ORVIS SCHOOL OF NURSING DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

PROGRAM(BSN to DNP and Post Master’s DNP Programs)

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Updated 10/13/2016

Welcome from the Dean of the Orvis School of Nursing

Welcome to the DNP program!!!

Providing quality nursing education to meet the needs of our state and beyond is a priority at UNR Orvis School of Nursing. Our BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s DNP programs, have been developed as a rigorous program that builds on the strengths and experiences of nursing faculty from UNR. Designed for Advanced Practice Nurses and Nurse Executives, our program uses an online format with periodic campus visits, allowing the flexibility needed for today’s graduate-level nursing students. We are excited that you have chosen UNR for your DNP education.

Sincerely,

Patsy L. Ruchala, DNSc, RN

Dean, Orvis School of Nursing, UNR

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General Note

It is important for UNR graduate students to be aware of the UNR Graduate School’s policies and procedures for graduate programs and to understand the policies relevant to the BSN to DNP and Post-Master DNP program contained in the General Catalog. For more information about UNR’s Graduate School, visit its website at: http://www.unr.edu/grad . The following are the key points from Graduate School materials, plus additional guidelines relevant to the BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s DNP program. Most of this information is also included in the General Catalog. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of and meet all requirements. Refer to University and Graduate School policies and procedures if there are any discrepancies noted in the BSN to DNP and Post-Masters handbook.

Table of Contents Page #Mission, Vision, DNP Graduate Degree Programs, Overview...........................................5

DNP Essentials.................................................................................................................6-7

DNP Program Student Learning Outcomes.........................................................................7

BSN to DNP Curriculum Options, Degree Requirements...................................................7BSN to DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner........................7-9BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner............................................................9-10BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner............................10-12

POST-MASTER’S DNP Curriculum Options, Degree Requirements..............................12Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)...................................................12-13Nurse Executive....................................................................................................13

Health Insurance................................................................................................................14

Graduate Student Association............................................................................................14

Graduate Assistantships.....................................................................................................14

Plans of Study/Advisement...............................................................................................15

Timeline for Degree Completion.......................................................................................15

Courses and Course Load..................................................................................................15

Continuous Enrollment......................................................................................................16

Leave of Absence..............................................................................................................16

Reinstatement....................................................................................................................16

Grades and Their Consequences..................................................................................16-17

Grading Scale..........................................................................................................17

Important Forms for the Graduate School.........................................................................17

Post Master’s DNP Residency Practicum Requirements and BSN to DNP Residency and

Clinical/Practicum Requirements......................................................................................18

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Fit for Duty, Standards of Conduct, Dress & Uniform, Absenteeism...............18-19

Chair and Graduate Scholarship Committees..............................................................19-20

Program of Study...............................................................................................................20

DNP Project (NURS 788)..................................................................................................21Introduction...........................................................................................................21CNP Project Guidelines.........................................................................................21

Graduation Process.......................................................................................................23-24

APPENDICES...................................................................................................................25

Appendix A-1: Declaration of Advisor/Major Advisor/Committee Chair Form. .25Appendix A-2: Request for Graduate Advisory Chair..........................................26Appendix B: Program of Study Requirements......................................................27 Advisory-Examining Committee Requirements..............................28 Program of Study EXAMPLE.........................................................29 Program of Study Instructions pg 1.................................................30 Program of Study Instructions pg 2.................................................31

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MissionThe mission of the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno is to prepare individuals for both entry level and advanced nursing roles by providing excellent academic programs integrating recognized educational standards. The curriculum emphasizes nursing care of individuals, families & populations throughout the lifespan; among diverse cultures & beliefs; and across all socioeconomic groups in the context of their environments by providing a strong foundation for evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and leadership. As an essential part of its mission as a land grant institution, Orvis School of Nursing provides service to the state of Nevada and to the professional community at large.

Vision The vision of the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno is to be a leader in quality nursing education, research and service in partnership with our community of interest, locally, statewide and worldwide.

DNP Graduate Degree ProgramsThe Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) at the University of Nevada, Reno offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with the following options: BSN to DNP with focuses in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Post-Master’s DNP for the Advanced Practice Nurse or Nurse Executive. Plans of study are listed under Curriculum Options, pages 7-13.

Once admitted to a DNP track, a student is committed to that track. Should the student wish to change or transfer to a different track than which he/she was originally admitted, the student is required to contact the Associate Director for Graduate programs at the Orvis School of Nursing to re-apply for admission to the track to which the student wants, during the next application cycle. The DNP tracks are very competitive and there is no guarantee a current student will be automatically accepted to a different track through the re-admission process.

Overview The DNP differs from the PhD in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Science degrees, by emphasizing advanced clinical practice, implementation of best practices, and evaluation of practice and care delivery models rather than individually initiated research.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is designed to be a terminal practice degree for clinically practicing nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and nursing leaders in health care organizations. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) suggests that the current level of preparation necessary for advanced nursing practice be moved from the master's degree to the doctorate level by the year 2015. The Institute of Medicine's 2002 report on Health Professions Education recommended strategies for restructuring all clinical education in the health professions to be consistent with the principles of 21st century health systems. These recommendations stressed that health science students and all working professionals develop and maintain proficiency in 5 core areas: delivering patient-centered care, working as part of interdisciplinary teams, practicing evidence-based medicine, focusing on quality improvement, and using information technology.

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Graduates of the program receive a Doctor of Nursing Practice. BSN to DNP students are required to attend a two-day on-campus meeting the first year for orientation to the program and one to three days each semester for onsite immersion days. Additional time on campus is required for the defense of the proposed DNP Project and the final defense of the DNP Project. The program is 72-76 credits, depending on the specialty track chosen and takes eight semesters to complete, including summers for full-time study.

The Post-Master’s DNP students are required to attend a two-day on-campus meeting the first year for orientation to the program and one day on campus is required for the defense of the proposed DNP Project and the final defense of the DNP Project. The program is 30 credits, all coursework is online, and takes five semesters to complete including one summer for full time study and eight semesters for part time including two summers.

The UNR OSN DNP program prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles to serve the health care needs of the people of Nevada, the nation, and the professional community. DNP graduates are equipped to assume a wide range of leadership roles in both direct and indirect health care settings. DNP graduates may function as specialists in their advanced practice clinical roles, nursing faculty, or as healthcare executives, program and policy analysts.

DNP ESSENTIALSIn accordance with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing the Doctor of Nursing Practice at the Orvis School of Nursing follows the guidelines set forth. “The DNP Essentials outlines and defines the eight foundational Essentials and provides some introductory comments on specialty competencies/content. The DNP Essentials delineated here address the foundational competencies that are core to all advanced nursing practice roles. However, the depth and focus of the core competencies will vary based on the particular role for which the student is preparing. The specialized content, as defined by specialty organizations, complements the areas of core content defined by the DNP Essentials and constitutes the major component of DNP programs. DNP curricula should include these two components (DNP Essentials 1 through 8 are the foundational outcome competencies deemed essential for all graduates of a DNP program regardless of specialty or functional focus. and 2. Specialty competencies/content prepares the DNP graduate for those practice and didactic learning experiences for a particular specialty. Competencies, content, and practica experiences needed for specific roles in specialty areas are delineated by national specialty nursing organizations.), as appropriate to the specific advanced nursing practice specialist being prepared. Additionally, the faculty of each DNP program has the academic freedom to create innovative and integrated curricula to meet the competencies outlined in the Essentials document” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2006).

The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice1. Scientific Underpinnings for Practice.

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2. Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking.

3. Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice.

4. Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care.

5. Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care.6. Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population

Health Outcomes.7. Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation’s

Health.8. Advanced Nursing Practice (American Association of Colleges of

Nursing, 2006).

DNP Program Student Learning OutcomesAt the conclusion of the University of Nevada DNP program, graduates will:

1. Provide advanced nursing care to improve patient and population health care outcomes in various direct and indirect settings.

2. Take leadership roles in the analysis, delivery and management of nursing care and health care systems.

3. Provide evidence-based practice through the application of analytical methods, information systems technology, and clinical research.

4. Collaborate with interprofessional teams to meet the healthcare needs of culturally and ethnically diverse individuals and populations.

5. Act as change agent, leader, and advocate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health care policy as it affects populations and the nursing profession.

BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s DNP Curriculum Options For any questions related to the Graduate curriculum, students may contact the individual track leaders or Dr. Stephanie DeBoor, the Associate Director for Graduate Programs deboors2@unr.edu

BSN to DNP, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) (Approved by UCCC, 5/21/2013)

Contact: Professor Jackie Ferdowsali jferdowsali@unr.edu The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) track of the BSN to DNP program prepares nurses to provide advanced practice in acute care settings through a program of study focused on the care of acutely ill patients and their families. An AGACNP can diagnose and treat medical conditions. In collaboration with the physician and other members of the health care team, AGACNPs provide direct care to patients from hospital admission through discharge.

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With an increasing inpatient population of acutely and critically, research has shown that nurse practitioners within these settings demonstrated evidence of reducing length of stay, hospital costs, and patient complications (Fry 2011), while improving communication among the heath care team, along with patient and family satisfaction. There are 72 credits and 780 specialty specific practicum hours required for this track and an addition 240 DNP Project and Residency practicum hours. The student may sit for national certification upon graduation. Upon competition of the DNP/AGACNP, the graduate is able to:

1. Synthesize theoretical, scientific, and contemporary clinical knowledge for the assessment and management of both health and illness states.

2. Implements clinical reasoning and builds collaborative intra- and interprofessional relationships to provide optimal care to patients.

3. Provide patient-centered, quality care to the adult and older adult population within the acute and critical care settings through incorporation of health promotion, health protection, disease prevention and treatment.

4. Impart knowledge and individualize therapies through the activities of advocacy, modeling and teaching.

5. Applies evidence based practice designed to improve quality of care and health outcomes, by overseeing and directing the delivery of clinical services with in an integrated system of health care.

BSN to DNP AGACNP Plan of Study Courses Credits

Fall Year 1NURS 717 Advanced Pathophysiology 3NURS 735 Introduction to Knowledge Development and Scientific Inquiry 3NURS 750 Advanced Health Assessment 3Spring Year 1NURS 716R Advanced Ambulatory Prescribing Pharmacology 3NURS 732 The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 3NURS 736 Health Care Policy and Social Justice 3Summer Yr. 1NURS 709 Advanced prescribing Pharmacology for the Acute Care Patient 3NURS 745 Health Information Systems & Technology 3Fall Year 2NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice

Nursing3

NURS 737 Population/Aggregate Health Care Issues 3NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 3Spring Yr. 2NURS 705 Diagnosis, Symptom & Illness Management 3NURS 706 Introduction to Management of Acute Care Patients 2NURS 707 Introduction into Acute Care Practicum 120 practicum hours 2NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits

are required for the DNP) (3)

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Summer Yr. 2NURS 710 Management of Chronic Illnesses within Acute Care 2NURS 711 Management of Chronic Illness in the Acute Care Patient

Practicum 180 practicum hours3

Fall Year 3NURS 712 Management of Comorbid Conditions in Acute Care 1NURS 713 Management of Comorbid Conditions in Acute Care Practicum

180 practicum hours3

NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare Organizations 3NURS 764 Practice Development for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits

are required for the DNP) (3)

Spring Yr. 3NURS 714 Advanced Practice Introduction to Critical Care 2NURS 715 Advanced Practice Introduction to Critical Care Patients

Practicum 300 practicum hours5

NURS 765 DNP Residency ( Variable 1-6 credit course, 4 total credits required for this track )

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NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits are required for the DNP) Total Credits/Units 72

BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Contact: Professor Shaun Hasty shasty@unr.edu

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track of the BSN TO DNP AND POST-MASTER’S program prepares students to provide primary care across the lifespan to individuals, families, and communities.  FNPs practice within private and clinic settings as well as urgent care facilities.  FNPs focus on health promotion and maintenance, and function in autonomous and collaborative roles guided by appropriate nurse practice acts.  There are 76 credits and 780 specialty specific, practicum hours required for this track and an addition 240 DNP Project and Residency practicum hours. The student may sit for national certification upon graduation. Upon competition of the DNP/FNP, the graduate is able to:

1. Function in autonomous and collaborative roles guided by appropriate nurse practice acts.2. Provide primary care to individuals, families, and communities.3. Focus on health promotion and maintenance for clients.4. Utilize the process and method of scientific inquiry in the study of nursing.5. Contribute to the development of nursing science.6. Pursue opportunities for enhancement of advance practice.

BSN to DNP FNP Plan of Study Courses Credits

Fall Year 1

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NURS 717 Advanced Pathophysiology 3NURS 735 Introduction to Knowledge Development and Scientific Inquiry 3NURS 737 Population/Aggregate Health Care Issues 3NURS 750 Advanced Health Assessment 3Spring Year 1NURS 716R Advanced Ambulatory Prescribing Pharmacology 3NURS 736 Health Care Policy and Social Justice 3NURS 751 Management of Acute Illnesses in the Primary Care Setting 3NURS 755 Role of the FNP in Managing Acute Illnesses in Primary Care 3Summer Yr. 1NURS 708 Nursing Theories and Family Health Patterns 3NURS 752 Family Health in the Primary Care Setting 2NURS 756 Role of the FNP in Managing Family Health in Primary Care 2Fall Year 2NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice

Nursing3

NURS 753 Management of Chronic Illness in the Primary Care Setting

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NURS 757 Role of the FNP in Managing Chronic Illness in Primary Care

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Spring Yr. 2NURS 718 Health Promotion 3NURS 754 Management of Complex Illness in the Primary Care Setting 2NURS 758 Role of the FNP in Managing complex Illness in Primary Care 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits

are required for the DNP) (3)

Summer Yr. 2NURS 745 Health Information Systems & Technology 3Fall Year 3NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare Organizations 3NURS 764 Practice Development for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 3NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits

are required for the DNP) (3)

Spring Yr. 3NURS 732 The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 3NURS 765 DNP Residency ( Variable 1-6 credit course, 4 total credits

required for this track )4

NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits are required for the DNP) Total Credits/Units 76

BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Contact: Dr. Sandra Talley stalley@unr.edu

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The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track prepares advanced practice nurses to care for individuals and families with behavioral and mental problems. This specialty track within the BSN TO DNP AND POST-MASTER’S program prepares graduates to assess, diagnose, intervene (e.g. psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy), and provide follow-up to facilitate ongoing levels of wellness. The PMHNP is prepared to provide psychiatric and mental health care in a variety of treatment settings (e.g. hospitals, jails, home care, and outpatient clinics) and participate with other members of the health care team. With a shortage of mental health professionals and increasing demand for expert mental health care in rural health settings, the PMHNPs scope of practice brings critically relevant skills needed to care for persons experiencing the full range of psychiatric and mental health problems. There are 76 credits and 720 specialty specific, practicum hours required for this track and an addition 240 DNP Project and Residency practicum hours. The student may sit for national certification upon graduation. Upon competition of the DNP/PMHNP, the graduate is able to:

1. Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.

2. Provide advanced, ethical, evidence-based nursing services for multi-cultural and ethnic individuals, families, aggregates, and select populations.

3. Apply patient-care and communication technologies to deliver, enhance, integrate, and coordinate care.

4. Collaborate with other professionals and members of the community to provide optimal health care to individuals, families, special populations, and communities with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

5. Respect diversity and address complex health care needs of persons, including the unserved and under-served, populations and communities, in the role of nurse leader, educator and/or advanced practice nurse.

6. Participate in the ethical organization, management, and policy negotiations of health care delivery systems to use advocacy strategies to influence health and healthcare.

7. Participate in the application of safe patient care and quality healthcare practices.8. Participate in the development of nursing as a science, through the use of theory,

research, and scientific processes while acquiring a foundation for doctoral study.

BSN to DNP PMHNP Plan of Study Courses Credits

Fall Year 1NURS 701 Mental Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 3NURS 717 Advanced Pathophysiology 3NURS 735 Introduction to Knowledge Development and Scientific Inquiry 3NURS 737 Population/Aggregate Health Care Issues 3Spring Year 1NURS 703 Advance Mental Health Therapies: Individual 3NURS 716R Advanced Ambulatory Prescribing Pharmacology 3NURS 721 Assessment and Diagnosis within Psych Mental Health (PMH) 3

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Settings (180 Practicum hours) NURS 727 Mental Health Diagnosis and Management of the Adult 2 Summer Yr. 1NURS 702 Advanced Pharmacology for Mental Health 3NURS 704 Advanced Mental health Therapies: Group and Family 3NURS 722 Interventions & Treatment Planning within PMH Settings 3Fall Year 2NURS 723 Advanced Therapeutic Interventions within the Psych Mental

Health Settings (180 Practicum hours) 3

NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice Nursing

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NURS 726 Mental Health Diagnosis and Management of Children & Adolescents

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NURS 750 Advanced Health Assessment 3Spring Yr. 2NURS 724 Advanced Management of Patients & Systems with Psych Mental

Health Settings (180 Practicum hours) 3

NURS 730 Mental Health Diagnosis and Management of the Geriatric Client 2NURS 736 Health Care Policy and Social Justice 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits

are required for the DNP) (3)

Summer Yr. 2NURS 745 Health Information Systems & Technology 3Fall Year 3NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare Organizations 3NURS 764 Practice Development for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 3NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits

are required for the DNP) (3)

Spring Yr. 3NURS 732 The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 3NURS 765 DNP Residency ( Variable 1-6 credit course, 4 total

credits required for this track )4

NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits are required for the DNP) Total Credits/Units 76

Post Master’s DNP for Advanced Practice and Nurse ExecutivesContact: Dr. Christine Aramburu-Alegria aramburu@unr.edu

The post-master’s DNP program is offered ONLINE with annual meetings of two to three-days on campus for orientation and culminating project purposes. The program is five semesters long with one summer session. Total credits are 30, with an ongoing change project (capstone)

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occurring throughout the program.  Practicum hours are completed during the Residency course (NURS 765). This residency provides students the opportunity to apply program concepts and develop and implement strategies for practice-level and/or system-wide practice initiatives to improve the quality of care.

Post Master’s DNP for Advanced Practice Courses Credits

Fall Year 1NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice

Nursing3

NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare Organizations 3Spring Yr. 1NURS 732 The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total

credits are required for the DNP) (3)

Summer Yr. 1NURS 745 Health Information Systems & Technology 3Fall Year 2NURS 764 Practice Development for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 3NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total

credits are required for the DNP) (3)

Spring Yr. 2NURS 765 DNP Residency (Variable 1-6 credit course, 4 total

credits required for this track )4

NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits are required for the DNP) Total Credits/Units 30

Post Master’s DNP for the Nurse Executive Courses Credits

Fall Year 1NURS 725 Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP in Advanced Practice

Nursing3

NURS 728 Analysis of Healthcare Organizations 3Spring Yr. 1NURS 732 The Economics of Healthcare Delivery 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total

credits are required for the DNP) (3)

Summer Yr. 1NURS 745 Health Information Systems & Technology 3Fall Year 2NURS 763 Management Strategies for Nursing & Healthcare Systems 3

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NURS 792 Outcomes Management & Performance Improvement in Nursing 3NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total

credits are required for the DNP) (3)

Spring Yr. 2NURS 765 DNP Residency (Variable 1-6 credit course, 4 total

credits required for this track )4

NURS 788 DNP Project (Variable 1-6 credit course, 6 total credits are required for the DNP) Total Credits/Units 30

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Health Insurance

All domestic degree seeking graduate students, who are enrolled in six or more credits (regardless of the course level) in a semester, will be automatically enrolled and billed for the University sponsored health insurance for each term they are eligible (fall & spring/summer). If a student has other comparable coverage and would like to waive out of the student health insurance, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the University online waiver form https://studentinsurance.wellsfargo.com/waivers/onlinewaiver.aspx?pagetype=INFTGT&waivername=unr-grad prior to the deadline. If approved, a health insurance waiver is good for the current academic year only. A new waiver must be submitted each academic year. All international graduate students are required to carry student health insurance, and the cost will be automatically added to your student account. Any international graduate students with insurance questions must contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) directly.http://www.unr.edu/grad/health-insurance

Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) represents all graduate students and promotes the welfare and interests of the graduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno. The GSA works closely with appropriate university administrative offices, including the Graduate School and Student Services and reports to the President of the University. The GSA government functions through the Council of Representatives, Executive Council and established committees. http://www.unr.edu/gsa/

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

All graduate students holding an assistantship (teaching GTA or GRA) are considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes. Non-resident tuition is only waived for the duration of the assistantship. To be eligible for an assistantship, students must be admitted to a degree-granting program and be in good academic standing. The student must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and must be continuously enrolled in at least 6 graduate level credits (600-700) throughout the duration of the assistantship.

State-funded assistantships (GTA/GRA) may be held for a maximum of: three (3) years for master’s degree students and five (5) years for doctoral degree students.

The following links provide general information and the GA handbook. General information: http://www.unr.edu/grad/funding/graduate-assistantshipsGraduate Assistantship handbook: http://www.unr.edu/Documents/administration-finance/hr/hr-graduate/GA_handbook.pdf

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Plans of Study/Advisement

Upon admission to the BSN to DNP or the Post-Master’s DNP program, students should meet with their Track Leader for advisement. During your meeting your advisor should provide you with a plan of study that will serve as an outline for progression throughout your program of study. This plan will be based on full-time, part-time or post-master’s certificate status.

Once a semester you are required to make an appointment with your Track Leader for advisement and to ensure you are progressing as planned through the program. If for any reason the Track Leader is unavailable you may meet with the Associate Director for Graduate Programs.

Once the student has selected a chair for their Graduate Scholarship Committee, the chair and track leader will be responsible for co-advising. The chair will provide advisement for scholarship work and the track leader will provide advisement for program progression.

Timeline for Degree Completion

All BSN to DNP degree specialty tracks and the Post-Master’s DNP are designed with full and part time plans of study. Many of these options can be completed in five to eight semesters. All work toward a doctorate degree (transfer credits, credits completed at UNR prior to program admission, and all examinations) must be completed within six (6) calendar years immediately preceding the granting of the degree. Requests for extensions must come from the major advisor with concurrence of the OSN Associate Director for Graduate Programs and be based on an academic or humanitarian rationale for the delay in degree completion. Not to exceed one year.

Courses and Course Load

A. Only graduate courses (numbered 600 or higher at UNR) are applicable toward the BSN to DNP or Post-Master’s DNP degree. These include web-based courses, if available.

B. Transfer Credits: These are credits transferred from another institution. Credits completed at UNR in another program or as a graduate special do not need to be transferred. Transfer credit is requested on the Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request form available on Graduate School website http://www.unr.edu/Documents/graduate-school/GraduateCreditTransferEvaluationRequest.pdf and must be signed by the student, major advisor, and the OSN Associate Director for Graduate Programs. Transfer credits applied to a doctorate program must comply with the time limitation on doctoral work (6 years). Thus, if a student took a course five years prior to admission, they would have to complete the degree within one year for the course to apply to the degree. Credits from a completed master’s degree will be exempt from the 6-year time limitation for those students earning a doctoral degree.

Additionally, no more than nine (9) credits completed either prior to admission to a graduate program or transferred from another institution may be applied to a doctoral degree. The Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request Form should be used to evaluate transfer credits.

C. Graduate credit may not be obtained through Extension courses or Correspondence courses.

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Continuous Enrollment

To maintain “good standing” all graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of three (3) graduate credits each fall and spring semester until they graduate. International students may be required to enroll in nine graduate credits each fall and spring semester depending on the requirements of their visa. All students holding assistantships (whether teaching or research assistantships) are required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits each semester they hold the assistantship.

Leave of Absence

Students in good standing may request a leave of absence by completing a leave of absence form available on the Graduate School website (http://www.unr.edu/Documents/graduate-school/leaveofabsencer_9.23.pdf) during which time they are not required to maintain continuous registration. Usually, a leave of absence is approved for one or two semesters. The leave of absence request may be extended by the student filing an additional leave of absence form. Students applying for a leave of absence should not have any “incomplete” grades which could be changed to “F” and have a detrimental impact on their cumulative GPA. Requests for leave of absences must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the leave is to begin.

Reinstatement

When a student has been absent for one semester or more without an approved leave of absence, he or she may request reinstatement via the Reinstatement form (available on the Graduate School website http://www.unr.edu/Documents/graduate-school/noticereinstatementgraduatestanding_9.23.pdf ). This form allows the program the option to recommend the student be re-admitted to their graduate program based on their previous admission OR require the student to re-apply for admission which would require students to submit a new application for admission and pay the application fee. The Notice of Reinstatement to Gradate Standing must be received by the Graduate School no later than the last day of enrollment for the semester the reinstatement is to begin.

Grades and Their Consequences(Revised 1/13/2014)

A. Good Standing: Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. To be counted toward your master degree, each graduate course must be completed with a grade of “B” or better. However, to remain in good standing in the program, students are required to maintain a 3.0 “B” grade point average in both the core and the specialization individually.

B. Probation/Dismissal: If the graduate grade-point total is 2.3-2.99 the student will be placed on probation and must then raise the cumulative graduate GPA to 3.0 by the end of the following semester or the student will be dismissed from graduate standing. If the student’s GPA is 2.3 or less the student is dismissed from graduate standing, or if the student’s GPA remains below 3.0

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of two (2) consecutive semesters, the student is dismissed from graduate standing.

C. A student may register for a course only two times. A student who has registered for the same course twice and has withdrawn, or received a grade less than a “B”, is ineligible for progression in any track of the BSN TO DNP AND POST-MASTER’S program.

D. If a student fails (receives less than a “B”) two courses or has withdrawn from two courses, he/she is ineligible for readmission unless approved by the OSN Associate Director of Graduate Programs.

Graduate Grading Scale Policy*Purpose: To provide consistency in grading across the graduate curriculum, the following grading scale is to be used by the Orvis School of Nursing faculty for all graduate courses

GRADE                   POINTS/PERCENT A             95.00-100A-            90.00-94.99B+            87.00-89.99B             83.00-86.99**B- 80.00-82.99 C+ 77.00-79.99C 73.00-76.99C- 70.00-72.99D+ 67.00-69.99D 63.00-66.99D- 60.00-62.99F <60.00

*Approved by the OSN graduate committee February 11, 2008.**A final grade below B in any graduate nursing course is considered as not passing.

Important Forms

Most forms that will be needed throughout your graduate coursework can be found on the Graduate School webpage at the following address: www.unr.edu/grad/forms

Graduate Progression Forms Program of Study Requirements

http://www.unr.edu/Documents/graduate-school/program-of-study.pdf Declaration of Advisor http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/delcaration-of-advisor Change in Program of Study Graduate Credit Transfer Evaluation Request Change of Advisory Committee Leave of Absence Notice of Reinstatement to Graduate Standing

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Graduation Forms Graduation Application http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/graduation-application Notice of Completion http://www.unr.edu/Documents/graduate-school/notice-of-

completion-master-degree.pdf Final Review Approval http://www.unr.edu/Documents/graduate-school/thesis-final-

review-appoval-form.pdf Master’s Thesis Filing Guidelines http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/thesis-filing-guidelines Exit Survey http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/exit-survey

Post-Master’s DNP Residency Practicums and

BSN to DNP Residency and Clinical Practicums Requirements

Practicums/Clinical PlacementAll practicums/clinical placements for students are a collaborative arrangement. While students may have ideas for where they would like to have clinical experiences, these must be discussed and approved by the track advisors and faculty of record for that specific course prior to meeting with any prospective preceptor. A "Memorandum of Agreement" (the OSN Associate Director for Graduate Programs will have this information), outlining the agreed upon relationship between each preceptor and student must be completed and provided to the Track Advisor and course faculty for approval prior to the first week of the semester. We need an up to date Curriculum Vitae for all of the clinical preceptors. Some practicum settings require a full contract with the University. Contracts can take up to 6 months, at times longer, to obtain. Please keep this in mind when considering preceptors and settings.

Fit for DutyAll students must be able to meet the minimum requirements of the job description for their specialty within the practicum settings they have been assigned. As part of the admission process, BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s DNP students were required to have a physical examination and provide a note from their MD or practitioner stating “fit for duty”. If for any reason during the program, your physical status changes, you must provide an updated “fit for duty” note from your practitioner in order to return to the practicum setting. In the case of a serious injury or illness, you may request a leave of absence.

In addition, students must have current documentation of program requirements (Unencumbered license, Immunizations, BLS, ACLS, TB, Professional Liability, etc.) within their on campus files. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their documents are kept current. Students will not be allowed in the clinical setting if any document is missing or expired.

Standards of ConductIn any class/practicum related activity, students must demonstrate behaviors consistent with the ANA Code of Ethics and the Nursing Scope of Practice.

Dress/Uniform (updated and approved 12/8/2014)

For clinical/practicum rotations, students are required to dress in business/professional or navy blue scrubs and a white lab coat with the University of Nevada, Reno embroidered logo. A name

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badge will be provided for you and must be worn during all practicum hours. If the name badge is lost, the student will need to purchase a replacement badge. Additionally, you must have your identification (UNR/Wolf Card ID) badge visible. Obtain your UNR/Wolf Card ID at the Wolf Card Office in the Joe Crowley Student Union, room 204. Photo identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.) is required. ID cards may only be issued to students who have registered for classes.

Exceptions to this policy are otherwise defined by the environment in which the student is assigned (i.e. Pediatrics, Psych/Mental Health). Clinical sites may also provide additional identification that is required to be worn by the student during practicum hours. Students may be sent home from clinical sites for failure to comply with required dress/uniform standards.

AbsenteeismEach BSN to DNPspecialty track has very specific clinical hour requirements to ensure eligibility for certification testing within that specialty. Clinical hours are expected to be completed within the semester assigned. Clinical hours may not be “banked” and rolled over to another semester. Based on those requirements, any missed clinical hours will need to be made up before the end of the semester for that course, otherwise a student may receive and unsatisfactory grade and have to repeat the course.

If unforeseen circumstances arise, (i.e. hospitalization), the student may request an incomplete for the course and complete the course during the next offered semester (this may delay progression within the program).

Chair and Graduate Scholarship Committee

The Declaration of Advisor/Major Advisor/Committee Chair Form This form must be received by the graduate School no later than the end of the second semester for all BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s DNP students. The form can be found on the graduate school website at http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/delcaration-of-advisor

A. Prior to the completion of 12 credits, the student will select a chair. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with a potential Chair(s) to discuss development of a Committee. All OSN Graduate Faculty (doctoral prepared) members are eligible to fill this role. When a faculty member has agreed to chair the student’s committee, the completed Declaration of Advisor/Major Advisor/Committee Chair Form (Appendix B-1) and the Request for Graduate Advisory Chair (Appendix B-2) will be submitted to the Associate Director of Graduate Programs.

B. The committee Chair is the graduate faculty member who will guide the student in developing the DNP Project proposal and in implementing the various steps of that proposal. The Chair and student will determine other committee members to complete the committee makeup. The second committee member will be another doctoral prepared OSN faculty member approved by the Graduate School. The third faculty member; Graduate Representative, is generally selected from the university-at-large http://www.unr.edu/grad/about/graduate-faculty According to the graduate school, the university-at-large member is given the role of representing the graduate school, assuring compliance with graduate school regulations and procedures and reporting any deviation

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from prescribed standards to the graduate school.C. The Graduate School rule regarding committees is that they should be formed prior to

completion of 12 graduate credits.

D. Graduate Scholarship Committee members must have graduate faculty status or approval of the Dean of the Graduate School. Contact the OSN Associate Director of Graduate Programs to initiate this request.

E. Students working on a project in the community may find it helpful and even vital to include a key person from the workplace on their committee. Preferably, this person should be doctoral educated (Ph.D., Ed.D. Dr.P.H., M.D., etc.), in which case it may be possible to obtain Graduate School approval for their role as an official committee member. If this is not possible, this person can at least serve on the committee ex officio. Contact the OSN Associate Director of Graduate Programs to initiate this request.

F. The student’s Chair and committee should meet with the student to review, approve, and, sign off on the student’s Program of Study, which should be detailed on the Graduate School’s Program of Study Form (see Important Forms section).

Program of Study

A. Students should discuss their program of study with their Track Leader advisor. The responsibility for approving a student’s program of study lays with the student’s Chair, other members of his/her Graduate Scholarship Committee, the track leader, and the Associate Director for Graduate Programs. This information is recorded by the student on the Graduate School’s Program of Study Form, (instructions and an example is provided in Appendices B through E) which, once finalized, must be signed by the Committee Chair, and each member of the Graduate Scholarship Committee and forwarded to the Associate Director of Graduate Programs for approval. Once the Program of Study form has been reviewed and approved by the Associate Director of Graduate Programs, the student will submit the form to the Graduate School. The student should make a copy of the original form for their student file prior to submitting to the Graduate School.

B. Elective-course choices should be made in collaboration with the student’s Chair and support the student’s areas of specialization and her/his research and professional interests. All degree requirements including elective courses must be included on the Program of Study Form.

Important note: The Program of Study Form should be submitted to the Graduate School as soon as possible after the completion of 12 credits in the program. Should a student need help with course decisions prior to selecting a Chair and committee, the Associate Director of Graduate Programs can assist in approving and recommending courses. If elective-course choices change, an amended Program of Study Form should be completed, necessary signatures obtained, and the form submitted to the Graduate School.

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DNP Project (NURS 788)

INTRODUCTION

Both the BSN to DNP and the Post-Master’s DNP program requires a change project as the culminating experience for the program. The process for developing the process begins in the second semester of full-time study (fifth semester of part-time study) and continues throughout the remaining three semesters. A minimum of six credits of NURS 788 is required to complete the project. Students have three faculty members on their Project committee; two nursing faculty and a third member who serves as a representative of the Graduate School. The following describes the project in more detail. Note: you may alternatively hear the project referred to as the “Capstone.”

DNP Project Guidelines

The purpose of the DNP project is give the student an opportunity to synthesize the advanced knowledge and skills developed in DNP coursework. One of the ways the student demonstrates the synthesis of advanced practice and leadership skills is through production of a DNP project report.

What Constitutes a DNP Project? The DNP project gives the student the opportunity to develop and ultimately, demonstrate a synthesis of senior leadership and advanced practice skills within the context of health care improvement. Thus, the setting, purpose, and objectives of student projects will vary, but every project will include the synthesis of strategic, creative thinking, decision-making, business planning, project management, and communication skills that are hallmarks of a DNP-prepared graduate. Students work with a faculty member with the knowledge and expertise in the student’s selected topic who is designated as the chair of the student’s project committee. A second member of the nursing faculty with relevant expertise sits on the committee in an advisory role. The third member is a representative of the campus Graduate School from another discipline whose knowledge is relevant to the student’s project.

Timetable: The student is oriented to the process for developing and completing the project during the initial orientation held on each campus in the first fall term of the DNP program. At that time, an overview of the project and an introduction to DNP faculty members eligible to supervise students’ projects takes place. Faculty members present their research, evidence-based practice, education projects, and/or leadership expertise and interests. This provides students with information about faculty with similar interests as their own and as possible chairs and members of project committees as they progress through the DNP program.

Before the end of the first semester of coursework, the student should speak with an advisor about her/his interests and opportunities for the leadership or advanced practice project. The exchange should include a discussion of potential chairs and members of the project committee and their readiness to assume such a role. Although plans may subsequently change after exposure to new ideas through coursework, student discourses, and employment transitions, a continuing dialogue about the potential project with the advisor is essential. By the end of the semester and with the advisor’s approval, the student finalizes the selection of a faculty chair for

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the project. In collaboration with the Chair of the Committee, the additional members who comprise the Project Advisory Committee are selected.

Since the DNP Project is a synthesis of the program objectives and relates to advanced practice and nursing leadership, students track the hours spent in the Project courses to document their contribution toward the 540 hours of supervised clinical practice requirement of the program.

In the second semester, the student is engaged in project planning. The Project Advisory Committee reviews the proposed plan and toward the end of the semester, the student defends the project proposal. The Project Committee must approve the project plan prior to implementation.

After the project proposal is approved, the student is able to implement the project. During implementation, the student applies knowledge from previous and concurrent coursework to continue activities on the project. The student’s Project Committee chair supports the student by acting as a resource and reviewing the student’s progress. The student initiates activities on the project throughout the semester under the guidance of the Chair of the Project Committee. Throughout the semester, it is the student’s responsibility to stay in contact with the Committee Chair and set periodic meetings for review of the work.

The student works with the Project Committee chair throughout to finalize the work of the project and to prepare the final defense of the project to the committee. A PowerPoint presentation is developed that acts as an outline for the defense of the project.

Once the work on the DNP project has commenced, satisfactory progress must be made each semester in order to receive a passing grade in NURS 788. You must communicate with your chairperson as to what constitutes “satisfactory progress.” A minimum of six credits of NURS 788 are required to graduate.

Suggested TimelinePreparation for the DNP Project may begin as early as the first semester a student is enrolled in the program. The following timeline covers most key points, but it is crucial to remember that the number of proposals and paper drafts can vary greatly among individuals’ choices of project for graduation.

Activity Date

Select Chair of DNP Project Committee

Select topic and approach

Select Committee Members in collaboration with the Chair

Semesters registered for Projects

Discuss Timeline for project with Chair NURS788

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Presenting Drafts to the Committee

First draft of project proposal due to Chair

First draft of project proposal due back from Chair

Second draft of project proposal due to Chair

Second draft of project proposal due back from Chair

Possible Third draft of project proposal due to Chair

Possible Third draft of project proposal due back from Chair

Oral project proposal defends to Committee for approval and changes as recommended

Preparing the Final Project Defense

First draft of final project due to Chair

First draft of final project due back from Chair

Second draft of final project due to Chair

Second draft of final project due back from Chair

Final draft of project due to Chair

Chair/student sends final draft to Committee

Student defends final Project

After successful defense, finished project ready for committee signatures

Student must complete graduate school paper requirement for graduation before deadline

GRADUATION PROCESS

A. Students have a total of 6 calendar years to complete all doctoral degree requirements.

B. The student should purchase a Graduation Application http://www.unr.edu/grad/forms/graduation-application and submit this completed form to the graduate coordinator according to the deadlines listed in the printed semester schedule and on UNR’s Graduate School webpage. Generally these deadlines will be in the first few days of December for graduation the following May and in the first few days of May for graduation either the following August or December. Note that only May and December have official graduation ceremonies.

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C. A Program of Study Form must be completed by the student and approved/signed by all members of the student’s Graduate Scholarship Committee upon completion of 12 credits toward the BSN to DNP or Post-Master’s DNP degree. The program of study form is then forwarded to the graduate coordinator for approval and then to the Graduate School for final approval.

D. An oral presentation and defense of the student’s DNP project to her/his Graduate Scholarship Committee and other interested faculty and students must occur prior to the final exam period of the semester in which the student plans to graduate.

Important note: The “end of the semester” is usually the Monday following the end of the final examination period.

E. Following the successful completion of the above, the student’ Advisory Committee will sign a Notice of Completion and the student will seek the final signature of the OSN Associate Director for Graduate Programs and submit the original to the Graduate School—a necessary component of the final approval of the student’s graduation.

F. Completion of Graduate Survey.

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Appendix A-1

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Appendix A-2 Graduate Advisory Chair form

Request for Graduate Advisory Chair

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Orvis School of Nursing

University of Nevada, Reno

Student Name: __________________________________________

Program Track: AGACNP_____ CNL_____ FNP_____ Nurse Educator_____ PMHNP BSN to DNP (also check specialty track)______ Post-Master’s DNP ______

Full Time: _____ Part Time: _____

Anticipated Graduation Date: _______________________________

The above student requests _________________________________ (name of faculty) to serve as chair of their committee for their Thesis/Professional Project/Professional Paper.

My signature below indicates that I agree to serve as chair for this student’s committee.

_____________________________________________Faculty Signature

_____________________________________________Printed Name

Students Return Completed Form to: Dr. Stephanie DeBoor ________________________________________

Appendix B

Program of Study Requirements

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Appendix C

Advisory-Examining Committee Requirements

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Appendix D

Program of Study Example

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Appendix E

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