PARTNERING TODAY TO CREATE TOMORROW’S LEADERS: THE Rush-Xavier MSN-DNP PROGRAM

The educators at Rush University College of Nursing and Saint Xavier University School of Nursing (SXU) have developed an innovative model that builds upon the strengths of both institutions to facilitate the seamless transition of students from a Master’s degree granting institution (SXU) into a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Rush.

The Rush DNP program is designed for master's prepared nurses with demonstrated leadership ability. It prepares students to be leaders able to affect change through: * system redesign and * evidence-based decision making in a variety of clinical, organizational and educational systems.

A WIN-WIN FOR THE PARTNERS Since SXU is not authorized to grant doctoral degrees in nursing:Since SXU is not authorized to grant doctoral degrees in nursing: * Collaboration with Rush enables SXU to offer a facilitated admission into doctoral education for their MSN students. It is advantageous to Rush to have:It is advantageous to Rush to have: * early identification of qualified students * focused career progression advisement * a cadre of local students prepared for doctoral study.

A WIN FOR THE STUDENT, TOO SXU and Rush are two private universities in the Chicago metro area committed to providing a quality graduate nursing education.SXU and Rush are two private universities in the Chicago metro area committed to providing a quality graduate nursing education. Through early identification and review of materials, students receive timely guidance on how to proceed.Through early identification and review of materials, students receive timely guidance on how to proceed. Application paperwork is reduced; students pay one application fee.Application paperwork is reduced; students pay one application fee. Partnership provides a seamless way for focused students to achieve their career goals.Partnership provides a seamless way for focused students to achieve their career goals.

PLANNING THE PARTNERSHIP Dean to Dean discussion to establish common groundDean to Dean discussion to establish common ground Task force established with key representatives from both institutionsTask force established with key representatives from both institutions Subcommittees organized to work on admissions procedures, curriculum integration, marketing, etc.Subcommittees organized to work on admissions procedures, curriculum integration, marketing, etc. Dialogue between institution’s respective task forces and their facultiesDialogue between institution’s respective task forces and their faculties General meeting for review of recommendations from task forcesGeneral meeting for review of recommendations from task forces Development of detailed timeline that considered the approval mechanisms of both institutionsDevelopment of detailed timeline that considered the approval mechanisms of both institutions Introduction of partnership to the publicIntroduction of partnership to the public

Who should seek admission? SXU master’s students who:SXU master’s students who: * have embarked on a leadership career trajectory and *need no more than one year to successfully complete the SXU master’s program. Two admission options are possible:Two admission options are possible: 1. Expedited Admission - meets all joint admission requirements, maintained a 3.0 GPA at SXU, strong leadership background and project proposal 2. Qualified Admission - good potential but applicant needs additional leadership preparation to be ready for admission into the DNP program. “Bridge” experiences would be created in which SXU faculty mentor students to enhance leadership skills

ENSURING SUCCESS Collaborators not competitors – congruent philosophiesCollaborators not competitors – congruent philosophies Acceptable student poolAcceptable student pool Similar economicsSimilar economics Collegial relationshipsCollegial relationships Institutional championsInstitutional champions Real timelinesReal timelines Maintain momentumMaintain momentum