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.

How can a nurse practitioner decide what is important to focus on in a 15–30 minute appointment with individuals seeking primary, prenatal, or postpartum care? Students in this course gain opportunities to teach and promote wellness in individuals through the process of screening for common gynecologic conditions, normal pregnancy, and other common health conditions that impact the individual's health. Students learn to analyze data to interpret results for the benefit of the individual seeking assistance with planning healthy lifestyle behaviors. They also gain an understanding of working with individual's sexual identity and sexual orientation with respect to, ethical decision making, and an unbiased approach to optimal care. Students will consider how this course will benefit their clinical experience in a primary healthcare setting to increase competence in diagnosis, treatment, referrals, or follow-up care with a concentration on improving patient outcomes.

Students in this synthesis course focus on clinical competence in family settings by building on knowledge and skills gained in previous courses. Students build confidence as they continue to transition from the role of registered nurse to that of advanced practice nurse. Classroom activities and case studies enable students to explore the salient nurse practitioner practice issues involved in the delivery of safe, competent, high-quality, and cost-effective care of patients in a dynamic healthcare system. The application of knowledge in the management of clients and collaboration among the advanced practice nurse and the client, family, and interprofessional healthcare team are emphasized. This course is designed for nurse practitioner (NP) students to synthesize their knowledge and clinical skills to provide care to patients with complex health conditions.

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.

In this course, students learn how nurse practitioners master the art and science of clinical decision making among adult populations across the lifespan. Students focus on the diagnosis and management of primary healthcare needs and problems of the adult across the lifespan. They engage in a variety of course assignments that focus on physical and behavioral disease processes central to diagnosing conditions as well as planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic treatment programs for acute illnesses commonly encountered in a primary healthcare setting.