NONPF 38th Annual Conference

Nurse Practitioner educators have been challenged to develop curricula that culminate with the Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). Initial efforts focused on DNP completion programs for MSN educated NPs. The next step is the design of DNP curriculums for the non-NP, generally nurses entering graduate education with a BSN.

This symposium will describe a curriculum that has both graduated DNP prepared nurse practitioners and admitted students to a post BSN DNP program. Presentations will describe development and structure of the curriculum, approaches used to help novice NP students develop core NP competencies and learning activities to help both novice and experienced NPs achieve DNP outcomes. Modification of the post MSN DNP curriculum to accommodate the presence of both novice and expert NPs later in the program will be described.

The first presentation will explain how NP and DNP competency statements were used to revise and, where necessary, develop courses that meet both clinical and cognitive outcomes of a post BSN DNP curriculum. Techniques used to verify content needed for practice at the DNP level was part of both clinical and supportive courses and developed the students’ clinical skills and understanding of the NP role needed to move on to a meaningful final DNP project will be described . 

The second presentation will explain the scaffolding approaches taken to develop proficiency in the identification, analysis, and use of evidence-based practice guidelines as a foundation for practice and tool for completion of a meaningful DNP project that explores an area of concern to adult and family nurse practitioners.

The third presentation will describe development, implementation and modification of the post MSN DNP curriculum. Techniques that help experienced NP students expand and refine existing NP knowledge and skills will be explored. Approaches to addressing resistance to this process and accommodating inclusion of the post BSN students in classes will be explored. Data on end of program outcomes (projects, presentations, publications, and practice changes) will be presented.

The fourth presentation will summarize the curricular change and implementation process with a discussion of lessons learned and plans for the future.