Implimenting DNP Essentials in Post Master's DNP Curriculum

The Challenge of Meeting the DNP Outcome Essentials: One Pedagogical Approach
DNP student outcomes are often shaped by the opportunities afforded students in their internship agencies, the self directedness of students, and the creativity of the DNP faculty. Little research or existing data is available to inform faculty on the best strategies to use in helping students learn the pathways to success in leadership, promoting excellence in practice, and policy change- these are challenges confronting many of our current DNP students and faculty. A thoughtful educational careful approach requires faculty working together with students to find experiences that focus on achieving the expected learning outcomes intended by the DNP Essentials in concert with the schools mission and vision and DNP objectives. A detailed, focused map to guide individual institutions when planning for student success in achieving the eight DNP outcome competencies is needed. This presentation will share the experiences of one DNP program as it implemented a DNP student internship mapped to the eight DNP essentials.  Faculty will share pedagogical strategies including, examples of specific activities focused for each of the Essentials, feedback from students, and reflections on improvements planned for the next cohort of students. The presentation will focus on the process and substance of an innovative, integrated DNP internship curriculum to help students meet the competencies outlined in the DNP Essentials. (223 words)