The Synthesis of DNP Essentials into FNP Clinical Practice: A Case Demonstration Project

Integrating DNP core essentials into APRN specialty curriculum can be challenging. Students often complete DNP core courses prior to moving into clinical coursework. The evolving risk is that students might fail to link DNP essentials with clinical APRN practice. The case demonstration project is a means for FNP DNP students to integrate DNP essentials into clinical practice in a meaningful way.  In their final clinical semester, students are asked to synthesize DNP core essentials into clinical management through the development of a clinical case demonstration project. Students design a patient-centered model of care unique to an individual patient with complex needs that incorporates evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration and considers the social and political determinants of health for the featured patient. Students utilize a theoretical framework to conduct an analysis of factors affecting the health of a unique patient with complex needs, identifying enablers and barriers to health at all systems levels.  They then design a collaborative model of care to address identified barriers to health at each system level. Students are asked to explore the advocacy role of the APRN relative to the individual patient and to identify means of promoting health at broader system levels. Students complete both a formal paper as well as a class presentation/poster describing their model of care and are evaluated on both mediums. Peer feedback and student reflection on the project are elicited. Student qualitative feedback has been positive relative to an increased appreciation for the DNP enhancement of the FNP role