DNP Essentials

Descriptor: Integration, translation, and application of established and evolving disciplinary nursing knowledge and ways of knowing, as well as knowledge from other disciplines, including a foundation in liberal arts and natural and social sciences. This distinguishes the practice of professional nursing and forms the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice (AACN, 2021). 

Descriptor: Person-centered care focuses on the individual within multiple complicated contexts, including family and/or important others. Person-centered care is holistic, individualized, just, respectful, compassionate, coordinated, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate. Person-centered care builds on a scientific body of knowledge that guides nursing practice regardless of specialty or functional area (AACN, 2021). 

Example Coursework: 

Health Promotion Paper 

For this assignment, I was given a patient's age, gender, and current medical condition. I had to research lifespan theories, developmental milestones, health assessment requirements, and cultural considerations for my assigned patient. This assignment proves that each patient will have specific needs to be addressed. A "one size fits all" model is inappropriate for best care and patient care. As a provider, I must assess and address all aspects of my patient's life to provide holistic care in addition to using evidence-based practice. 

Descriptor: Population health spans the healthcare delivery continuum from public health prevention to disease management of populations and describes collaborative activities with both traditional and non-traditional partnerships from affected communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others for the improvement of equitable population health outcomes. (Kindig & Stoddart, 2003; Kindig, 2007; Swartout & Bishop, 2017; CDC, 2020). 

Descriptor: The generation, synthesis, translation, application, and dissemination of nursing knowledge to improve health and transform health care (AACN, 2018). 

Descriptor: Employment of established and emerging principles of safety and improvement science. Quality and safety, as core values of nursing practice, enhance quality and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance (AACN, 2021). 

Example Coursework: 

Quality Improvement Idea

For this assignment, I had to address an issue in my current practice. I created a quality improvement project to better serve students in the school setting. I gathered information regarding current practices within the school setting for diet modifications and listed current issues within the process. By identifying gaps in current processes, the Doctor of Nursing Practice can change current practices to deliver more safe and effective health care. 

Descriptor: Intentional collaboration across professions and with care team members, patients, families, communities, and other stakeholders to optimize care, enhance the healthcare experience, and strengthen outcomes (AACN, 2021).

Descriptor: Responding to and leading within complex systems of health care. Nurses effectively and proactively coordinate resources to provide safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations (AACN, 2021). 

Descriptor: Information and communication technologies and informatics processes are used to provide care, gather data, form information to drive decision making, and support professionals as they expand knowledge and wisdom for practice. Informatics processes and technologies are used to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high-quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards (AACN, 2021). 

Example Coursework: 

DNP Cybersecurity Module

This assignment's goal was to discuss cybersecurity in healthcare. Doctors of Nursing Practice are healthcare leaders, and we must share our knowledge with others. This module I created discusses rising cybersecurity and technology issues and ways to secure confidential patient information better. As our reliance on technology increases in the world of healthcare, this is a fundamental concept to patient data safety. 

Descriptor: Formation and cultivation of a sustainable professional identity, including accountability, perspective, collaborative disposition, and comportment, that reflects nursing’s characteristics and values (AACN, 2021). 

Descriptor: Participation in activities and self-reflection that foster personal health, resilience, and well-being; contribute to lifelong learning; and support the acquisition of nursing expertise and the assertion of leadership (AACN, 2021). 

Example Coursework: 

Doctor of Nursing Practice Fact Sheet

The purpose of this assignment was to learn about and promote the role of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). There is a controversy over a DNP using the title of "doctor" in their clinical practice. My personal goal for this assignment was to prove that a DNP is an expert in nursing knowledge and within their respective field. A DNP should be able to use the title doctor within their clinical practice if their title is differentiated from a medical doctor. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice, I will continue educating the public regarding this healthcare position and showcase my nursing expertise through lifelong learning and leadership.