Allocating resources in a data-driven college of nursing

Three years ago our college of nursing faced a critical strategic planning question: How could the college initiate and offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program without additional human and financial resources? This article describes the process used to open a new educational program with no new resources by suspending educational programs that were not financially viable. While the process was difficult, shared governance and data-driven decision-making fostered trust and openness that allowed faculty members to make critical decisions, assuring the viability and future growth of the college. At the end of this process, faculty members were united in their decisions and actively and energetically engaged in the development of a new DNP curriculum that built upon their strengths and expertise.