DNP841 DNP Scholarly Project I -Planning (100 clinical hours) (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DNP808 , DNP809 , DNP813 , and DNP840  
The DNP Scholarly Project is the culmination of the nurse anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum. Successful completion of the final Scholarly Project provides verification that the student has achieved competency in the scholarship skills relevant to the DNP Degree.

This is the first in a series of four scholarly project courses that span four semesters of the program. This course is offered in Year 2 of the program and focuses on the initial development of the DNP Scholarly Project, including system evaluation, gathering evidence to support the project, the development of a PICO(T) question, and identification of project stakeholders/facilitators/ barriers. Students must evaluate social determinants of health that could be impacted by the project and identify strategies to eliminate barriers to project implementation. Students are expected to work in groups of two or three. Much of this course will consist of literature review, collaboration with advisors and other relevant project personnel, and laying the initial foundation for the project. Students also gain an appreciation for the role of the IRB and complete all mandated CITI training. The course culminates with the Scholarly Project Proposal, an oral presentation delivered to faculty and classmates that offers an opportunity for idea sharing and project refinement. Each student is responsible for completing equal parts of the project. Students complete a self-assessment as well as an assessment of each team member, which contributes to the final grade for the course. In addition, monthly review assignments and exams are tied to this course for an individual final score that is earned by the student.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Implement an established timeline for completion of the project.
2. Employ advanced inter and intra-professional collaboration skills with numerous key stakeholders to improve health outcomes.
3. Demonstrate leadership through the development of innovations that incorporate aspects of change theories.
4. Demonstrate leadership in the translation of best evidence into practice to improve healthcare quality, safety and outcomes.
5. Define social determinants of health impacted by the project and identify strategies to eliminate barriers to project implementation.
6. Develop a scholarly work in the form of a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
7. Deliver an oral presentation of the final project before a Scholarly Project Committee and peers.
8. External dissemination through the development of a poster and/ or oral presentation for delivery at a state or national meeting.