School of Nursing - Nursing Practice, D.N.P.

z-2023-2024 Catalog - PROGRAM - Change - (Certificate, Major, Minor, Specialization, Track or Concentration)

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HELP TEXT
  • In order for the program to track changes. DO NOT MAKE CHANGES TO CURRENT CURRICULUM UNTIL PROPOSAL IS LAUNCHED.

    There will be fields with an (*) that are required, and you must fill those in before you will be able to launch the form.

  • Select Program below, unless modifying an Acalog Shared Core and Click "Active-Visible."  These fields are required for the Acalog program..

  • Type of Program*
  • Status*
GENERAL CATALOG INFORMATION
  • IMPORT from Catalog

    Import curriculum data from the Catalog by clicking on Import in the top menu list.

    1. In the pop-up screen that appears, select the current catalog,
    2. In field titled “or add filter” select Name from the drop down box.
    3. In the Name box that appeared, enter the a portion of the Program Title,
    4. Click “Search Available Curriculum” and the program should appear in a list.
    5. Click the program you intend to edit (or return to Step C if it was not found).
    6. Scroll to the bottom (do NOT adjust any of the check-boxes) and click “Import This Item."

    Complete all required fields below, they are marked with (*). 

  • Department*
  • Does this change require TEC approval?*
  • Does this change require the Faculty Senate approval?*
    Faculty Senate approval is needed ONLY when proposing substantive changes to a major.
  • Program Level*
  • Program Type*
  • Degree Type*
  • Indicate Full Program Name*
    Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
    Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
    i.e. Chemistry, B.S.
  • Change *
  • Type of Changes (Check all that apply.)*
  • If "Other" is selected, please describe the type of changes or fields being changed.
  • Will this program change require a new four-year plan?*
  • To merge or combine multiple tracks into one, you will need to include information in this form to change only the track you wish to keep, incorporating the information from the other tracks into one.  You will then need to complete a program delete form for each of the other tracks.

    To delete a Major, Minor, Certificate, Track, Specialization or Concentration you must use the  Program Deletion - Major, Minor, or Certificate Proposal form and include a Teach-Out plan.

  • JUSTIFICATION
  • Please be aware that forms submitted without appropriate justifications and/or impact report will be returned to the proposer without consideration.

  • Provide a detailed narrative describing change(s) requested.*

    The request is to change the current (2022-2023) Doctor of Nursing Practice-Post Master's Specialization admission criteria number "9. Current employment verification-DNP applicants must be employed at the time of application to the DNP Program and remain employed to complete the DNP project."

    The proposed change for Doctor of Nursing Practice-Post Master's Specialization admission criteria number 9 to place in Graduate Catalog 2023-2024 is "9. Post-Master's DNP applicants must have experience in a professional nursing role including volunteer/community service activities." Based on the proposed change to admission criteria number 9, employment verification form requirement could be deleted. 

    The proposed change for admission criteria number 9 would also result in adding "volunteer/community service activities" to the list of items in admission criteria number 5. The current (2022-2023 Graduate Catalog) admission criteria number 5 reads as... "5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: educational background, employment history, awards, and accomplishments." The proposed change to admission criteria number for 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog would read:as "5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: educational background, employment history, volunteer/community service activities, awards and accomplishments."

    Note:  I included the complete admissions for the DNP Post-Master's Specialization in the admissions box, it is the only admissions criteria changing in the program, and added that this is both a program description change (because of the updated admissions) and admissions change.  -- Fox.

     

     

    This will help the UCC members and the registrar evaluate changes requested.
  • Provide a detailed justification for the requested changes.*

    Rationale for the changes began when potential students expressed an interest in NKU but were uncertain if applying was possible as they were not in a paid professional nursing role but were working in a volunteer/ community professional nursing role. The NKU School of Nursing accrediting body of American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) does not specify that Post-Master's DNP students need to be employed at the beginning and throughout a DNP program. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2006, 2015) does expect DNP students to participate in a DNP Project that focuses on six items: planned change impacting healthcare outcomes directly or indirectly, systems (micro-, meso-, or macro-level) or population/aggregrate focus, implementation of planned change in the appropriate arena or area of practice, creation of sustainability plan, evaluation of processes and/or outcomes, and provide foundation for future scholarship. The AACN (2006, 2015) also shares that in addition to traditional practice settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, the DNP project settings may also include community based settings such as publich health department, rural Native American Reservation, American Heart Association, churches, corporations (i.e. increasing wellness among corporation employees by creating and implementing educational initiatieves and voluntary employer-based wellness program...). 

    The requested change to admission criteria number nine could be considered as incorporation of NKU's initiative of holistic admissions as well as possible enhancement of student enrollment. 

  • LAUNCH PROPOSAL
  • Once all the above required fields have been filled in, launch proposal.  After launching the proposal you can begin entering data in the remaining fields or editing the imported or required fields.


  • IMPACT REPORT
  • List all Courses impacted by this change

    No courses are impacted by this change.

  • List all Departments impacted by this change.

    Outside of nursing-Post Master's DNP, the originator of this proposal, no academic departments/schools are affected by this change.

  • Have you notified Departments impacted by this change?
  • Please attach email notification you sent to Departments affected, by cliking the paperclip with the word File on tab to the right.

    You may also attach any additional supporting documents. 

CURRICULUM
  • Follow these steps to propose changes to the program curriculum:

    Step 1

    If you are removing courses, proceed to Step 2.

    View Curriculum Courses Tab:  If the course you want to add to the curriculum is not listed on your main list of courses, there are two options to add courses for proposed changes: "Add Course" and "Import Course." For courses that already are in the catalog, click on "Import Course" and find the courses needed. For new classes that are not yet in the Catalog because they are still in the Curriculog Approval Process click on "Add Course"-- a box will open asking you for the Prefix, Course Number and Course Title.

    Step 2

    View Curriculum Schema Tab:  This is where you will see your curriculum area/headers (Degree Requirement, Core Courses, Electives, Track or Concentration, etc.).  Click on the area/header of the program where you would like to add/remove courses. When you click on "Add Courses" it will bring up the list of courses available from Step 1. Select the courses you wish to add.  For removing courses click on the trash can and proceed.

  • Curriculum for Program:*
    If changing the courses included in the core curriculum courses, indicate the number of hours required for students to satisfy program requirements and the updated core curriculum for program.
  • If Changing Student Learning Outcomes, please check the type of change:
  • Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs.)
    No Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs.)
  • Proposed Date for Curriculum Changes to take effect.

  • Semester
    Year
  • If changing Admission Standards, please consult the correct catalog publication for program requirements and paste text below. Do not note proposed changes until proposal is launched.

  • Program Description / Admission Standards

    Karen Vietz, PhD, CNS, RN, Post-Master's Specialization Program Director 

    Judy Audas, DNAP, APRN-CRNA, MSN, Nurse Anesthesia Specialization Program Director

    Doctoral education starts from the student's experience, develops through opportunities that are individualized, student-centered and transformational, and culminates in the graduate taking on the role of nursing expert at the highest level of autonomous advanced nursing practice. Doctoral learning includes opportunities for the improvement of health outcomes across diverse populations based on the best evidence. The students and faculty promote academic excellence, professionalism, integrity, and inclusiveness within the advanced nursing community through shared responsibility, interprofessional collaboration, teamwork, and mentoring relationships. This individualized student-centered learning takes place in a scholarly community grounded in standards for rigor, the nursing imperative of caring, and a plurality of voices.

    The Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a fully online 20-22 month curriculum offered in 7-week course format. The Practicum project course is offered over 16 weeks. Students complete courses in evidence-based practice, leadership, health quality and safety initiatives, program planning and evaluation, finance of health care, and informatics. Completion of practicum activities and a scholarly project are required for graduation. Graduates of the program are prepared for leadership roles in management of quality initiatives, executives in healthcare organizations, directors of clinical programs, advocacy/health policy, and faculty roles.

    The Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) is a specialization of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.  The program as designed, is a 36-month (106 credit hours) curriculum culminating in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) nurse anesthesia specialization with a population focus of the family/individual across a lifespan.  Graduates will be eligible for the National Board of Certification and Re-certification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) National Certification Exam (NCE) and to assume the role of an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).  

    The NAP offers two pathways to the DNP with a nurse anesthesia specialization: BSN to DNP and MS to DNP.  The BSN to DNP student will complete the entire 106 credit program, whereas the master's prepared CRNA would complete the MS to DNP pathway which is composed only of the advanced nursing practice core, which totals 37 credits.  The master's prepared CRNA would be given advanced standing for all anesthesia specialty course work.

    Students must achieve a "B" or better in all courses in the DNP Nurse Anesthesia graduate program. The "B-" is not considered a passing grade in a graduate course. If a grade of "B-" or less is earned, the student is required to retake the course, whereas a grade of "B" or higher is required.

    Purpose

    The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program builds upon the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006), as stated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and criteria for the clinical doctorate (2008). This is a practice focused doctoral program. Practice focused doctoral programs are designed to prepare nurses in advanced nursing practice. The focus of the DNP program is on evidence-based practice which reflects application of credible research findings in order to identify, implement and evaluate practice changes in healthcare environments. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program includes integrative practice experiences and an intense practice immersion experience (AACN 2006).

    Contact Information

    Karen Vietz, Ph.D., CNS, RN, DNP Post-Master's Specialization Program Director, vietzk1@nku.edu

    Judy Audas, DNAP, APRN-CRNA, MSN, NAP Specialization Program Director, audasj1@nku.edu or 859-572-5627

    Admission Requirements: DNP Post-Master's Specialization

    To be considered for admission to the DNP Post-Master's Specialization, an applicant must have:

    1. A minimum of a master's degree and hold at least one degree in nursing at or above the bachelor's level from a nationally accredited school.
    2. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and have successfully completed an undergraduate (or higher level) statistics course.  
    3. An unencumbered RN license in the United States or the country in which the student practices and verification of RN licensure.  
    4. NKU application for graduate admission, found at http://apply.nku.edu.
    5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: educational background, employment history, volunteer/community service activities, awards and accomplishments.
    6. All official transcripts  
    7. TOEFL scores as needed per international student admissions requirements.
    8. Submission of a scholarly writing sample - a document written solely by the prospective student that demonstrates scholarly writing at the graduate level.  
    9. Post-Masters DNP applicants must have experience in a professional nursing role including volunteer/community service activities.

    Admission Requirements: DNP - Nurse Anesthesia Specialization (BSN to DNP)

    1. Meets all NKU Graduate Admission Requirements.
    2. Submission of completed online application prior to deadline.
    3. Baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing from a fully accredited nursing program.
    4. Unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse (licenses in KY and OH required prior to admission).
    5. One year minimum full-time of critical care* experience as RN within the past 2 years with employer verification. 
    6. GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale on all college course work.
    7. Science GPA 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale.
    8. Prerequisites:  Statistics; Anatomy; Physiology; Chemistry; Microbiology with a cumulative science GPA of 3.0 or greater.
    9. Graduate level writing skills.
    10. Three professional recommendations/references. 
    11. Goal statement.
    12. CCRN, ACLS, BLS certification required for application.  PALS required prior to admission.
    13. Shadowing experience documentation with either a CRNA or anesthesiologist.
    14. Review the Program Technical Standards.
    15. Successful interview with Admissions Committee for selected applicants.
    16. Non-refundable matriculation fee of $1,000 if accepted into the program.  Matriculation fee will be applied to student's account on admission.  If applicant does not enroll in program, the matriculation fee is forfeited.
    17. After acceptance, documentation of clinical requirements including immunizations, physical examination, background check, drug test and other documentation as needed.

    *Critical care is defined by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) as: "Critical care experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories or a US military hospital outside of the United States. During this experience, the registered professional nurse has developed critical decision making and psychomotor skills, competency in patient assessment, and the ability to use and interpret advanced monitoring techniques. A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: surgical intensive care, cardiothoracic intensive care, coronary intensive care, medical intensive care, pediatric intensive care....." (Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs, Practice Doctorate, 2018)

    Admission Requirements: DNP - Nurse Anesthesia Specialization (Post-Master's CRNA)

    1. Meets all NKU Graduate Admission Requirements.
    2. Submission of completed online application prior to deadline including all official college/university transcripts.
    3. Master's degree or higher in nursing, nurse anesthesia, or a related field from a fully regionally accredited college or university in the United States with 3.0 cumulative GPA.
    4. BSN from a fully regionally accredited college or university in the United States if master's degree is not in nursing with 3.0 cumulative GPA.
    5. Completion of a nurse anesthesia educational program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
    6. Current unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in state of residence.
    7. Current unencumbered APRN licensure, or other authorization to practice as a nurse anesthetist, in state of residence.
    8. Current certification or recertification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
    9. Pre-requites courses (graduate or undergraduate):  Statistics equivalent to NKU STA 205 or above with B or better and research equivalent to NKU NRS 320 or above with B or better.
    10. Graduate level writing skills as demonstrated by:
      • Two (2) page writing sample identifying personal goals related to the NKU Nurse Anesthesia program goals, as well as identifying DNP project interest.
      • Current CV
    11. Professional recommendation/reference supporting competency as a CRNA.
    12. Successful interview with Admissions Committee for selected applicants via telephone or in person.
    13. Non-refundable matriculation fee of $1,000 if accepted into the program.  Matriculation fee will be applied to student's account on admission.  If applicant does not enroll in program, the matriculation fee is forfeited 

    Policy on Advanced Standing for post-MS CRNA-DNP Students

    As a single degree program, advanced standing will be offered to CRNAs meeting the above admission requirements.

    The curriculum is divided into two distinct curricular cores including a) the entry into nurse anesthesia practice core and b) the advanced nursing practice core.

    • The entry into nurse anesthesia practice core includes coursework providing the BSN prepared student with the necessary competencies for entry into nurse anesthesia practice.
    • The advanced nursing practice core includes coursework providing both the BSN prepared student and the master's prepared CRNA with the advanced nursing competencies as established by national nursing organizations (e.g., American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs Competencies).

    Nurse anesthetists meeting all required admissions criteria will be given advanced standing for entry into nurse anesthesia practice. Advanced standing will be offered en bloc. The CRNA awarded advanced standing status will be required to complete only the advanced nursing practice core courses to meet the requirements for the DNP degree. Per NKU policies, the official transcript will reflect that advanced standing was awarded, but will list neither specific courses nor credits for which advanced standing was granted and grades from these courses will not be factored into the NKU GPA.

    Application Process: DNP - Nurse Anesthesia Specialization (BSN to DNP)

    The application process has two parts. The first consists of the documents required to be submitted. The second part is the interview.  

    Documents to be submitted:  The completed application file will contain the following documents. No application will be considered until all documents have been received.

    1. NKU application for graduate admission, found at http://apply.nku.edu
    2. Applications will be accepted through August 31.  All materials must be submitted by August 31 deadline.
    3. Three professional recommendations sent directly from recommender.  Suggested recommenders include: Nurse Manager; Professor; APRN, preferably CRNA; or MD.
    4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: educational background, employment history, awards and accomplishments.
    5. All official transcripts of post-baccalaureate study.
    6. Documentation of one year full-time critical care experience as a RN within the past 2 years.
    7. Verification of CCRN, BLS, and ACLS certification.
    8. Documentation of shadowing experience
    9. TOEFL scores as needed per international student admissions requirements.
    10. Submission of goal statement indicating graduate level writing skills.  Please include your educational and professional goals, limiting statement to one page.
    11. Successful interview with Admissions Committee.  Due to the competitive nature of the admission process meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission.  All applicants will be screened and the most qualified will be invited for interview.  Interviews will be held in October.
    12. Non-refundable matriculation fee of $1,000 if accepted into the program.  Matriculation fee will be applied to student's account on admission.  If applicant does not enroll in program, the matriculation fee is forfeited.

    ♦ Indicates prerequisite.

  • Admission Standards

    Admission Requirements: DNP Post-Master's Specialization

    To be considered for admission to the DNP Post-Master's Specialization, an applicant must have:

    1. A minimum of a master's degree and hold at least one degree in nursing at or above the bachelor's level from a nationally accredited school.
    2. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and have successfully completed an undergraduate (or higher level) statistics course.  
    3. An unencumbered RN license in the United States or the country in which the student practices and verification of RN licensure.  
    4. NKU application for graduate admission, found at http://apply.nku.edu.
    5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: educational background, employment history, volunteer/community service activities, awards and accomplishments.
    6. All official transcripts  
    7. TOEFL scores as needed per international student admissions requirements.
    8. Submission of a scholarly writing sample - a document written solely by the prospective student that demonstrates scholarly writing at the graduate level.  
    9. Post-Masters DNP applicants must have experience in a professional nursing role including volunteer/community service activities.
  • If changing multiple program options provide detailed list of all changes broken down individually.
    i.e. changing core curriculum, hours, and electives for major.
AGREEMENTS (ARTICULATION, PATHWAYS or MOU)
  • Does this change affect an articulation agreement?
  • If you selected "Yes," affects articulation agreements, pathways or memorandum of understanding where other colleges are involved, you must discuss with UPAC. For more information, visit the UPAC site at: https://inside.nku.edu/upac.html 

  • If yes, list affected articulation agreements
FINALIZE PROPOSAL
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