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Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Doctor of Nursing Practice program evaluation and beyond: capturing the profession's transition to the DNP
Louise Kaplan1, Marie-Annette Brown
1Washington State University, College of Nursing, Vancouver, USA. kaplanla@wsu.edu
Nursing Education Perspectives
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Evaluating the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is crucial for advanced practice nursing. This study outlines a comprehensive evaluation plan focusing on program effectiveness and the transition experiences of students and faculty.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Advanced Practice Nursing
- Program Evaluation
Background:
- Doctoral education in nursing, specifically the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), represents a significant innovation.
- Evaluating DNP programs requires methods beyond standard curriculum assessment to capture practice transformation.
- The DNP role development necessitates rigorous formative and summative evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a comprehensive evaluation plan for a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
- To assess both program effectiveness and the transition experiences of students and faculty.
- To identify lessons learned in the evaluation process.
Main Methods:
- Development of a comprehensive DNP evaluation plan at the University of Washington School of Nursing.
- Focus on data collection strategies, student and faculty participation, and institutional review board processes.
- Inclusion of example evaluation instruments.
Main Results:
- The evaluation plan addresses program effectiveness and the lived experiences of students and faculty during their transition.
- Discussion of practical challenges and solutions encountered during the evaluation process.
- Valuable insights into effective data collection and participation strategies are provided.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive evaluation is essential for DNP program innovation and advanced nursing practice transformation.
- The outlined plan provides a model for other institutions undertaking DNP program evaluation.
- Lessons learned offer practical guidance for future DNP program evaluations.
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