Congratulations on your choice of the California State University, Northern Consortium, Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Transcription

1 1 Academic Year Dear Applicant to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, Thank you for your interest in the California State University, Northern Consortium Doctor of Nursing Practice program (). This letter explains briefly key aspects of our program and then provides the steps in the application process. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is an advanced nursing degree program built upon the generalist foundation of a Master s of Science in nursing degree. The DNP is a practice focused degree designed to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice. This practice-focused degree prepares experts in specialized advanced nursing practice to focus on evidence-based practice and the application of research to practice. Designed to prepare nurses to lead health care change and serve as nursing faculty, scholars, and advanced practice clinicians, the program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Doctoral students move through the coursework as a cohort. To enhance access and provide flexibility, the program is primarily delivered online using video conferencing, video streaming, Collaborate, Skype, and other asynchronous computer based applications. In addition occasional (1-2 times per semester) face-to-face intensives are held alternately on the Fresno State and San José campuses. Carefully read the details on admission requirements listed on the Department of Nursing s website under Additional Information. Congratulations on your choice of the California State University, Northern Consortium, Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Dr. Lori Rodriguez DNP Program Director and Associate Professor SJSU lori.rodriguez@sjsu.edu Dr. Ruth Rosenblum DNP Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor SJSU ruth.rosenblum@sjsu.edu Dr. Sylvia Miller DNP Program Director and Associate Professor Fresno State symiller@csufresno.edu Dr. Danette Dutra DNP Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor Fresno State ddutra@csufresno.edu

2 Application Process: Early applications are strongly advised. Please do not send any applications materials to San Jose State University as all applications are being processed at CSU Fresno. The application is a sequenced sensitive two-step process: (1) Application to the Department of Nursing (2) Application to the University. Step 1 The Department of Nursing application (page 4) and all additional components of the application must be received by January 31, 2013 for fall entry. Use the checklist (page 12) to insure that you have included all required components. When your application is complete with components included, mail to: California State University, Fresno Department of Nursing San Ramon Avenue M/S MH 25 Fresno, CA *If possible, send the application and checklist components (page 12) in one large envelope. This minimizes the risk lost items. Once the application and all components are received by the Department of Nursing at Fresno State, your application is processed for review by the programs directors and coordinators. Depending on the application status, you may then be scheduled for an interview. Interviews begin in February/March of Step 2 This step is completed once you have received a letter of acceptance into the DNP program from. The directors and coordinators acceptance/decline acceptance decisions are shared with applicants in March/April of 2013 via a formal letter and . Within this step, you apply to California State University, Fresno via CSU mentor. Final acceptance into the DNP program is dependent on acceptance into the university. Please complete the application in a timely manner. The website for CSU mentor is: 2

3 Along with the online application to CSU mentor, you are to have official transcripts sent to California State University, Fresno s graduate admissions office. The Department of Nursing s copies of transcripts are not considered official. You need to send a separate sealed set of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate schools you attended to: CSU, Fresno Graduate Admissions Office Joyal Administration Building 5150 N. Maple M/S JA57 Fresno, Ca This is important. Getting official transcripts to the university takes time and if you are accepted into the program, the lack of transcripts can delay your final acceptance to the university and ultimately then the DNP program. Individuals with foreign baccalaureate degrees must contact Graduate Studies for additional information (559) or go online at My.FresnoState.edu. Martha Shears is the graduate offices coordinator and can answer any pertinent question regarding transcripts and CSU mentor application status. Her office number is and her is marthash@csufresno.edu 3

4 4 Application Date: Name: Address: City/State/Province Zip/Postal Code: address: Home Phone: Cell Phone:

5 Educational Information: Starting with the most recent, list all colleges, universities and nursing schools. We also request that you provide unofficial transcripts to the Department of Nursing at Fresno State (even if you graduated from CSU Fresno or SJSU); however for quick reference we also need the information within this application, so please do not write see transcripts. Master/Post Education School City/State Major Degree/Date GPA 5 Baccalaureate Education Associate Education School City/State Major Degree/Date GPA

6 6 Professional Information California RN License Number YEARS OF EXPERIENCE (from licensure) Professional Certifications Professional Organizations

7 Work Experience A copy of your resume or curriculum vita beginning with the most recent experience including the following information: education, all work experience including position title and description of responsibilities, membership in professional organizations and offices held, professional and academic honors, research completed or in progress, list of publications, and relevant public service activities. Statement of Professional Goals A goal statement 3-5 pages, double-spaced, including what you expect to accomplish in the DNP program and how the DNP program will advance your nursing career and practice. You may include the area that you want to focus on in the program; this focus may be your primary research area for your culminating DNP project. Letters of recommendation AND reference rating forms Three letters of recommendation from three professional colleagues knowledgeable about your advanced nursing practice experience, as well as your potential for scholarship and leadership. At least one letter should be from a professor in your master s degree program. The second and third letters may be from a manager or professional colleague at your workplace. (Information for individuals writing a letter of recommendation and reference rating form can be found on page 8) Each person writing a letter of recommendation must also complete the reference rating form (page 9-10). The letters of recommendation and the completed reference rating form should be sealed in an envelope. The person writing the letter of recommendation and completing the rating form should sign their name over the sealed envelope flap. Other requirements to accompany application A photocopy of your California RN License Photo of yourself (passport size) Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions Signed release allowing us to contact your references (page 11) 7

8 8 Dear Colleague, You have been listed as a reference by an applicant to the California State University, Northern Consortium Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Your insight concerning this applicant will be very helpful in the decision-making process. The reference aspect of the application process has two components. The first is a letter of recommendation. The recommendation should reflect your knowledge about the candidate s advanced nursing practice experience, as well as their potential for scholarship and leadership. Please write the recommendation letter on letterhead stationery. The second component is a reference rating form. The applicant should have completed the first portion of the reference rating form. Please complete the second portion of the reference rating form. Once these items are complete (letter of recommendation and reference rating form), put them in an envelope, seal it and sign across the sealed flap. The envelope should be returned to the applicant who submits it with the application packet. The application packet is time sensitive. Please confirm with the potential DNP student the recommendation letter and reference rating form deadline. Please address the reference to: Dr. Sylvia Miller DNP Program Director and Associate Professor Fresno State We appreciate your assistance. Sincerely, Dr. Sylvia Miller symiller@csufresno.edu

9 9 Reference Rating Form (DNP Candidate to complete) Applicant Name: Applicants are advised that upon their admission to the School of Nursing, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 accords them the right to review these recommendations unless that right is waived. While applicants are not required to agree to make such a waiver, they are further advised that some individuals may not be willing to supply a letter of recommendation in its absence. I have requested that this appraisal form be completed by: (person writing the letter of recommendation and filling out the reference rating forms name) for use in the admission process to the program. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 I hereby: waive access to this report which should be considered confidential. do not waive access to this report Applicant s Signature Date (Recommender to complete) Directions: Complete the rating scale & attach these two pages (9 & 10) to your letter of recommendation. Please circle or X over the appropriate number that represents candidates rating. The rating of a 1 is Low and the rating of a 7 is High. Independence and Self-Direction: sets own goals, organizes and prioritizes work, and initiates/sustains activity to achieve goal Responsibility and Accountability: responsible, dependable & accountable for own actions

10 10 Oral Communication: demonstrates professional and interpersonal communication skills Critical Thinking: analyzes complex concepts, issues, and problems by identifying critical components and their relationships Creativity: develops new approaches, novel ideas, and imaginative solutions Interpersonal Relationships: works collaboratively and cooperatively with others Leadership: has vision for future; inspires confidence and is respected by others; takes initiative in group work Overall Rating of Applicant: overall rating as compared to other master s applicants in nursing Signature Date Title Organization Work Phone

11 11 California State University, Northern Consortium Doctor of Nursing Practice Authorization and Release Directions: Candidate to complete and return signed agreement to the DNP Program with the completed application. Date Candidate Name I hereby grant California State University, Northern Consortium DNP program permission to contact my references by telephone in order to discuss my qualifications for the DNP Program. Candidate Signature

12 12 Checklist of Required Components for the DNP Application 1. Use the checkbox to indicate that the attachment is included in envelope. If for some reason you are unable to include any component of the checklist, indicate what is missing and how you plan for the missing components to be sent to the Department of Nursing. Please make every attempt to send the entire application packet in one envelope. If this is not possible, please make sure whoever is sending separate information clearly labels who and what program the information is for. 2. Please attach this check list (page 12) to the front of the application. Include all other components of the application packet and mail to: CHECKLIST California State University, Fresno Department of Nursing San Ramon Avenue M/S MH 25 Fresno, CA Application (pages 4-6 of this document) Curriculum Vita Statement of Professional Goals Three Letters of Recommendations with Reference Rating Form attached (pages 9-10). Letters/rating form to be sealed separate enveloped and signed across the seal by person writing reference. Unofficial Transcripts Photo copy of your RN license A picture of yourself (pass port size is appropriate) Signed release form permission to contact references (page 11)