Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Villanova launches new Doctor of Nursing Practice Program



Villanova University College of Nursing’s full-time Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program starts in June 2012 and is created exclusively for advanced practice nurses. The goal of the program is to prepare APRNs with advanced knowledge in evidenced-based practice, organizational leadership, and financial acumen to lead innovation in nursing practice and healthcare. The complex issues and changing landscape of healthcare have created a need for APRNs to respond effectively and implement solutions with interdisciplinary teams or independently in order to achieve positive healthcare outcomes for individuals and populations.

Led by Director Debra Shearer, EdD, MSN, FNP-BC, Villanova’s DNP provides students with a personalized experience - one of the hallmarks of a Villanova Nursing program. It integrates the convenience of an online DNP program with minimal on-campus visits. Villanova’s DNP is a practice-focused doctoral program that relates to the student’s work environment, with an emphasis on broad systems thinking in order to facilitate the design and implementation of models of patient care and clinical practice.

Villanova’s DNP is designed in four consecutive semesters with a unique, clinically-themed DNP Project supported by faculty and clinical mentors. Each DNP cohort will have a theme to direct the DNP Project as it relates to their individual practice environments. Each student will then use the theme as a foundation for their scholarly DNP Project.

APRNs who want to translate nursing science to clinical practice and improve health care outcomes can learn more about Villanova’s DNP program during an Information Session on November 30th from 5 to 7 pm. For APRNs who attend the session, the application fee is waived. Register online at www.villanova.edu/nursing/dnp .