Each DNP student is assigned an advisor (faculty mentor) at the time of enrollment in the DNP program. The advisor is selected based on clinical expertise and interest congruent with the student’s area of interest. The advisor and DNP student will work together to create a degree plan. The advisor also supervises the development of components of the Clinical Scholarship Portfolio (CSP), including outlining the individualized preceptorship and fellowship experiences based on the student's interest and professional goals. The CSP is a collection of required components that demonstrates a student’s scholarship as a clinical scholar practicing at the highest level of advanced practice or nursing administration; it provides evidence of competency in all domains of DNP practice. The CSP includes the DNP Project, comprehensive cases studies, and other examples of scholarly work related to the competencies outlined in the DNP Essentials. The CSP policy is found in DNP Program Policy D8060(pdf). Upon completion of the Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program graduates should be prepared to:
- Demonstrate person-centered care at the highest level of nursing practice.
- Translate evidence-based knowledge into practice to improve health and health care.
- Incorporate leadership principles, change management strategies, and interprofessional collaboration into practice-based quality improvement activities.
- Utilize technology and data analysis to drive practice-based decision-making.
- Integrate resource stewardship, policy, and advocacy to promote equitable care for diverse populations.