National Doctor of Nursing Practice Think Tank: Influencing DNP Program Practices Through Collaboration, Scholarship,...

Background: There are 433 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs nationwide and 87 new programs under development (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2024). Rapid implementation of DNP programs created a ripe environment for curricula variation and uncertainty regarding best practices. Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe the evolution and impact of a grassroots collaborative initiative of DNP faculty leaders from across the country that emerged from uncertainty in implementing AACN guidelines and expectations. This group, the National DNP Think Tank, includes DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty and practice-based colleagues. Methods: A shared vision to shape the evolution of DNP education while cultivating future nursing leaders underpinned the establishment of an open, nonjudgmental virtual forum dedicated to exploring topics, challenges, and solutions in DNP programs. Results: Collaborative dialogue catalyzed the inception of National DNP Conversations, quarterly webinars, a nationwide research initiative on DNP program practices, and sustained collaborative scholarly endeavors. Conclusions: The potential impact and value of think tanks is well documented (De Boer, 2015; Kuhn & Margellos, 2023). Efforts of this group are advancing the evolution of DNP education. Implications for Nursing: National DNP Think Tank members share their lived experiences, emphasizing the importance of professional relationships, critical elements of successful collaboration, and the role of national dialogues in shaping the future.