Introduction to Walden University and Professional Development
Course
NURS 8000 – Foundations and Essentials of Doctoral Study in Nursing
Overview
Introduction to Walden University and foundational aspects for professional development in doctoral nursing practice.
Focus Areas
Professional standards, end-of-program expectations, practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and successful participation in online curriculum.
Key Topics
Walden doctoral student essentials, similarities and differences between DNP and Ph.D. in nursing, professional and specialty standards, intra- and interprofessional collaboration, and DNP project process.
The Measured Success Writing Assessment
Requirement
Completion during the first course (NURS 8000)
Assessment Type
Computer-based essay evaluation
Objective
Determine “writing readiness” at the doctoral level
Evaluation
Automated assessment providing holistic score (1-6) and scores for analytical writing categories (focus/meaning, content development, organization, language/style, and mechanics/conventions)
Outcome
Students not demonstrating writing readiness are encouraged to enroll in WCSS 6000N – Graduate Writing: Evaluative and Persuasive Composition Skills, offered at no cost.
Discussion Essay Assignments
Weekly Focus
NURS 8000 Foundations & Essentials of Doctoral Study in Nursing
Key Tips for Discussion Posts
Review guidelines for clear, knowledgeable, and APA-formatted posts. Ensure citations from weekly learning resources and express a stance on the topic.
Writing Process
Follow steps from reviewing prompts, reading course materials, creating an outline, drafting in MS Word with APA style, scholarly tone, introduction, and conclusion. Review and revise for grammar, citations, and submit ensuring proper formatting.
Welcome & Course Readings
Resource Access
myWalden portal login
Library Readings
Provided links for required readings in Walden databases only
Additional Support
Contact the Library for link-related issues; APA questions directed to the Writing Center
Required Course Readings (Examples)
No.
Author(s)
Title
Source
Volume/Issue/Pages
1
Campbell-Crofts, S., Field, J., & Fetherstonhaugh, D.
Ethical considerations for nurses undertaking research with a potentially vulnerable population with chronic kidney disease.
Renal Society of Australasia Journal
9(2), 74-79
2
Cleary, M., Hunt, G. E., & Jackson, D.
Demystifying PhDs: A review of doctorate programs designed to fulfill the needs of the next generation of nursing professionals.
Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession
39(2), 273-280
3
Conn, V. S.
Prepare to launch: Optimizing doctoral education to ensure career success.
Western Journal of Nursing Research
36(1), 3-5, doi:10.1177/0193945913492652
Note: Detailed information about discussion post requirements and rubrics is available in the Course Information area of the course.
