The focus of this course is to integrate and extend the Doctor of Nursing Practice student’s skills and knowledge of research methods to read, interpret, and evaluate the evidence from research studies to differentiate between research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. Essential topics will include overview of research concepts and the research process; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research methods and designs, including data collection, data analysis and interpretation techniques; ethical issues in research; and utilizing research findings to guide practice. Basic statistics will be reviewed, including the appropriate use of various statistics, underlying assumptions of the procedures, and the interpretation of results generated from statistical software. An analysis of how research designs and methods support the research process for the translation of evidence into clinical practice will also be examined.

When used effectively, information technology can support generation of new knowledge and emerging information technologies. In this course, students examine the critical appraisal and use of information technology in advanced nursing practice. Students work to gain the skills and knowledge needed to research, develop, process, integrate, and manage data, communication and information systems, and programs through technology resources in consumer, clinical, and public health settings. Students engage in a variety of discussions and assignments designed to provide practical application of content on topics including retrieval and critical analysis of digital data and emerging technology to support healthcare quality improvement; electronic health records integration and evaluation; and web-based learning and intervention tools to support and improve patient care. They also explore ethical, regulatory, and legal issues as well as the healthcare standards and principles for selecting and evaluating information systems and patient care technology that effects positive social change. They engage in course assessments focused on the practical application of scholarly writing, critical-thinking skills, and the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students also explore the essentials of being a Walden doctoral student, relevant professional and specialty standards of doctoral-level nursing practice, intra- and interprofessional collaboration, and the process of the DNP Doctoral Project/dissertation.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to complete additional practicum hours to fulfill the minimum 1,000-hour requirement of the DNP. Students may take the DNP Field Experience course up to eight times based on practicum hours attained prior to DNP admission. Students generate practicum portfolio evidence.

In this DNP practicum course, students will create individualized objectives for nursing leadership. Students will identify a clinical or administrative question, generate evidence, and develop a plan to translate evidence into practice. The course will focus on, implementing and evaluating the outcome at the practice, organization, or system level. Students will complete work under the guidance of an approved clinical mentor. Students will generate a practicum portfolio that drills down to the evidence regarding their clinical/administrative question and resulting findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Students complete the practicum journal requirements throughout the course. Students will complete a self-evaluation and reflect on their personal growth in their specific area of interest.

In this DNP practicum course, students will create individualized objectives to continue completing the gap in practice activities identified in NURS 8504. Students will implement gap in practice activities, monitor, measure, evaluate outcomes, and disseminate results back to the organization. The course will focus on the continuation of the evidence-based practice problem identified in NURS 8504. Students will complete work under the guidance of an approved clinical mentor. Students will generate a practicum portfolio that drills down to the evidence regarding their clinical/administrative question and resulting findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Students complete the practicum journal requirements throughout the course. Students will complete a self-evaluation and reflect on their personal growth in their specific area of interest.

To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a current, active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a master’s degree in a business or non-nursing health related field, or an equivalent from an accredited school, and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.