Keywords

DNP graduates, DNP program, DNP project, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN), quality improvement

Authors

1. Tovar, Elizabeth PhD, RN, CFNP
2. Ossege, Julianne PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP
3. Farus-Brown, Susan DNP, RN, FNP-BC
4. Zonsius, Mary PhD, RN
5. Morrow, Linda DNP, MBA, RN

Abstract

Background: Across doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs, wide variation exists for DNP project expectations and curricular integration of Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies.

Purpose: This study examined DNP project characteristics and compared knowledge, skills, and attitudes about quality improvement (QI) processes between DNP program faculty and graduates.

Methods: This descriptive study used a national convenience sample of DNP program faculty and graduates from multiple settings (N = 147) who completed an electronic survey of a modified version of the Quality Improvement Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes Survey.

Results: Most DNP projects were QI/practice improvement (85.5%) and required interprofessional collaboration (65%) and implementation of a practice change (55.8%) with evaluation (65.5%). DNP program faculty (n = 73) and graduates (n = 30) had no significant differences in QI knowledge or skills; faculty reported less confidence in their knowledge (P = .002) and skills (P = .007) than graduates.

Conclusions: Faculty development efforts to improve QI knowledge and skills for DNP program faculty are needed.