Strategies to advance DNP scholarly project rigor

There are persistent concerns about the variability and rigor of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) projects while recognizing the necessity to advance competence and demonstrate value of the degree. Multiple contributing factors include a lack of faculty development, non-standardized or ineffective project evaluation methods, and poor structure for dissemination of scholarly work. Innovative strategies were developed at one university to advance the scholarship and rigor of DNP projects which included rubrics for each section of the manuscript, a Scientific Review Committee (SRC) for project review, an oral defense process, and project repository. Faculty preliminary observations included a subsequent rise in the quality of student work. Fewer manuscript revisions were necessary, over 60% of projects reviewed by SRC were approved on the first submission, all students with completed projects successfully defended their work, and 95% of manuscripts were housed in the repository. Anecdotal feedback from SRC faculty showed the value of collaborative learning, mutual growth, and recommendations that improve project rigor. Limitations are SRC faculty workload for project review, limited attendance at project defenses, and clinical site restrictions impacting repository submission. Implementing new strategies can improve the quality and rigor of DNP projects while nurturing high-quality scholarship and increasing recognition of DNP contribution and value.