NURS 8410 – Best Practices In Nursing Specialties weekly discussion essay assignments
Week 1: Developing a Focus in Your Specialty Area
As a nurse and a doctoral student, you’ve already gained skills to contribute to the nursing field. Now, advancing to higher practice means diving deeper into your specialty. To reach the highest level, you’ll learn to analyze healthcare problems using reasoning, theory, research, and your experience. Explore this journey in our weekly discussions to enhance your understanding and excel in your specialty practice.
Navigating Your EBP Project and Practicum Experience
As you progress through this course, you’ll be crafting an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project, a crucial exploration of a healthcare issue in your specialty. This involves assessing scientific foundations, applying effective practices, and developing new guidelines. Unlike your DNP project, guided by your faculty, the EBP Project is a distinct practicum experience.
Week’s Focus: EBP Project Requirements and Practicum Preparation
This week, familiarize yourself with the EBP Project requirements. This project will unfold during your practicum, a unique learning opportunity. Reflect on your potential for professional growth and establish learning objectives to guide your practicum journey.
Learning Objectives:
- Formulate EBP Project Question:
- Develop a compelling EBP Project question that integrates theory, knowledge, research, reasoning, and nursing practice.
- Assess Areas for Professional Growth:
- Reflect on your practicum experience, identifying areas for personal and professional development.
Looking Ahead: Practicum Time Log
- Keep a log of your practicum-related hours, accessible through your Meditrek account. Regularly input your hours to track your progress. Instructors will review time logs in weeks 3, 7, and 11.
Note: Tables are not necessary for this content, as the information is presented in a clear and sequential manner. However, if specific data or comparisons need to be highlighted, tables can be incorporated for clarity.
Learning Resources for the Week
Note: Access this week’s essential library resources through the Course Readings List in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
| Required Readings | Author | Title | Publication |
| Terry, A. J. (2018) | Terry | Clinical Research for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (3rd ed.) | Jones & Bartlett Learning |
NURS 8410 – Best Practices In Nursing Specialties: Weekly Discussion Essay Assignments
Note: The listed reading is a key reference for this week’s discussions and assignments.
Learning Resources for the Week
Note: Access this week’s essential library resources through the Course Readings List in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
| Required Readings | Authors | Title | Publication | Link |
| Terry, A. J. (2018) | Terry | Clinical Research for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (3rd ed.) | Jones & Bartlett Learning | – |
| American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2006) | AACN | The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice | – | Essentials.pdf |
| Jeffs, L., Beswick, S., Lo, J., Campbell, H., Ferris, E., & Sidani, S. (2013) | Jeffs et al. | Defining what evidence is, linking it to patient outcomes, and making it relevant to practice: Insight from clinical nurses | Applied Nursing Research, 26, 105-109 | – |
| McCurry, M. K., Revell, S. M. H., & Roy, C. (2009) | McCurry et al. | Knowledge for the good of the individual and society: Linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice | Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 42–52 | – |
| Melnyk, B.M., Fineout-Overhold, E., Stillwell, S.B., & Williamson, K.M. (2010) | Melnyk et al. | Evidence-based practice step-by-step: The seven steps of evidence-based practice | American Journal of Nursing, 110(1), 51-53 | – |
| Stillwell, S. B., Fineout-Overholt, E., Melnyk, B. M., & Williamson, K. M. (2010) | Stillwell et al. | Evidence-based practice, step by step: Asking the clinical question: A key step in evidence-based practice | American Journal of Nursing, 110(3), 58–61 | – |
| Tschannen, D., Aebersold, M., Kocan, M., Lundy, F., & Potempa, K. (2015) | Tschannen et al. | Improving patient care through student leadership in team quality improvement projects | Journal Nursing Care Quality, 30(2), 181-186 | – |
| Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching (2017) | Vanderbilt University | Bloom’s Taxonomy | – | Bloom’s Taxonomy |
| Yensen, J. (2013) | Yensen | PICO Search Strategies | Online Journal of Nursing Informatics (OJNI), 17 (3) | PICO Search Strategies |
Note: You can access the articles listed under “Required Readings” from the Walden Library databases.
Documents for Assignment:
| Documents | Type | Link |
| Clinical Time Log and Journal | Word Document | – |
| Literature Review Matrix | Word Document | – |
| NURS 8410 Practicum Journal Template | Word Document | – |
Discussion: Developing an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project Question
Consider issues related to your nursing practice, identify areas of attention, and formulate a question for your EBP Project using the PICO method. Commence the “Literature Review Matrix” with a review of relevant research articles for your specialty area. Reflect on McCurry, Revell, and Roy’s article.
Post by Day 3:
- Share your project question.
- Discuss elements informing your question: theory, current research, nursing practice, and specialty knowledge.
- Pose questions or concerns about developing your project question or literature review.
Respond by Day 6 to Two Colleagues:
Provide feedback on their project question:
- Is it easily understood?
- Is the answer not immediately obvious?
- Can it be answered within the available time?
Consider responding in various ways, such as asking questions, sharing insights, offering alternative perspectives, validating ideas, or making suggestions based on evidence.
Submission and Grading Information:
Check the Week 1 Discussion Rubric for grading criteria. Post by Day 3 and respond to two colleagues by Day 6.
Note: Tables are used to present information in a clear and organized format, providing details on authors, titles, publications, and links for further access.
Assignment: Introduction to the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project
As part of your practicum experience in this course, you will undertake a small-scale Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project. This project allows you to apply concepts from the Learning Resources, offering an authentic learning experience to enhance your specialty area knowledge and support your growth as a scholar-practitioner. For an overview of the full EBP Project assignment, refer to the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project Overview.
Practicum: Planning Learning Objectives
In week 1, you will submit two to three individual learning objectives for your practicum experience. These objectives, using Bloom’s Taxonomy, should reflect your desire to expand advanced nursing knowledge and skills at the aggregate, organizational, or policy level. Ensure a clear connection between the learning objectives and the DNP Essentials.
Submission by Day 7:
Ensure all necessary paperwork is submitted and approved. Your practicum experience cannot commence until you receive Instructor approval. Keep track of practicum hours using the provided time log, including date, times, total hours, a brief description, and the addressed objectives.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your Practicum using the naming convention “WK1Practicum+last name+first initial.(extension).”
- Click the Week 1 Practicum link.
- Attach your saved document.
- If applicable, agree to submit your paper to the Global Reference Database.
- Click Submit to complete your submission.
Check Your Practicum Draft for Authenticity
To check authenticity:
- Submit your Week 1 Practicum draft.
- Review the originality report.
Submit Your Practicum by Day 7:
Week 1 Practicum
Practicum: Journal Guidelines
Submit your Clinical Time Log and Journal in Weeks 3, 7, and 11. Journal entries should connect previous professional experience with practicum activities, competencies, concepts in the program, and the literature. The entry should be week-based and sequential for easy reference.
- Describe the observed activity.
- Analyze the problem, issue, or situation using an evidence-based approach.
- Reflect on how the real-world mirrors or diverges from program-related evidence, concepts, and/or theories.
- Submit your Time Log.
Week in Review
This week, you formulated an EBP Project question and assessed areas for professional growth within the practicum experience. Next week, you will develop your small-scale Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project in your practicum setting.
Week 2: Applying Complex Reasoning Strategies
This week, you commence developing your small-scale Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project in your practicum setting. In Application 1, identify an issue related to practice where outcomes differ from research literature expectations.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Apply reasoning strategies in a nursing specialty area.
- Evaluate outcomes in a specialty practice area that differ from research evidence.
Learning Resources
Refer to the Course Readings List for access to this week’s required library resources.
Required Readings
- Terry, A. J. (2018). Clinical research for the doctor of nursing practice (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Chapter 1, “The Importance of Research in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree”
- Pages 12-18 highlight the relationship between DNP clinicians, the research process, and effective evidence-based practice.
- Balakas, K., Sparks, L., Steurer, L., & Bryant, T. (2013). An outcome of evidence-based practiced education: Sustained clinical decision-making among bedside nurses. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 28, 479-485.
- Harkanen, M., Voutilainen, A., Turunen, E., & Verhvilainen-Julkunen, K. (2016). Systematic review and meta-analysis of educational interventions designed to improve medication administration skills and safety of registered nurses, Nurse Education Today, 41, 36-43.
- Lee, J., Lee, Y., Bae, J., & Seo, M. (2016). Registered nurses clinical skills and reasoning process: A think-aloud study. Nurse Education Today, 46, 75-80.
- Simmons, B. (2010). Clinical reasoning: Concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(5), 1151-1158.
Discussion: Reasoning in a Specialty Area
Reflect on an important practice-related decision you made recently and evaluate it through the lens of clinical reasoning. Post your reflections and engage in discussions with your colleagues.
Submission and Grading Information:
Refer to the Week 2 Discussion Rubric for grading criteria. Post by Day 3 and respond to two colleagues by Day 6.
Note: Tables are used for clear organization, providing details on assignments, resources, and discussion topics.
Assignment: Application 1 – Identifying a Practice Issue for the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project
In many DNP program courses, you’ve analyzed research literature to explore healthcare issues. Now, think about an issue in your practice area where outcomes differ from what’s supported by the literature. For example, if the literature indicates that nosocomial infections decrease with hand washing, glove use, and isolation strategies, but your clinical area isn’t showing a reduction, that could be a suitable issue.
To Prepare for Application 1:
- Consider your practicum setting and practice-related challenges. Think about issues where outcomes don’t align with research literature.
- Choose one issue to focus on for the entire EBP Project. Ensure it’s suitable for project requirements and can lead to new practice approaches.
- Discuss your selection with your Practicum Mentor.
- Explore research literature on the chosen issue.
To Complete:
Write a 1-2 page paper covering:
- A summary of the selected practice issue where outcomes differ from literature expectations. Ensure the issue is appropriate for the entire EBP Project.
Due by Day 7.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your Assignment using the format “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension).”
- Review the Grading Criteria using the provided rubric.
- Click the Week 2 Assignment link to submit. Attach your saved document.
- Optionally, agree to submit your paper to the Global Reference Database for plagiarism checks.
Check your draft for authenticity using the originality report.
Submit your Assignment by Day 7.
Practicum: Journal and Time Log
By Day 7:
Submit your journal entry and time log for Weeks 1-3. Your entries should connect your professional experience with practice, program competencies, and literature.
To submit:
- Save your document using the format “WK3Practicum+last name+first initial.(extension).”
- Click the Week 3 Practicum link and attach your document.
- Optionally, agree to submit to the Global Reference Database.
Check your draft for authenticity and submit by Day 7.
Week in Review:
This week, you evaluated outcomes in a specialty practice area different from research evidence and applied reasoning strategies. Next week, you’ll explore the current state of science in your specialty area.
To go to the next week: Week 3.
Week 3: Translating Science in Advanced Nursing Practice
Healthcare complexity is rising, demanding incorporation of science and effective practices. Nurses must implement evidence-based practices based on sound scientific evidence. This week, examine the current science in your specialty. Submit your time log and journal entry for Weeks 1-3.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the current science in your specialty.
- Assess the practicum experience.
- Evaluate literature on an issue in your specialty area.
Learning Resources:
Required Readings:
- White, K. M., Dudley-Brown, S., & Terharr, M. F. (2016). Translation of evidence into nursing and health care practice (2nd ed.).
- Terry, A. J. (2018). Clinical research for the doctor of nursing practice (3rd ed.).
- Various articles available from Walden Library databases.
Discussion: The State of the Science in Practice
Reflect on the scientific foundation supporting your practice. How current is the science? How up-to-date are your specialty practice guidelines?
By Day 3:
Post a scholarly response discussing:
- The state of scientific underpinnings related to your issue.
- The currency of science supporting your practice or guidelines.
- Examples of new evidence since guideline adoption.
By Day 6:
Respond to peers with insights, questions, or alternative perspectives.
Submit your Discussion by Day 3 and respond by Day 6.
Note: Continue with this format for subsequent weeks, adapting instructions and content based on the specific requirements and focus of each week’s assignment and discussion.
Assignment: Application 2: Laying the Foundation for New Approaches to Practice
Introduction
This week, we delve into the interrelationship between theory, knowledge, and research, focusing on evidence-based practice. Building on the work completed for Application 1, Application 2 encourages you to explore evidence-based approaches from disciplines beyond nursing to guide your EBP Project.
Goals:
- Utilize Walden Library and scholarly resources.
- Locate evidence-based practice approaches from non-nursing disciplines.
- Evaluate approaches for potential support to your EBP Project.
Steps:
- Use Walden Library to find evidence-based approaches from disciplines other than nursing.
- Assess and determine if any approach aligns with and supports your EBP Project.
- Integrate findings into Application 2 development.
Due Date: Application 2 is due by Day 7 of Week 5.
Practicum
- Maintain a time log and journal of practicum experiences.
- Refer to Practicum Guidelines on the Course Overview page.
- By Day 7 of Week 7, submit your time log and a journal entry.
Week in Review:
- Evaluated evidence-based approaches from non-nursing disciplines.
- Examined research designs for specific issues.
- Next week, explore evidence-based practice models and frameworks.
Week 6: The Application of New Practice Approaches, Part I
Introduction:
Building on foundational knowledge, this week involves formulating evidence-based practice strategies to enhance healthcare quality. Consider financial aspects, leadership skills, and the integration of business, finance, and health policy principles in improving care quality.
Learning Objectives:
- Integrate theoretical foundations into evidence-based practice strategies.
- Evaluate potential economic impacts.
- Appraise personal growth in leadership skills.
Practicum and Assignments:
- Continue journaling practicum experiences.
- Application 3 development continues, focusing on economic and financial implications.
Learning Resources:
- Chapter 6: “Translation of Evidence for Leadership.”
- Various articles addressing evidence-based practice and leadership.
Discussion: Developing and Evaluating New Practice Approaches
Prompt:
Reflect on your EBP Project issue. Formulate new evidence-based practice strategies, considering the theoretical bases and potential economic impact.
By Day 3:
Post strategies, their theoretical basis, and discuss potential economic impacts.
By Day 6:
Respond to peers by asking questions, providing insights, or offering alternative perspectives.
Assignment: Application 3: Becoming a Leader in the Translation of Evidence to Practice
Introduction:
Application 3 begins. Focus on the economic implications of your EBP Project and reflect on leadership skills. Consider how evidence translation enhances leadership in healthcare delivery.
Steps:
- Evaluate new strategies from the Week 6 Discussion.
- Reflect on leadership enhancement through evidence translation (Chapter 6).
- Build on this Application in Week 7 for advancing practice approaches.
Due Date: Application 3 is due by Day 7 of Week 7.
Practicum
- Maintain a time log and journal, submitting them by Day 7 of Week 7.
Week in Review:
- Evaluated economic impacts and integrated theoretical foundations.
- Explored personal growth in leadership skills.
- Next week, focus on advocating for health care policy improvements.
Week 7: The Application of New Practice Approaches, Part II
Introduction:
Engage in the policy process to advocate for health care policy improvements. Submit practicum logs and journal entry.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop strategies for advocating health policy.
- Analyze professional growth and leadership in evidence-based practice.
- Assess practicum experience.
Learning Resources:
- Chapters 4, 5, and 7 of “Translation of Evidence into Nursing and Health Care Practice.”
- Various articles on evidence translation and health policy.
Discussion: Advocating for New Practice Approaches Through Policy
Prompt:
Identify your practice approach and discuss leading policy development. Address strategies to overcome barriers in engaging policy makers.
By Day 3:
Post your practice approach, policy development strategies, and overcoming barriers.
By Day 6:
Respond to peers, providing insights or alternative perspectives based on readings.
Due Date: Application 3 is due by Day 7 of Week 7.
Assignment: Application 3: Becoming a Leader in the Translation of Evidence to Practice
Reflection on DNP Journey
Reflect on your growth, both professionally and personally, since starting your DNP journey. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) emphasizes that a practice doctorate enhances leadership skills to “strengthen practice and health care delivery” (2006, p. 5). Be mindful of your growth in these areas during your practicum experience.
Continuation of Leadership Reflection
In Week 6, you reflected on your leadership skills for this Assignment. This week, the focus remains on leadership and how you can lead the translation of evidence to practice by contributing to policy development.
Preparation for Application 3:
- Review your Week 6 Discussion posting.
- Consider leading policy development to address your EBP Project issue.
Full Application 3 Due by Day 7 of This Week.
To Complete:
Write a 3- to 5-page paper that synthesizes:
- Your Vision as a Leader:
- Increase knowledge of financial, economic, and other concerns related to new practice approaches.
- How translating evidence strengthens health care delivery and nursing practice.
- Advocacy for new evidence-based practice approaches through the policy arena.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your Assignment with the name “WK7Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension).”
- Review the Grading Criteria using the Week 7 Assignment Rubric.
- Submit your Assignment through the Week 7 Assignment submission link.
Practicum: Journal and Time Log
Submission by Day 7:
Submit a journal entry (with your time log) for Weeks 4-7. The journal should:
- Describe observed activities.
- Analyze problems or situations using an evidence-based approach.
- Connect real-world experiences with program-related evidence, concepts, and theories.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your Practicum with the name “WK7Practicum+last name+first initial.(extension).”
- Review the Grading Criteria using the Week 7 Practicum Rubric.
- Submit your Practicum through the Week 7 Practicum submission link.
Week in Review:
This week, you analyzed your professional growth and development as a leader in evidence-based practice, along with developing strategies to advocate for health policy. Next week, you will explore barriers that may inhibit the adoption and implementation of evidence-based practice.
To go to the next week: Week 8
Week 8: Creating an Environment for Evidence-Based Practice
“What health care needs most are effective leaders who understand innovation and how it spreads, who respect the diversity of change itself, and who can nurture innovation in all its rich and many costumes” (Hyrkäs & Harvey, 2010, p. 1).
As a nurse in advanced practice, you play a vital role in motivating colleagues and fostering a culture open to change. Despite the goal of translating evidence into practice, barriers pose challenges in today’s healthcare settings. This week, you explore barriers inhibiting the adoption of evidence-based practice, delve into change theories, and consider their application in creating an environment conducive to evidence-based practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Assess readiness for change in a practice environment.
- Develop theory-based strategies for change implementation.
Learning Resources:
- Read Chapter 3, 14, and 15 from “Translation of Evidence into Nursing and Health Care Practice” by White, Dudley-Brown, & Terharr.
- Review Darling, F. (2016), Sadeghi-Bazargani, H., Tabrizi, J.S., & Azami-Aghdash, S. (2014), and Smith, E.L., Rice, K.L., & Agrell-Kann, M. (2015) articles.
Discussion: Preparing for Change
To prepare:
- Review change, organizational, and behavioral theories in Chapter 3.
- Assess readiness for change in your practicum setting and identify barriers and facilitators.
- Devise strategies to address barriers and discuss why they might be effective based on theory.
By Day 3:
Post a cohesive scholarly response covering:
- Assessment of readiness for change in your practicum.
- Factors (barriers and facilitators) that need consideration.
- Identification of a guiding theory or framework.
- Strategies to address barriers and insights on their potential effectiveness based on theory.
By Day 6:
Respond to two colleagues:
- Pose questions, provide additional evidence, or share insights.
- Offer alternative perspectives, validate ideas, or suggest based on evidence.
Assignment: Application 4 – Planning for Change, Implementing and Evaluating EBP Projects
Planning for Change:
This week, continue analyzing the impact of implementing change in your practicum. Consider factors affecting stakeholders or end users. Develop a summary of methods to address these factors effectively.
By Day 7 of Week 10:
Application 4 is due. No submission needed this week.
Practicum:
Continue the journal and time log for Weeks 4-7. Submission by Day 7 of Week 11.
Week in Review:
This week, you assessed change readiness and developed strategies for implementation. Next week, you analyze an organizational issue, examining systems at macro- and micro-levels.
To go to the next week: Week 9
Week 9: Identification of Outcomes
“In a large, complex organization…the primary consequences of our actions may well be in the distant future or in a distant, but interrelated, part of a larger system in which we operate…” (Zaccagnini & White, 2011, p. 45).
Shift the perspective to gain a fuller view of dynamics in healthcare organizations, understanding how it promotes positive outcomes in quality and safety. Assess organizational issues, analyze systems, and identify strategies for quality improvement.
Learning Objectives:
- Apply systems theory to evaluate quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
Learning Resources:
- Read articles by Brooks et al. (2014), Jarden & Sutton (2014), McCluskey & Middleton (2010), and Murfet et al. (2014).
Discussion: Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Initiatives
Scenario:
Dr. Sasha Mendez, VP of nursing, receives patient complaints about navigation difficulties within the organization. As a mental health specialist, she’s concerned about patient stress. Analyze macro and micro systems, identify desired outcomes, and propose modifications to achieve them.
To prepare:
- Reflect on your EBP Project issue.
- Identify macro and micro systems influencing the issue.
- Determine desired outcomes, procedures/processes modifications needed.
- Develop a 5-slide PowerPoint for the business unit team and leadership, persuading them to accept your recommendations.
By Day 3:
Post your PowerPoint presentation.
By Day 6:
Critique two colleagues’ presentations from a managerial and quality management perspective.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Refer to the rubrics for Week 9 Discussion and Assignment.
- Post by Day 3, Respond by Day 6.
Week in Review:
This week, you assessed organizational systems and proposed strategies for quality improvement. In the next week, you’ll evaluate the identified outcomes and explore strategies for implementation.
To go to the next week: Week 10
Assignment 1: Application 4: Planning for Change, Implementing, and Evaluating EBP Projects
Implementing changes in a healthcare organization requires understanding systems that support or hinder change. Recognizing the interconnectedness of systems is crucial for advancing Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) projects. This week, you focused on the macro and micro systems within your practicum organization that influence your EBP Project. Now, reflect on your colleagues’ feedback from the PowerPoint presentation and incorporate new insights into refining your desired outcomes and strategies. Also, continue evaluating how these changes will enhance quality and patient safety.
Prepare for Application 4:
- Refine desired outcomes and strategies.
- Evaluate the impact on quality and patient safety.
- Integrate this information into your Application paper (not in PowerPoint).
By Day 7 of Week 10:
Submit Application 4; no submission required this week.
Assignment 2: Application 5: Disseminating the EBP Project
Dissemination of evidence is essential for advancing nursing. This week, continue analyzing the role of a DNP-prepared nurse in scholarship. For Application 5, due by Day 6 of Week 11, create a scholarly product to report your project’s results and implications. This may be a summary, a poster, a program evaluation report, or a media-based deliverable. Ensure your scholarly product covers:
- Background, Purpose, and Nature of the Project (2 points):
- Describe the larger problem or issue explored in your DNP Project.
- Identify your practice-focused question.
- Explain the problem or issue’s impact on nursing practice and the healthcare system.
- Evidence (2 points):
- Identify the practice setting and context.
- Summarize the evidence supporting the project and the implementation process.
- Presentation of Results (2 points):
- Explain the project results and recommendations for change.
Note: Up to 2 points may be deducted for grammar, spelling, and/or APA errors.
Practicum:
Maintain your time log and journal of practicum experiences. Submission by Day 7 of Week 11.
Week in Review:
This week, you applied systems theory to evaluate quality improvement and safety initiatives. In the next week, explore evaluating outcomes, translating research evidence into guidelines, and advancing standards of care.
To go to the next week: Week 10
Week 10: Evaluation of Outcomes
“One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.” – Milton Friedman
Assessing the success of a translation project involves evaluating outcomes to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of new practice approaches. This week, determine how to evaluate outcomes, translate research evidence into guidelines, and consider new standards of care. Continue your practicum experience.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate outcomes of new practice approaches.
- Develop guidelines for practice based on outcomes.
- Recommend new standards of care for a health issue.
Learning Resources:
- Read Chapter 17, “Data Management and Evaluation of Translation,” from “Translation of Evidence into Nursing and Health Care Practice” by White, Dudley-Brown, & Terharr.
- Review articles by Erickson et al. (1995), Wang et al. (2017), Abdullah et al. (2014), and Einarson et al. (2015).
Discussion: Evaluation of Outcomes
To prepare:
- Refer to the list of evaluation questions on page 239 of the course text.
- Review various evaluation frameworks, selecting one for evaluating outcomes.
- Envision new practice guidelines based on the possible evaluation results.
- Discuss potential new standards of care.
By Day 3:
Post a scholarly response covering:
- The outcomes addressed from the Week 9 Discussion.
- Your chosen evaluation framework.
- New practice guidelines envisioned based on the evaluation.
- Any potential new standards of care.
By Day 6:
Respond to two colleagues, offering insights, questions, or alternative perspectives.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Refer to the rubric for the Week 10 Discussion.
- Post by Day 3, Respond by Day 6.
Week in Review:
This week, you focused on evaluating the outcomes of new practice approaches. Next week, delve into the final steps of translating research evidence into new guidelines for practice and standards of care.
To go to the next week: Week 11
Assignment 1: Application 4: Planning for Change, Implementing, and Evaluating EBP Projects
Evaluating EBP Projects involves considering various factors that impact successful implementation. This week, we explore how translation frameworks can aid in effective implementation and evaluation of outcomes.
Prepare for Application 4:
- Revisit your chosen evidence-based practice model or framework from Application 2.
- Analyze how this model or framework aids in outcome evaluation.
- Consider if another model or framework might better suit your project’s needs.
By Day 7 of This Week:
Submit the full Application 4. Refer to instructions in Weeks 8 and 9 for previous sections.
To Complete:
Write a 4- to 8-page paper addressing the following:
Planning for Change:
- Analyze the impact of change in your practice environment, considering stakeholders and end users.
- Summarize methods to address these considerations.
Implementing EBP Projects:
- Identify desired outcomes for your EBP Project.
- Describe any macro or micro system issues hindering implementation and strategies to resolve them.
- Explain how resolving your EBP Project issue enhances quality and patient safety.
Evaluating EBP Projects:
- Describe evaluation strategies.
- Formulate new practice guidelines based on potential evaluation results.
- Describe, if applicable, new standards of care relevant to the guidelines.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK10Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension).”
- Review the Grading Criteria using the Week 10 Assignment Rubric.
- Submit your Assignment by clicking on the Week 10 Assignment link and following the submission instructions.
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity:
Submit your Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7:
Week 10 Assignment Submission
Grading Criteria:
Refer to the Week 10 Assignment Rubric.
Assignment 2: Application 5: Disseminating the EBP Project
Disseminating evidence is crucial for advancing nursing. Continue analyzing the DNP-prepared nurse’s role in scholarship. For Application 5, due by Day 6 of Week 11, create a scholarly product reporting your project’s results and implications. This could be a summary, a poster, a program evaluation report, or a media-based deliverable. Ensure it covers background, evidence, and presentation of results.
Practicum:
Maintain your time log and journal. Submission by Day 7 of Week 11.
Week in Review:
This week, we focused on evaluating outcomes. Next week, delve into translating research evidence into new guidelines for practice and standards of care.
To go to the next week: Week 11
Assignment 2: Application 5: Disseminating the EBP Project
Translating evidence into practice is vital for nursing advancement. Dissemination plays a crucial role in sharing knowledge gained from evidence translation projects. The aim is to contribute to the nursing profession’s knowledge base and advance nursing science.
Prepare for Application 5:
- Reflect on the role of the DNP-prepared nurse in scholarship.
- Continue from this week’s discussion and analyze how dissemination contributes to scholarship.
- The full Application 5 is due by Day 6 of week 11.
For this assignment:
Prepare a scholarly product reporting your project’s results and implications for a designated audience. Your product can take the form of a project summary, evaluation report, poster presentation, program evaluation report, or a media/technology-based deliverable. Ensure your scholarly product includes:
- Background, Purpose, and Nature of the Project (2 points):
- Describe the larger problem or issue addressed in your DNP Project.
- Identify your practice-focused question.
- Explain how the problem affects nursing practice and the overall health care system.
- Describe your project’s exploration of strategies to address the problem.
- Evidence (2 points):
- Identify the practice setting and context of your project.
- Summarize the evidence supporting your project.
- Outline the process for implementation and evaluation.
- Presentation of Results (2 points):
- Explain the results of your DNP Project.
- Provide recommendations for change to the organization.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK11Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension).”
- Review the Grading Criteria using the Week 11 Assignment Rubric.
- Submit your Assignment by clicking on the Week 11 Assignment link and following the submission instructions.
Practicum:
Continue keeping a time log and journal of your practicum experiences. Submission by Day 7 of Week 11.
Week in Review:
This week, you evaluated new practice approach outcomes and developed guidelines. In the final week, assess the role of dissemination in scholarship, complete your practicum, and submit your final practicum documents.
To go to the next week: Week 11
Week 11: Dissemination, Part I
Translating evidence into practice aims to advance nursing, with dissemination being a crucial step. Dissemination contributes to nursing scholarship by sharing knowledge gained from evidence translation projects. This week, assess the role of dissemination in scholarship and complete your practicum experience.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the role of the DNP-prepared nurse in scholarship.
- Assess the practicum experience.
Learning Resources:
Refer to the Course Readings List for the required resources.
Discussion: Defining Scholarship:
As you prepare for this Discussion, reflect on the role of evaluation and dissemination in scholarship. Consider the definitions and criteria for scholarship presented in the Learning Resources and AACN’s vision of the DNP-prepared nurse in nursing scholarship.
To Prepare:
- Reflect on scholarship definitions and criteria.
- Consider AACN’s vision for the DNP-prepared nurse.
- Post a scholarly response addressing the role of the DNP-prepared nurse in scholarship.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your response using the naming convention “WK11Discussion+last name+first initial.”
- Review the Grading Criteria using the Week 11 Discussion Rubric.
- Submit your response by clicking on the Week 11 Discussion link and following the submission instructions.
Assignment: Application 5: Disseminating the EBP Project
Many factors influence the successful implementation and evaluation of an EBP Project. Dissemination is crucial in this process. This assignment involves preparing a scholarly product that reports your project’s results and implications to a designated audience.
Prepare for Application 5:
- Reflect on scholarship definitions and criteria.
- Consider AACN’s vision for the DNP-prepared nurse.
- The full Application 5 is due by Day 7 of this week.
For this assignment:
Prepare a scholarly product reporting your project’s results and implications for a designated audience. Your product can take the form of a project summary, evaluation report, poster presentation, program evaluation report, or a media/technology-based deliverable. Ensure your scholarly product includes:
- Background, Purpose, and Nature of the Project (2 points):
- Describe the larger problem or issue addressed in your DNP Project.
- Identify your practice-focused question.
- Explain how the problem affects nursing practice and the overall health care system.
- Describe your project’s exploration of strategies to address the problem.
- Evidence (2 points):
- Identify the practice setting and context of your project.
- Summarize the evidence supporting your project.
- Outline the process for implementation and evaluation.
- Presentation of Results (2 points):
- Explain the results of your DNP Project.
- Provide recommendations for change to the organization.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK11Assgn+last name+first initial.”
- Review the Grading Criteria using the Week 11 Assignment Rubric.
- Submit your Assignment by clicking on the Week 11 Assignment link and following the submission instructions.
Practicum: Journal and Time Log
By Day 7
Submission Instructions:
- Save your assignment using the naming convention “WK11Practicum+last name+first initial.(extension).”
- Click on the Week 11 Practicum link to submit your assignment.
- From the Attach File area, click “Browse My Computer,” find the document saved as “WK11Practicum+last name+first initial.(extension),” and click Open.
- If applicable, click the checkbox agreeing to submit your paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click the Submit button to complete your submission.
- Week in Review:
In this final week, you analyzed the role of the DNP-prepared nurse in scholarship and assessed the practicum experience.
Congratulations! After completing all assignments for this week, you have finished the course. Please submit your Course Evaluation by Day 7.
Journal Entry and Time Log: Weeks 8-11
| Week | Activity Description | Evidence-Based Analysis | Real-World Comparison |
| 8 | [Describe Activity] | [Analyze using evidence] | [Comparison] |
| 9 | [Describe Activity] | [Analyze using evidence] | [Comparison] |
| 10 | [Describe Activity] | [Analyze using evidence] | [Comparison] |
| 11 | [Describe Activity] | [Analyze using evidence] | [Comparison] |
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your assignment using the naming convention “WK11Practicum+last name+first initial.”
- Review the Practicum Rubric for grading criteria.
- Submit your Practicum by clicking on the Week 11 Practicum link and following the submission instructions.
- Check Your Practicum Draft for Authenticity:
Submit your Week 11 Practicum draft and review the originality report.
To check your Practicum draft for authenticity:
- Submit your Week 11 Practicum draft.
- Review the originality report.
- Submit Your Practicum by Day 7:
Click on the Week 11 Practicum link to submit your Practicum.
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