DNP-960A DPI Project Part II

DNP Capstone July 22, 2024 DNP Capstone Project

DNP-960A DPI Project Part II is a critical step in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, allowing learners to transition from project planning to implementation. This 4-credit course builds on the foundation established in DNP-955A: DPI Project Part I, focusing on Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, project execution, data collection, and the evaluation of outcomes.

DNP-960A: DPI Project Part II Course Description and Objectives

The primary goal of DNP-960A is to enable students to implement their clinical practice improvement (DPI) projects in real-world settings. By the end of the course, learners will have:

Secured IRB Approval
Learners submit their finalized project proposal to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for ethical review. IRB approval ensures the project complies with ethical standards, safeguards participants’ rights, and maintains research integrity.
Executed the DPI Project
Following IRB approval, students implement their evidence-based interventions in a clinical or organizational setting. This involves collaboration with stakeholders, applying the proposed methodology, and ensuring adherence to project goals.
Collected Data for Analysis
Accurate and systematic data collection is conducted to measure the project’s effectiveness. This data forms the basis for determining whether the proposed practice changes improved clinical or organizational outcomes.
Documented Learning Goals and Activities
Using the DPI Project Milestone Guide, learners plan and record their progress, ensuring all required components are addressed and documented for academic and professional review.
Fulfilled Practicum Requirements
Practicum hours are essential for bridging theory and practice. Students must complete:
- 75 Direct Hours: Activities like patient care, stakeholder engagement, and intervention application.
- 50 Indirect Hours: Supporting tasks such as data collection, analysis, and project documentation.

Key Components of DNP-960A: DPI Project Part II

1. Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

IRB approval is a critical milestone in the DPI project process. It involves submitting a detailed project proposal, including:

Research objectives and methodologies
Ethical considerations
Data collection and analysis plans
Once approved, the learner gains the green light to conduct their study in compliance with ethical research standards.

2. Project Implementation

During this phase, learners apply their evidence-based interventions in clinical or organizational settings. Key responsibilities include:

Coordinating with stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation
Addressing challenges that arise during execution
Monitoring the intervention’s impact on outcomes

3. Data Collection for Outcome Evaluation

Students gather quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the project’s success. Data collection methods may include surveys, patient records, or observational studies. This data is later analyzed to determine if the intervention achieved its intended outcomes.

4. Practicum and Field Experience

DNP-960A requires a total of 225 practicum hours, divided into direct and indirect activities. These hours allow learners to engage deeply with the practical aspects of their projects while meeting academic requirements.

DPI Project Milestone Guide

The DPI Project Milestone Guide is an essential resource for DNP-960A learners. It provides a structured framework for planning, tracking, and documenting the project’s progress. This guide ensures that students stay on track, meet deadlines, and fulfill course objectives.

The Role of the DNP Practice Immersion Workspace

The DNP Practice Immersion Workspace continues to be a valuable platform for learners during DNP-960A. It offers tools for collaboration, reflection, and progress tracking, ensuring that students meet both academic and programmatic requirements. The workspace also facilitates communication with faculty mentors and peers, providing a supportive environment for project development and implementation.

Practicum Hours: Bridging Theory and Practice

Direct Hours (75 Minimum)

Direct practicum hours involve hands-on activities related to the DPI project. These may include:

Implementing the intervention in clinical settings
Engaging with patients or staff to apply evidence-based changes
Monitoring real-time outcomes of the project

Indirect Hours (50 Minimum)

Indirect practicum hours focus on tasks that support the DPI project, such as:

Data analysis and interpretation
Developing reports or presentations for stakeholders
Engaging in reflective practices to enhance project outcomes

Improving Outcomes Through Evidence-Based Practice

The ultimate goal of DNP-960A is to determine whether the intervention improves patient or organizational outcomes. This aligns with the broader DNP mission of driving meaningful change in healthcare. Learners contribute to this mission by:

Addressing critical gaps in practice through innovative solutions
Demonstrating leadership in implementing evidence-based changes
Enhancing patient care, safety, and satisfaction

Prerequisite: DNP-955A

DNP-960A builds on the foundation laid in DNP-955A: DPI Project Part I. In the previous course, learners finalized their project topic, conducted a literature review, and developed a methodology. DNP-960A takes these components to the next level by focusing on project execution and data collection.

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