The DNP project: Quandaries for nursing scholars

Appreciative Advising

“…(6) In previous models of doctoral education, a student studies with a scholar, engaging in didactic study and hands-on apprenticeship, first performing the senior scholar’s work and then completing their own projects. This model has been successful at producing strong researchers whose work focuses in one area of interest.…”

“…(4) There is a large demand for doctorally-prepared nurses(7,8), and the traditional senior-junior scholar mentorship system is inadequate for students in DNP programs. (6)…”

“…Eighty-seven percent of faculty were dissatisfied or somewhat dissatisfied with the final project; only 2% were satisfied. (6) As part of our ongoing quality improvement efforts, we conducted an internal DNP faculty survey. The results of the study mirrored national trends and demonstrated a need for revision of our existing advising structure to improve efficiency and enhance student achievement.…”

Standardizing Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Development: Implementation of a Wildcat Den

“…The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree requires completion of an evidencebased practice (EBP) scholarly project. However, DNP projects vary among colleges and universities (Dols, Hernández, & Miles, 2017). Full-time DNP faculty at our private, nonprofit university in the mid-Atlantic region identified marked variability in DNP projects, including confusion between EBP and original research, as well as identifying a viable EBP project.…”

An Enhanced Actualized DNP Model to Improve DNP Project Placements, Rigor, and Completion

“…A survey by Dols, Hernandez, and Miles (2017) found variation among academic settings implementing DNP projects, with 87 percent of faculty dissatisfied with the process and products. Faculty were not knowledgeable in evidence-based practice or quality improvement.…”