NURS 8410 – Best Practices in Nursing Specialties: Weekly Discussion Essay Assignments
Table of Contents
Week 1: Developing a Focus in Your Specialty Area
As a nurse and doctoral student, you have already cultivated a set of skills and expertise that allow you to contribute meaningfully to the nursing profession and those you serve. However, advancing to a higher level of practice requires a deeper understanding of health care issues and approaches, particularly in your chosen specialty. To practice at the highest level, you must be capable of analyzing health care problems through a combination of reasoning, theory, research, and practical experience.
Overview of the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project:
Throughout this course, you will develop an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project. This project will involve evaluating the scientific foundations of a specific health care issue within your specialty area, applying best practices, identifying and assessing outcomes, and creating new practice guidelines. This week, you’ll begin familiarizing yourself with the requirements of the EBP Project, which will be part of your practicum experience. To prepare, you will reflect on your potential for professional growth and create learning objectives to guide your practicum. The EBP Project must be completed during this practicum and differs from the DNP project you will develop under the guidance of your DNP faculty chair and committee.
Learning Objectives:
Students will:
- Formulate an EBP Project question that integrates theory, knowledge, research, reasoning, and nursing practice.
- Identify areas for professional growth as part of the practicum experience.
Looking Ahead:
You are required to log the time you spend on practicum-related activities. Access your time log via the Welcome page in your Meditrek account, and make sure to log your hours regularly. Time logs will be reviewed in Weeks 3, 7, and 11.
Required Readings:
- Terry, A. J. (2018). Clinical research for the doctor of nursing practice (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2006). The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/dnp/Essentials.pdf
- Jeffs, L. et al. (2013). 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). 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., et al. (2010). Evidence-based practice step-by-step: The seven steps of evidence-based practice. American Journal of Nursing, 110(1), 51-53.
Discussion: Developing an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project Question
Consider issues related to your nursing practice and identify what stands out about your specialty area. What questions or concerns do you believe need attention? How would you like to contribute to the knowledge base of your profession?
The EBP Project offers an opportunity to advance nursing practice. The first step is to formulate a clear, relevant question that will define the focus of your project and guide your selection of research methods and tools. Start thinking about aspects of your specialty that could form the basis of your EBP Project question.
To Prepare:
- Develop your EBP Project question using the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) method as outlined in Chapter 2 of Clinical Research for the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Adapt the PICO method as needed to fit your specialty area.
- Begin working on the “Literature Review Matrix” by reviewing at least four to six research articles that are relevant to your specialty and EBP Project question.
- Reflect on the McCurry, Revell, and Roy article and consider how it informs your thinking on the development of your project question.
By Day 3:
Post a cohesive scholarly response that includes:
- Your project question, as developed so far.
- The key elements informing your project question: theory, current research, nursing practice, and your specialty knowledge.
- Any questions or concerns about developing your project question or literature review, as well as any thoughts on expanding your expertise within your specialty.
By Day 6:
Respond to at least two colleagues by providing feedback on their project question:
- Is the project question clear and understandable?
- Is the answer to the question not immediately apparent?
- Can the question be answered within the time available for the project?
Additionally, consider responding by:
- Asking a probing question supported by evidence or research.
- Sharing an insight based on your review of your colleagues’ postings and providing a new perspective.
- Offering an alternative viewpoint with evidence from course readings or your research.
- Validating an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Return to the discussion later in the week to review the responses to your post. Reflect on what you have learned or any new insights gained from your peers’ comments.
Submission and Grading Information:
Grading Criteria:
- Review the Week 1 Discussion Rubric for details on how your post will be assessed.
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6.
Week 1 Discussion: Introduction to the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project
Assignment Overview: In this practicum course, you will undertake a small-scale Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project. This project allows you to apply the concepts learned in the course and provides an authentic experience to enhance your specialty knowledge as a scholar-practitioner.
Refer to the provided document for an overview of the full EBP Project assignment: Document: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project Overview (Word document)
While no submissions are required this week, begin considering your project and discuss it with your Practicum Mentor.
Practicum: Planning Learning Objectives
The practicum experience helps expand your advanced nursing knowledge at the aggregate, organizational, or policy level. In Week 1, you are required to submit two to three individual learning objectives, prepared using Bloom’s Taxonomy, that reflect your goals for this practicum. Ensure these objectives focus on expanding your knowledge and are unrelated to your DNP project. They should align with the DNP Essentials and the competencies outlined by AACN (2006).
Your learning objectives should include:
- Two to three objectives, using Bloom’s Taxonomy.
- A description of how these objectives will expand your nursing skills at the aggregate, organizational, or policy level.
- The relationship of these objectives to the DNP Essentials.
Important Notes:
- Ensure your learning objectives adhere to APA style guidelines. Points may be deducted for not following writing and formatting requirements.
Submission Details:
- Submit your completed objectives by Day 7.
- Ensure you have submitted all required paperwork for the practicum experience and obtained final approval from your instructor before beginning.
Time Log:
- Keep a detailed log of your practicum hours, including start and finish times, and descriptions of activities. You will submit a journal entry, along with your time log, in Weeks 3, 7, and 11, connecting your professional experiences with the competencies learned in the program.
Submission Instructions:
- Save your document as “WK1Practicum+[last name]+[first initial]” before submission.
- Follow the steps to submit it via the Week 1 Practicum submission link.
Practicum Journal Guidelines:
- Your journal should reflect your professional experiences and their connection to the program competencies. It will be submitted in Weeks 3, 7, and 11, and should include sequential entries.
Week 1 Reflection: This week, you began formulating your EBP Project question and assessing your growth areas. Next week, you will start developing your EBP Project within your practicum setting.
Week 2 Overview: Applying Complex Reasoning Strategies Next week, the focus shifts to developing your small-scale EBP Project. You’ll identify a practice-related issue that differs from expected outcomes in research literature, laying the foundation for your project.
Learning Objectives:
- Apply reasoning strategies in your specialty area.
- Evaluate outcomes that differ from research evidence.
Required Readings: Be sure to review the readings in preparation for next week’s discussion on reasoning strategies in your specialty area.
Discussion: Reasoning in a Specialty Area Reflect on a recent practice-related decision and assess how reasoning strategies informed your process. Compare this with the clinical reasoning principles discussed in the course resources.
To prepare:
- Reflect on the definition of clinical reasoning and how it applies to your specialty.
- Identify at least two examples of reasoning strategies from your specialty literature.
- Reexamine your EBP Project question through the lens of clinical reasoning.
Discussion Instructions:
- By Day 3, post a scholarly response discussing the reasoning strategies in your specialty and how they can refine your EBP Project question.
- By Day 6, respond to at least two colleagues, offering insights, suggestions, or alternative perspectives.
Ensure your responses are supported with citations from the Learning Resources or additional research.
Submission Information:
- Follow the provided rubric for grading criteria.
- Post your discussion by Day 3 and respond to colleagues by Day 6.
Week 2 Discussion: Identification of a Practice Issue for the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project
Throughout the DNP program, you have frequently examined research literature to address various healthcare challenges. Now, consider an issue in your clinical practice where the outcomes differ from what is supported by existing literature. For instance, evidence might suggest that handwashing, glove use, and isolation practices reduce nosocomial infections. However, despite implementing these strategies in your setting, infection rates remain high.
For this assignment, select an issue that will serve as the foundation for your Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project.
Preparation for Assignment 1:
- Reflect on your practicum setting and identify practice-related challenges in your specialty area.
- Choose a practice issue where the outcomes differ from what research suggests.
- This issue will be the focus of your entire EBP Project, so ensure it offers opportunities for developing new approaches to practice.
- Explore the research literature related to your chosen issue.
Assignment Instructions:
In a 1-2 page paper, provide:
- A summary of the selected practice issue where the outcomes differ from those supported by research literature.
Due Date: Submit the completed assignment by Day 7.
Submission and Grading Information:
- Save your assignment using the format “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)”.
- Review the Week 2 Assignment Rubric for grading criteria.
- Submit your paper via the designated Week 2 Assignment area.
Practicum:
As you begin your practicum, ensure that all necessary paperwork is submitted and approved. Keep track of your practicum hours using the provided time log. By Day 7 of Week 3, submit your time log and journal entry.
Week in Review:
This week, you explored practice issues where outcomes differ from research-based expectations and applied critical reasoning in your specialty area. Next week, you will focus on the current state of science within your specialty.
Week 3: Translating Science into Advanced Nursing Practice
Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex, driven by rapid advancements in technology, medical research, and information systems. Nurses are tasked with implementing best practices based on evidence. This week, you will explore the latest research in your specialty and assess how it informs evidence-based practice. Additionally, you will submit your time log and practicum journal entry.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge in your nursing specialty.
- Assess your practicum experience.
- Analyze current literature related to a specific issue in your specialty.
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.).
Optional Resources:
- Terry, A. J. (2018). Chapters 14-17 in Clinical research for the doctor of nursing practice (3rd ed.).
Discussion: The State of Science in Practice
Consider an issue related to your practice that may serve as the focus for your EBP Project. Examine practice guidelines for this issue and determine how current the evidence is. Use the Walden Library to locate recent research on translating evidence into practice for your selected issue.
By Day 3: Post a scholarly response discussing the current state of scientific evidence related to your selected issue. Provide examples of recent evidence that support your analysis.
By Day 6: Respond to at least two colleagues by probing further into their findings, offering alternative perspectives, or validating ideas with your own research.
Practicum: Journal and Time Log
By Day 7: Submit your journal entry and time log for Weeks 1-3. Your journal entry should connect your clinical experiences with the program competencies, concepts, and relevant literature.
Submission Instructions: Save your assignment and submit it for review via the designated practicum submission area.
Week 3 Practicum
Week in Review
This week, you reflected on your practicum experiences and reviewed current literature to assess the state of science in your nursing specialty area. You also engaged in weekly discussions and completed essay assignments for NURS 8410 – Best Practices in Nursing Specialties.
Next week, you will explore how nursing practice interrelates with evidence-based practice.
To continue: [Week 4]
Week 4: New Practice Approaches, Part I
Building on Week 3, we revisit the foundational role of science in nursing practice and guidelines. However, it’s common to discover that the latest research isn’t always integrated into practice or that guidelines aren’t promptly updated with new evidence.
The goal of evidence-based practice (EBP) is to ensure that the most current science is applied to deliver the highest quality of care. This is achieved through the careful analysis, synthesis, and application of research, theory, and knowledge in nursing practice.
This week, you will explore the connections between theory, knowledge, research, and nursing practice and how they influence evidence-based practice. You’ll also continue work on your EBP Project with the initiation of Application 2.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this week, you will be able to:
- Analyze the relationships between theory, knowledge, research, and evidence-based practice.
- Evaluate evidence-based approaches founded on non-nursing theories.
- Assess research designs suitable for addressing issues in a specialty area.
- Justify your choice of research design.
Learning Resources
To access this week’s resources, visit the Course Readings List found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
Required Readings
- Terry, A. J. (2018). Clinical research for the doctor of nursing practice (3rd ed.). Select and read the chapter relevant to your proposed EBP methodologies:
- Chapter 6: Quantitative Capstone Research
- Chapter 7: Qualitative Capstone Research
- Chapter 8: Mixed Method Capstone Research
- Fawcett, J., & Garity, J. (2009). Chapter 1: Research and evidence-based nursing practice. In Evaluating Research for Evidence-Based Nursing (pp. 3–20).
- Adams, J.M., & Natarajan, S. (2016). Understanding influence within the context of nursing: Development of the Adams influence model. Advances in Nursing Science, 39(3), E40-E56.
- Djulbergovic, B. (2014). A framework to bridge evidence-based medicine and implementation science. Journal of Oncology Practice, 10(3), 200-202.
- Hutchinson, A.M. et al. (2012). Using the PARIHS framework to guide research in practice settings. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, First Quarter, 59-61.
- Leung, K., Trevena, L., & Waters, D. (2014). Systematic review of instruments measuring EBP knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70(10), 2181–2195.
Discussion: The Interrelationship Between Theory, Knowledge, and Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Fawcett and Garity (2009) explore the connections between theory, knowledge, research, and EBP. Reflect on their definitions and compare them with your understanding of these concepts based on your professional and academic experiences.
To prepare:
- Review Fawcett and Garity’s definitions and reflect on how they align with your understanding of knowledge, theory, research, and EBP.
- Consider how these concepts guide your EBP Project.
By Day 3:
Post a scholarly response discussing:
- How Fawcett and Garity’s definitions align with your understanding of knowledge, theory, research, and EBP.
- The interrelationship between theory, knowledge, research, and EBP.
- How this interrelationship guides your EBP Project.
By Day 6:
Respond to at least two colleagues by:
- Asking probing questions or offering insights.
- Presenting alternative perspectives using course readings or personal research.
- Expanding on their ideas with additional evidence or contrasting viewpoints.
Assignment: Application 2 – Laying the Foundation for New Approaches to Practice
This week, you explored the relationship between theory, knowledge, research, and EBP. As you begin Application 2, consider how theories from other disciplines can inform your EBP Project.
To prepare:
- Using scholarly resources, explore EBP approaches based on non-nursing theories.
- Evaluate these approaches to see if they could support your EBP Project.
By Day 7 of Week 5:
Submit Application 2.
Practicum
Continue logging your practicum hours and journaling your experiences. You’ll submit your time log and journal entry in Week 7.
Week in Review
This week, you evaluated evidence-based approaches grounded in non-nursing theories and explored research designs for addressing specialty issues.
Next week, you’ll examine models and frameworks that assist with adopting new practice approaches.
[Week 5]
Week 6: Application of New Practice Approaches, Part I
In the previous weeks, the foundation for developing new practice strategies has been laid out for you and your colleagues. Now, reflect on the evidence-based practice (EBP) project issue you have been focusing on throughout this course. How can you integrate the evidence reviewed for Application 2 with the knowledge gained in this course to devise a fresh approach?
This week, you’ll be creating evidence-based practice strategies aimed at improving healthcare quality and developing a plan to evaluate these strategies. As you begin working on Application 3, consider the financial and economic aspects of implementing these strategies. Additionally, as part of your practicum, you will reflect on your leadership abilities and how you can incorporate business, finance, and healthcare policy principles into initiatives that will improve the overall quality of care delivered.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this week, students will:
- Apply theoretical foundations in the development of evidence-based practice strategies.
- Evaluate the potential economic impacts of new practice strategies for a selected specialty issue.
- Assess personal growth in leadership skills.
Required Readings
- White, K. M., Dudley-Brown, S., & Terharr, M. F. (2016).Translation of Evidence into Nursing and Healthcare Practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.
- Chapter 6, “Translation of Evidence for Leadership”
- Balakas, K., Sparks, L., Steurer, L., & Bryant, T. (2013). An outcome of evidence-based practice education: Sustained clinical decision-making among bedside nurses. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 28, 479-485.
- Brown, D.S. (2012). Interview with quality leaders: Dr. Donna E. Shalala and Dr. Linda Burnes Bolton on the committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative on the future of nursing at the Institute of Medicine. Journal for Healthcare Quality, 24(4), 40-44.
- Brandt, B., Lutfiyya, M.N., King, J.A., & Chioresco, C. (2014). A scoping review of interprofessional collaborative practice and education using the lens of the Triple Aim. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 28(5), 393-399.
Discussion: Developing and Evaluating New Practice Approaches
As healthcare professionals, you’re constantly exposed to emerging techniques, treatments, and technologies aimed at enhancing care quality and patient outcomes. With your advanced nursing practice, you have a unique opportunity to explore new solutions for healthcare issues. What tools can assist you in the discovery process? What should be considered as you formulate new practice approaches?
This week, you’ll focus on addressing the EBP Project issue identified earlier in the course, using evidence-based methods to propose new strategies.
To prepare:
- Reflect on the evidence you have gathered for the EBP Project (introduced in Week 2).
- Using the methods outlined in the Learning Resources, develop new evidence-based practice strategies that target the issue and improve healthcare quality.
- Consider the theoretical basis and potential economic impact of these strategies.
By Day 3: Post a cohesive response that includes:
- A summary of the issue and proposed evidence-based practice strategies.
- The theoretical basis for the strategies.
- An analysis of the potential economic impact.
- How the new practice strategies can improve healthcare quality.
Assignment: Application 3 – Becoming a Leader in Translating Evidence into Practice
This week, you will begin Application 3, which involves assessing the financial and economic implications of your EBP Project issue. Reflect on your leadership abilities, and think about how, as a DNP-prepared nurse, you can leverage business, finance, and healthcare policy principles to create initiatives that enhance care quality.
To prepare:
- Continue evaluating the new strategies and their potential economic impact.
- Review Chapter 6 in the course text to consider how these activities can develop your leadership skills and strengthen healthcare delivery.
Reminder: You’ll submit your time log and journal entry in Week 7.
Assignment: Application 3: Leadership in Translating Evidence into Practice
Reflect on the professional and personal growth you’ve experienced during your DNP journey. According to the AACN (2006), one of the key benefits of a practice doctorate is the enhancement of leadership skills, which strengthens practice and improves health care delivery. As you continue your practicum, be mindful of your growth in these areas.
In Week 6, you reflected on your leadership skills for this assignment. This week, you will expand on that reflection by considering how you can lead in translating evidence into practice through policy development.
Preparation for Application 3:
Building on the work from Week 6, review this week’s discussion and consider how you can lead policy development that addresses the issue in your evidence-based practice (EBP) project. The full Application 3 is due by Day 7 this week. Instructions for previous sections were provided in Week 6.
To complete the assignment:
Write a 3- to 5-page paper that synthesizes the following:
- Your vision as a leader:
- How you will continue to expand your knowledge of financial, economic, and other factors affecting new practice approaches.
- How translating evidence will enable you to strengthen health care delivery and nursing practice.
- How you would advocate for evidence-based practice approaches in the policy arena.
Submission Instructions:
Save your assignment as “WK7Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and submit it by Day 7 using the appropriate submission link. Review the grading rubric to ensure all criteria are met.
Practicum: Journal and Time Log
By Day 7, submit a journal entry for Weeks 4-7 along with your time log. The journal should connect your professional experience with your practicum, reflect on competencies and concepts from the program, and reference literature. Each journal entry should be clearly labeled by week, and all entries should be included in one document.
- Journal Entry Guidelines:
- Describe the observed activities.
- Analyze the issue using an evidence-based approach.
- Discuss how real-world practices compare to program-related concepts and theories.
Save your document as “WK7Practicum+last name+first initial.(extension)” and submit it through the designated link.
Week in Review:
This week, you analyzed your growth as a leader in evidence-based practice and developed strategies to advocate for health policy that enhances care outcomes. Next week, you will explore the barriers that may impede the adoption of evidence-based practices and learn about strategies to overcome them.
Week 8: Creating an Environment for Evidence-Based Practice
“What health care needs most are effective leaders who understand innovation, respect diversity, and nurture change in all its forms” (Hyrkäs & Harvey, 2010). As a nurse engaged in advanced practice, you have the unique ability to motivate your peers and foster a culture that embraces evidence-based change. However, numerous barriers may challenge the implementation of evidence into practice.
This week, you will examine these barriers and explore change theories that can facilitate the development of an environment that promotes evidence-based practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Assess change readiness in a practice environment.
- Develop theory-based strategies to implement change.
Required Readings:
- White, K. M., Dudley-Brown, S., & Terharr, M. F. (2016). Translation of evidence into nursing and health care practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.
- Darling, F. (2016). Practitioners’ views and barriers to implementation of the Keeping Birth Normal tool: A pilot study. British Journal of Midwifery, 24(7), 508-519.
Discussion: Preparing for Change
Consider how you can move a practice issue from development to implementation and realize positive outcomes. Review change, organizational, and behavioral theories presented in Chapter 3 of Translation of Evidence Into Nursing and Health Care Practice.
- To prepare:
- Assess change readiness in your practicum setting.
- Identify barriers and facilitators of change.
- Develop strategies to address barriers using change theory.
To participate:
Post a scholarly response discussing the factors that influence change readiness, the theory guiding your change efforts, and strategies for addressing barriers.
Assignment: Application 4: Planning for Change
This week, begin planning for the implementation of change in your practice setting. Consider the factors that impact stakeholders, including financial, legislative, and system concerns. Continue analyzing the change implementation process in your practice environment and develop methods to address stakeholder concerns.
The full Application 4 is due in Week 10, but nothing is due this week.
Week in Review:
This week, you assessed the readiness for change in your practice environment and developed strategies to implement change based on theory. Next week, you will analyze issues at the macro- and micro-levels of health care organizations to promote quality outcomes.
Discussion: Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Initiatives
Dr. Sasha Mendez, the vice president of nursing, has received numerous complaints from patients and their families about the challenges they face in navigating the system at her organization, particularly when moving from the emergency room to admissions. With her specialty in psych/mental health, Dr. Mendez is particularly concerned about the stress this situation causes for patients.
In assessing the situation, it’s crucial to identify the macro systems impacting patient satisfaction at Dr. Mendez’s facility. Additionally, she should analyze the micro systems that affect the patient journey—from entry to potential admission and eventual discharge. Understanding how these systems interrelate is vital, as is recognizing what influences each system.
The concepts introduced in Week 8 provide a foundational framework for examining barriers and facilitators within an organization’s environment that affect change implementation. In this discussion, you will explore both macro and micro systems in your practicum organization and identify necessary changes to promote quality improvement and enhance patient safety outcomes.
Preparation Steps:
- Reflect on the issue addressed in your Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project.
- Identify the macro and micro systems influencing this issue. Consult the McClusky and Middleton (2010) article for guidance on this analysis.
- Define the desired outcomes of addressing the EBP issue and how these resolutions will enhance quality and patient safety. (Note: Next week, you will evaluate these outcomes, so consider viewing the Week 10 Discussion as you prepare.)
- Identify any procedures or processes that need modification to achieve the desired outcomes.
- Create a 5-slide Microsoft PowerPoint presentation for the business unit team and leadership, outlining your issue, proposed strategies for resolution, and their anticipated impact on quality and patient safety. The aim of this presentation is to persuade the team and leadership to adopt your recommendations.
Submission Timeline:
- By Day 3: Post your PowerPoint presentation.
- By Day 6: Respond to at least two colleagues using the following scenario:
Imagine you are a manager from the business unit or leadership team involved in your organization’s quality management committee. Critique at least three presentations from your peers.
When critiquing:
- Assess how convincingly the presentation addresses the appropriate systems and whether the identified outcomes are achievable.
- Provide feedback on whether the suggested modifications will effectively lead to the desired outcomes.
Return to this discussion later to reflect on insights gained from your colleagues’ comments.
Support your work with specific citations from this week’s learning resources and any additional sources.
Grading Criteria:
To access your rubric, refer to the Week 9 Discussion Rubric.
Assignment 1: Application 4: Planning for Change, Implementing and Evaluating EBP Projects
In implementing EBP projects, it’s essential to recognize both inhibiting and facilitating systems within the healthcare organization. Understanding how these systems influence one another is crucial for advancing your EBP project.
Reflect on the feedback from your colleagues regarding your PowerPoint presentation. Consider any new insights you’ve gained and how you might adjust your strategies for addressing the issue.
Preparation for Application 4:
- Refine your desired outcomes and strategies based on the week’s discussion.
- Evaluate how resolving the issue will enhance quality and patient safety.
- Integrate this information into your Application paper (not in PowerPoint).
By Day 7 of Week 10: Application 4 is due; no submission is required this week.
Assignment 2: Application 5: Disseminating the EBP Project
Dissemination is vital for advancing nursing practice and enhancing the body of knowledge within the profession. Prepare for this week’s section of Application 5 by analyzing the role of the DNP-prepared nurse in scholarship.
Application 5 Components:
Your scholarly product should report the results and implications of your project to a specified audience. It may take the form of a project summary, evaluation report, poster presentation, or technology-based deliverable, and must include:
- Background, Purpose, and Nature of the Project: Describe the larger issue explored in your DNP Project, identify your practice-focused question, and discuss its impact on nursing practice and the healthcare system.
- Evidence: Detail the practice setting, summarize supporting evidence, and outline the implementation and evaluation process.
- Presentation of Results: Explain your DNP Project results and your recommendations for organizational change.
(Note: Up to 2 points may be deducted for grammar, spelling, or APA errors.)
Application Due: Day 6 of Week 11.
Practicum Reminder:
Continue documenting your practicum experiences, including a time log and journal entries, as per the Practicum Guidelines in the Course Overview.
By Day 7 of Week 11: Submit your time log and journal entry.
Week in Review:
This week, you applied systems theory to evaluate quality improvement and safety initiatives. Next week, you will focus on evaluating the success of new practice approaches and translating research evidence into new guidelines for practice and standards of care.
To proceed to the next week: Week 10: Evaluation of Outcomes
Learning Objectives:
Students will:
- Evaluate outcomes of new practice approaches in a specialty area.
- Develop practice guidelines based on these evaluations.
- Recommend new standards of care to address a health issue in a specialty area.
Learning Resources:
Refer to the course readings for essential materials related to this week’s objectives.
Preparation Steps
- Course Text Review: Consult Translation of Evidence Into Nursing and Health Care Practice for a list of evaluation questions on page 239.
- Learning Resources Review: Focus on the various evaluation frameworks presented. Choose one framework to assess the outcomes identified in your Week 9 Discussion.
- Envision New Guidelines: Based on potential evaluation results, consider new practice guidelines and the standards of care they may lead to.
By Day 3
Post a well-organized scholarly response addressing the following:
- Outcomes Statement: Clearly state the outcomes you are addressing from your Week 9 Discussion.
- Evaluation Methods: Describe how you would evaluate these outcomes, supporting your approach with evidence from the literature.
- New Guidelines: Propose new practice guidelines informed by your outcome evaluation.
- Standards of Care: Discuss any new standards of care that may emerge from these guidelines.
Review responses from your colleagues.
By Day 6
Respond to two colleagues in one or more of the following ways:
- Pose a probing question, backed by additional evidence or research.
- Share insights gained from your colleagues’ postings, providing new perspectives.
- Offer an alternative viewpoint supported by classroom readings or your own research.
- Validate an idea with your experiences and further research.
- Suggest recommendations based on evidence from your readings or synthesized postings.
- Expand upon your colleagues’ postings by providing contrasting perspectives based on evidence.
Return to this Discussion later to reflect on the insights gained from your colleagues’ comments.
Be sure to support your contributions with specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and any additional sources.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria: Access your rubric via the Week 10 Discussion Rubric.
- Post by Day 3 and respond by Day 6.
Assignment 1: Application 4 – Planning for Change, Implementing and Evaluating EBP Projects
Evaluating EBP Projects: Various factors influence the successful implementation and evaluation of an EBP Project. As noted in this week’s resources, a translation framework can enhance both implementation and outcome evaluation.
Preparation for Application 4
Continue from this week’s discussion:
- Identify a suitable method for evaluating your outcomes.
- Develop new practice guidelines based on potential evaluation results.
- Create any new standards of care that align with these guidelines.
Full Application 4 is due by Day 7.
To Complete
Write a 4- to 8-page paper addressing the following:
Planning for Change
- Analyze the impact of implementing change in your practice environment, considering stakeholder and end-user factors.
- Summarize the methods you will use to ensure these factors are addressed.
Implementing EBP Projects
- Identify the desired outcomes of your EBP Project.
- Describe any macro or micro system issues that may impede implementation and strategies to address them.
- Explain how resolving your EBP Project issue will enhance quality and patient safety.
Evaluating EBP Projects
- Describe evaluation strategies.
- Formulate new practice guidelines based on the evaluation results.
- Identify any new standards of care relevant to these guidelines.
By Day 7
Application 4 is due.
Submission Instructions
To submit your completed Assignment for grading:
- Save your Assignment using the format “WK10Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension)”.
- Click on the Week 10 Assignment Rubric to review the grading criteria.
- From the Attach File area, select the saved document and click Open.
- If applicable, check the box to submit your paper to the Global Reference Database.
- Click Submit to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria: Access your rubric via the Week 10 Assignment Rubric.
Assignment 2: Application 5 – Disseminating the EBP Project
Disseminating EBP Projects: Effective dissemination is vital for translating evidence into practice and advancing nursing. This week, you’ll prepare a scholarly product that reports the results and implications of your project for a designated audience.
Preparation for Application 5
Reflect on the definitions and criteria for scholarship discussed this week. Consider the AACN’s perspective on the DNP-prepared nurse’s role in advancing nursing scholarship.
To Complete
Prepare a scholarly product that reports your project’s results and implications. It can take the form of a project summary, evaluation report, poster presentation, or another deliverable. Your scholarly product should include:
- Background, Purpose, and Nature of the Project:
- Describe the overarching problem or issue your DNP Project addresses. Identify your practice-focused question and explain its impact on nursing practice and the healthcare system.
- Evidence:
- Summarize the practice setting, context, supporting evidence, and the implementation and evaluation processes.
- Presentation of Results:
- Discuss the outcomes of your DNP Project and your recommendations for organizational change.
Submission Information
To submit your completed Application:
- Save your work as “WK11Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension)”.
- Review the Week 11 Assignment Rubric for grading criteria.
- Upload your document and complete your submission.
Practicum
Continue to maintain a time log and journal of your practicum experiences. Submit your time log and final journal entry by Day 7 of Week 11.
Week in Review
This week, you evaluated outcomes from new practice approaches in your specialty and developed practice guidelines based on those evaluations. You also recommended new standards of care to address health issues within your specialty.
In the final week, you’ll focus on the importance of dissemination in scholarship while completing your practicum experience.
Next Steps
Week 11: Focus on dissemination and its role in nursing scholarship. Complete your practicum and submit your time log and final journal entry.
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