Deck 15: The DNP Degree: Past, Current and Future Trends

Question 1

Chase and Pruitt (2006) raised some concerns about the DNP program. Hathaway et al. (2006) responded to those concerns by noting that the DNP program ________.

A) is too similar to a PhD
B) is both innovation and disruption
C) is critical to healthcare policy
D) will compete with PhD enrollment

Answer 1

B
Explanation: Hathaway et al. (2006) claimed that while the DNP program is a change from the nursing PhD, change can be both good and innovative, even if it is disruptive.

Question 2

An important issue that various entities, such as the AACN and NONPF, have taken care to address regarding DNP programs is ________.

A) to have faculty who have experience with national policy advocacy and healthcare policy
B) to ensure that DNP applicants have a certain number of clinical hours before applying
C) the application process needing to be centralized through one organization for consistency
D) the need to be more unified in their length, structure, and clinical components

Answer 2

D
Explanation: Chism notes that one of the important issues that the AACN and NONPF wanted to ensure was clarified is consistency among DNP programs in length, clinical components, and course structure.

Question 3

There were two recommendations made regarding the Essentials as a result of the DNP Summit held in April 2014. What were these recommendations?

A) To remove acting as advocate from Essential V and add it to Essential VI for clarification.
B) To remove psychobiology from Essential I and add it to Essential III for clarification.
C) That Essential II includes self-care management, and that Essential II includes advanced certification.
D) That Essential IV includes self-care management, and that Essential VII includes additional roles.

Answer 3

D
Explanation: The DNP Summit held in April 2014 proposed that Essential IV includes self-care management (such as telehealth and web-based applications) and that Essential VII includes roles such as nurse executive, community health provider and others.

Question 4

What was the result of the study reported in The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Current Issues and Clarifying Recommendations: A Report from the Task Force on the Implementation of the DNP?

A) Little agreement in the nursing community about the Essentials for the DNP
B) Some agreement in the nursing community about the DNP project
C) Universal agreement in the nursing community on the value of the DNP
D) Much confusion in the nursing community on the value of the DNP

Question 5

As part of the DNP program, students are to complete 1,000 hours of practice experiences. Which of the following is NOT one of the aspects that the student should obtain during these practice hours?

A) Mentoring with nursing experts
B) Policy advocacy on the national level
C) Advanced nursing practice with DNP project
D) Opportunities for feedback and reflection

Question 6

What was the recommendation made about the pathway for the DNP degree in the Background Paper: Transitioning to a Seamless Integrated DNP NP Curriculum?

A) No master's degree endpoint
B) A master's degree midpoint
C) A master's with 1,000 hours practicum
D) A bachelor's with 900 hours practicum

Question 7

The DNP project is reported to be different than a dissertation. Analyze the differences and, if any, the similarities of a DNP project and a dissertation. Then, in your own words, write your understanding of what a DNP project is.
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: To analyze the differences, you must first note what the DNP project consists of as well as what a dissertation is.

Question 8

Critique the counterarguments made by Burman et al. (2005) to address Dracup and Bryan-Brown's (2005) concerns about a new nursing practice doctorate. Knowing what you now know about the DNP program, what other counterarguments could you make to address Dracup and Bryan-Brown's concerns?
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: You might begin by noting the concerns that Dracup and Bryan-Brown discuss as well as the responses that Burman et al. wrote to address them. Then you can better critique the counterarguments.

Question 9

Assess "The Actualized Doctor of Nursing Practice Model" as a method to evaluate DNP outcomes.
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.

Question 10

Chism (and others) have noted that the DNP curriculum has been developed specifically with the needs of underserved and impoverished groups in mind. Evaluate the DNP Essentials for their rigor or quality of preparation to enable you to apply a social justice framework to your nursing practice. Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: Brown et al. (2006) have also noted how the DNP program will support DNP graduates to apply a social justice framework and address unique needs in healthcare disparities. The ANA also provides material related to scope and societal needs that you could incorporate.