The DNP Project

The DNP project consists of:

1. Student identification of a systems based, quality improvement problem in health care

2. Implementation of an evidence based solution to address the problem

3. Evaluation of process and outcome objectives of the project

4. Completion of a paper that describes the project and outcomes

5. Dissemination of the project outcomes, learning and sustainably plans

Innovative project structures such as group projects paired DNP students, paired DNP - PhD students and paired Interprofessional team projects are acceptable with approval of the work to be completed and outline of student accountability prior to initiation of the project. The student will work with a School of Nursing faculty DNP project advisor and a community sponsor to complete their projects. The Student will register for a minimum of three advising credits and will continue to register for project advising credit while working on their DNP project. More detailed information regarding the DNP project and acceptable DNP projects and structures can be found in the Project direction Canvas course (NURS 7110).  The DNP Project Prep site is available to students as an opt-in resource to begin thinking about the DNP project ahead of the first formal DNP project registration.  

In order to be adequately prepared to begin the DNP project, students must have successfully completed or be concurrently enrolled in: 

• NURS 7100 Quality Improvement and Implementation Science in Health Care

• NURS 6200 Theoretical & Scientific Foundations of Nursing Interventions

• NURS 6110 Epidemiology in Nursing or PubH 6320 Fundamentals of Epidemiology  (only required for students admitted prior to Fall 2023)

• NURS 7600 Evaluating Evidence to Improve Nursing Practice