The DNP Project Podcast

Why Get the DNP Project Workbook? Reading the Preface TogetherHost(s): Dr. Molly Bradshaw & Dr. Tracy VitaleWelcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!Why get the DNP Project Workbook? Great question! It will make the work of your DNP Project more manageable by breaking it down into small, achievable steps. But, before you buy, listen to our story. Students, we've been where you are and we know how to guide and mentor you. Faculty, let us help make your workload more streamlined. In this session, I am going to read to you the Preface of The DNP Project Workbook: A Step By Step Process for Success. Being able to appreciate the context of this work is important to us. Think of this as a free audiobook supplement!Remember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to:Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Remind me why I'm doing this?Host(s): Dr. Tracy VitaleWelcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!This is a quick inspirational tip for DNP Students. Do you ever feel down on yourself or question why you are working towards your DNP? Do you question your decision to return to school? We've been there. Such are the trials and tribulations of graduate school. Even as a faculty member I sometimes reflect on how I ended up where I am - not in a bad way, but more of needing a reminder of what my purpose is…Let's take a minute for some reflection and inspiration! As we talked about in one of our first podcasts, the DNP is a degree not a role. As AACN outlined in their 2006 white paper, the DNP degree helps prepare the nurse to engage in the highest levels of nursing practice. That being said, why is this so important? Who's making decisions for the way you practice - whether as a nurse, a leader, or an advanced practice nurse, or any of our other roles? Administrators, legislators, physicians? Are decisions being made based on information we have to contribute to the topic?Do we have a seat at the table when decisions are being made? Can we see the bigger picture?  Pat Polansky, who is the director of program development and implementation at the Center to Champion Nursing in America, an initiative of AARP, the AARP Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation once explained it this way… Get off your 2 north runway and into the air traffic control tower. While you're worried about your plane taking off, it's important to see the bigger picture and appreciate the challenges of all the other planes trying to land and take off and how to coordinate the efforts. You're doing this so you can have a seat at the table. Not just any seat...but one which is grounded in evidence and expertise. You CAN do this! Keep up the good work! Dr. Tracy VitaleRemember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to:Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Getting out a writing rutHost(s): Dr. Tracy VitaleWelcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!It's time to get back to school. In this series our goal is to offer some quick tips for DNP Students. In another podcast, Dr. Bradshaw talked about creating outlines to help you work more efficiently and keep your writing organized. But what happens when you can't seem to get out of your own way? I want to talk about some quick strategies you can use to keep your writing on task and keep to your timelines. Writing can cause mental and physical stress for a lot of us. I'm fairly confident that when most of us decided we wanted to be a nurse, none of us expected to be spending countless hours in front of a computer writing papers and worrying about APA format. We wanted to be nurses...hands on with our patients! Yet, here we are writing papers...whether as students working your DNP Project, or as faculty members trying to meet the scholarship expectations set forth by our school. Writing may not come naturally for everyone. For some, it's hard work and takes a tremendous amount of effort. In order to make it easier and more manageable, I'd like to talk about some strategies to help be a more productive writer. When I was working to help students struggling to write, I found a book by Joseph Perazzo and Robert Topp titled, Pain Free Writing for Nurses - A Step-by Step Approach.” I quickly flipped through it to find a fast answer. I loved how their first chapter addressed how to move past some of the challenges we face as writers. That said, here are some of the pitfalls we run into and how to navigate through them.  We will be speaking more in depth about them in this episode!Establish writing habits that work for you. Be prepared and know what you are getting into! Walk away! Find an accountability buddy. Having a bad attitudeTo read more about how to improve your writing efforts, consider the following resources:Springer Publishing:Perazzo, J. & Topp, R. (2020). Pain-free writing for nurses. A step-by-step approach. Springer Publishing. https://www.springerpub.com/pain-free-writing-for-nurses-9780826139870.htmlDr. Tracy VitaleRemember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to:Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Host(s): Dr. Molly Bradshaw & Dr. Tracy VitaleWelcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!“Figureoutable” -- what a word! It's certainly a word that should be in the vocabulary of DNP Students working on a DNP Project. If you are needing a dose of motivation and inspiration, this book can deliver. Written by Marie Forleo and released in 2019, she explains the background to her magic, superpower word “figureoutable.” She shares story after story that demonstrates it's application in life, love, and work. I will comment on a few of my favorites and connect it to qualities of a DNP scholar. A great, non-school book if you are feeling low or discouraged.Link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marie-Forleo/e/B001IGOB1O?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000Remember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to:Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

DNP Project Predictions for 2021Host(s): Dr. Molly Bradshaw & Dr. Tracy VitaleWelcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!It's the year 2021! Time to set goals and forecast for the new project cycle. In this session we are sharing our predictions for the evolution of DNP Projects in a new era. We foresee more projects involving concepts of health policy, community, mental health, social media, diversity/inclusion, and more. What are your thoughts? Join the conversation.Remember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to:Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

The Confidence to Start a Wellness Business with Alexandria Rosa, RNHost(s): Dr. Molly Bradshaw & Dr. Tracy VitaleWelcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!As a DNP prepared nurse, you are an expert. Have you ever thought about starting your own business? In this episode we are talking to Alexandria Rosa, RN. She is a DNP student and tipped us off about speed reading. However in this interview we are talking to her about how she started her own business.  Listen to the interview. Join the conversation. To reach out to Alex, visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/alternativeherbalrxRemember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to:Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Speeding Reading for DNPs with Alexandria Rosa, RNHost(s): Dr. Molly Bradshaw & Dr. Tracy VitaleWelcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!Are you a busy DNP student with tons and tons of reading to do? Try Speed Reading. In this episode we are learning about the perks of speed reading. Alexandria Rosa, RN is DNP student and life-long learner who taught herself techniques for speed reading using YouTube. It's a skill, not a gift. It saves time, and you can retain the information. To learn more, tune in. To reach out to Alex, find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/alternativeherbalrxRecommended speed-reading video: https://youtu.be/ZwEquW_Yij0Remember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to:Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!It's time to get back to school. Our goal is to offer some quick tips for DNP Students. Today's Tip: APA 7th Edition UpdateThe American Psychological Association (APA) released an updated Publication Manual in October of 2019, which likely you will hear called “APA 7th edition.” The reason we have to use standardized formatting for papers is so that we have a common language of communication. If you are a DNP student who was using the 6th edition, make sure you talk to your faculty about the plan for transitioning. In this episode, we have put together some quick updates to share with you. As an overview, you will be pleased to know that some of the biggest changes were really needed when you think that we were operating on a 6th edition from 2009. Some changes have to do with biased free language, better examples of how to cite social media, and a student-specific paper format. What I am the most excited about is the visual appeal of the book, the spiral binding (there are options, but I would recommend to get the spiral bound if possible), and it is flat out easier to read and find what you are looking for. The publisher location is no longer included in the citation of a book.Section 9.29, p 295Citing webpages has changed - no more “Retrieved from:”Section 9.16, p 290Biased free language, Ex: “They” is considered singular, not pleuralSection 5, p 140More fonts to choose from:Times New Roman (12 pt) Arial (11pt) Georgia (11pt)  Calibri (11pt) Lucida Sans Unicode (10pt)Section 2.19, p 44In-text citations are shorter (author list - et al.,) but reference page author list is longerSection 8.17, p 266 (in-text citations)Section 9.8, p 286 (reference page authors)If you are a new DNP student, I can't emphasize enough the importance of learning citation management, particularly with software like Zotero, EndNote, or RefWorks. These softwares allow you to switch between different styles of citation. Very important if you are publishing in a format you are not familiar with. So, if you have to learn a new APA, consider also learning a software to go with it. Last, but never least, get the cover page right! As a faculty member, when I have to grade multiple papers, having an incorrect cover page automatically puts me in a bad mood. First impressions count, even in written work. So, just a tip, get that part right!Dr. Molly BradshawRemember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to: Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!It's time to get back to school. Our goal is to offer some quick tips for DNP Students. Today's Tip: You need to become a Google GuruWe are all familiar with Google. However, as a DNP student there are features of Google that you may not be familiar with. These features could make your life and DNP work easier. To get started, we recommend that you create a dedicated Google account for your professional work. When this account is set up, it “bundles” several features to one account. Here are the features, we recommend that you explore to become a more efficient DNP student:Gmail: A basic email account. Most of your schools will insist that you only use the school account when communicating about school. However, it is handy to have a professional private account that is not used for anything else, like shopping, or personal business.Google Drive: Very, very important for DNP students. Basically, this is a “cloud” based drive where you can keep papers, presentations, and other documents. When you save something to Google Drive, it can be accessed from anywhere. It eliminates the need to have a “thumb drive” and provides you a back up. You can also use the Microsoft One Drive for the same purpose here. Whichever you choose, remember to ALWAYS back up your papers and files. One other huge benefit of Google Drive, you can set it up so that you can allow other people to access the files. There are different levels of access. You can also work on a document with a group without having to email stuff back and forth, it is updated in real time. If you have a group project to do, this can be life changing! It is the primary reason I personally like to use Google.Google Forms: Google forms has a survey feature. So, if you are doing a needs assessment or some type of data collection that is simple, it will allow you to create a form and then generate a web link that you can easily share with others. There are some limitations and I personally don't recommend this for large, survey-based studies. But, for simple, gathering some feedback information, it is great and definitely worth knowing about.Google & YouTube: Every Google account has a YouTube account that gets automatically associated with it when you activate it. This maybe helpful/important if you are making more professional videos that you don't want intermixed with your personal account.Caution: If you are using Google Drive to create documents/presentations, just know that the format is similar, but not exactly the same. You can store the documents no problem. But, if you open them in a different program, the fonts, margins, and other things like that may shift. Not a big deal, just something to not freak out about.Remember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to: Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!It's time to get back to school. Our goal is to offer some quick tips for DNP Students. Today's Tip: Revision Turnover TimeLet's take a minute to talk about revision turnovers. The DNP Project Proposal and Final Paper will require multiple revisions. Setting expectations for revision turnovers, can help minimize both student and faculty frustrations. It takes major effort to write and major effort to grade. An efficient system will make the workload easier. For purposes of this discussion, my definition of this term is the time that lapses between faculty feedback and student submission of revised work or the time lapses between student submission of work and faculty feedback. A conversation must take place. In some cases, it may be appropriate for as much as two weeks to go by. In other cases, it has to be rapid, meaning less than 48 hrs. My advice to DNP students is that the faster you can turn over revisions, the faster your DNP Project timeline will go. Students should also be aware that grading is often a scheduled activity for faculty. To use myself as an example, this fall, I am setting a schedule for reading and grading DNP Projects. I will be reading on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. The work has to be submitted to me to hit my reading schedule. Likewise, I choose these days knowing that my students do a majority of their work on the weekends. So, I want them to have their DNP Project feedback by Thursday so that they can work over the weekend. Does this make sense? Of course, we all work differently. However, as a student it is frustrating to not know when to anticipate feedback. Likewise, as faculty, you can't just clear your whole schedule to “fit in” students giving you DNP Project work at the last minute. The point here is to have a system and set expectations. Remember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to: Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more!It's time to get back to school. Our goal is to offer some quick tips for DNP Students. Today's Tip: COVID Compliance and the DNP ProjectThe COVID-19 Pandemic has had a serious impact on the DNP Project. In our experience, we are noting that some Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are adding requirements to scholarly works that must specifically address compliance to COVID precautions. On June 24th, we partnered with Springer Publishing to host a free webinar entitled, “The Impact of COVID-19 on DNP Projects.” To view this free webinar, visit YouTube at https://youtu.be/g4OSaAZcVSw. In the webinar we basically group DNP Projects into “Projects in Progress” and Projects being Planned.” For those of you that are planning DNP Projects, here is a short list of considerations:What is the current state and local policies on social distancing, use of masks, size of gatherings, etc.?Is there an institutional policy on COVID at your partnering organization?How will you ensure the safety of your DNP Project participants in regard to COVID?How will you ensure that your DNP Project is compliant to these requirements?Has your IRB(s) set requirements on COVID compliance?Does your DNP Project Methodology, include a paragraph specific to COVID? (We believe it should)In the webinar, we also discuss strategies for redirection of DNP Projects and visions for DNP Projects of the future. Please take some time to listen to the webinar. We hope that discussion and this checklist helps you think through some of the logistical challenges of COVID compliance and the DNP Project. Remember to “Subscribe,” hit “Like,” and “Write a Review” so that we can help others. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and other platforms.To get your copy of The DNP Project Workbook, go to:Springer: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

In this episode we will explain who we are and why we are here hosting a podcast on all things DNP Project!Welcome to this inaugural podcast all about DNP Projects: Tips, Inspiration, and More! In this episode we basically want to talk about who we are, why we are qualified to talk about this, and explain why we are here and how the podcast will work.Bio-Sketch: Dr. Molly Bradshaw DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, WHNP-BCDr. Molly J. Bradshaw is a 15 year, Veteran, Nurse Practitioner nationally board certified in Family and Women's Health. She is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the DNP Program at Eastern Kentucky University, in Richmond, KY. She maintains an active clinical practice at First Choice Immediate Care, in Columbia, KY. Her academic scholarship is rooted in teaching innovation, use of infographics/social media, and the DNP Project. She is the lead author of the Springer Publication, The DNP Project Workbook: A Step By Step Process for Success, released in March 2020. Clinically she is published and a frequent presenter on subjects such as prescribing habits of nurse practitioners and chronic disease management including hypertension, diabetes, COPD, and obesity.Information:My DNP Project: https://npmollyb.wixsite.com/who4nprxFacebook: DNPmollyB, LLCEmail: dnpmollyb@gmail.comBio-Sketch: Dr. Tracy VitaleDr. Tracy Vitale has been a registered nurse for 20 years and nationally certified as both a nurse executive and in-patient obstetrics with a sub-specialty in electronic fetal monitoring. She is an Assistant Professor and Specialty Director for DNP Projects & DNP Project Courses at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She is also currently serving as the interim Assistant Dean for the Advanced Nursing Practice division. Her academic scholarship focuses on leadership and mentoring, with a more recent focus on DNP projects. She is the co-author of the Springer Publication, The DNP Project Workbook: A Step By Step Process for Success, released in March 2020. Facebook: TracyvitalednpTwitter: @tracyvitalednpWhat is our successes so far?BootcampsPublications and PresentationsDNP Project Workbook: A Step by Step Process for SuccessWhy are we here?Need a common platform for conversation about the DNP ProjectNeed tips on how to avoid common pitfalls, navigate challenges, etc = RepetativeNeed ideas and inspiration from projects which we can hear via interviewNeed to hear from experts on the topicsNeed to explore beyond the DNP Project. What happens after?In summary, our goal is to publish a starter series of what we feel is the most common DNP Project questions, then start a series of additional podcasts. Enjoy!*** Always consult your DNP Program requirements and with your DNP Faculty.To purchase your copy of our workbook, go to:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/DNP-Project-Workbook-Step-Step/dp/0826174329

In this episode, we will clarify the key differences between the DNP degree and the PhD degree.Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more! Today we are going to outline and discuss some of the key differences between the DNP degree and some of the other terminal degrees, especially the PhD.Key Foundational Points:DNP is a terminal, practice-focused degreePrograms are rapidly expandingEntry points are generally: BSN to DNP; MSN to DNPAs part of this degree process:Curriculum is based on the DNP Essentials (another episode)Students complete a DNP Project (the terminal academic product, another episode)The American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) is the leader in designing what the desired qualities of a DNP prepared nurses should have. Be sure to visit their website: https://www.aacnnursing.org/DNPAACN (2004) defines “practice” of a practice-focused degreeAACN definition of practice:The term practice, specifically nursing practice, as conceptualized in this document refers to any form of nursing intervention that influences health care outcomes for individuals or populations, including the direct care of individual patients, management of care for individuals and populations, administration of nursing and health care organizations, and the development and implementation of health policy. Preparation at the practice doctorate level includes advanced preparation in nursing, based on nursing science, and is at the highest level of nursing practice.Key Differences in DNP v PhDDNP | PhDPractice-Focused | Research-FocusedDesigned for Local Context | Designed for GeneralizabilityFinal Academic Product: DNP Project | Final Academic Product: DissertationWhen you earn the degree are you called “doctor” ? Let's talk about that.To learn more, there is a lesson on this content in our workbook. You can order the book from Springer Publishing at https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.htmlAlso, explore the 2018 webinar from the AACN on understanding the DNP Degree https://www.aacnnursing.org/Professional-Development/Webinar-Info/sessionaltcd/WGR18_10_10*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program*** Always follow the recommendations of your state for use of titles, etc.

In this episode, we are going to review the recommendations from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) on the minimum expectations of a DNP Project.Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more! In today's episode, we are going to talk about the AACN (2015) minimum requirements of a DNP Project.In 2015, a white paper was written to clarify issues surrounding the DNP Project (AACN, 2015). It is often referred to by DNP Faculty as just, “The White Paper”. In the document, they tried to put language to some of the challenges that we are having.Key Points: (not full list, please read the entire paper: Clarification of terminologyDo not use “Capstone”; rather “DNP Project”Do not use “Committee”; rather “DNP Team”Clarification on the idea of “implementation” you have to do somethingClarification on group projects (another episode), can read more in our WorkbookClarification on “minimum” expectations of the projectAccording to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2015), all DNP Projects at minimum, should: "Focus on a change that impacts healthcare outcomes either through direct or indirect care.  Have a systems (micro-, meso-, or macro- level) or population/aggregate focus. Demonstrate implementation in the appropriate arena or area of practice. Include a plan for sustainability (e.g. financial, systems or political realities, not only theoretical abstractions).  Include an evaluation of processes and/or outcomes (formative or summative). DNPProjects should be designed so that processes and/or outcomes will be evaluated to guide practice and policy.  Clinical significance is as important in guiding practice as statistical significance is in evaluating research. Provide a foundation for future practice scholarship." In the next episode, we will take a deeper dive into what DNP “Clinical” or DNP “Experience” hours look like or what they can look like. You can also learn more about the DNP Project through our workbook, The DNP Project Workbook: A Step by Step Process for Success available from Springer at: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

In this episode we are talking about the overall idea of the DNP Project, the nutshell.Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more! This episode is dedicated to outlining the main points of the DNP Project. Just in a nutshell what is it and how does it work?Start with the Problem:It always starts with a problem that impacts a patient population (directly or indirectly). We learned that in the previous episode. In your core DNP Courses like informatics, theory, policy as such, you are learning to explore healthcare problems for populations and systems through multiple lenses. You will not do the project alone. You will have a DNP Team (structure depends on your school) and you will have to partner with others (organizations, hospitals, systems, clinics, schools, community, etc). The problem you choose has to be a priority for the partner and something that you can reasonably complete on an academic schedule. Your faculty will be most instrumental in helping you work out feasibility. Ideas usually start big and then must get narrowed down. But, when you find the problem, that's the first step. The second step is to understand everything you can about that problem and its context. Why is it important? What is the gap? What needs to get done that isn't getting done?Examine What is Known:What have others done to solve this problem? Could it work for you? Students must also have skills and an ability to search the literature in a meaningful way, find, and appraise the literature. It will help drive you toward evidence-based solutions. Don't reinvent the wheel. Translate evidence-based solutions to your context.Implement & Evaluate:Here you need to use some theory and frameworks to guide you. Project design will also come into play. But, bottomline, you have to make a plan, get approval, do it, and then evaluate it. The evaluation should include both outcomes and process.Share with Others:As you complete the Project, you want to share with others what you found out. This will include the academic side, usually a paper, presentation, and maybe a poster or other means of dissemination. It should be tailored to share with organizational stakeholders and possibly the community or patient population at large. Each of these deliveries require rearranging information to meet the needs and interest of the audience.Bottomline, this is a LIVING PROCESS -- the problems of today will not be the same as futureSounds simple, right? To help you learn more, check out the DNP Project Workbook: A Step by Step Process for Success. Each element is talked about in more, but simple details and it gives you actionable steps that you can take throughout your DNP journey. Visit the Springer website at: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.htmlIn the next episode we are taking a deeper dive into the concept of the minimum elements of a DNP Project from AACN.*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

Today we are talking all about the DNP “Clinical” Hours.Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more! Exactly what are the DNP “Clinical” Hours? Are they like regular see patients kind of hours? Are they spent shadowing? Is it the time you spend doing your DNP Project? -- We need some clarity!In previous episodes we have talked about the fact that the DNP is a degree, it is not a role. However, this degree is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) DNP Essentials. At the time of this writing, the DNP Essentials are being revised. We anticipated release in early 2020, but also as of this writing we predict the COVID-19 Pandemic will impact or at best delay their publication (just my speculation). But these essential skills are the things we think that all practice-focused, doctorally prepared nurses should be able to do, regardless of their role. So that idea requires at least 1,000 hours to ensure competency. Work hours do not count. The hours have to be part of a supervised academic program, otherwise we can't be sure that what you are doing relates to the larger goal.The three main, larger goals:Hours spent to teaching you a new, “advanced-practice” nursing roleLACE ModelLots of confusion on the term “advanced-practice”Most traditional idea, time spent learning patient-care / leadership rolesHours spent ensuring that you achieve competency of the DNP EssentialsI. Scientific Underpinnings for Practice II. Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking III.  Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice IV.  Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care V. Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care VI.  Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health OutcomesVII.  Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation's HealthVIII. Advanced Nursing PracticeHours spent completing the work of the DNP ProjectMUST go with the recommendations of your DNP ProgramDepending on the structure of your program depends on what countsDo I get time for my “looking stuff up and writing” ?Implementation activitiesDissemination activitiesOther discussion questions:What does the preceptor look like?What kind of setting does the DNP “Clinical” or DNP “Experience” occur in?What does documentation look like? Mapping?To read more, look at the content of the AACN White Paper, the DNP Essentials, and our workbook, the DNP Project Workbook: A Step by Step Process for Success from Springer Publishing https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.html*** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program

“For my project I'm going to do …” NOOOOOO!!! You need to say, “For my DNP Project, I see a problem with ....” That's your first step.Welcome to the DNP Project Podcast where we share tips, inspiration, and more! Every time I hear a DNP student tell me their idea for their project, they will almost always say, “I was planning to do…” and then whatever it is. WRONG ANSWER. The DNP Project is about identifying problems, finding evidence-based solutions, implementing and evaluating those solutions, then sharing with with others the findings. So, when someone asks, try to reframe and say:“I see a problem with …”“There may be a gap with …”“Could there be an opportunity to …”But, bottomline here, you need to identify the problem first.Problems, gaps, and opportunities are everywhere in healthcare. The key is finding one that is relevant to your future career as a nurse. It has to also be a problem the partnering organization values. Most importantly you have to take a bite of the problem that you can chew. In other words, it has to be a problem that can reasonably be impacted within the timeframe of a DNP Project. Certainly, you can plan to sustain and expand, but let's be real - you have to graduate too!Other thoughts:LevelsSystemsPopulationsGeographyYou will need partners - student, faculty, organizational, ect.In the DNP Project Workbook: A Step by Step Process for Success, we guide you through some exercises to help you find your “favorite problems” and narrow them down. The workbook is filled with content, short and simple lessons, that will help you push your DNP Project forward. Check it out on the Springer website at: https://www.springerpub.com/the-dnp-project-workbook-9780826174321.htmlIn the first few episodes, we have tried to give you some fundamental information to get you started. In future episodes we will give more tips, inspire you by interviewing others and hearing their stories, hosting experts, and covering emerging ideas beyond the DNP Project. Stay tuned for more !!! *** Always follow the guidelines from YOUR DNP Program