Program Overview

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Post-Master's DNP: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Post-Master's DNP: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Handbook is a source of information for students regarding guidelines, procedures, and regulations for the College of Nursing.

Program Description and Curriculum

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses to lead transformative change in healthcare. Graduates acquire scientific, organizational, leadership, and economic knowledge that allows them to plan, manage, and deliver cost-effective, evidence-based care.

• The DNP program at PNW is a post-master's degree program with a minimum of 38 post-master's credits and is available on a full or part-time basis.
• The curriculum is individualized based on previous coursework and the number of practicum hours completed during the master's program.
• Nurses prepared at the master's level as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) whose programs contained advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pathophysiology in addition to a minimum of 500 practicum hours will generally need 38 credits for the DNP degree.

Admission Policies and Procedures

To be considered for admission into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, applicants must have:

• Graduated from an accredited program with a master's degree in nursing
• Grades in all previous Master's coursework of "B" or better
• Current U.S. RN (registered nurse) license in the state in which practice will occur
• A personal interview (will be scheduled following submission of application and all related documents)

Conduct and Progression Policies

Students enrolled in the graduate nursing program must adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics and conform to the Purdue University Northwest Honor Code and the Purdue University Northwest Academic Integrity Policy.

• Students are responsible for becoming familiar with and adhering to the policies outlined in the documents.
• Students must be aware that academic dishonesty in any form may result in an automatic failure in the course and a referral to the Dean of Students.

Financial Aid

Students can arrange financial assistance through the Office of Financial Aid and Student Accounts.

• College of Nursing scholarships are available to DNP students.
• A limited number of scholarships are available for graduate nursing students through the Office of Financial Aid and Student Accounts.
• A limited number of Graduate Administrative/Professional Assistantship positions are available for graduate students interested in providing a supportive role in scholarly and/or teaching activities with nursing faculty.

DNP Project and Committee

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum includes a practice inquiry project.

• The project must be of publishable quality as determined by the DNP Committee, well-grounded in best available evidence, and include an executive summary, manuscript, and PowerPoint presentation.
• Each student will have a committee that guides their project, consisting of a committee chairperson and two committee members.
• The committee will provide support and encouragement, assist in socialization into the doctoral role, and provide curriculum guidance.

Practice Residency Requirements, Information, and Deadlines

The following guidelines are to help students organize their experience:

1. Review the objectives of the course for which they are enrolling.
2. Meet with their faculty member/committee chairperson to establish goals/objectives, discuss activities, identify deliverables, and detail a timeline for course completion.
3. Maintain a residency log, including learning outcomes/objectives, residency time logs, evidence of activities, and identified deliverables.
4. Meet with their faculty/chair at least monthly to touch base and receive feedback.
5. Submit all deliverables by agreed-upon deadlines.

Residency Information and Submission Deadlines

Students are responsible for submitting the following information prior to the first residency course and as needed:

• Criminal background check
• 10-panel drug screen
• HIPAA E-Learning module
• OSHA E-Learning module
• Validation of CPR certification
• Communicable Diseases and Disease Exposure Policy, signed
• Validation of RN License that corresponds to the state where practicum will occur
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of influenza vaccine

Deadlines for submitting residency information:

• April 1 for Summer Residency
• June 1 for Fall Residency
• November 1 for Spring Residency

Licensure Requirements

All students in the Graduate Nursing Program must present evidence of registered nurse licensure for all states in which they plan to pursue their practica experiences.

Policies Regarding Health Screening and Communicable Disease

Students need to undergo a comprehensive health examination performed by a healthcare provider no longer than 6 months prior to the start of the first practicum course.

Program Attire

Students will purchase a standard lab coat and name tag to wear in residency settings that take place in healthcare facilities.

Liability Insurance

All students enrolled in residency courses are provided liability insurance purchased by the University at the time of registration.