Learning Objective #1: Discuss the "AACN Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing"

Learning Objective #2: Describe an innovative program for BSN graduates that develops excellent clinical skills concurrently with practice-focused doctoral leadership skills

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AACN has stated that “knowledge required to provide leadership in the discipline of nursing is so complex and rapidly changing that additional or doctoral level education is needed.* ” Not all doctoral education will occur in PhD programs. Therefore a program that can provide a path to the practice-focused doctorate is needed. The Bolton School of Nursing has a practice-focused doctoral program (Clinical or Educational Leadership) that provides a 4 year pathway from newly licensed BSN to a doctorally-prepared clinical nurse leader with education beyond traditional MSN course preparation. DNP Program* content includes: “1. scientific underpinnings for practice in the evidence-based practice course and residency 2. advanced nursing practice in the ACNP program 3. organization and system leadership/management, quality improvement and system thinking in the residency program, organizational behavior course and clinical courses 4. analytic methodologies related to the evaluation of practice and the application of evidence for practice in nursing theory and inquiry courses 5. utilization of technology and information for the improvement and transformation of healthcare in the residency and the advanced clinical management course 6. health policy development, implementation and evaluation in the health policy course, and 7. interdisciplinary collaboration for improving patient and population healthcare outcomes in the residency, clinical courses and final project.” Innovations: A 6 month RN residency for the BSN graduate provides a mentored structured environment that supports rapid learning. Hospital based didactic instruction is supplemented with evidence- based practice lectures by Bolton faculty. Work and school integrate learning while doing. Concurrent doctoral courses build leadership skills. An advisor is selected early and anticipated to be chair for the final project. Practice settings for evidence-based research projects, with faculty committees, help the doctoral student complete a relevant degree, be ready for certification as an advanced practice nurse, and become a nursing leader. *http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/pdf/DNP.pdf