DNP NURSING DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

DNP NURSING DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE Why earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree? Nationally, the level of preparation necessary for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including Nurse Practitioners, is moving from the master s degree to the doctorate-level. DNP curricula build on traditional master's programs by providing education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other key areas. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nurse researchers prepared in PhD, DNSc, and other research-focused nursing doctorates. At SVSU, nurses can earn their DNP while completing the FNP program or return after they are a FNP to earn their DNP degree. The changing demands of this nation's complex healthcare environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient outcomes. Some of the many factors building momentum for change in nursing education at the graduate level include the rapid expansion of knowledge underlying practice, increased complexity of patient care, national concerns about the quality of care and patient safety, shortages of nursing personnel which demands a higher level of preparation for leaders who can design and assess care, shortages of doctorally-prepared nursing faculty, and increasing educational expectations for the preparation of other members of the healthcare team. What is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)? A FNP is a RN with advanced education (Master s or Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree) to provide primary care to individuals throughout their lifespan babies through the elderly. Most FNPs work in clinics and offices seeing patients one by one for health examinations and/or diagnosis and treatment of health issues. FNPs can also be found in a variety of settings including skilled care facilities, pain clinics, specialty offices, and urgent care centers. A FNP assesses patients, diagnoses their problem(s), implements an intervention(s) such as a referral and/or writes a prescription, and re-evaluates the patient s progress toward health. FNPs have a consulting relationship with one or more physicians. What are the advantages of becoming a FNP? A FNP is independently licensed to practice advanced practice nursing and can own their own practice (In Michigan; laws vary among states). Upon graduation, there are many positions to choose from that pay well with good benefits. FNPs are in great demand and can virtually practice where they want geographically, in the type of setting they prefer, either full-time or part-time. Currently, FNPs upon graduation, certification, and licensure can take a position in an underserved area, such as a rural area (Gladwin) or an inner city clinic (Saginaw), and over several years, may have their entire student loan forgiven. FNPs make a difference in patients lives. Being a nurse and a primary health care provider is a great combination of competence and caring, which results in satisfied patients with good outcomes. Preparing to become a FNP at SVSU can be done while working full-time. The course schedule is student friendly by being taught in a hybrid format (combination of online and face to face) and mostly evening classes, usually no more than one day per week until clinical begins. Students progress together though classes with a group of colleagues. Groups of students are diverse in age and experience. At the end of year three, students are awarded a MSN and take the FNP certification examination to obtain their licensure. At that point, students may continue taking courses to finish their DNP degree or come back at a later time to finish their degree.

DOCTOR OF NURSING The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree prepares registered nurses to practice as advanced practice nurses in the current health care environment based on a strong scientific foundation with emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership, and the ability to create change to improve patient and organizational outcomes. In addition, the BSN to DNP program prepares registered nurses to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) after designated 58 cr. (generally three years), certification, and licensure. A unique feature of the FNP program is the emphasis on rural health care with at least one clinical rotation in a rural health care setting. The DNP program is part-time and offered in a hybrid learning environment, which is a combination of in-class and online instructional modes. A certificate program in nursing education is also available to FNP students, thus qualifying them to teach, in addition to practicing clinically. ACCREDITATIONS The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/and/or post-graduate APRN certificate at Saginaw Valley State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The DNP program at Saginaw Valley State University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Seeking accreditation is not a guarantee that accreditation will be granted. Saginaw Valley State University maintains accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The commission sets a standard of integrity for universities, taking into consideration the academic mission, strategy, resources, assessment process, teaching effectiveness, student learning, usefulness of curricula, and community involvement. For further information please visit http://www.ncahlc.org or call 1-800-621-7440. Enhanced learning takes place in the new SVSU Health & Human Services building constructed in 2010, providing over 90,000 square feet of state of the art laboratories, simulation areas, high-tech educational rooms and computer facilities.

PRACTICE (DNP) ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS *,** BSN to DNP Applicants: Completed application for graduate admission to the DNP. Graduated from an accredited BSN program with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale with all official transcripts. Employed as a RN with current license in Michigan by start of the program. Detailed curriculum vitae or resume with current job title and description, employment history, education, scholarship, service and professional involvement. Three (3) letters of recommendation from previous faculty member, supervisor, and professional colleague. One must be from a doctorally prepared academician. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within 6 years with approved scores. College chemistry with grade of C or higher, edit course, general, organic or biochemistry. College statistics course with grade of B or higher equivalent to approved SVSU courses. A scholarly goal statement of 750-1000 words with at least two scholarly references in APA format. Interview for successfully screened applicants. May be conducted by video-call. MSN to DNP Applicants: Graduate from an accredited MSN program. Current NP certification, continued eligibility for continuing certification, and current license in Michigan. Detailed curriculum vitae or resume with current job title and description. Two (2) to three (3) letters of recommendation from previous faculty member, employer, and professional colleague. One must be from a doctorally prepared academician and one from clinical practice. Grade point average (GPA) in graduate course work: minimum required is 3.3 on 4.0 scale with all official transcripts. Masters level statistics/research course with grade of B or higher equivalent to approved SVSU courses within last 7 years or demonstration of proficiency. A scholarly goal statement of 750-1000 words with at least two scholarly references in APA format. Interview for successfully screened applicants. May be conducted by video-call. International Student Admission Requirement - Additional Requirements Include: Completed international application for graduate admission. An academic report is required by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (http://www.cgfns.org/) Official TOEFL results with a score of 92 (Internet based) or an IELTS score of 7.0. Evidence of financial support. DATES & DEADLINES SVSU does not have a formal application deadline for domestic students; however, early submission is encouraged to ensure adequate processing time and course availability. Applicants seeking financial aid must apply at least two months prior to the start of the semester. Fall Semester Dates: Late August to Mid-December Application Submission Suggested by End of February Winter Semester Dates: Early January to Late April Application Submission Suggested by End of September Spring Semester Dates: Early May to late July Application Submission Suggested by End of January CONTACT Graduate Nursing Program Coordinator: Dr. Karen Brown-Fackler, EdD, RN, CNE, CNL Phone: (989) 964-2185 Email: kmbrown4@svsu.edu Department Chairperson: Sally Decker, Ph.D. RN, CNE Phone: (989) 964-4098 Email: decker@svsu.edu *Additional admission criteria may be required for any applicant based on record review. **Upon admission for all applicants, a physical examination and evidence of current immunizations are required. A criminal background check with finger printing is also required. If special accommodations are needed for learning, they must be identified and discussed with the program coordinator prior to the submission of the application.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (subject to change) The time limit for completing the DNP degree is seven years from the beginning of the first course in which credit was earned toward each respective degree at SVSU. BSN to DNP Program Curriculum All students in the BSN to DNP program complete the following Core Courses, the Capstone Courses, and the immersion sequence (79 credits required which includes a total of 1,080 practicum hours). Core (70 cr including 780 practicum hours) NURS 638 - Nursing Theory & Knowledge Development NURS 642 - Healthcare Policy & Funding for ANP NURS 644 - Nursing Leadership & Ethics NURS 648 - Research in Advanced Nursing Practice NURS 678 - Research Project I NURS 681 - Research Project II NURS 682 - Research Project III NURS 760 - Nursing Informatics & Quality Improvement NURS 766 - Health Assessment & Genetics for ANP NURS 772 - Epidemiology & Population Hlth in ANP NURS 800 - Scholarship of Advanced Practice Nursing NURS 806 - Advanced Theory & Knowledge Development NURS 812 - Translational Scholarship NURS 818 - Nursing Leadership for Policy & Interpro NURS 824 - Analytic Methods of Quality Improvement NURS 830 - Financial Data for Practice Change NURS 845 - Advanced Pathophysiology for Primary Care NURS 848 - Advanced Pharmacology for Primary Care NURS 851 - Adv Health Assessment for Primary Care (includes 120 practicum hours) NURS 857 - Primary Health Care I NURS 860 - Primary Health Care II NURS 863 - Primary Health Care III NURS 865 - FNP Practicum (10 credits total; 600 total practicum hours with 2-4 credits taken concurrently with Primary Health Care sequence) 1 cr 1 cr 1 cr 2-4 cr MSN to DNP Program Curriculum Core (25-27 cr) NURS 760 - Nursing Informatics & Quality Improvement NURS 766 - Health Assessment & Genetics for ANP or the Genetics portion of the class as an independent study course. NURS 772 - Epidemiology & Population Hlth in ANP NURS 800 - Scholarship of Advanced Practice Nursing NURS 806 - Advanced Theory & Knowledge Development NURS 812 - Translational Scholarship NURS 818 - Nursing Leadership for Policy & Interpro NURS 824 - Analytic Methods of Quality Improvement NURS 830 - Financial Data for Practice Change Capstone and Immersion (12 cr including 360 practicum hours) NURS 836 - Clinical Practice Inquiry NURS 839 - Critical Appraisal for Clinical Practice NURS 842 - Translation of Clinical Inquiry NURS 870 - DNP Immersion (includes 180 immersion practicum hours) Capstone and Immersion (9 cr including 300 practicum hours) NURS 839 - Critical Appraisal for Clinical Practice NURS 842 - Translation of Clinical Inquiry NURS 870 - DNP Immersion (includes 180 immersion practicum hours)

GRADUATE DEGREES Administrative Science (MAS) Business Administration (MBA) Communication & Digital Media (CDM) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Education - Non-Degree & Endorsement Programs (TC) Energy & Materials (MEM) Health Administration & Leadership (MSHAL) Instructional Technology and E-Learning (MAITEL) Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Post Baccalaureate Initial Teacher Certification (TC) Principalship (MEd) Nursing (MSN) Teaching (MAT) Office of Graduate Admissions Wickes Hall 7400 Bay Road University Center, MI 48710-0001 Phone: 989.964.6096 Fax: 989.964.2788 Email: gradadm@svsu.edu 7400 Bay Road University Center, MI 48710 svsu.edu Rev. Dec. 2014