It is obvious that you will start thinking about how to successfully complete a DNP project as soon as you begin your doctoral program. You have done your research on the DNP project program and selected the specialization that matches your career goals. You have obtained a load of ideas and practice examples after enrolling in a DNP program. But you still have questions about the DNP project you have heard so much about. To complete the DNP project, you will need to work on it the entire academic year. This journey is not an easy task. To answer questions about the DNP project, here are the key components to put in place.
What is a DNP Capstone Project?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is a doctoral program that provides students with an opportunity to systematically translate the best current evidence to practice. Nursing students showcase their leadership skills in impacting change on a system or population. As a student, you will use the DNP project to demonstrate your ability to lead and practice in a clinical nursing setting. DNP project will enable you to reflect on your critical thinking skills. This is your time to shine, so don’t let the task of selecting a DNP project stress you out.
The Process of Finding a DNP Capstone Project
It takes time to get the appropriate DNP Capstone project ideas. More so, than preparing for the final paper. Obtaining viable DNP project ideas requires the subject expert’s advice. A DNP capstone project idea can be found in unexpected places. Particularly, during this period of uncertainty in healthcare due to the COVID19 pandemic. Be flexible and open to new experiences. DNP capstone project ideas may emerge from incidences of improving an existing practice or implementing a practice change. May emerge from journal articles featuring innovation in nursing. They could also come from previously published DNP projects. Identify the quality improvement (QI) focus of the organization/setting being considered to be included in the final DNP project. Pay close attention to organizational needs, practice, patient or employee data gaps. Scrutinize audit report gaps, quality and safety measure deficiencies, or even healthcare gaps. As you seek to explore potential DNP project ideas, we have prepared a list of some of the viable DNP project ideas/topics:
- Diabetes foot care education intervention for patients with diabetes foot ulcer.
- Collaborative discharge planning to improve the discharge process
- Diet and lifestyle modification interventions for hypertensive patients
- Smoking cessation program for patients with cardiovascular diseases
- Relaxation techniques as an intervention to chronic pain management
- Therapeutic intervention to knowledge, attitudes, and practice on adverse drug reactions
- Nurse patient communication to reduce patient fall
- Antimicrobial stewardship and antimicrobial resistance
- Implementation of routine HIV testing for the hospitalized patient
- Media Influence on nutritional choices and eating disorders
The list is endless. When trying to come up with project ideas, be sure to consider the following assumption: You’re not trying to come up with some simple ideas. Do not choose a topic that does not hold your interest. Seek professional/expert advice on choosing the best DNP capstone project topic/idea. Choose a topic that is interesting and something you are familiar with. Remember, it takes a lot of patience and commitment.
Components of DNP Capstone Project
The design of your capstone project will be bound by the requirements of your institution. While DNP project components vary from various DNP advisory committees, most DNP projects contain similar content, style, and format. The DNP project components are divided into sections that demonstrate some logical flow. Your final project will likely include the following components:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Description of the problem
- Organizational gap analysis/needs assessment
- Purpose/clinical question
- Theoretical framework
- Existing literature: Empirical & methodological
- Methods
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Data analysis/results
- Conclusions/recommendations
- Limitations
The steps/procedure to complete the DNP project will vary from one project to another.
Requirements of DNP Capstone Project
Nursing students who seek to graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) must complete the DNP project. As a student, you must be ready to demonstrate a sense of scholarly knowledge. Rigorous knowledge in evidence synthesis, data analysis and evaluation, implementation, and dissemination. Like all other scholarly projects, DNP project requirements must comprise of Institution Review Board (IRB) or organizational approval. A key requirement in the DNP project is the DNP project committee. Each student works closely with a DNP committee. The DNP committee will entail a minimum of two graduate faculty members. A student will also have a mentor.
A DNP capstone project will have a proposal, final project, oral presentation/defense, and dissemination plan to the community, organization, or target population. Students must adhere to academic/institutional policies such as plagiarism policies. Plagiarism is not permitted and is considered academic dishonesty. Plagiarism is penalized according to the institution’s offense policies and rules. Be sure to cite/give credit to other people’s ideas or non-original work.
Do not wait until the last minute to begin your project. Plan yourself well and manage your time on how to successfully complete a DNP project. Do not forget about your purpose. Just considering a DNP program means you are passionate to implement change, closing gaps, or improving an outcome. Remind yourself you began this journey. Be motivated, positive, and shift your focus from stress. Hone your skills to the best DNP Capstone project writing, implementation, and presentation. Redirect your attention to having the best DNP project that will get you to graduation day!
