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DNP PROJECT GUIDELINES University of Kentucky College of Nursing DNP Program Committee Approved: 9/25/18 revised 7/19

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DNP PROJECT GUIDELINES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description of DNP Project .............................................................................................................. 1

DNP Project ...................................................................................................................................... 1

Role of the DNP Project Committee ................................................................................................. 1

DNP Project Committee Members ................................................................................................ 1

Steps in Completing a DNP Project .................................................................................................. 2

Course Alignment of Steps in Completing a DNP Project ............................................................... 3

Prior to Enrollment in 915 or 925 (whichever is taken first): ....................................................... 3

Each Semester ............................................................................................................................... 3

Prior to Enrollment in NUR 925 and 915 ..................................................................................... 3

NUR 915 and 916 .......................................................................................................................... 3

NUR 909-916-924 ......................................................................................................................... 4

NUR 918 ....................................................................................................................................... 4

DNP Project advisor will: ................................................................................................................. 4

NUR 910 ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Implement DNP Project: ................................................................................................................... 5

DNP Project Proposal Written Format ............................................................................................. 7

DNP Project Final Paper Format ...................................................................................................... 8

DNP Project Presentation Format ..................................................................................................... 9

Appendix A ..................................................................................................................................... 11

Appendix B ..................................................................................................................................... 13

Appendix C ..................................................................................................................................... 16

Appendix D ..................................................................................................................................... 17

Appendix E ..................................................................................................................................... 18

Appendix F...................................................................................................................................... 19

Appendix G ..................................................................................................................................... 20

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DNP PROJECT GUIDELINES

Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP Project

Description of DNP Project

The DNP project demonstrates a synthesis of the DNP Program Outcomes and represents an

opportunity for the student to investigate a clinical practice or systems health care issue. The

focus is broad and includes not only direct care issues, but interventions and programs that

indirectly influence outcomes for a defined population. Examples are evidence-based practice

changes in direct clinical care, interventions designed to improve outcomes for an aggregate or

population, administrative interventions to improve population health outcomes or delivery of

care, and policy interventions to improve population health conditions. The project should focus on the

scholarship of practice, with an emphasis on internal validity rather than external generalizability.

Upon completion of the DNP Project the student will have the knowledge and experience to

evaluate, synthesize and use the best available evidence to provide high quality care and promote

the best patient outcomes. The DNP Project is aligned with the American Association of Colleges

of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006).

DNP Project

The DNP Project Committee provides guidance and expertise in the successful design,

implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of the DNP Project. The student’s assigned

faculty advisor will serve as the DNP advisor, unless otherwise indicated. The DNP Project

Committee will consist of two doctorally-prepared faculty members and a doctorally-prepared

clinical mentor. The clinical mentor should be an expert in the student’s focus area, and willing to

assist in student advisement and clinical coaching in collaboration with the faculty advisor and

faculty committee member.

Role of the DNP Project Committee

DNP Advisor

The advisor will guide the student through the DNP Project process to include:

Topic and site selection;

Selection of committee members;

Meetings with DNP Project Committee members;

Clinical agency site contracts and agreements;

IRB approval and compliance;

Project approval, development, implementation and evaluation;

Assimilation of committee members’ feedback on student work and communication to

the student;

Final project paper; and

Final project presentation.

DNP Project Committee Members

The DNP Project Committee consists of a second faculty member from the College of Nursing

Faculty and the third member is a clinical mentor. All will provide guidance throughout the

project process, including:

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The clinical mentor should be doctorally-prepared, an expert in the students focus

area, and willing to assist in student advisement and clinical coaching in collaboration

with the faculty advisor;

Active participation in all DNP Project Committee meetings as indicated by the

advisor;

Periodic consultation in area of expertise as needed;

Constructive and timely feedback on drafts of the student’s DNP Project proposal,

final project paper, and final project presentation;

Attendance at the DNP Project Presentation.

Steps in Completing a DNP Project

The steps for completing a DNP Project are aligned with DNP course work to: a) assure that

students complete all important steps leading up the DNP Project implementation; b) keep

students focused on their DNP Projects throughout their course work; c) provide objective

checkpoints for both students and DNP advisors throughout the student’s curricular progression;

and d) facilitate the student’s successful completion of the DNP Project.

Depending on the student’s track within the DNP program, they may be taking DNP core courses

in a variety of sequences. However, the courses most closely aligned with the DNP Project (NUR

924, NUR 925, NUR 915, NUR 916, NUR 909, NUR 918, and NUR 910) have clear expectations

that will help doctoral students streamline and complete their DNP Project requirements. The

DNP Project Checklist is in Appendix B.

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Course Alignment of Steps in Completing a DNP Project

Student Expectations DNP Advisor and Committee Members

Prior to Enrollment in 915 or 925 (whichever is taken first):

1. Review the DNP Project Guidelines.

2. Initiate meeting with DNP advisor to

explore:

a. Possible DNP Project healthcare

agencies

b. DNP Project ideas

DNP advisor will meet with student to

review:

1. DNP Project:

a. DNP Project Guidelines

b. Collaborative healthcare agencies

ideas

c. DNP Project ideas

2. Program timeline

Each Semester

Initiate meeting with DNP advisor to discuss

updates on:

1. DNP Project ideas.

2. Potential clinical site/agency for DNP

Project.

3. Curriculum progress.

DNP Project advisor will meet with

student to review:

1. DNP Project ideas.

2. Possible DNP Project site/agency.

Prior to Enrollment in NUR 925 and 915

In a meeting with DNP advisor, discuss:

1. A potential problem/issue in a specific

site/agency for the DNP Project.

2. Initial review of evidence.

DNP Project advisor will help student:

1. Review the DNP Project idea and the

projected site/agency.

2. Define scope of DNP Project.

3. Provide direction for evaluation and

synthesis of the evidence.

NUR 915 and 916

1. Conduct an initial, evidence-based,

integrative review, identify a gap and make

a recommendation for practice change

related to the DNP Project.

2. Explore potential methods of implementing

and evaluating the DNP Project.

3. Talk with selected faculty members and

clinical mentors about serving on the DNP

Project Committee.

4. Finalize the clinical site/agency in which

DNP Project will be implemented. Discuss

collaboration with this site with the

appropriate persons in the agency.

5. Finalize DNP Project focus, including title

and DNP Project Committee members.

6. Obtain advisor signature on DNP Advisory

Committee Approval form (Appendix C).

DNP Project advisor will: 1. Discuss with student potential options for

second CON faculty member and a

clinical mentor to serve as members on

the DNP Project Committee.

2. Assist student in finalizing selection of

clinical site/agency and securing

necessary clinical contracts or

agreements.

3. Guide student in finalizing DNP Project

focus, including title and DNP Project

Committee members, which must be

completed prior to beginning of NUR

909.

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Student Expectations DNP Advisor and Committee Members

NUR 909-916-924

1. Select a theoretical framework/conceptual

framework/process improvement model to

guide the DNP Project.

2. Develop a comprehensive review and

synthesis of the literature, and confirm a

gap that can be addressed with an

evidence-based change.

3. Develop initial DNP Project Proposal.

4. Discuss evaluation and synthesis of

evidence and initial proposal with DNP

Project advisor.

5. Submit written initial DNP Project

Proposal to DNP advisor at the end of the

909.

DNP Project advisor will: 1. Review and provide feedback on

comprehensive review and synthesis of

evidence.

2. Review and provide feedback on DNP

Project Proposal.

Project Committee Members will:

1. Review initial DNP Project Proposal and

provide written feedback to the advisor.

NUR 918

1. Meet with DNP advisor as necessary.

2. Finalize preceptor agreement for DNP

Project.

3. Draft IRB application for UK and/or

designated clinical agency.

4. Complete DNP Project Proposal - based on

feedback from DNP Project Committee.

Obtaining IRB Approval:

This will be started in 918 and the desire is

to have it submitted to IRB either in 918 or

at the beginning of 910 and is at the

direction of your advisor

1. Finalize IRB Application for UK and

DNP clinical agency, following

appropriate guidelines.

2. Submit completed IRB Application to

DNP advisor for review. Revise as

necessary.

3. Submit IRB Application to UK and DNP

clinical agency.

4. Obtain full IRB approval from UK and

DNP clinical agency prior to

implementation.

DNP Project advisor will:

1. Provide feedback on DNP Project

Proposal.

2. Provide feedback on IRB application.

3. Approve IRB proposal to be submitted

either in 918 or the beginning of 910.

DNP Project Committee will: 1. Meet with entire committee as necessary.

2. Provide feedback on DNP Project

Proposal.

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NUR 910

Each student will meet with his/her DNP

Project Committee as directed by DNP

Project advisor.

Complete Proposal Process:

1. Revise DNP Project Proposal (using the

proposal outline) until approved by DNP

Project Committee.

Implement DNP Project:

1. Implement the DNP Project.

2. Collect all DNP Project data.

3. Conduct DNP Project data analysis.

4. Evaluate the DNP Project.

Prepare Final Paper and Presentation:

1. Write the DNP Project final paper with

continued input from the DNP advisor

and DNP Project Committee members.

2. Obtain final approval from DNP Project

Committee.

3. Prepare final DNP Project Presentation

with continued input from the DNP

advisor and DNP Project Committee

members.

DNP Advisor will:

1. Guide the student in completion of:

a. DNP Project Proposal

b. IRB Application (if needed)

c. Project implementation and

evaluation

d. Data analysis

e. Final paper

f. Final presentation

2. Schedule DNP Project Committee

meetings as necessary.

3. Assure completion of all DNP Project

grading rubrics.

DNP Project Committee members will:

1. Provide input to student on:

a. DNP Project Proposal

b. IRB Application (if needed)

c. Project implementation and

evaluation

d. Data analysis

e. Final paper

f. Final presentation

2. Attend the final DNP Project

Presentation.

3. Complete final DNP Project paper and

presentation grading rubrics.

Disseminate DNP Project:

1. With the DNP advisor’s approval, request

to schedule a final presentation of the

DNP project. For specific details see page

50-51 of Graduate Student Handbook.

2. Schedule at least one rehearsal of the

DNP Project presentation with DNP

Project Chair.

3. Present the completed DNP Project to the

DNP Project Committee and interested

members of the academic and clinical

communities.

4. Make requested revisions to the DNP

Project final paper.

5. Obtain final confirmation from DNP

Project Committee that the DNP project

Ongoing support

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expectations for the DNP degree have

been met.

6. Submit final paper to UKnowledge.

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DNP PROJECT GUIDELINES

DNP Project Proposal Written Format

The format of your written project proposal will be either using the format below or Revised

Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence SQUIRE 2.0. Your advisor will instruct

you on the format to be used with your project. Please adhere to the most recent edition of the

writing guidelines as directed by your DNP Project advisor.

1. Title page

2. Abstract

3. Table of Contents

4. Body of the paper

a. Background and significance of proposed project/intervention

i. Problem identification (Introductory statement):

ii. Context of the problem

iii. Scope of problem

iv. Consequences of the problem

v. Proposed project/evidence-based intervention

vi. Objectives/purpose of the proposed project

b. Theoretical/conceptual framework/process improvement model (Discussion of the

framework and how it will guide your project)

c. Review and Synthesis of the Evidence in the Literature

d. Agency Description

i. Setting

ii. Sample

iii. Target population

iv. Congruence of DNP Project to selected organization’s mission, goals, and

strategic plan

v. Description of stakeholders

vi. Site-specific facilitators and barriers to implementation

e. Project design

f. Project methods

i. Description of project/evidence-based intervention

ii. Procedures

IRB submission process

Sample

Measures and instruments

Implementation plan

Data collection plan

Data analysis plan

g. Timeline of project phases (submission of IRB to DNP presentation)

h. Resources (personnel, technology, budget, etc.)

i. Feasibility and plan for sustainability

j. References

k. Appendices (instruments, informed consent form, etc.)

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DNP Project Final Paper Format

The format of your written project proposal will be either using the format below or Revised

Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence SQUIRE 2.0. Your advisor will

instruct you on the format to be used with your project. Please adhere to the most recent edition of

the writing guidelines as directed by your DNP Project advisor.

The report should include: 1. Required DNP Project Title Page (Appendix F)

2. Abstract

3. Acknowledgements

4. Dedication (this is optional)

5. Table of Contents

6. Body of the Paper

a. Background and significance of proposed project/intervention

i. Problem identification (Introductory statement)

ii. Context of the problem

iii. Scope of the problem

iv. Consequences of the problem

v. Evidence-based intervention

vi. Purpose of the project

b. Theoretical/conceptual framework/process improvement model (Discussion of the

framework and how it guided your project)

c. Review of Literature

d. Project Design

e. Project Methods

i. Agency Description

ii. Setting

iii. Target Sample

iv. Congruence of DNP project to selected organization’s mission, goals, and strategic

plan

v. Description of stakeholders

vi. Site-specific facilitators and barriers to implementation

vii. Description of Project/Evidence-based Intervention

viii. Procedure

IRB Approval

Sample

Measures and Instruments

Implementation

f. Results

g. Discussion

h. Implications for practice, education, policy, and future research

i. Limitations

j. Summary/Conclusion

k. References

l. Appendices

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DNP Project Presentation Format

There will be a welcome and overview by either the Associate or Assistant Dean of the

MSN/DNP Programs. This will include introduction of the student’s DNP Project advisor and

committee members. The DNP Project advisor will introduce the student.

The student should provide paper handouts of the DNP Project PowerPoint slides to all DNP

Committee Members.

Your presentation should be on the UK College of Nursing Power Point template of your choice

and include:

Title Page

Acknowledgements:

o List in order: chair of your committee, committee members, representative(s) from the

Clinical Project site/agency, and others as indicated

Problem statement – purpose of the presentation

Background and significance of problem, including consequences of not addressing the

issue

Describe the theoretical/conceptual framework or process model used to guide the project

Project Methods

o Literature review: summarize key findings from synthesis of the literature that support

the need for the project, including gap identification and proposed practice change

o Describe the site/setting where the project was conducted (may want to include a

photo of the building)

o IRB approval: include the IRB of record and IRB Authorization Agreements if

indicated

o Informed consent: Type (waiver of informed consent, waiver of documentation of

informed consent etc.) and how it was obtained

Implementation- describe the process used and the site

Aspects of Sample: # of participants and demographic variables collected

Description of Sample: table with each variable, frequency, and percent

Measures: describe each used

Present results for each measure used in either table and narrative form

Describe how your project impacted the DNP Project site/agency

Discussion of DNP Project outcomes as related to the literature

Implications for practice, education, policy and future research

Limitations

Conclusion

A total of 1 hour will be allotted for the presentation and subsequent meeting with the DNP

Committee Members. The student’s presentation should be no more than 20 minutes in length

with an additional 10 minutes for questions from members of the audience. The audience will be

dismissed, and there will be additional time for questions from the DNP Project Committee

members. The student will be asked to step out of the room while the Committee Members

discuss whether or not the student has met the guidelines for completion. Upon finalization of this

discussion the student will be invited to reenter the room and will be informed of the decision of

committee on his/her success.

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Appendix A

DNP Student Progression Review Form

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Appendix B

DNP Project Checklist

Curricular Thread for DNP Scholarship/Final Project Checklist

Student Name: ____________________________________________________

Advisor: _________________________________________________________

Expected

Time Line

Date

Completed

Student Expectations

NUR 905 Receive introduction to: doctoral education and knowledge

development; The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced

Nursing Practice; portfolio development; CV; and advanced

practice.

Prior to NUR

915 or 925

(whichever is

taken first)

Review the DNP Project Guidelines.

Prior to NUR

905 & 915 or

925

(whichever is

taken first)

Identify the area of the topic of interest.

Meet with DNP advisor.

End of each

semester Meet with DNP advisor and complete the DNP Student

Progression Review form (Appendix A)

NUR 915 Develop a PICOT question; synthesis/critique of the evidence

around a population, problem, and strategies.

NUR 925 Review quantitative and qualitative research methods/design.

Conduct an initial evidence review related to your DNP Project.

Explore processes for evaluating outcomes of your evidence-

based intervention/practice change.

NUR 916 Meet with selected faculty members about serving on the DNP

Project Committee.

Obtain faculty signatures on DNP Advisory Committee Approval

form (Appendix C).

NUR 924/916 Select a process improvement/theoretical/conceptual model to

guide your DNP Project.

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Expected

Time Line

Date

Completed

Student Expectations

Review program planning and evaluation of outcomes; methods

for measurement and statistical analysis, develop a program

implementation and evaluation plan

Expected

Time Line

Date

Completed

Student Expectations

NUR

924/915/916 Perform a comprehensive review and synthesis of the literature,

and identify a gap that can be addressed by an evidence-based

practice change.

NUR 909 Hold an initial DNP Project Committee meeting within the last

four weeks of the semester.

Identify the clinical site/agency in which you will be

implementing your DNP Project.

Discuss your interest in collaborating with this site with first your

DNP advisor and them the appropriate persons in the agency.

Assure, with your DNP advisor that any necessary clinical

contracts or agreements are in place between the University of

Kentucky and the agency.

Finalize DNP project proposal with committee. (see DNP project

proposal written format)

NUR 918

Develop IRB application for your DNP Project.

Submit IRB application to Advisor for review.

NUR 918/910 Submit IRB application once it has approval from advisor and

committee.

Prior to beginning your project you will need to obtain IRB

approval from UK and designated clinical agency (if indicated).

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Expected

Time Line

Date

Completed

Student Expectations

NUR 910

Revise and finalize DNP Project proposal as needed based on IRB

review, pilot data, and feedback from DNP Project Committee.

Hold a second DNP Project Committee meeting as necessary to

review progress and initiate the DNP project.

Complete the DNP Project and write the final paper (see DNP

Project Final Paper Format) with continued supervision from the

DNP advisor and input from the DNP Project Committee

members.

With the DNP advisor’s approval, request to schedule a final

presentation of the DNP Project.

Schedule at least one rehearsal of the DNP Project presentation

with the DNP Project Committee.

Present the completed DNP Project to the DNP Project

Committee and interested members of the academic and clinical

communities.

Revise final DNP Project paper as indicated by feedback from the

DNP Project Committee. For details visit graduate student

handbook page 51.

Obtain approval from DNP Project Committee members that the

DNP Project expectations for the DNP degree have been met.

Submit a final copy of the DNP Project Report to DNP Project

Committee members and identified person to review for

UKnowledge, and then finally submit to UKnowledge. For more

details view page 52 of the graduate student handbook.

For details on submitting final paper to UKnowledge visit the

Electronic Practice Inquiry Project Submission Guide.

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Appendix C

DNP Advisory Committee Approval Form

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Appendix D

DNP Advisory Committee & Proposal Approval Form

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Appendix E

DNP Project Final Presentation Form

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Appendix F

CON Required DNP Project Title Page

The Title of DNP Project

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice

at the University of Kentucky

By

Student Name

City, State

Year

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Appendix G

DNP Project Final Presentation Rubric

Student: Project Title: Date: Committee Member:

Criteria Excellent Above

Average Average

Below Average

Unsatisfactory

1. Introduction: Problem statement with needs justification

5 4 3 2 1

2. Objectives/specific aims 5 4 3 2 1

3. Literature review a. Summary of literature

search including search strategies, keywords, inclusion and exclusion criteria

b. Supports the problem statement and identifies gaps in knowledge

5 4 3 2 1

4. Theoretical/conceptual framework or process model a. Identifies the theoretical

underpinnings of the project to support change and provide a framework for the project

b. Provides a model that correlates the project with the theoretical framework

5 4 3 2 1

5. Methods a. Needs and feasibility

assessment

b. Project design

c. Setting

5 4 3 2 1

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Criteria Excellent Above

Average Average

Below Average

Unsatisfactory

d. Population/sample

e. Tools and/or instruments

f. Project plan including timeline

g. Institutional Review Board approval

6. Results a. Data analysis

b. Key findings

5 4 3 2 1

7. Discussion a. Summary of major

findings and outcomes (refer back to the smart objectives)

b. Limitations (i.e. sample size, design, data collection)

c. Implications for the organization including sustainability

d. Implications for practice, education, health policy change, and future research

5 4 3 2 1

8. Conclusion: Value to health care and practice

5 4 3 2 1

9. References 5 4 3 2 1

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Strengths/Weaknesses Observed: Comments: Candidate’s rating (average overall scores on the items above):

________

Excellent (5.0)

________

Above Average (4.0-4.9)

________

Average (3.0-3.9)

________

Unsatisfactory (<3.0)

If candidate is unsatisfactory, state committee recommendations:

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Determinants of DNP Project Oral Presentation Ratings: 5 = Excellent: Student’s presentation and responses to questions are very comprehensive of all components identified in the criteria. Elaborates about components with illustrations and examples. Demonstrates depth of knowledge through answers to questions and interprets the findings within the scope of existing evidence. Requires no faculty prompting during presentation. Readily cites references, theory, process model/theoretical/conceptual model and project outcomes as appropriate and provides additional clarifying information. Clearly describes impact of project, plans for future work and next steps as an outcome of the project. 4 = Above Average: Student’s presentation and responses to questions are comprehensive and student addressed all components identified in the criteria. Demonstrates depth of knowledge through answers to questions. Requires no faculty prompting about presentation content and very minimal prompting when answering questions. Readily cites references, theory, process model/theoretical/conceptual model and project outcomes as appropriate. Describes impact of project, plans for future work and next steps as an outcome of the project. 3 = Average: Student’s presentation and responses to questions are comprehensive, but include minimal elaboration. Addresses all required components identified in the criteria, but could provide more detail for one or two criteria. Answers questions thoroughly; with minimal prompting student elaborates in more detail. Knowledge of topic and focus is apparent, but includes limited analysis and synthesis. With minimal prompting is able to cite references, theory, process model/theoretical/conceptual model and project outcomes as appropriate. An overall average rating will be considered passing. 2 = Below Average: Student’s presentation and responses to questions includes the majority of the components of the criteria, but elaboration is minimal. With faculty prompting, the student is able to answer questions. Knowledge of topic is present but not well integrated. Limited citing of references, theory, process model/theoretical/conceptual model, or project outcomes as appropriate. Is not able to clearly articulate impact of project and future steps to build on project work. An average of below average rating results in failure to pass the presentation. 1 = Unsatisfactory: Student’s presentation did not address the some components of the criteria or were inaccurate. Has difficulty answering questions and answers do not demonstrate that the student has the knowledge one would expect after having completed the DNP project. The student has difficulty articulating and relating presentation to appropriate references, theory, process model/theoretical/conceptual model, and project outcomes as appropriate. Is not able to articulate the impact of the project and future steps to build on project work. An unsatisfactory rating in any category, for the majority of committee members, results in failure to pass the presentation.

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References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2006). The Essentials of Doctoral Education

for Advanced Nursing Practice. Retrieved January 12, 2012 from

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/position/dnpessentials.pdf