Deck 8: The BSN-To-DNP Path: Opportunities and Challenges for DNP Students and Graduates

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice published in 2006 by the AACN?

A) To evaluate the effectiveness of the DNP program and outcomes
B) To provide specific guidelines on faculty requirements for new hires
C) To serve as a framework to guide development and accreditation for the DNP
D) To provide specific guidelines on student entrance requirements to the DNP

Answer 1

C
Explanation: Primarily, the essentials help nursing departments create a DNP program, develop curricula, and help faculty understand how to obtain accreditation.

Question 2

There are two possible organizations that accredit DNP programs. One is the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and the other is ________.

A) Accreditation for Higher Education
B) Accrediting Nursing Programs Organization
C) Commission on Accreditation for Nursing Programs
D) Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Answer 2

D
Explanation: While all of the answers may sound similar or correct, only the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is the actual other body that accredits DNP programs.

Question 3

Of the evaluation studies on DNP programs published so far and noted in Chism, what is the general outcome of these studies?

A) That DNP programs have been effective in providing graduates with the skills needed to meet patient needs using evidence-based practices.
B) That DNP programs have not provided graduates with the skills needed to meet patient needs using evidence-based practices.
C) That DNP programs have been effective in providing some, but not all, graduates with the skills needed to meet patient needs using evidence-based practices.
D) That DNP programs need to make major curricular changes so that the skills needed to meet patient needs using evidence-based practices can be achieved in the future.

Answer 3

A
Explanation: Although there are few evaluation studies of DNP programs, those that have been conducted - mostly containing a small population - generally show positive outcomes for the graduates.

Question 4

To assist students in identifying the best DNP program to match their needs, Chism recommends that __________.

A) students take hybrid courses
B) faculty work with students
C) faculty tell students what to do
D) students contact the AACN

Question 5

Although the option of a master's degree exit would benefit BSN-to-DNP students as they would then be able to gain experience, there are ________ DNP programs that offer this strategy.

A) many
B) 16
C) few
D) no

Question 6

Due to the increased number of people enrolling in healthcare programs as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Chism states that concerns have been raised as to ________.

A) how to pay for the new insurance program
B) how to accelerate APRN education to meet demands
C) whether or not there are enough nurses to meet demands
D) whether or not there are enough clinics to meet demands

Question 7

The AACN created a ________ to outline the purpose of a clinical doctorate, along with other elements such as competencies, trends, need, titles, and evaluating other practice doctorates.

A) dean's group
B) conference
C) clinical group
D) task force

Question 8

According to Chism, some nurses (as well as others) were - and still are - not in favor of the DNP program, especially the BSN-to-DNP track. Discuss the concerns, and propose at least two ideas to ameliorate some concerns that were not identified in Chism.
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: The nurses (as well as others, such as nursing faculty) have several concerns that should be discussed. Various task forces and others have made suggestions to address these concerns. Your suggestions should be different than those discussed in Chism and involve critical thinking.

Question 9

Contrast the DNP scholarly project with a dissertation. What are some of the options for a DNP scholarly project, and how do you understand them? What option might you select for your DNP scholarly project, and why?
Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: There are several options for a scholarly project, and these all differ from a dissertation; do your best to contrast the scholarly project with the dissertation.

Question 10

Describe several methods that could be used to evaluate DNP programs. Then, rank them from most to least important to conduct. Discuss or provide support for your ranking. Responses should be one to two paragraphs in length.
Tips: Methods can be stated broadly or specifically. Ranking will depend on what you choose to emphasize (the focus of the method) and how well you believe they can assess outcomes of the DNP program.