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

Terminal Objectives

The DNP degree is designed to prepare graduates to function as highly developed clinicians/leaders in advanced nursing practice or systems of care. Graduates will be prepared to practice in a variety of complex clinical, organizational, and/or educational systems with diverse populations and will be 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 trimester hours of post-baccalaureate or 30 trimester hours of post-master’s study. All Doctor of Nursing Practice students must complete degree requirements within five years.

Curriculum