Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) Population/Role: Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NCNS)

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Terminal Objectives

The DNP degree is designed to prepare graduates to function as highly developed clinicians and leaders in advanced nursing practice or systems of care. Graduates are prepared to practice in a variety of complex clinical, organizational and educational systems with diverse populations, and are able to affect changes in health care outcomes through evidence-based decision-making and system redesign.

Integrate science-based theories and data-based concepts to develop, critically appraise and implement practice approaches that improve health care and health care systems
Apply organizational theories and systems thinking to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness and safety outcomes of practice decisions and initiatives
Apply effective strategies for managing the ethical dilemmas inherent in patient care, the health care organization and research
Apply knowledge of informatics to monitor and improve outcomes, programs and systems of care
Provide leadership in influencing policies on the financing, regulation and delivery of health care
Lead interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes
Function independently in an advanced nursing role to improve health outcomes in a specialty area of practice

Graduation Requirements

The DNP degree requires a minimum of 62 term hours of post-baccalaureate or 30 term hours of post-master’s study. All Doctor of Nursing Practice students must complete degree requirements within five years.

Curriculum

Advanced Practice Nursing Core

NSG - 531 Advanced Pharmacology Credit(s): 3
NSG - 533 Advanced Pathophysiology Credit(s): 3
NSG - 535 Diagnostics for the APRN Credit(s): 3
NSG - 537 Transition to the APRN Role Credit(s): 3
NSG - 547 Neonatal Pathophysiology Credit(s): 3
NSG - 548 Advanced Neonatal Physical Assessment Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: 18

DNP Core

NSG - 600 Leadership in Evolving Health Care Environments Credit(s): 3
NSG - 602 Health Care Economics, Policy and Finance Credit(s): 3
NSG - 608 Program Evaluation Credit(s): 3
NSG - 610 DNP Project Planning and Implementation Credit(s): 3
NSG - 615 DNP Project Proposal Seminar Credit(s): 2

Subtotal: 14

Population/Role Cognates

NSG - 536 Principles of Case Management for Advanced Nursing Practice Credit(s): 3
NSG - 546 Developmental Physiology of the Fetus/Neonate Credit(s): 3
NSG - 549 Neonatal Pharmacotherapeutics Credit(s): 3
NSG - 550A Neonatal Management I Credit(s): 3
NSG - 550B Neonatal Management II Credit(s): 3
NSG - 550C Neonatal Management III Credit(s): 3
NSG - 679 Evidence-Based Teaching in Health Professions Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: 21

DNP Practica and Project

NSG - 606 DNP Specialty Practicum Credit(s): 1-12
Credit Hours: (6) (504 Clock Hours)
NSG - 607 DNP Immersion Residency Credit(s): 1-14
Credit Hours: (3) (252 Clock Hours)
NSG - 609A DNP Project Practicum A Credit(s): 1 (84 Clock Hours)
NSG - 609B DNP Project Practicum B Credit(s): 1 (84 Clock Hours)
NSG - 609C DNP Project Practicum C Credit(s): 1 (84 Clock Hours)

Subtotal: 12

Total 65

Minimum credits required: Successful completion of the NCNS MSN to DNP track requires a minimum of 65 term hours for graduation. Upon review of an individual’s academic portfolio, additional courses or clinical hours may be required.

The equivalent of Research and Biostatistics/Epidemiology must be completed prior to admission or added to the plan of study.

Palliative Care Training: ELNEC pediatric, palliative care certification or palliative care coursework to be completed prior to 551A