP (DNP) program is for master’s prepared nurses in health systems leadership or related field and for advanced practice nurses that are currently certified and/or licensed and have at least one year of active practice experience in their specialty. The DNP courses for this program are offered online, and the DNP courses, benchmarks, practicum, and inquiry project are required for the degree.

OHSU operates on quarters (not semesters) with four quarters in an academic year. Graduate programs leading to the DNP are designed to be taught all four quarters each year. The post master’s DNP program is a part-time program of study, typically with 5 to 7 credits per quarter. The clinical practicum and clinical inquiry project may be extended over two years if preferable or necessary. Part-time study is also possible for the MN/DNP and PMCO/DNP programs, although course prerequisites and sequencing make a part-time course of study challenging to create and carry out. We do, therefore, encourage students in these programs to enroll full-time. A typical program of study entails 9-12 credits per quarter and a 4-quarter academic year. A program of study plan should be developed in conjunction with the academic advisor no later than spring term of the first year of study for full-time post master’s DNP students or at the beginning of the term prior to the interim benchmarks for all other DNP students (MN/DNP and PMCO/DNP). The original program plan will be on file with the SON. Any changes in the program of study plan require filing a new program form. See sample program of study plans in these program guidelines or online: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-nursing/programs/programs-of-study-page.cfm

Page 15: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 15 | P a g e

The accelerated baccalaureate to PMHNP or NMW MN/DNP program, the post-baccalaureate MN/DNP program, and the post master’s certificate PMCO/DNP program require the following DNP courses as part of the program of study for the MN or Post Master’s Certificate in a new specialty: NURS 700 Concepts for Comprehensive Care in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits NURS 701 Policy and Population Based Care 3 credits NURS 713 Evaluating Evidence for Advance Practice Nursing 3 credits NURS 714 Practice Evaluation 3 credits NURS 733 Health Systems, Organizations, and Change 3 credits NURS 735 Principles of Healthcare Economics and Finance 2 credits At the end of the second year, MN/DNP and PMCO/DNP students are expected to meet benchmark requirements to assess readiness to proceed to the Clinical Inquiry Project, as well as to complete the pertinent specialty comprehensive/certification examination and obtain specialty licensure after graduation. The third year of the DNP program includes the following courses: NURS 702 Concepts for Doctoral Nursing Practice 1 credit NURS 715 Methods for Clinical Inquiry 3 credits NURS 703 Clinical Inquiry Project 6 credits NURS 790 DNP (Clinical) Practicum 18 credits Specialty Required Courses or Electives 6 credits

Post Masters Doctor of Nursing Practice The Post Master’s DNP Program extends over two academic years (8 quarters). The courses are offered as a hybrid modality for Post Masters DNP students, who have priority for enrollment; students can expect a face-to-face intensive meeting for instruction at least twice each year. Most DNP courses also have a face-to-face section on campus in Portland for MN/DNP and PMCO/DNP students; Post Masters DNP students are welcome if they prefer this modality. The following courses constitute the program of study: NURS 700 Concepts for Comprehensive Care in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 credits NURS 701 Policy and Population Based Care 3 credits NURS 702 Concepts for Doctoral Nursing Practice 1 credit NURS 713 Evaluating Evidence for Advance Practice Nursing 3 credits NURS 714 Practice Evaluation 3 credits NURS 715 Methods for Clinical Inquiry 3 credits NURS 716 DNP Integration Seminar 3 credits NURS 733 Health Systems, Organizations, and Change 3 credits NURS 735 Principles of Healthcare Economics and Finance 2 credits NURS 703 Clinical Inquiry Project 6 credits NURS 790 DNP (Clinical) Practicum 9 credits Electives 7 credits

Total Credits DNP 46 credits The Post Masters DNP students are expected to meet benchmark requirements at the end of the first year (spring quarter) to assess readiness to proceed to the Clinical Inquiry Project. Although the program is designed to be completed in two years or 8 quarters, students may develop a plan of study that extends over a longer duration, but not more than 4 years.

Page 16: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 16 | P a g e

The requirements for the specialty MN/DNP programs are listed below. Psychiatric Mental Health MN/DNP DNP Common Core (17 credits) NURS 700 Concepts for Comprehensive Care in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 701 Policy and Population Based Care 3 NURS 713 Evaluating Evidence for Advance Practice Nursing 3 NURS 714 Practice Evaluation 3 NURS 733 Health Systems, Organizations and Change 3 NURS 735 Applied Health Care Economics and Finance 2 Advanced Practice Core (13 credits) NURS 515A Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology I 3 NURS 515B Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology II 3 NURS 517 Health Assessment 4 NURS 519 Principles of Pharmacology and Prescribing for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses 3 PMHNP Specialty Core (49 credits) NURS 541 Mental Health & Illness: Theories, Systems, & Roles 2 NURS 544 Psychosocial Development in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 545 Community Mental Health Systems for Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice 3 NURS 552 Understanding and Intervening in Common Mental Health Problems Of the Elderly 3 NURS 571A Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment in Advanced Psychiatric-Mental

Health Nursing: Child and Adolescent 3 NURS 571B Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment in Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Adult 3 NURS 572A Therapeutic Interventions for Children & Families 3 NURS 572B Introduction to Psychotherapy with Adults 3 NURS 572C Adult Psychotherapies 3 NURS 574A Psychopharmacology: Adults 4 NURS 574B Psychopharmacology: Child and Adolescents 2 NURS 509K Practicum in Advanced PMHN Roles: Adults 4-13 NURS 509KC Practicum in Advanced PMHN Roles: Children and Adolescents 4-13 Total Credits MN 79 3rd year DNP (29 credits) NURS 702 Concepts for Doctoral Nursing Practice 1 NURS 703 Clinical Inquiry 6 NURS 715 Methods for Clinical Inquiry 3 NURS 790 Clinical Practicum 18 Electives 6 Total Credits DNP 113

Page 17: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 17 | P a g e

Nurse-Midwifery MN/DNP DNP Common Core (17 credits) NURS 700 Concepts for Comprehensive Care in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 701 Policy and Population Based Care 3 NURS 713 Evaluating Evidence for Advance Practice Nursing 3 NURS 714 Practice Evaluation 3 NURS 733 Health Systems, Organizations and Change 3 NURS 735 Applied Health Care Economics and Finance 2 Advanced Practice Core (13 credits) NURS 515A Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology I 3 NURS 515B Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology II 3 NURS 517 Health Assessment 4 NURS 519 Principles of Pharmacology and Prescribing for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses 3 NURS 516 Advanced Pharmacology for Primary Care 2 NM Specialty Core (52 credits) NURS 507B Fundamentals of Teaching Nurse-Midwifery students 3 NURS 509L Practicum in Antepartum and Postpartum Management 2 NURS 509M Practicum in Nurse-Midwifery Management of the Intrapartum Period 3 NURS 509N Practicum in Nurse-Midwifery Management I 3 NURS 509O Practicum in Advanced Women’s Health Care Management 2 NURS 509P Practicum in Nurse-Midwifery Management II 3 NURS 509Q Advanced Practicum in Nurse-Midwifery 9 NURS 509X Intrapartum Practicum in Nurse-Midwifery 2 NURS 509Y Practicum in Primary Care of Nurse-Midwives 1 NURS 518 Reproductive Health Care Management 4 NURS 581 Nurse-Midwifery Management of the Intrapartum Period 4 NURS 582 Management of the Newborn 3 NURS 583 Foundations of Reproductive Care During the Reproductive Cycle 2 NURS 584 Antepartum/Postpartum Management 5 NURS 585 Primary Care for Nurse-Midwives 4 NURS 588 Advanced Women’s Health Care Management 2 Total Credits MN 84 3rd year DNP (29 credits) NURS 702 Concepts for Doctoral Nursing Practice 1 NURS 703 Clinical Inquiry 6 NURS 715 Methods for Clinical Inquiry 3 NURS 790 Clinical Practicum 18 Electives 6 Total Credits DNP 118

Page 18: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 18 | P a g e

Family Nurse Practitioner MN/DNP DNP Common Core (17 credits) NURS 700 Concepts for Comprehensive Care in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 701 Policy and Population Based Care 3 NURS 713 Evaluating Evidence for Advance Practice Nursing 3 NURS 714 Practice Evaluation 3 NURS 733 Health Systems, Organizations and Change 3 NURS 735 Applied Health Care Economics and Finance 2 Advanced Practice Core (13 credits) NURS 515A Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology I 3 NURS 515B Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology II 3 NURS 517 Health Assessment 4 NURS 519 Principles of Pharmacology and Prescribing for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses 3 NURS 516 Advanced Pharmacology for Primary Care 2 FNP Specialty Core (46-48 credits) NURS 509R Practicum in Family Primary Care Management I 2 NURS 509S Practicum in Family Primary Care Management II 3 NURS 509T Practicum in Family Primary Care Management III 6 NURS 509U Practicum in Family Primary Care Management IV 8 NURS 509V Procedures for APN’s in Primary Care 3 NURS 509W Antepartum and Postpartum Management for FNP’s 1 NURS 514 Health Promotion and Health Protection 3 NURS 518 Reproductive Health Care Management 4 NURS 520 Family Primary Care Management I 3 NURS 521A Family Primary Care Management II 4 NURS 521B Family Primary Care Management III 5 NURS 521C Family Primary Care Management IV 3 NURS 523 Antepartum/Postpartum Management for FNP’s 3 Total Credits MN 80 3rd year DNP (29 credits) NURS 702 Concepts for Doctoral Nursing Practice 1 NURS 703 Clinical Inquiry 6 NURS 715 Methods for Clinical Inquiry 3 NURS 790 Clinical Practicum 18 Electives 6 Total Credits DNP 114

Page 19: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 19 | P a g e

Health Systems and Organizational Leadership MN/DNP DNP Common Core (14 credits) NURS 700 Concepts for Comprehensive Care in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NURS 701 Policy and Population Based Care 3 NURS 713 Evaluating Evidence for Advance Practice Nursing 3 NURS 733 Health Systems, Organizations and Change 3 NURS 735 Applied Health Care Economics and Finance 2 Health Systems Core (26 credits) NURS 509HS Practicum: Practice in Leading Effective Organizations 8 NURS 548 Quality Science in Health Services and Academic Practice 3 NURS 549 Evidence Driven Clinical and Organizational Effectiveness 3 NURS XXX Strategic Innovation and Healthcare Complexity 3 CPH 522: Primary HealthCare & Health Disparities: Communication & informatics 3 CPH 527: Epidemiology of Disease 3 CPH 538: Public Health Program Evaluation 3 Organization Leadership Specialty Core (10 credits) NURS 596 Complexity Science approaches in Leading Academic and Health Services Organizations 3 NURS 597 Creating Sustainable Organizations 3 NURS 598 Managing Human Capital 3 MGT 590 Effective Business Writing 1 Total Credits MN 50 3rd year DNP (27 credits) NURS 702 Concepts for Doctoral Nursing Practice 1 NURS 703 Clinical Inquiry 6 NURS 715 Methods for Clinical Inquiry 3 NURS 790 Clinical Practicum 17 Electives 23 Elective Specialty Courses (23 credits of 39 listed credits) CPH 510 Information Systems for Tracking population Data 3 CPH 521: Primary Health Care & Health Disparities: Social Determinants of Health &

Community Assessment 4 CPH 533: Epidemiology Survey 3 CPH 537: Principles of Health Behavior 3 CPH 539: Concepts of Environmental & Occupational Health 3 CPH 530: Introduction to Biostatistics 4 CPH 535: Professionalism Ethics & Systems Thinking in Public Health 4 CPH 540: Health Systems Organization 3 PHPM 525: Biostatistics I 4 PHPM 525: Biostatistics II 4 PHPM 525: Biostatistics III 4 Total Credits DNP 100 Examples of Part Time POS for third years after completion of the MN degree are available upon request with your advisor from the DNP program office.

Page 20: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 20 | P a g e

Time to Degree

Matriculated post masters DNP students have a maximum of 4 years to complete the program and post baccalaureate MN/DNP students have a maximum of 6 years to complete the program. The Time to Degree policy does not distinguish between full-time and part-time student enrollment. If degree requirements are not completed by the end of the fourth year, a request for extension of program needs to be submitted to the Chair of the DNP Admissions/Progression Committee for review and approval by the committee. Requests for extension should describe progress in meeting degree requirements and the reason for the need for an extension, as well as a detailed plan and timetable for completing degree requirements. The extension request should be co-signed by or accompanied by a letter of support from the student’s DNP Practicum/CIP chair. Assuming satisfactory progress, a program extension is typically approved for one year. This may be shorter if progression problems require closer monitoring. Requests for additional extensions are contingent on continuous progress toward degree completion according to the student’s projected timeline for completion.

Continuous Enrollment Doctoral students must take a minimum of 1 credit each term, including summer terms, while completing the practicum and/or clinical inquiry project in order to have access to OHSU resources and faculty. If necessary, he/she may apply for a Leave of Absence.

Leave of Absence After the successful completion of one quarter, a student may, under exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the School of Nursing, interrupt his/her program of study for a Leave of Absence (LOA). When requesting a LOA, the student must submit his /her request to the academic advisor or DNP Practicum/CIP chair and then to the DNP program director for further processing. The LOA form can be found at the OHSU Registrar website. A LOA is granted for a specified period, ranging from one quarter to one year. Under no circumstances will a LOA be granted for longer than 1 year. Students taking a LOA do not need to re-apply to the School of Nursing. While on leave, a student is not considered enrolled and is not eligible for any campus privileges or services from the university. In most cases, the time to degree limits (4 years post masters DNP; 6 years post baccalaureate MN/DNP) are not changed by a LOA. It is critical that students contact the academic advisor or chair and the DNP program director during the term prior to their anticipated return to school to confirm their intention. Students should discuss their program of study and review progression requirements with their advisor or chair.

Page 21: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 21 | P a g e

Good Standing, Probation, & Dismissal

Good Standing

Good standing refers to a status in which the student is maintaining the academic standards expected in the

DNP program. These standards include continuous enrollment, a 3.0 grade point average without C or NP

grades, and timely and successful completion of program benchmarks. Criteria for probation and dismissal are

listed on the next page.

Academic Probation Any student may be placed on probation according to the specific criteria listed or by a request for review submitted by a student’s advisor or DNP Practicum/CIP chair. The DNP Admission & Progression Committee will work with the student’s advisor/chair to determine the conditions and timeline that must be met to remove probation status. The DNP Program Director will originate the probation letter containing the stipulated conditions and timeline. The student will be notified by email with a delivery receipt, and a mailed copy will be sent to the student’s residence. Copies of probation letters are included in the student file and provided to the DNP Admission & Progression Committee and the OHSU Registrar. Students can remain enrolled in the OHSU School of Nursing while on probation. However, funding provided to the student by OHSU School of Nursing may be jeopardized by probationary status. Students are expected to develop a plan with the advisor/chair to meet the stipulated conditions. Students placed on academic probation who subsequently meet the conditions or complete the program without additional academic deficiencies will have their status returned to Good Standing at graduation. Dismissal Failure to meet the conditions or timeline stipulated in the probation letter or meeting any of the criteria for dismissal will result in dismissal from the program. The DNP Program Director will originate the dismissal letter containing reasons for dismissal and will notify student by email with delivery receipt, followed by a mailed copy. Copies of dismissal letters are included in the student file and provided to OHSU Registrar and the DNP Admission & Progression Committee. Appeal for Exception to Probation or Dismissal Criteria

To prevent automatic probation or dismissal, or to appeal after receipt of a probation or dismissal notice,

students must petition for Exception to Probation or Dismissal from the appropriate Senior Associate Dean for

Practice and Graduate Clinical Programs. Appeals prior to probation or dismissal must be received by the

appropriate Senior Associate Dean at least 3 months before an event is expected to meet probation or dismissal

criteria. After a student initiates an appeal, he or she may not file a Student Grievance related to the probation

or dismissal. However, a student may appeal the decision of the appropriate Senior Associate Dean to the OHSU

Provost

Page 22: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 22 | P a g e

For all Admission, Progression, Probation & Dismissal Standards, please see policy 20-04.13 at:

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-nursing/faculty-staff/admin_policies.cfm#Academic

Probation Dismissal

Course and grade requirements

3 unresolved incomplete grades across the

Program of Study

4 or more unresolved incomplete grades across the Program of Study

Lack of continuous enrollment for 1 academic

quarter based on Program of Study without being

on an approved Leave of Absence

Lack of continuous enrollment for 2 academic quarters without being

on an approved Leave of Absence

One 2.0 (C grade) or WU or NP in course More than one 2.0 (C grade) or WU or NP or combination of two or

more

Failure to maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or above A cumulative GPA below 3.0 that persists for 12 months

Failure to complete DNP Core courses within 3 years

Benchmark requirements

Failure to submit a program benchmark by

required due date

Failure to submit a program benchmark by 2 months beyond required

due date

Initial-attempt failure to meet a program

benchmark

Second-attempt failure to meet a program benchmark

Clinical Inquiry requirements

Failure to successfully complete CIP proposal

defense 1 year after completing DNP Core courses

Failure to successfully complete CIP proposal defense 2 years after

completing DNP Core courses

Failure to successfully complete and defend CIP 3 years after

completing DNP Core courses

Requirement to meet probation conditions and timeline

Failure to meet conditions stipulated in probation letter

Probation or dismissal by review

In addition to criteria for probation, a student’s

advisor may request review for probation by the

DNP Admission & Progression Committee if the

advisor believes the student is not making

satisfactory progress on the CIP or is failing to meet

mutually agreed upon timelines for DNP Practicum

activities and negotiated scholarly products.

Failure to meet conditions stipulated in probation letter

Page 23: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 23 | P a g e

Doctor of Nursing Practice Progression Benchmarks

Benchmark Policy

All matriculated students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program are required to pass the established Interim and Final Benchmarks as indicated below.

INTERIM BENCHMARKS

The interim benchmarks differ for post master’s DNP and post baccalaureate MN/DNP students, with the post baccalaureate students having additional expectations in the absence of advanced practice clinical expertise. The interim benchmarks are to be completed by post master’s DNP students at the end of their first year of the program. The post baccalaureate MN/DNP students are expected to complete the Scholarly Inquiry Paper (SIP), the case report, and the curriculum vita at the end of the second year of their specialty program, as they graduate with the MN degree, and the certification and licensure requirements prior to beginning the DNP clinical practicum.

Post-Baccalaureate DNP Interim Benchmarks There are five interim benchmarks for post- baccalaureate DNP students:

1. Scholarly Inquiry Paper (SIP); 2. Case report; 3. Professional CV; 4. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination and/or national Board

Certification within the student’s advanced practice specialty (FNP, NM , PMHNP) or population focus; and

5. Licensure as an advanced practice nurse for FNP, NM and PMHNP.

Students must pass these interim benchmarks to progress to the clinical practicum. After establishing a DNP

practicum, students will need to provide DNP Practicum goals/activities and a Learning contract to the DNP

Portfolio Sakai site.

Post-Master DNP Interim Benchmarks There are two interim benchmarks for post- master’s DNP students:

1. Scholarly Inquiry Paper (SIP); 2. Professional CV.

Students submit their Interim Benchmarks the last day of spring quarter for review by their DNP Practicum/CIP chair and a committee member. Students will be notified regarding the evaluation of each benchmark submitted within three weeks of submission. If a student fails to meet the minimum standard for any benchmark, the student will have an opportunity to resubmit the benchmark once, by the end of summer quarter. Successful completion of all interim benchmarks is required in order to proceed to the DNP clinical practicum and CIP fall quarter. Chairs will notify students of the results of the written benchmarks.

Page 24: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 24 | P a g e

Final results of the Interim Benchmarks will be released to students via confidential e-mail and/or Sakai. A congratulatory letter will be mailed to the individual student with a copy to the DNP Practicum/CIP chair, from the DNP Program Director, after passing of the Interim Benchmark. The Chair of the DNP Admissions & Progression Committee will be copied on the letter. E-mails (and letters) containing results will be sent out on the same day.

Scholarly Inquiry Paper (SIP) GUIDELINES

The Scholarly Inquiry Paper (SIP) is designed to promote the development of the Clinical Inquiry Project and to reflect the integration of key concepts from DNP core courses with respect to ethics, equity, and policy in relation to advanced nursing practice. The paper therefore serves as a preface to and rationale for engaging in the Clinical Inquiry Project (CIP). A literature review is typically a required part of a practice initiative, program grant, quality improvement proposal, and program evaluation proposals, as well as a contribution to the state of the specialty science and evidence that guides practice. The literature review is a way to translate evidence into practice, policy, and leadership.

This benchmark is a literature review of a clinical, healthcare system, or organizational problem, and

includes a review of related ethical, equity, and policy issues. The SIP is due at the end of spring term of the first year for students in the post-master’s program of study and at the end of spring term of the second year for students in the full-time post-baccalaureate MN/DNP programs of study. Students with part-time programs of study will submit the scholarly inquiry no later than the beginning of summer term of the year in which they complete the core courses of the DNP program of study.

Generally, the purpose of the SIP is to analyze critically a segment of a published body of knowledge

through summary, classification, and comparison of prior studies, prior literature reviews, and theoretical and clinical opinion articles that pertain to a clinical or organizational problem of interest. Literature discussing the ethical, equity, and policy issues related to the clinical problem should be included. The discussions related to each of these latter areas will be relatively minor unless the CIP will focus on ethics, equity, or policy.

Introduction (2-3 pages)

Define the clinical, healthcare system, or organizational topic, issue, or focus of interest.

Point out overall trends in what has been published, conflicts in theory or evidence, and major gaps in the literature.

Establish your point of view for addressing the clinical, healthcare system, or organizational topic and reviewing the literature; state the scope of the literature to be reviewed (why certain literature is or is not included) and that ethical, equity, and policy issues will be discussed.

Body of the review (10-20 pages)

Discuss the literature according to key concepts relevant to the clinical, health system, or organizational problem (issue or topic) and/or group and synthesize the literature according to common “patterns” that fit your literature (such as demonstration projects, program evaluations, outcome studies, results and conclusions, types of samples or groups, chronology, or other patterns).

Summarize studies or articles with as much or as little detail as necessary according to its comparative importance in the literature and/or in relation to your potential CIP.

Page 25: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 25 | P a g e

Describe and analyze the related ethical and equity issues, and discuss policy issues and implications.

Provide the reader with strong topic sentences at the beginning of paragraphs, “signposts” throughout to make your points clear, and brief “so what” summary sentences at intermediate points in the review to aid in understanding.

Conclusion (2-3 pages)

Summarize major contributions of significant studies, demonstration projects, or program evaluation findings to the body of knowledge under review, maintaining the focus established in the introduction.

Evaluate the current “state of the art” for the literature reviewed: if relevant, point out major flaws or gaps in knowledge or in practice, inconsistencies in findings or clinical, health systems or organizational approaches, needs for practice or services or programs, and/or potential solutions/approaches/strategies/proposals.

The SIP should be in APA format for headings and references in a Microsoft Word document. The document should be double-spaced with standard margins (1” all around). The page limits do not include references. Students are required to remain within the designated page limits. A helpful resource may be Chapter 5 of Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice by Polit & Beck; it offers a good discussion about how to conduct a literature review and critique studies.

Each SIP will be read by at least two faculty members: the student’s DNP Practicum/CIP chair and committee member. Both faculty readers must agree that the SIP meets the benchmark criteria and signifies readiness to proceed to the DNP clinical practicum and the CIP. If there is not inter-reader agreement, then a third faculty member will be asked to read the scholarly paper. A decision to approve the SIP must be agreed upon by two of these three readers. Scholarly Inquiry Papers will be graded by chairs/readers within three weeks of the submission date, along with feedback for the student’s CV (and case report for Post-Baccalaureate DNP students). Written feedback will be provided to students by the chair; the feedback will include both positive attributes of their work, as well as clearly identified areas for needed improvements.

Students who do not pass the SIP will be permitted to revise and re-submit their SIP by the end of summer term. During this time students are free to enroll in summer term courses, but will be considered on probation for the term. Resubmitted SIP’s will be graded using the same criteria as the original SIP. Probation status will be removed once the student receives a PASS on the SIP. Students who fail the SIP twice will be dismissed from the program.

Page 26: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 26 | P a g e

OHSU School of Nursing

SIP Evaluation Criteria and Scoring

Student Date INSTRUCTIONS FOR REVIEWER: Please use the following criteria to guide your review and to evaluate the student’s SIP. Please grade each criterion and section as excellent (E), adequate (A), or inadequate (I) and also provide an overall recommendation to pass or fail the proposal. The overall recommendation should not merely be a ratio of excellent/adequate to fail across categories, but rather your impression of the paper. Reviewers are encouraged to evaluate rigorously each SIP, but keep in mind that the level of work should reflect the knowledge and skills expected at the end of the core courses and prior to the final year for DNP students.

Introduction: E / A / I

Provides a clear and complete definition of the clinical problem or focus of interest

Provides an overview of literature trends and gaps

Establishes point of view for addressing the clinical or organizational interest and reviewing literature

Describes scope of review and topics to be discussed

Literature Review E / A / I

Extant literature is reviewed and synthesized

Keywords used and databases searched are listed

Literature includes current and relevant work from nursing and other disciplines

Literature and perspectives are relevant to topic

Paper creates a logically coherent rationale is presented for the potential CIP

Ethical issues related to clinical or organizational problem/focus of interest are discussed

Equity issues related to clinical or organizational problem/focus of interest are discussed

Policy issues and implications related to clinical or organizational problem/focus of interest are discussed

Discussion of ethical, equity, and policy issues and implications reflect integration and analysis

Conclusion: E / A / I

Major contribution in literature are summarized

Current “state of the art” for knowledge re: clinical or organizational problem/focus of interest evaluated

Relevant flaws/gaps in knowledge or practice identified

Potential solutions/approaches/strategies/services/programs suggested

Page 27: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 27 | P a g e

Format and Writing Style: E / A / I

APA format is followed

Clarity of writing

Logically consistent

Adequate discussion of literature

Accurate and appropriate support for claims

Evidence of critical review/analysis

Avoids empty phrases, overuse of pronouns

Avoids mixing metaphors, clichés, colloquialisms

Transitional words/phrases used appropriately

Keeps verb tense consistent

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION (please check): ___PASS ___FAIL

Strengths: Areas for improvement: Overall Comments: Reviewer Signature:

Page 28: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog. 28 | P a g e

Case Report

Interim Benchmark Guidelines

The MN/DNP students are required to submit a case report at the end of spring term, prior to

graduation with the MN degree. The case report is a paper in which a case is described while working with an

individual or organization. The purpose of the case report may be to illustrate a problem, suggest a means for

solving the problem, and/or provide new insight on the clinical, research, or theoretical approaches needed.

The report is focused on case drawn from advanced clinical or leadership practice during the MN practicum.

Students in the FNP, NM and PMHNP programs will focus on patients and populations. Students in the HSOL

program will focus on organization and pertinent populations within that context. Case reports are developed

in depth while protecting the patient’s or organization’s anonymity. Students provide clinical or organizational

data with attention to evidence based practice and how the case illustrates issues/problems relevant to the

chosen population or system focus. General Guidelines

I. Problem/Significance/Purpose

II. Background/Literature review

III. Case Presentation for Patient Focused Reports OR

Case Presentation for Organization Focused Reports

IV. Discussion

V. Implications and Recommendations

VI. Summary

VII. Conclusions APA format is expected; please double space. Limit to 10-12 pages. This report will be evaluated by the DNP Practicum/CIP chair and written feedback provided. The report may be revised and resubmitted once by the end of summer term.

Page 29: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog

29 | P a g e

Evaluation Rubric for DNP Case Reports: Patient Focus

Criteria Not Acceptable Acceptable Exceeds Expectations Comments

Problem/Significance/ Purpose

Lacks information about the dimensions of the problem. Lacks rationale for the significance of the problem; lacks use of literature to substantiate. Purpose is unclear; may not be relevant to advanced nursing practice.

Identifies incidence and prevalence of the problem with little elaboration. Addresses the significance of the problem from a clinician’s view; use of literature is superficial or limited. Purpose could be clearer and more concise; relationship to advanced practice implied.

Uses current incidence and prevalence data and describe the problem. Provides rationale for the significance of the problem, grounded in literature. Purpose is clear and concise; relates to advanced practice.

Background/Literature Review

Poorly described search strategy. Literature review is not systematic or complete. Lacks logical coherence. Does not address key conceptual areas. Lacks synthesis of literature.

Search strategy described but limited. Literature review is superficial or incomplete; may include irrelevant information. Logical coherence more often than not. Addresses relevant conceptual areas. Synthesizes literature reasonably well.

Search strategy described and thorough. Literature review is pertinent and comprehensive. Logically coherent throughout review. Literature synthesized and addresses all relevant conceptual areas.

Page 30: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog

30 | P a g e

Criteria Not Acceptable Acceptable Exceeds Expectations Comments

Case Presentation: History

Provides an incomplete and unfocused history of the case; missing key elements that are important to understanding the case.

Provides history of the case that is clear and complete; recognizes key elements to include as pertinent to understand the case.

Clearly organizes the pertinent history of the case; describes the interrelatedness of data and threads analysis of the case throughout the paper.

IF RELEVANT--Case Presentation: Physical Exam (focused)

Physical exam not focused on pertinent areas; does not concisely describe findings.

Concisely and accurately describes pertinent findings from physical exam.

Concisely and accurately describes pertinent findings from physical exam and relates findings to history.

IF RELEVANT--Case Presentation: Lab Data

Unable to identify pertinent lab data. Inaccurately relates lab data and results of diagnostic procedures to case.

Identifies pertinent lab data. Accurately relates lab data and results of diagnostic procedures to case.

Identifies pertinent lab data. Accurately relates lab data and results of diagnostic procedures to case and potential implications.

Case Presentation: Critical Decision Points and Outcomes

Does not define critical decision points. Does not identify key outcomes.

Recognizes some critical decisions to be made. Misses some key outcomes or outcomes not all relevant.

Defines critical decision points using case data. Identifies key outcomes relevant to the case.

Describes Patient Context (e.g., beliefs, culture, individual’s self-care, resources including family as appropriate)

Limited description of the patient’s /family’s perspective on problem and available resources.

Some description of the patient’s and/or family’s perspective on problem and/or resources but requires more elaboration of patient context.

Comprehensive and pertinent description of patient’s/family’s perspective on problem and available resources; clear elaboration of context.

Page 31: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog

31 | P a g e

Criteria Not Acceptable Acceptable Exceeds Expectations Comments

Discussion: Situates case within context of the population by comparing and contrasting the case with literature.

Unable to clearly link case back to the selected population. Limited discussion in relation to the literature and/or discussion or literature not pertinent to case.

Identifies how this case is related to the chosen population. Adequate discussion in relation to the literature; may be irrelevant at times.

Uses the case to illustrate population parameters. Comprehensive and pertinent discussion in relation to the literature.

Implications and Recommendations

Does not include current evidence based guidelines relevant to the case. Unable to formulate recommendations and/or recommendations do not draw on research and/or practice literature and/or evidence based guidelines.

Identifies current evidence based guidelines related to the case, although may be incomplete. Articulates recommendations based on published evidence based guidelines but may neglect drawing on research and/or practice literature.

Thoroughly identifies current evidence based guidelines relevant to the case. Articulates recommendations based on published evidence based guidelines, draws on research and practice literature, and assesses adequacy of the evidence for these recommendations.

Summary Does not summarize pertinent elements of the case or their import.

Summarize the pertinent elements of the case and identifies their import.

Summarizes the salient elements of the case and their importance for the patient and the population represented.

Conclusions Unable to reach valid conclusions about the case.

Draws valid conclusions about the case without supporting rationale or conclusions lack validity.

Draws valid conclusions about the case with supporting rationale, and perhaps drawing on the literature.

Page 32: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog

32 | P a g e

Criteria Not Acceptable Acceptable Exceeds Expectations Comments

Scholarly writing includes relevant references in APA format

Poor grammar, punctuation, and/or many APA format errors. Lacks clarity. Lacks references and/or references not pertinent to case.

Well written (grammar, punctuation) with few APA format errors. Mostly written with clarity. References adequate in number and pertinent to case.

Scholarly paper and uses APA format consistently. Clarity of writing throughout. Thorough but pertinent references.

Page 33: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 33 | P a g e

Evaluation Rubric for DNP Case Reports for Health Systems & Organizational Leadership Major

Criteria Not Acceptable Acceptable Exceeds Expectations Comments

Problem/Significance/ Purpose

Lacks information about the dimensions of the problem. Lacks rationale for the significance of the problem; lacks use of literature to substantiate. Purpose is unclear; may not be relevant to advanced nursing practice.

Identifies incidence and prevalence of the problem with little elaboration. Addresses the significance of the problem; use of literature is superficial or limited. Purpose could be clearer and more concise; relationship to advanced nursing practice implied.

Uses current incidence and prevalence data and describe the problem. Provides rationale for the significance of the problem, grounded in literature. Purpose is clear and concise; relates to advanced nursing practice.

Background/Literature Review

Poorly described search strategy. Literature review is not systematic or complete. Lacks logical coherence. Does not address key conceptual areas. Lacks synthesis of literature.

Search strategy described but limited. Literature review is superficial or incomplete; may include irrelevant information. Logical coherence more often than not. Addresses relevant conceptual areas. Synthesizes literature reasonably well.

Search strategy described and thorough. Literature review is pertinent and comprehensive. Logically coherent throughout review. Literature synthesized and addresses all relevant conceptual areas.

Page 34: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 34 | P a g e

Case Presentation: History

Provides an incomplete and unfocused history of the case; missing key elements that are important to understanding the case.

Provides history of the case that is clear and complete; recognizes key elements to include as pertinent to understand the case.

Clearly organizes the pertinent history of the case; describes the interrelatedness of data and threads analysis of the case throughout the paper.

Case Presentation: System Assessment (focused)

System Assessment not focused on pertinent areas; does not concisely describe findings.

Concisely and accurately describes pertinent findings from Systems Assessment.

Concisely and accurately describes pertinent findings from Systems Assessment and relates findings to history.

Case Presentation: Systems Data

Unable to identify pertinent systems data. Inaccurately relates systems data.

Identifies pertinent systems data. Accurately relates systems data

Identifies pertinent systems data. Accurately relates systems data and potential implications.

Case Presentation: Critical Decision Points and Outcomes

Does not define critical decision points. Does not identify key outcomes.

Recognizes some critical decisions to be made. Misses some key outcomes or outcomes not all relevant.

Defines critical decision points using case data. Identifies key outcomes relevant to the case.

Page 35: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 35 | P a g e

Describes System Context (e.g., beliefs, culture, resources as appropriate)

Limited description of the system context and available resources.

Some description of the system context and the impact on problem and/or resources but requires more elaboration of system context.

Comprehensive and pertinent description of system context on problem and available resources; clear elaboration of context.

Discussion: Situates case within context of the population by comparing and contrasting the case with literature.

Unable to clearly link case back to the selected population. Limited discussion in relation to the literature and/or discussion or literature not pertinent to case.

Identifies how this case is related to the chosen population. Adequate discussion in relation to the literature; may be irrelevant at times.

Uses the case to illustrate population parameters. Comprehensive and pertinent discussion in relation to the literature.

Implications and Recommendations

Does not include current evidence based guidelines or nationally established policy relevant to the case. Unable to formulate recommendations and/or recommendations do not draw on research and/or practice literature and/or evidence based guidelines and /or national policy.

Identifies current evidence based guidelines or nationally established policy relevant to the case, although may be incomplete. Articulates recommendations based on published evidence based guidelines but may neglect drawing on research and/or practice literature and /or national policy.

Thoroughly identifies current evidence based guidelines or nationally established policy relevant to the case. Articulates recommendations based on published evidence based guidelines and/or national policy, draws on research and practice literature, and assesses adequacy of the evidence for these recommendations.

Page 36: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 36 | P a g e

Summary Does not summarize pertinent elements of the case or their import.

Summarize the pertinent elements of the case and identifies their import.

Summarizes the salient elements of the case and their importance for the system and the population represented.

Conclusions Unable to reach valid conclusions about the case.

Draws valid conclusions about the case without supporting rationale or conclusions lack validity.

Draws valid conclusions about the case with supporting rationale, and perhaps drawing on the literature.

Scholarly writing includes relevant references in APA format

Poor grammar, punctuation, and/or many APA format errors. Lacks clarity. Lacks references and/or references not pertinent to case.

Well written (grammar, punctuation) with few APA format errors. Mostly written with clarity. References adequate in number and pertinent to case.

Scholarly paper and uses APA format consistently. Clarity of writing throughout. Thorough but pertinent references.

Page 37: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 37 | P a g e

Curriculum Vita (CV) Guidelines

The Curriculum Vita is an important part of the professional portfolio and is a component of the interim and final benchmarks of the DNP program. You can update it and present your portfolio to prospective employers tailoring it for specific positions you are seeking. The curriculum vita or professional resume is a summary of your professional education, career achievements, and role development. Use headings to organize information and for quick location of essential information. Use outline-type format (bullets) and as little text as possible. Potential employers like to scan quickly for relevant information, and large portions written in text format make that difficult. This is not the time to “chat” about your past experiences or personal preferences. The content and format described here is one of many available publically. An organized document using a consistent, professional-looking format represents you professionally before you even meet or interview for a position.

Contact Information

Name, credentials, contact information (address, phone, email)

Personal information (e.g. age, marital status, children, hobbies, etc.) should be omitted

Education

Include the university, degree completed, dates attended and major area of concentration of

studies in columns

Begin with highest degree and expected date of graduation

Make certain that you list the correct degree

No graduate of OHSU has an MSN; it is either an MN or an MS (thesis only or master’s research project)

Licenses and Certifications

Indicate the type of license held and the state(s) in which you are licensed currently and the date of

initial licensure in that state.

Indicate whether you hold prescriptive privileges. Do NOT list the license number.

Include any national certifications; name the specialty and the duration (including expiration date).

Employment and Type of Positions Held

Include a list of positions held at each institution, dates of employment, title and brief role

description

Include in reverse order with most recent first.

Include whether position was administrative, education, consultation, or clinical, and whether you were an RN or in an advanced practice role.

Professional Publications/Scholarship

List the authorship, title, and full citation of source for accurate retrieval

Page 38: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 38 | P a g e

Quality Improvement Initiatives

List any projects in a clinical agency that you led to improve care: title, duration, agency, and date completed

Professional Presentations

Indicate only invited papers and competitive abstracts

Include the authorship, title, organization sponsoring the conference, location, and dates

Do not include staff development presentations for in-service

Research/Grants

Indicate your involvement in submitting research grants and conducting research as

investigator, co-investigator or participant

Indicate title of project, duration, date of completion and funding source; if you know the grant number, include that

Some include the amount of funding received as well

DNP Clinical Inquiry Project

Include title of the project and completion date

Honors and Awards

Professional recognition and awards

Scholarships

Service awards

Service Activities

Leadership roles and participation in committees on best practices, quality improvement, practice improvement, evaluation of outcomes and patient or provider satisfaction, interdisciplinary committees or patient education initiatives

Professional Organizations

List professional organizations of which you are a member and duration of membership

Note leadership roles held in the organization

Continuing Education Attended

List title, sponsor date, and CE units for each CE attended

Page 39: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 39 | P a g e

Special Skills

Language fluency

Computer skills

Other relevant professional skills can be listed here.

References

Available on request

Never list a reference without the permission of the person listed

Page 40: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 40 | P a g e

DNP Practicum

Guidelines

To make the most of the clinical practicum, we have outlined some guidelines below. Faculty chairs

will review the practicum guidelines with students prior to the 3-quarter clinical practicum experience

in the final year of the program.

Practicum hours are based on this formula:

Post Master’s

1 credit=4 clock hours a week X 10 weeks a quarter=40 clock hours X 9 credits over three

quarters=360 clock hours total

Post Baccalaureate’s

1 credit=4 clock hours a week X 10 weeks a quarter=40 clock hours X 18 credits over three

quarters=720 clock hours total

Philosophy: One of the freedoms of doctoral study is the opportunity to craft the goals of the experience

to meet the DNP essentials and personal clinical training needs. Course assignments, electives, and

practicum experiences should build, culminating in a graduate clinical leader who will impact practice. To

accomplish this, students assume responsibility for their learning and tailor the practicum to their unique

expertise, needs, and goals designed to meet the essentials of DNP education as well as the program

competencies. Because students bring different backgrounds and pursue different interests, the

emphasis, effort, goals, and activities directed toward meeting the DNP essentials will be individualized

and vary across students.

Purpose: The purpose of the clinical practicum is to acquire an integrative practice experience in the

knowledge and skills related to the essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice:

1) Apply scientific underpinnings for practice: integrate sciences and knowledge as the basis for nursing practice;

2) Provide leadership to organizations and/or systems for quality improvement and systems thinking:

develop and evaluate care delivery approaches, ensure accountability for quality and safety, and/or develop and/or evaluate strategies for managing ethical issues;

3) Engage in clinical scholarship methods for evidence-based practice: critically appraise literature,

translate evidence into practice, evaluate outcomes of practice, conduct quality improvement projects, and/or implement practice improvement initiatives;

4) Evaluate, select, use, and/or design information systems/technology and patient care

technology for the improvement and transformation of health care; 5) Analyze, influence, develop, and/or implement health care policy for advocacy in health care:

demonstrate leadership at the institutional, local, state, federal, and/or international level in health policy endeavors;

Page 41: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 41 | P a g e

6) Engage in interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes; 7) Address clinical prevention and population health perspectives: analyze relevant data, synthesize

clinical prevention and population health concepts, and evaluate care delivery strategies and models to address equity and gaps in care of aggregates and populations; and

8) Engage in competent advanced nursing practice.

The clinical practicum and meeting the essentials of DNP education will serve the attainment of the

following DNP program competencies:

Practice within an advanced practice nursing specialty in professional, evidence based, skilled, and ethical manner;

Influence health and health outcomes of individuals, groups, and populations through clinical inquiry; and

Influence health policy and systems of health care in the local, regional, state, national, and

international forums. Description: The DNP Practicum provides the opportunity for practice experiences designed to achieve

learning goals related to the DNP Essentials as well as specialty or subspecialty competencies. For MN/DNP

students, the clinical practicum is an opportunity to build and assimilate knowledge for advanced specialty

practice, perhaps with a subspecialty focus, in addition to providing an opportunity to synthesize the other

DNP essentials. Post master’s DNP students will also have the opportunity for in-depth subspecialty work

with experts from nursing as well as other disciplines but greater emphasis will be placed on the synthesis

and integration of the DNP essentials into their advanced specialty practice. The DNP Practicum provides

the context within which the clinical inquiry project is completed. A syllabus may be found in Sakai for

NURS 790 Clinical Practicum in the DNP Portfolio site.

Those students pursuing the DNP Practicum with a specialty focus in HSOL or an Aggregate focus will need

to consider what this practice entails that is different from direct clinical care of patients and populations.

The following recommendations should guide the emphasis:

25% effort related to preparation of documents for use in meetings, formal and informal, with

constituents. The preparation of these documents may include literature searches and synthesis of

new information for presentation to others.

50% effort related to the practicum goals and the inquiry project itself as outlined by the DNP

guidelines. This may be meeting time when there is an interface with others, both formal and

informal, to progress work that pertains to your specific learning goals and project plans.

Leadership in organizations can occur in chance meetings that move the student toward end of

program goals and completion of projects.

25% effort related to dissemination of new knowledge and wisdom in the practice of appreciative,

adaptive leadership within a complex adaptive health care system, including the realm of policy and

Page 42: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 42 | P a g e

legislation. This may be creation and presentation of documents to constituents for vertical and

horizontal integration both within and outside of an organization.

o Constituents may be direct reports, staff nurses, team members, stakeholders, executives,

state, federal, and international policy advocate groups with the effort to integrate

information, data, knowledge, and wisdom horizontally and vertically both within and

outside of organizations.

o Documents may include agendas, minutes, reports, presentations, handouts, testimony,

white papers, data summaries, consultative reports, contracts, job descriptions, budgets,

measurement of progress on an initiative, evaluation of initiatives, and other documents

that pertain to achievement of the learning goals for the DNP Practicum.

DNP Practicum/CIP Chair: Students will need to identify a DNP Practicum/CIP chair by the beginning of

spring quarter in the first year for post master’s DNP students and in the second year for MN/DNP

students. A second faculty member to serve on the CIP committee must be identified, and an agreement

form must be submitted by May 15th. The chair person will assume the responsibilities of the academic

advisor. The chair may be the content expert and/or process/methods expert. The chair may serve as the

clinical mentor or advise more generally regarding the clinical practicum. The DNP Practicum/CIP chair will

evaluate and approve the interim and final benchmarks. The clinical practicum goals will be developed

collaboratively with the student, and the chair will facilitate and supervise the clinical practicum

experiences.

Supervision means that the DNP Practicum/CIP chair is available throughout the practicum experience to

conference with the student regularly in person and/or by phone. The chair facilitates practicum

expectations, clarifies and evaluates whether the experience is meeting the student’s goals, and assists in

the conduct of the CIP and optimizes learning opportunities. The DNP Practicum/CIP chair will confer with

the Clinical Mentor each quarter to evaluate the experience and the student, and will conduct one site to

each setting during the practicum, at least annually. The chair will additionally complete an annual DNP

Practicum site/clinical mentor evaluation annually.

Preparation: Students will develop their clinical practicum goals and activities with the DNP Essentials as a

framework. Not all goals will be addressed to the same extent and will depend on the student’s experience,

needs, clinical inquiry project, and opportunities. Typically, post masters students will be admitted to the

program with a practicum experience in mind; MN/DNP students will develop a practicum experience in

consultation with their specialty academic advisor according to their needs and the practicum opportunities

available in the specialty. Students must successfully develop practicum goals in the course NURS 702

Concepts for Doctoral and Nursing Practice and successfully pass all interim benchmarks prior to beginning

clinical practicum. In addition, if the chair is not the clinical mentor, the student and DNP Practicum/CIP

chair will identify a potential mentor who is a clinical expert and willing to facilitate students in meeting

their goals in the clinical site. The school has many clinical mentors and sites identified through the

specialties and the DNP Practicum/CIP chair will help determine which is most appropriate. Practicum

hours include those activities directed toward meeting the goals of the practicum and the conduct of the

DNP clinical inquiry project.

Page 43: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 43 | P a g e

Finally, the CIP must be integrated into the DNP Practicum experience if at all possible. A brief proposal

of the CIP must be written and submitted to the chair and reader for approval prior to implementation. A

meeting with the chair, reader and clinical mentor must be held and the CIP approved.

Mentor: The mentor is selected according to the following criteria and approved by the DNP Practicum/CIP

chair. The mentor must be a recognized clinical expert, preferably a doctoral prepared nurse or physician,

in the clinical practicum site. The mentor must be versed in the student’s clinical interest area,

knowledgeable about the clinical literature, and offer expertise. The mentor must be a willing clinical

teacher who supports advanced nursing practice and agrees to be available to the student for the duration

of the practicum. Students are asked to submit the mentor’s CV identifying their clinical qualifications and

scholarly work. In addition, the DNP Practicum/CIP Chair may seek an Affiliate Faculty appointment for the

mentor and will submit the CV and request form. If appointed, OHSU library resources will be made

available.

Clinical Site: DNP students will identify a practicum site in collaboration with the DNP Practicum/CIP chair.

Typically, the site will be contracted with and monitored by the specialty; the chair will ensure that there

is a clinical contract in place. Because the process of establishing a new clinical contract with an agency

takes over two months on average, new clinical placements should be identified one term in advance of

practicum, usually summer term or July 1 for a practicum that begins fall term. In particular, a student at

a distant or rural site in Oregon or an out of state post-master’s DNP student must have the practicum

site identified by the beginning of summer quarter so that the chair can initiate a new clinical contract.

Students are required to wear their OHSU student identification during their practicum hours.

Students may select their employing agency as the clinical practicum site if appropriate with the

following stipulations:

1) The mentor may not be the immediate work supervisor of the student. 2) The employing agency agrees to a learning contract the permits meeting the goals of the DNP

Practicum, beyond the typical work responsibilities, and including the CIP. 3) The pressures from the work environment do not intrude upon learning experiences. 4) Students have reasonable access to information from various departments to examine data and/or

financial and policy implications of practice efforts. 5) The student must wear the OHSU student ID badge during the practicum hours and the employee

ID badge when functioning as an employed provider. 6) The introductions by the student and the clinical mentor/preceptor clearly identify the student

role during practicum hours.

With clinical supervision by the mentor/preceptor, the mentor/preceptor can bill for services in their name.

When functioning in the student role, the student cannot bill in their name as they can as an employee. The

student may, however, receive a stipend from the agency for their practicum service that is separate from

salary for services rendered as an employee.

Evaluation: The student, mentor, and chair evaluate the progress toward meeting the student’s

established goals and program competencies on a regular basis, at least quarterly. The end of term

Page 44: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 44 | P a g e

evaluation is used to plan for the subsequent term. Faculty chairs visit students in each clinical site as

needed in addition to the required annual visit per site.

Contribution of the DNP Practicum to the Case Reports: Two scholarly case reports are used to

demonstrate application and integration of knowledge in the clinical practicum. One case report is due at

the end of the first quarter of clinical practicum for full time students and when one third of the practicum

hours are completed if part time students. In turn, the second case report is due at the end of the second

quarter of clinical practicum for full time students and when two thirds of the practicum hours are

completed if a part time student. The case reports are to address the issues of ethics, equity, systems,

and policy; two issues are to be addressed in each paper separately.

Page 45: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 45 | P a g e

FINAL BENCHMARKS

The DNP involves the mastery of an advanced specialty within nursing practice, clinical scholarship, as well as the integration of the other DNP essentials. The three final benchmarks are documents that reflect the synthesis of the essentials and scholarship in practice. These include two case reports and the clinical inquiry project report. Two additional requirements include 1) the public presentation of the clinical inquiry project and 2) an updated CV. For students graduating in spring term, these benchmarks and requirements must be satisfactorily completed at least 14 days prior to the School of Nursing Convocation and Commencement. Refer to SON Policy 20-04.20 at http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-nursing/faculty-staff/upload/20-04-20-Commence-partFeb-2012.pdf.

Final Benchmarks The final benchmarks and requirements are the same for the MN/DNP and post master’s DNP students:

1. Case report #1. 2. Case report #2. 3. Clinical inquiry project report. 4. Public presentation of the CIP report. 5. Updated CV.

Guidelines and evaluation rubrics for each of these documents are provided in this document. Students will submit their papers to their DNP Practicum/CIP chair and committee member for review; submission to the clinical mentor for feedback is advised but their evaluation is not required. The first case report paper is due at the end of fall quarter and the second case report paper is due the end of winter quarter for full time students; part time students will be expected to submit them when 1/3 and 2/3 of the practicum credits are completed. Students are eligible to revise each paper once. The clinical inquiry project report is due to the DNP Practicum/CIP chair and committee member by May 1st in order to ensure that the faculty committee members have an opportunity to adequately review the report and allow for feedback and revision. Again, it is advised that the report be shared with the clinical mentor for feedback, but evaluation by the clinical mentor is not required. Public presentation of the report is expected and will generally be scheduled two weeks prior to graduation. All components of the Final Benchmark must be completed by the end of spring quarter for a June graduation. If the Final Benchmark will be completed during the following summer quarter, a petition to walk at graduation may be submitted and granted.

Page 46: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 46 | P a g e

DNP Practicum Case Report

Guidelines

The case report is a paper in which a case is described while working with an individual or

organization. The purpose of each case report is to illustrate a combination of two of the following issues:

ethical, equity, policy, or systems. Within the two reports, all four issues must be addressed. In addition to

the problem manifested by the issues, the paper should provide a critical analysis of these issues in relation

to the clinical interest, suggest a means for addressing the issues or solving the problem, and/or provide

new insight on the clinical, organizational, leadership, or policy approaches needed. The report is focused

on cases drawn from advanced clinical or leadership practice during the DNP practicum. The analysis and

suggested approaches or solutions should be drawn from the literature. Case reports are developed in

depth while protecting patient and/or organizational anonymity. The reports are expected to be 8-12

pages, double spaced, excluding references.

Introduction (1-2 pages)

Define the clinical, healthcare system, or organizational topic, issue, or focus of interest.

Identify the relevant ethics, equity, policy, or systems issues pertinent to the problem.

Case Presentation (3-4 pages)

Provide relevant history and context

Describe assessment process, data, and/or process of analysis

Review the literature relevant to the background of the clinical, system, or organizational problem and/or ethical, equity, or policy issue

Provide an analysis of the issues

Approach to Address Issues/Solve Problem (3-4 pages)

Describe an approach or approaches to address the issues or solve the problem(s)

Discuss insights gained

Conclusion (1-2 pages)

Summarize issues

Include recommendations

The case reports should be in APA format for headings and references in a Microsoft Word document.

The document should be double-spaced with standard margins (1” all around).

One case report is due week 10 of fall quarter and one case report is due week 10 of winter quarter. Each case report will be read by the student’s DNP Practicum/CIP chair and committee member. Both faculty readers must agree that the case report meets the benchmark criteria. If there is not inter-reader agreement, then a third faculty member will be asked to read the report; a decision to approve the report must then be agreed upon by two of these three readers. Case reports will be graded within three weeks of the submission date.

Page 47: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 47 | P a g e

OHSU School of Nursing

Case Report Evaluation Criteria and Scoring Student Date INSTRUCTIONS FOR REVIEWER: Please use the following criteria to guide your review and to evaluate the student’s case report. Please grade each criterion and section as excellent (E), adequate (A), or inadequate (I) and also provide an overall recommendation to pass or fail the proposal. The overall recommendation should not merely be a ratio of excellent/adequate to fail across categories, but rather your impression of the paper. The level of work should reflect the knowledge and skills expected in the clinical practicum for DNP students.

Introduction: E / A / I

Provides a clear and complete definition of the clinical problem or issues of interest

Identifies the relevant ethics, equity, policy, or systems issues pertinent to the problem

Case Presentation: E / A / I

Provides relevant history and context

Describes assessment process, data, and/or process of analysis

Literature and perspectives are relevant to background of the clinical, system, or organizational problem, and/or ethical, equity, or policy issue

Discussion of issues and implications reflect integration and analysis

Approach to Address Issues/Solve Problem: E / A / I

Potential solutions/approaches/strategies/services/programs suggested

Logically coherent rationale is presented for approaches and solutions

Approaches and solutions are grounded in the literature

Conclusion: E / A / I

Issues are summarized

Recommendations are made

Format and Writing Style: E / A / I

APA format is followed

Clarity of writing

Logically consistent

Adequate discussion of literature

Accurate and appropriate support for claims

Evidence of critical review/analysis

Avoids empty phrases, overuse of pronouns

Page 48: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 48 | P a g e

Avoids mixing metaphors, clichés, colloquialisms

Transitional words/phrases used appropriately

Keeps verb tense consistent

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION (please check): ___PASS ___FAIL Strengths: Areas for improvement: Overall Comments: Reviewer Signature:

Page 49: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 49 | P a g e

Clinical Inquiry Project The purpose of the Clinical Inquiry Project is to demonstrate synthesis of the student’s work and provide

an experience that can be the foundation for future clinical scholarship. The clinical inquiry project may

take a variety of forms that exemplify clinical scholarship. Examples include:

a practice initiative proposal, implementation, and/or evaluation

a program evaluation proposal or report

a quality improvement project proposal, implementation, and/or evaluation

a proposal for a new practice model and evaluation

a critical literature review on a practice topic that yields guidelines

evaluation of clinical outcomes

systems analysis

These inquiry projects may be newly initiated or part of an existing project. These forms of scholarly

experiences are characterized by the application of evidence to improve practice or clinical outcomes, to

effect systems or organizational change, to influence leadership, or to influence or change policy. The

clinical inquiry project is reported in a written paper that is reviewed and evaluated by an academic

committee constituted by two faculty members; a clinical mentor may be on the committee as well but is

not obligated to do evaluate the project. A syllabus may be found in Sakai for NURS 703 Clinical Inquiry in

the DNP Portfolio site.

A draft proposal for the clinical inquiry project can be developed during summer quarter, prior to the

conduct of the CIP. A meeting with the DNP Practicum/CIP Chair, committee member, and clinical

mentor should be held to formalize approval to conduct the project. We will have an intensive at the end

of fall quarter in Portland to present your proposals to your peers. IRB exemption or approval must be

obtained prior to conducting the CIP. The format for the CIP proposal and final report follows.

Page 50: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 50 | P a g e

Clinical Inquiry Project

Proposal and Final Report Guidelines

I. Introduction: The Clinical Problem

A. Description of the clinical, health system, organizational, or policy problem

1) Clear description of the problem

2) Population affected by the problem

3) Epidemiology—incidence, prevalence, if applicable

4) Purpose of the project

B. Review of the literature

1) Review relevant literature

2) Gaps (what questions remain), if applicable

3) Other relevant sources of evidence: guidelines, national policy, etc.

4) Relate the literature to the clinical or organizational problem, clinical inquiry purpose, changing practice, changing organization purpose.

5) Summarize purpose/proposed solution/proposed project.

II. Approach to the Conduct of the Project

A. Setting—if applicable

a. Describe project setting

b. Function of the setting: purpose, processes, and activities

c. Organizational/systems or individual or population readiness to change

d. Anticipated barriers, facilitators, challenges

B. Participants/population—if applicable

a. Inclusion and exclusion criteria

b. Size and rationale

Page 51: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 51 | P a g e

c. If appropriate: recruitment plan

d. Protection of participants

III. Proposed Implementation and/or Outcome Evaluation

A. Intervention OR Implementation Procedures—if applicable

B. Measures/Outcomes (Actual or Proposed)

a. Data collection sources, processes, procedures

b. Use of information systems and technology

FINAL REPORT ADDS THE FOLLOWING:

IV. Implementation of project—if applicable

V. Outcomes in relation to literature—if applicable

VI. Clinical implications/recommendations

A. Conclusions

VII. Summary

VIII. References

Page 52: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 52 | P a g e

Graduation and Degree Clearance

The following will need to be submitted to the Graduate Support Staff prior to the end of the quarter in which

they are graduating:

Interim Benchmark Approval: This form is to approve the case report (if applicable) SIP and CV.

CIP Proposal Approval form: This form needs to be turned in but it is not required to present prior to the

intensive in fall quarter (2nd year for Post Master’s and 3rd year for Post Baccalaureate’s).

DNP Clinical Inquiry Project Report

OHSU Library—Permission for Electronic Publication CIP Report

The following deadlines apply:

1. DNP degree candidates file an application for degree in the term before expected program completion.

The application for degree form can be found at the Registrar’s website:

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/student-services/registrar/registrar-forms/index.cfm.

The completed form should be returned to the Registrar’s office. Responsibility for fulfilling graduation

requirements rests with the student.

2. The CIP report must be submitted to the students’ DNP Practicum/CIP chair and committee for approval and signature. For students graduating in spring term, these benchmarks must be satisfactorily completed by the end of the quarter to participate in the School of Nursing Convocation and OHSU Commencement. Refer to SON policy 20-04.20 at http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-nursing/faculty-staff/admin_policies.cfm.

Policy revised 20-04-.20 7

Page 53: 201 School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing 201 Faculty ... · School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program ... DNP Practicum/CIP Chair leaves the School of Nursing, the departing

These program guidelines supplement the OHSU School of Nursing Student Catalog 53 | P a g e

FORMS

The following forms will need to be submitted to the Graduate support staff upon approval at specific times

in the program. The forms will be listed as a resource in the DNP Portfolio; students can always access

forms from the Graduate support staff as well.

DNP Change in Academic Advisor

DNP Practicum/Clinical Inquiry Project Chair and Committee Members agreement

DNP Interim Portfolio Approval

DNP Clinical Inquiry Proposal Approval

DNP Clinical Project Report & Approval

DNP Portfolio Sakai Site

The DNP Portfolio Sakai site is managed by the DNP program. Students will gain access for this site prior to

matriculation to the DNP program; 1st year for Post-Master’s students and spring quarter of the 2nd year for

MN/DNP students. There are a number of resources in this site and you will submit your benchmarks in

this site. Announcements and other materials will be loaded into this site and you will be able to

communicate with your cohort about the DNP program. During the course of your program, this site will be

used frequently to distribute information as well as obtain resources, including intensives. Generally,

intensives are the 2nd year for Post Masters and the 3rd year for Post Baccalaureate in fall quarter and spring

quarter. Intensive information and presentation guidelines will be sent out long before that time and

announced in Sakai.

The interim benchmarks are due at the end of spring quarter, 1st year for Post Master’s DNP students and

end of the spring quarter, 2nd year for Post Baccalaureate students. Final benchmarks are due at the end of

spring quarter, 2nd year for Post Master’s DNP students and end of spring quarter, 3rd year for Post

Baccalaureate students. In the site, we will provide submission due dates to help facilitate an organized

structure. For example, we suggest submitting your final benchmark to your committee by May 1st or at

least 30 days prior to commencement to provide time for revisions.