Doctor of Nursing Practice | Spalding University Catalog

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Program Overview
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the practice-based terminal degree within the nursing discipline with focus on the most advanced level of nursing practice. Advanced nursing practice influences health care outcomes for individuals and populations including the direct care and/or management of individual patients (APRN), administration of nursing and health care organizations, and development and implementation of health policy.  The DNP gives those with commitment to clinical practice an opportunity to achieve the highest degree in nursing practice while focusing on a specific area of practice improvement, including advanced clinical practice, executive leadership, educational leadership, and nursing informatics.  Graduates of the Spalding University Post Master’s DNP Program will be prepared to synthesize scientific, theoretical, and policy data from a variety of sources to improve healthcare systems and health outcomes for individuals and populations while collaborating with other disciplines within the healthcare system. Additionally, DNP graduates will be prepared to take leadership and advocacy roles in quality improvement initiatives within the healthcare system while utilizing evidence-based best practice findings as a basis for change.

DNP Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the coursework for the DNP, graduates will:

  1. Promote health and safety of the nurses through self-reflection and self-care behaviors to preserve the well-being and wholeness of character while fostering personal and professional growth. (AACN Essential 10)

  2. Demonstrate principles of collaboration across various healthcare settings, utilizing a holistic team approach, to facilitate health promotion, wellness, disease management, and promote equitable health outcomes for diverse populations. (AACN Essential 3,6,7)

  3. Communicate effectively using oral, written, and information technology in a variety of settings, with diverse individuals and groups (AACN Essentials 2,8)

  4. Integrate knowledge of the liberal arts, natural and social sciences, and the discipline of nursing to promote professional practice and continuous development. (AACN Essential 1)

  5. Use evidence-based practice, research, and critical thinking skills to provide therapeutic interventions and influence the delivery of care across the lifespan; (AACN Essentials 2, 4)

  6. Integrate professional values, ethical, legal conduct to the delivery of nursing practice to cultivate the formation of sustainable professional identity, including accountability, and a collaborative disposition that reflect nursing’s characteristics and values. (AACN Essential 9)

  7. Apply leadership concepts and skills and engage in professional development to promote safe, quality practice across multiple healthcare settings. (AACN Essentials 2,5,10)

  8. Integrate a holistic team approach to facilitate caring and respect for human dignity in professional nursing practice to individuals, families, and communities in diverse populations (AACN Essentials 2,6)

Admission Requirements

  • A completed online application for the Spalding University Doctor of Nursing Practice program
  • A master’s degree in nursing or equivalent  (i.e. Master of Public Health) from an accredited program. Applicants without 600 post-baccalaureate precepted hours from their master’s program will be required to obtain those hours during the course of the DNP program. This is in addition to the required 400 hours of precepted course work within the DNP curriculum.
  • A cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
  • A current unencumbered RN license or privilege to practice in the state where practicum hours will be earned
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Provision of official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study
  • Two letters of reference from professional resources from your current or previous employment or academic facility
  • Documentation of clinical hours accrued during attainment of MSN (or equivalent) degree (see the Post-Baccalaureate Verification of Clinical Hours Form)
  • Submission of an essay documenting both your short term and long term career goals and how the attainment of a Doctor of Nursing Practice will support the vision for your professional future (500 word limit)
  • A telephone or personal interview may be requested.
  • GRE is not required

Requirements for Earning the Post Master’s DNP Degree

  • Completion of the DNP program of study.
  • Grade of B or greater is required in all coursework. However students may remain in the program after obtaining one C, but will be considered on academic probation. Students who obtain more than one grade of C in any coursework will be dismissed from the program as will students who earn a grade of D or F in any coursework.
  • Completion of 1000 total post-baccalaureate precepted hours.
  • Completion of the program within a six year time frame with removal of all conditions and incomplete grades.

Program Sheet
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)