Scaffolding Approaches to Post BSN DNP Curriculum

Background: In an attempt to meet the 2015 goal that the DNP be the credential for entry into NP practice, traditional MSN programs must be replaced with post BSN DNP curricula  which consider the general competencies of students on entry to the program most notably their novice to expert progression as opposed to the expert to novice back to expert progression of most post MSN DNP students.

In addition, any curriculum must be viewed in its totality with course content presented as part of an integrated knowledge and skill development experience with each course supporting or building on those before and after. All course activities must consider both course and program outcomes.

Purpose: This presentation will describe specific course activities for the post BSN DNP students that promote development of essential NP competencies, culminating in a residency course and final DNP project through which these new NPs refine their ability to implement the scope of practice expected of the DNP. A scaffolded learning approach that builds on existing experiences, adds needed specific nurse practitioner and doctoral level knowledge and skills, and culminates with the broader vision required of the DNP will be described.

Curriculum Design: For the post BSN student, the exemplar will be the use of EBP guidelines and other documents in clinical courses to both support clinical learning and help students consider how they can and should impact care as DNPs. One goal of this approach is to ensure the post BSN DNP student is ready to thoughtfully develop and implement a meaningful project by the curriculum’s end even if not yet working in the NP role.

Faculty collaboration among those teaching NP practice courses as well as MSN and DNP core courses (Theory, Research Methods, Evidence Based Practice, Advanced Clinical Management, Concepts, Epidemiology, Project and Residency), an essential component of successfully implementing this approach, will be described.

Implications: Successful post BSN DNP programs must design course activities that build the requisite skills on the general foundation of students on entry and prepare them to achieve end of program DNP curricular outcomes.