Exploring the Types of DNP Projects for Effective Nursing Practice
Understanding the DNP Project Process
The DNP project is a formal manuscript addressing a gap in practice or practice change.
Walden DNP doctoral projects may consist of a five-section manuscript or a quality improvement translation of evidence project.
The project should demonstrate translation of acquired knowledge into clinical practice and exhibit the student’s growth in clinical knowledge, expertise, and use of the DNP Essentials and DNP Tool Kit.
The project should reflect the DNP Essentials in a single, cumulative work that evolves as the student progresses through the program.
The project should serve as a platform for future scholarship after graduation.
Types of DNP Projects
Research projects: involve original research and data analysis to answer a specific research question.
Practice projects: focus on implementing a change in practice or policy to improve health care outcomes.
Quality improvement projects: aim to improve patient outcomes or processes within a healthcare organization.
Evidence-based practice projects: focus on translating evidence into practice to improve health care outcomes.
Guideline development and improvement projects: aim to develop or improve guidelines for practice.
DNP Project Essentials
The project should demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and application to real-world problems.
The project should be focused on improving health care outcomes.
The project should be a tangible and deliverable academic product.
The project should provide a measurable medium for evaluating immersion experiences.
The project should demonstrate the student’s growth in knowledge, expertise, and leadership.
Project Development and Implementation
Students should take eight steps to complete their doctor of nursing practice (DNP) projects.
The project should be developed and implemented in a way that demonstrates translation of acquired knowledge into clinical practice.
The project should be guided by the DNP Essentials and DNP Tool Kit.
The project should be developed and implemented in collaboration with stakeholders and experts in the field.
Dissemination and Impact
All DNP projects should emphasize positive change that advances quality outcomes, attention to systems thinking, strategies for sustainability with an appraisal of processes and outcomes, and a structure for future practice.
The expectation is that DNP-prepared nurses will contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing practice by sharing their work with others so that they can apply it to their practice roles.
The project should be disseminated through publication, presentation, or other means to share the results with others.
Examples of Successful DNP Projects
Quality improvement projects: such as increasing mindfulness meditation to prevent burnout among mental health nurses.
Evidence-based practice projects: such as evaluating the impact of a nurse practitioner residency program.
Guideline development and improvement projects: such as implementing transgender/gender diversity education for parents.
Research projects: such as assessing the current STEMI process from ED to Cath Lab.
Becoming a Trailblazer in DNP Practice
DNP students’ final projects reflect the culmination of their educational journey and prepare them to share their work with others to benefit patients, the healthcare system, and the nursing profession.
The result is a body of information that bridges the gap between research theory and clinical practice.
DNP-prepared nurses should be leaders in their field, using their knowledge and expertise to improve health care outcomes and advance the nursing profession.
