University Of San Diego DNP Outcomes
Advanced Clinical Practice
Graduates demonstrate advanced levels of clinical practice within defined ethical, legal, and regulatory parameters. They are proficient in designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based, culturally competent therapeutic interventions for individuals and groups. This ensures that they can provide high-quality care that respects the diverse needs of their patients.
Theoretical and Ethical Foundations
Students synthesize nursing and other scientific and ethical theories and concepts to create a robust foundation for advanced nursing practice. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates can integrate various perspectives into their practice, enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the field of nursing.
Leadership and Policy Development
Graduates demonstrate leadership in collaborative efforts to develop and implement policies aimed at improving healthcare delivery and outcomes. They work at multiple levels of professional practice, including institutional, local, state, regional, national, and international arenas, to influence and shape healthcare policies that promote better health outcomes.
Research Integration
Incorporating research into practice is a critical component of the DNP program. Graduates engage in critical appraisal of existing evidence, evaluate practice outcomes, and develop practice-based guidelines. This evidence-based approach ensures that their practice remains current and effective in addressing healthcare challenges.
Healthcare and Information Systems
Graduates design, implement, and evaluate healthcare delivery systems and information systems that meet societal needs and ensure accountability for quality outcomes. This skill set is crucial for developing systems that enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency within healthcare organizations.
Population Health Focus
Employing a population health focus, graduates design, implement, and evaluate healthcare delivery systems that address primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention. This approach ensures that healthcare interventions are comprehensive and address the broader determinants of health, leading to improved community health outcomes.
Ethical, Regulatory, and Legal Guidelines
Graduates incorporate ethical, regulatory, and legal guidelines in the delivery of healthcare and the selection, use, and evaluation of information systems and patient care technology. This ensures that their practice not only meets professional standards but also upholds the highest ethical and legal standards.
Key Units in the USD DNP Program
The USD DNP program includes a comprehensive curriculum designed to cover all essential aspects of advanced nursing practice. Key units include:
- DNPC 610 Philosophy of Reflective Practice: This unit explores the philosophical foundations of reflective practice and its application in clinical settings.
- DNPC 611 Methods of Translational Science/Evidence-Based Clinical Practice: Students learn about methods to translate research into practice, emphasizing evidence-based clinical decision-making.
- DNPC 625 Epidemiology: Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice: This unit provides an understanding of epidemiological principles and their application in evidence-based practice.
- DNPC 626 Strategic Planning and Quality Initiatives: Focuses on strategic planning and the implementation of quality initiatives in healthcare settings.
- DNPC 648 Health Policy Analysis: Students analyze health policies and their impact on healthcare delivery and outcomes.
- DNPC 660 Advanced Leadership and Financial Decision Making for Complex Systems Management: Covers advanced leadership strategies and financial decision-making in managing complex healthcare systems.
- DNPC 665 Consumer Health Informatics: This unit explores the role of informatics in enhancing consumer health and healthcare delivery.
- DNPC 686 Perspectives in Program Planning and Evaluation: Students learn about different perspectives and approaches to program planning and evaluation in healthcare.
- DNPC 630 DNP Scholarly Practice: Provides opportunities for students to engage in scholarly practice projects that integrate their learning and advance nursing practice.
The USD DNP program prepares nurses to be leaders and innovators in the healthcare field, ensuring they are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare environment.