DNP Scholarship at RFU is centered on the JBI Model of Evidence Based Healthcare. Our nurse anesthesia residents are trained to find the best evidence to answer clinical questions through original inquiry, synthesizing existing knowledge, or through the implementation of best practice. Nurse anesthesia residents choose from three different project types: Evidence Generation, Evidence Synthesis, or Evidence Implementation. On the following pages, you can see the finished work of our DNP students over the years.
We know that determining a focus area for the project can be difficult. So we solicit ideas from our faculty and clinical partners to provide students with a range of project ideas in their first year of the program. This allows our students to plan and implement a project that will be meaningful, feasible, and accomplished in the compressed timeframe of the DNP curriculum.
The foundations for applying statistical concepts and understanding research methodologies are built in NDNP 901. Here, students learn about commonly used statistical tests, the role of healthcare research in evidence-based practice, and how to perform a critical appraisal of existing research.
Next, in NDNP 902, students ask a clinical question and are guided through the steps of the EBP process. Those include doing a systematic search of databases, finding evidence to answer that specific question, appraising the literature using validated tools, and then synthesizing the best evidence to form the basis for translation of evidence into practice.
Then the work of project planning starts in quarters 5 and 6. At this point, students are matched up with a partner and a DNP Project Advisor. The work of planning an impactful DNP project is guided collaboratively with the advisor and course faculty in one of the 3 areas described in the JBI model. The work of implementation is carried out in quarters 7, 8, and 9. The final manuscript is completed in quarter 10. Finally, the dissemination materials, including a voiceover slideshow presentation and scholarly poster, are completed in quarter 11. To see a sample of this work, please visit the cohort pages listed below.
Adherence to this timeline allows students to be finished with project work in their final quarter of study, enabling them to focus on board preparation and final clinical case requirements.
Our comprehensive 36-month course of study culminates in a practice-ready graduate who has conducted a DNP project that reflects a commitment to evidence-based practice and life-long learning. The role of a CRNA requires continuous learning in order to provide the most clinically competent care possible.