2008-2009 Assessment Plan Report
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PROGRAMASSESSMENTREPORTAY2008‐2009
ReportDate: August1,2009 School/College: SchoolofNursingDepartment/Program: DNPprogramPersoncompletingtheReport: SusanPrion,AssociateProfessor&Chair,DNPDepartment1. OverviewStatement:Brieflysummarizetheassessmentactivitiesthatwereundertaken
thisacademicyear,indicating:
a. Whichprogramlearningoutcomeswereassessedthisyear.b. Whoinyourdepartment/programwasinvolvedintheassessmentoftheabove
learningoutcomesThiswasthefirstfullyearofourprogramandwelookedatmostofprogramoutcomestocompletesomeimmediaterevisionsandimprovements.TheprogramoutcomesfortheDNPprogramareasfollows:UponcompletionoftheDNPprogram,thegraduatewillbeableto:
• Integratenursingsciencewithknowledgefromethics,thebiophysical,psychosocial,analytical,andorganizationalsciencetodevelopandevaluatenursingpracticeandcaredeliverymodels.
• Developandevaluateeffectivestrategiesformanagingtheethicaldilemmasinherentinpatientcare,thehealthcareorganization,informationtechnology,andresearch.
• Useanalyticmethodstodesign,implement,andevaluatebestpracticemodelsforpatientcareandsystemsofcaredelivery.
• Effectivelydevelop,implementandevaluateevidence‐basedapproachestoadvancenursingandhealthcare.
• Demonstrateleadershipinthedevelopmentandimplementationofinstitutional,local,state,federal,andinternationalhealthpolicy.
• Advocateforsocialjustice,equity,andethicalpolicieswithinallhealthcarearenas.
• Effectivelyleadqualityimprovementandpatientsafetyinitiatives.• Advancetheeffectiveuseofhealthcareinformationsystemstoassurehigh
qualityhealthcareoutcomes.• Employeffectivecommunicationandcollaborativeskillsinthedevelopmentand
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implementationofpracticemodels,healthpolicy,standardsofcare,andorganizationalissues.
• Analyzeandsynthesizeepidemiological,biostatical,environmental,culturalelementsrelatedtoindividual,aggregate,andpopulationhealth.
• Conductacomprehensiveassessmentofhealthandillnessparametersincomplexsituations,incorporatingdiverseandculturallysensitiveapproachesinordertodesign,implement,andevaluateevidence‐basedinterventions.
• Developandsustaintherapeuticrelationshipsandpartnershipswithpatientsandotherprofessionalstofacilitateoptimalpatientoutcomes.
• Analyzethelinksamongpractice,organizational,population,fiscal,andpolicyissuesinordertoeffectiveeducationindividualsandcolleagues.
• Satisfythecourseandclinicalrequirementsforspecialtycertification.• AdvancethemissionandcorevaluesoftheUniversityofSanFrancisco.
Specifically,theDNPdepartment(facultyandstudents)incollaborationwiththeSONProgramEvaluationcommitteecompletedaseriesofdirectandindirectassessmentstocollectinformationaboutstudentaccomplishmentoftheseoutcomes.2. PleaseAnswerstheFollowingQuestionsforEachoftheStudentOutcomesAssessed:
a. Whatdidyoudo?Describeclearlyandconciselyhowyouassessedthelearningoutcomesthatwereevaluatedthisyear(e.g.,measures,researchmethods,etc.).[pleaseusebulletpointstoanswerthisquestion]
Weusedintegratedcollectionstrategiestogetfeedbackfromstudents,facultyandgraduates,soIwilldiscussthevariousstrategiesasapackageratherthanbyeachSLO.Wegraduatedourfirstgroupof6DNPgraduatesinDecember2008,andanadditional5studentsinMay,soweusedtheopportunitytoadminister
• Ananonymous,open‐endedonlinesurveytothisgroupaskingfordetailedfeedbackaboutstrengthsandweaknessesoftheprogram
• Basedonthatinformation,wedevelopedamixedfixedandopen‐endedresponsesurveythatwassenttoallofourstudents(structuredaroundProgramOutcomes)
• Wealsoconductedseveral“listeningsessions”thatwerecarefullystructuredasfocusgroupinterviewswithanystudentsintheprogram
• Studentsparticipatedinourdepartmentmeetings,offeringtheirperspectivesonvariousissues.
• WecollectedfeedbackfromenteringstudentsabouttheeffectivenessofthenewDNPEnteringStudentOrientationandwillaskagainattheconclusionofthestudents’firstsemester
• Wedistributedanemployersurveytoeachgraduateandaskedthemtoinvite
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theirsupervisortoprovideuswithsomefeedback(basedonProgramOutcomes)• WeaskedenteringDNPstudentstoself‐assessmagainsttheProgramOutcomes• ThedepartmentchairconductedaDNPfacultyfocusgrouptoexplore
b. Whatdidthefacultyinthedepartmentorprogramlearn?
Summarizeyourfindingsandconclusionsasaresultoftheassessmentindicatingstrengthsandweaknessesinstudentlearningdemonstratedbythisassessment.
Thefacultyandstudentsinthedepartmentlearnedagreatdealasaresultofthisassessment.Wefoundoutthat:
• Ouradmissionsprocesswasnotconsistentandreliedtooheavilyonstaffforimportantdecisions
• Incomingstudentshadverydifferentlevelsofmasteryofthefoundationalskills(scholarlywriting,presentation,grant‐writing,dataanalysisandresearchcritique)necessarytofullyintegratethesophisticateddoctoral‐levelcontent
• Upperlevelstudentsdidnotfeelwell‐preparedtomeettheexpectationsoftheDNPprojectbecauseoftheirlackofcourseworkfocusedonqualitativeresearch
• Incomingstudentswerenotorientatedtotheexpectationsoftheprograminameaningfulandproductiveway,andstruggledtodecipherdepartmentalpolicyandprocedures,especiallyforthequalifyingexamandcomprehensiveexamprocesses
• Thecommitteeselectionprocessforthequalifyingexamandcomprehensiveexamprocesswasfrustratingandconfusingtostudentsandfacultyalike
c. Whatwillbedonedifferentlyasaresultofwhatwaslearned?
Discusshowcoursesand/orcurriculawillbechangedtoimprovestudentlearningasaresultoftheassessment.Includeadiscussionofhowthefacultywillhelpstudentsovercometheirweaknessesandimprovetheirstrengths.
ThecurrentMSNtoDNPprogramwasreconfiguredintooneprimarytrackratherthananindirectanddirect.Theclassesspecifictothecurrentdirecttrack(e.g.AdvancedPathophysiologyandAdvancedPharmacology)werediscontinuedandatransitionplanwasimplementedforthestudentsinthattrack.
Thecurrentcurriculumwillunderwentthefollowingchanges:
• N704InstructionalDesignforHealthcarewasrevisedandrenamedHealthcareInformaticstoreflectanincreasedemphasisonInformatics,asidentifiedintheprogramoutcomesandDNPEssentials
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• N714BioethicscontentwasemorecongruentlyintegratedintoN717PolicyandImplicationsforHealthcareOutcomes
• N712andN713WritingforPublicationandGrantwritingwasrevisedintoone3unitclasscalledScholarlyCommunicationemphasizingwriting,presentationandgrantskills
• GEDU706BasicStatisticswasreplacedbyanewSONclassentitledAppliedDataAnalysisthatincludesastudyofbothqualitativeandquantitativedataanalysistechniquesthroughexplorationofcarefullyselectedresearchstudiesfromthehealthcareprofessionalliterature
• AnewclasstitledLeadershipinComplexadaptivesystemswasdevelopedandapprovedtoprovidearichtheorybaseforhealthcaresystemsleadership
Withthesechanges,thecredittotalincreasedfrom42unitsto45units,buttheprogramgainedastrongtheoreticalgrounding,becamemoreinternallycongruent,andshouldbetterfulfillthecontentexpectationsoftheDNPEssentialsIthroughVIIIandtheDNPProgramOutcomes.
Inaddition,thefollowingprocessesandactivitieswerealsocompleted:
• Twoonlineresourcesweredeveloped:theDNPStudentProfileandthedoctorally‐preparedFacultyProfile.StartinginFall2009,DNPstudentsandqualifiedfacultymemberswillcompleteanonlineprofiledetailingtheirprofessionalexperience,researchandclinicalexperiences,educationalpreparation,andadditionalrelevantinformationthatwillhelptoinformtheDNPcommitteeselectionprocess.TheFacultyprofileswillbeavailabletostudents,andtheStudentprofileswillbeavailabletofacultytoguidebothintheselectionofaDNPcommittee.
• A2‐dayDNPNewStudentOrientationwasdevelopedandheldonAugust21‐22forallincomingDNPstudents.ExpectationsofDNPstudents,resources,informatics,adiscussionoftheDNPdegree,opportunitiestotalkwithcurrentstudents,alumsandfacultymemberswereallpartoftheorientation.Incomingstudentscompletedbotha“selfassessmentofcoreskillsinventory”andthe“EnteringDNPstudentssurvey.”TheEnteringStudentsurveyasksstudentstoself‐assessmentagainsttheprogramoutcomes,andtheaggregateresultswillbetrendedbyrepeatcompletionofthesurveyatimportantmilestonesintheprogram.
• DepartmentmeetingsareheldonTeachingSaturdaysandallstudentsareinvitedtoattendthemeetings.
• A2‐hourDNPfacultyorientationwasconductedtointroducealldoctorally‐preparedfacultytothespecificsofadvisingandservingasacommitteechairorcommitteememberforaDNPstudent
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3. Attachacopyofthecomponentsofthedepartment/programassessmentplanthathave
beenmodifiedsinceitsinitialsubmission:a. ProgramMissionb. ProgramLearningGoalsc. ProgramLearningOutcomesd. ProgramLearningRubricsalignedwithoutcomese. Curriculummapthatshowsthecoursesthatpertaintotheoutcome
Pleasereturnto:ProvostOfficebyJune1,2009YoucansendyourrepliesaseitheraWordattachment(to:[email protected])orasahardcopyto:ProvostOffice,LoneMountainRossiWing4thfloor.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecontact:WilliamMurry,DirectorofInstitutionalAssessment([email protected]).
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DNP program assessment and evaluation plan
May 2009 draft
1. Graduated student qualitative online survey a. December 2008 (n = 6)
i. Results collated and shared with DNP faculty and students February 2009 b. May 2009
i. Results to be collated and shared with DNP faculty and students September 2009
2. Employer survey due August 2009 a. uses DNP Essentials and associated student learning outcomes to assess program
b. Results to be collated and shared with DNP faculty and students September 2009
3. Alumni survey due December 2009 and 1 year after graduation for each subsequent class a. uses DNP Essentials and associated student learning outcomes to assess program b. includes narrative questions from graduated student survey
4. Current student survey due June 2009 a. uses DNP Essentials and associated student learning outcomes to assess program
b. Results to be collated and shared with DNP faculty and students September 2009
5. DNP faculty survey due Fall 2009 a. uses DNP Essentials and associated student learning outcomes to assess program
6. Course assessment: ongoing 7. Individual student progression patterns: ongoing 8. Aggregated student performance (course grade) assessment: ongoing
USF DNP Program May 2009
7 University of San Francisco School of Nursing MSN to DNP program Healthcare Systems Leadership
Course Description DNP Essential(s) Special
instructions
N701 Applied Data Analysis This course introduces the DNP student to the process of qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including the procedures which are appropriate for handling these data in given situations. Students will also acquire the knowledge and skills to evaluate the use of data analysis techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the essential relationship between data analysis and the research process. A strong foundation of data and research analysis skills provides the DNP student with the tools to interpret and apply research findings to clinical practice for improved patient care. This information will be used to plan and evaluate care for individuals and families, and to effect and evaluate organizational changes.
I. Scientific underpinnings for practice
III. Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice
Completed during first 9 units of Probationary Admission
N702 Epidemiology This course provides the opportunity to explore the causes of health and disease through systematic and rigorous identification of patterns in populations, formulating causal hypotheses and testing those hypotheses by making group comparisons. Epidemiology is the basic science of public health, and as such,
I. Scientific underpinnings for practice
VII. Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation’s health
Must complete N701 as prerequisite
USF DNP Program May 2009
8 provides the scientific underpinnings for understanding disease patterns so that effective interventions can be proposed, implemented and evaluated.
N704 Healthcare Informatics Participants in this course will gain the
knowledge and skills necessary to use information systems and instructional technology to support and improve patient care and direct effective student, patient and staff education in the healthcare system and/or academic setting.
IV. Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare
VI. Interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
N705 Scholarly Communication Exploration of scholarly writing and oral communication will assist the doctoral student in mastering methods of clear and persuasive argument. Emphasis will be placed on clear and articulate presentation of ideas to an audience of healthcare professionals and funding agencies.
I. Scientific underpinnings for practice
III. Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice
Completed during first 9 units of Probationary Admission
N711 Evidence-based practice in healthcare
This course focuses on using research to evaluate policy, practice guidelines, and other related foci for improvement of patient care. Emphasized are critical analysis and synthesis of practice assessment, intervention, and evaluation of outcomes. Participants will evaluate research findings, develop, and support data-driven decisions.
I. Scientific underpinnings for practice
III. Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice
Completed during first 9 units of Probationary Admission
USF DNP Program May 2009
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N716 Advanced Practice Roles Doctoral seminar: focus on analysis of the scope and nature of advanced practice roles and their implementation and utilization in health care systems. Issues and trends related to legislation, law, reimbursement and policy as it affects advanced nursing practice for direct and indirect care providers will be emphasized.
II. Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
VI. Interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
VIII. Advanced nursing practice
N754 Policy and ethical implications for healthcare outcomes
Course focuses on the development of the nurse’s role in health care planning and policy and responsibility for patient outcomes. Content includes the critical analysis of bioethical issues in the delivery of health care services. The concepts of access, quality, ethics and cost containment will be overarching themes in the course discussions.
I. Scientific underpinnings for practice
II. Organization and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
V. Healthcare policy for advocacy in healthcare
N755 Leadership in complex adaptive systems
This course provides the doctoral student with an opportunity to engage in a study of current and cutting edge leadership theories and apply them directly to the practice of professional nursing at the advanced practice level. Historical, present-day, and future perspectives of leadership in nursing within the context of the dynamic nature of health care organizations will be explored. Specific emphasis will be on incorporating and viewing nursing leadership and organizations using the complexity science paradigm. Strategies for incorporating change management
I. Scientific underpinnings for practice
II. Organization and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
VIII. Advanced nursing practice
USF DNP Program May 2009
10 theories will also be addressed through the perspective of the emerging roles of the nurse as clinical nurse leader and practitioner, advocate, manager of resources and member of the interdisciplinary team. Finally, through the practice of Ignatian Pedagogy and reflective praxis, the student will engage in self assessment and self evaluation of their own leadership styles and values, ultimately creating a vision statement for their own personal development and strategic acquisition of leadership skills and knowledge for their advanced practice as a DNP.
N764 Advanced Management of
Financial Resources This course provides the DNP student with
tools to critically analyze the principles of finance and fiscal management in health care systems. Economic issues that affect health care systems and patient care delivery will be analyzed. Financial reports and statements will be used to analyze the profitability and fiscal stability of organizations. Students will participate in all aspects of the budgeting process. Forecasting techniques and research will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of financial management strategies. The influence of global trends on the health care delivery system will be discussed.
II. Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
IV. Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare
VI. Interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
N765 Project and practice management
Doctoral seminar in which students will learn
the basic principles of planning, scheduling and controlling activities related to practice in health care
I. Scientific underpinnings for practice
II. Organizational and systems
USF DNP Program May 2009
11 organizations. The conceptual underpinnings to apply knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to a broad range of activities in order to develop and manage a project to successful completion will be emphasized.
leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
IV. Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare
VI. Interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
N789 DNP project Evidence-based practice project addressing a clinically relevant problem including review of literature, translation of findings to the practice setting, collaborative project design, implementation, and the evaluation of impact on patient outcomes and the care environment.
The project is a faculty-guided scholarly
experience that provides evidence of critical thinking and ability to apply research principles through problem identification, proposal development, implementation, and evaluation.
I. Scientific underpinnings of practice
II. Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
III. Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice
N790 HSL Practicum I: Role Development
A clinical practice course that provides for the role development of the health care systems leader at the doctoral level under the supervision of a preceptor and facilitated by faculty. Students will select a setting (i.e., hospital, long term, community health agency, etc.) where evidence-based leadership activities can
II. Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
IV. Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and
Students can register for a range of units (2-5 units) for this course. For each unit of
USF DNP Program May 2009
12 be employed. Students will determine individual goals and learning objectives consistent with a learning contract negotiated with a preceptor and approved by faculty. Students will develop and manage a project that will benefit the setting. Placement in a practicum site will be based on the students' clinical interest and the availability of preceptors.
transformation of healthcare VI. Interprofessional
collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
VIII. Advanced nursing practice
credit during this practicum course, the student must complete 3 hours of practice (5 Units = 225 hours). The unit load for the course will be individualized to each student in consultation with the academic advisor.
Co-requisite N711 N791 HSL Practicum II: Role
implementation Clinical practice course in which the student
implements the role of the clinical systems leader under the supervision of a preceptor. Students will select a setting (hospital, long term or community health agency) where concepts, theories, and principles of administration and management can be applied. Students will determine individual goals and learning objectives consistent with a learning contract negotiated with a preceptor and approved by faculty. Clinical placement
II. Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
IV. Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare
VI. Interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
N790 or equivalency and permission of Instructor and academic advisor
USF DNP Program May 2009
13 will be based on students' clinical interest and the availability of preceptors.
VIII. Advanced nursing practice
N792 HSL Practicum III: Role evaluation
Clinical practice course in which the student evaluates the role of the healthcare systems leader. Students will develop, implement and evaluate an evidence-based program designed to positively impact patient care outcomes. Students will determine individual goals and learning objectives consistent with a learning contract negotiated with a preceptor and approved by faculty.
Clinical placement will be based on students'
clinical interest and the availability of preceptors.
II. Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
IV. Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare
VI. Interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
VIII. Advanced nursing practice
N790, 791 or equivalency and Permission of Instructor and Academic Advisor.
USF DNP Program May 2009
14 N793 HSL Practicum IV: Role Synthesis Clinical practice focused on synthesis of the
healthcare systems leader in an advanced practice role based on an evidence-based practice approach designed to bring high level change in a clinical system. Students will determine individual goals and learning objectives consistent with a learning contract negotiated with a preceptor and approved by faculty.
Clinical placement will be based on students'
clinical interest and the availability of preceptors. Faculty may serve as preceptor in this course.
II. Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
IV. Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare
VI. Interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
VIII. Advanced nursing practice
N790, 791, 792 or equivalency and Permission of academic
N795 DNP Residency Advanced practice residency. Structured immersion to mastery of a specific advanced nursing practice or systems leadership role. Individual contracts will be developed to meet the needs of the students and practicum placements will be dependent on current experiences and students’ goals.
VIII. Advanced nursing practice
Successful completion of Qualifying Exam & Progression to Residency. Permission of DNP chairperson
N799 DNP Directed Study Variable Depends on topic area Permission of
instructor and advisor