Online DNP Curriculum

This course studies the distribution of disease in populations and the study of risk and prevention of diseases. Principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation including describing the patterns of illness in populations and research designs for investigating the etiology of disease are explored. Quantitative measures are used to determine risk, association and procedures for standardization of rates. Basic biostatistics will be utilized in this course. Examination of major health problems such as cancer, chronic disease, and infectious processes is included.

Examines contemporary major health issues to determine their relationship to and impact upon health policy in the United States and around the world. A major focus is the identification, formulation and legitimation of health policy. Given the unique private/public partnership in American healthcare delivery and financing, attention is given to public/private financing of healthcare and its relationship to access, quality and cost.

In this course a multidisciplinary approach to informatics will be used to incorporate nursing science, computer science, information technology, and information science. Students will analyze information requirements, design system alternatives, and consider the management of resources. The evaluation of the effectiveness of clinical and/or management information systems in healthcare is considered. The course will examine the resources and methods required to apply these technologies to clinical guidelines, communication systems and to enhance healthcare delivery.

This course explores the impact of globalization on health care and health care planning, and the need to design health care systems that are responsive to diverse cultural needs. The focus is on select global health problems assessed in a multidisciplinary manner to assure attention to the underserved and their complex cultural needs and requirements. Attention is directed at increasing the capacity of health care professionals to develop culturally sensitive health care systems.

Vulnerability is examined through the lens of social justice theory, the Catholic social justice tradition and determinants of health. Responses to vulnerability are framed by: characteristics and determinants of vulnerability, direct and indirect actions to limit or reduce vulnerability, and structural and policy level work to address the variables that create and perpetuate vulnerability within persons, across generations and in local and global communities.

This course focuses on the knowledge and skills required to excel in the ethical leadership of organizations and groups in the transformation of educational and health care environments. Focus areas will include values and ethics, professional accountability, human resource utilization, legal issues, effective communication skills, effective management of teams and groups, and conflict management and resolution, and healthcare advocacy.

This course provides an emphasis on a scholarly approach to problem solving based on critical appraisal, synthesis and application of research evidence. An evidence based practice paradigm will be used to assist the student in learning to evaluate, implement and disseminate best research evidence into practice. This knowledge will be applied to evidence based decision making that systematically address important practice problems for populations of patients, communities, and clinicians working in diverse interdisciplinary teams. The use of theory in practice from the perspective of clinical nursing and other disciplines is emphasized as the foundation for effecting change in nursing and healthcare. Human subject's research ethical considerations will be discussed. Finally, dissemination of clinical practice scholarship will be discussed as a critical element of DNP practice.

This course builds on the foundational principles of evidence-based practice to enhance understanding and practice of evidence-based nursing and translating research at an advanced level. The DNP student will learn to contribute to the expansion of knowledge underlying advanced professional nursing practice through the translation of research into practice. Students will develop and refine competencies and skills in translating nursing research through critical appraisal, interpretation of evidence-based statistics, and analysis of research methodologies. Student's enhanced understanding and proficiency in critical appraisal will guide their approach in evidence-based diagnostic reasoning and decision-making for translation and application to practice. Human subjects' research will be discussed. Finally, dissemination of clinical practice scholarship will be examined as a critical element of DNP practice.

This course provides a background in analysis and evaluation of program outcomes within health care settings. Emphasis will be placed the role of the DNP in developing and leading clinical quality and safety initiatives through the identification of appropriate measurement strategies and evaluation instruments when evaluating program and measuring practice change.

The DNP Leadership Residency is a key component of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, combining practicum experiences with scholarly activities to provide in-depth learning. It gives an opportunity for meaningful engagement with experts from nursing as well as other disciplines. The DNP residency provides the DNP student with an individually designed clinical or leadership experience to meet the professional leadership or clinical goals. Doctoral students, under the direction of their DNP Advisor, will select an area of role development that corresponds to the doctoral track: Practice or Executive. In consultation with the student's doctoral advisor, students will identify a set of objectives for their DNP Residency and complete a course contract. In addition to completing residency hours the DNP student is expected to reflect on clinical practice and pursue independent study, by participation in presentations, rounds and seminars.

This course continues the DNP Leadership Residency acknowledged as a key component of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program that combines practicum experiences with scholarly activities to provide in-depth learning for doctoral students. It provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement with experts from nursing, as well as other disciplines. The DNP residency is designed to provide each DNP student with a comprehensive clinical or leadership experience designed to meet the professional leadership or clinical goals of each DNP student. Doctoral students, under the direction of their DNP Advisor, will continue in the residency associated with their select area of role development: Practice or Executive. In consultation with the student's DNP Advisor students will continue to identify objectives for their DNP Residency that support completion of their DNP practice thesis. In addition to completing residency hours the DNP student is expected to reflect on clinical practice and pursue independent study, by participating in interdisciplinary presentations, rounds and seminars.