DNP Program Outcomes and Impact on Practice A Lived Experience Susan B. Patton, DNSc, APRN, BC

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set (her) free. -Michelangelo

Introductions Education –ADN, BSN, MNSc, Post Master’s Certificate CNS and NP roles –DNSc Certification –Family Nurse Practitioner –Pediatric Nurse Practitioner –Forensic Nurse Examiner Practice –Private Primary Care Pediatrics –Forensic Nursing Educator –UTHSC DNP Program Coordinator Forensic Nursing

Considerations for the Doctorate Ongoing relationship with University –Alumni –Continued Education Opportunities –Grants for Research –Mentoring of prospective students –Clinical preceptorship Contacted by the Dean regarding initiation of the practice doctorate

Questions for students Does the doctorate fit into my professional career goals? If so, which doctorate? –Research –Practice What practice focus? What aspects of my practice would I like to examine? What program would I like to see developed?

Student Experience Family Nurse Practitioner option New Courses –Philosophy of Science –Biostats –Examination of Practice Practice Selectives (NAPS) –Emphasis on Evidence Base –Emphasis on Examination of Practice –Emphasis of Dissemination of Research –Thinking outside the box

Student Experience Multi Specialties in Core Courses Partnering with PhD students in Core Courses Understanding different foci

Senior Project Selecting a Focus: Forensic Nursing –Interprofessional Relationship –What is the Nursing in Forensic Nursing –What is the World View? –How does Forensic Nursing translate back to Primary Care?

Post Graduation Experiences Memphis Regional Forensic Center –Staff –Director of Operations –Moving into the College of Nursing Bringing Forensic Nursing to the Graduate Program Coming to the Table locally, regionally and nationally

Coming Full Circle Private Practice A world view –Research –Practice Standards A Public Health Model Mentoring students and other nurses Working with Faculty in Practice Sitting on Dissertation Committees