Discussion DNP-801A Introduction to DNP Studies
Discussion: DNP-801A Introduction to DNP Studies
Course Description
This course introduces learners to the skills and mindset necessary for success on the
doctoral journey. These skills include critical thinking and analysis, navigating resources,
academic writing for the doctoral level, identifying and understanding scholarly research, and
the role of the practitioner-scholar.
Class Materials
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Class Resources
Academic Writer Tutorial: Basics of Seventh Edition APA Style
View the "Academic Writer Tutorial: Basics of Seventh Edition APA Style & quot; tutorial, located on the
American Psychological Association (APA) website. You will use this resource throughout the
course for assignments and discussions.
https://extras.apa.org/apastyle/basics-7e/?_ga=2.128488908.1153078724.1596866222-
1012012210.1596866222#/
DC Network and DNP PI Workspace
The DNP Practice Immersion (PI) Workspace is a dynamic online learning community designated
specifically for scholars in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program as a forum in which to
communicate, create, collaborate, and share information with other DNP learners and faculty
members at Grand Canyon University throughout the program. It is located within the DC Network
and is a page dedicated to the DNP program and its learners.
The DNP PI Workspace is where you will find all the required programmatic resources for this and
all courses in the program. You will need to access this essential course component as soon as
you are provided your GCU email and password, as you will be
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http://dc.gcu.edu/dnp
DNP Direct Practice Improvement Project Recommendations
Review the "DNP Direct Practice Improvement Project Recommendations" PowerPoint, located in
the DC Network, as it describes the DPI project for DNP learners.
DNP Institutional Review Board (IRB) Project Assessment Tool
Review the "DNP Institutional Review Board (IRB) Project Assessment Tool," located in the DC
Network.
You will use this resource to guide the focus of your Direct Practice Improvement (DPI) Project.
The focus of the DPI Project in the GCU DNP Program is the application of strong evidence-based
research to improve population/patient outcomes. As such, learners are highly encouraged to
select a project topic that is anchored in either quality improvement (QI). This focus will result in
the most actionable outcomes (i.e., "real-time" results). Learners need to be cautious of the scope
and target population for their project or it may result in unforeseen delays in IRB
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Direct Practice Improvement Project Groups and Associate Milestones
Review the "Direct Practice Improvement Project Groups and Associate Milestones" resource,
located in the DC Network, which provides an important overview of the development of
components of your Direct Practice Improvement Project, where they are located in the program,
and submission information.
Discussion Forum Philosophy
Introduction
Online classroom discussion is a vital learning activity that enhances writing, critical thinking, and
scholarly development. These skills establish the foundation for self-reflection and unbiased
consideration of other perspectives that enhances the long-term development of the doctoral
learner.
The successful doctoral learner engages faculty and colleagues in substantive conversations by
reflecting on other’s perspectives while articulating their own views. More importantly, doctoral
learners demonstrate the disposition to critically and reflectively consider new information, facts,
and perspectives in the enhancement of their own knowle
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Doctor of Nursing Orientation Webinar
Attend the live "Doctor of Nursing Webinar." Information on the webinar, and the registration link,
are located in the DC Network under the DNP Calendar.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Utilize the resources on the "Doctor of Nursing Practice" page, located on the GCU Library, to
assist in completing your assignments.
https://libguides.gcu.edu/DNP
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Doctoral Community Getting Started Guide
Read the "Doctor of Nursing Practice – Doctoral Community Getting Started Guide," located in the
DNP PI Workspace section of the DC Network.
This resource includes essential information about developing your online presence in the
program.
Exempt Assignments
Exempt assignments are included in the DNP program. Exempt assignments are worth 0.01 points
each; however, like all DNP assignments are required to be submitted, all exempt assignments are
required submissions that must be completed to pass the course.
Discussion DNP-801A Introduction to DNP Studies
Learner Dissertation Page
All DNP learners are required to set up their own Learner Dissertation Page (LDP) housed in the
DC Network. Throughout the program, learners will upload all completed assignments (including
all practicum and practice immersion materials/assignments/hours) to their LDP to ensure
availability for future use. This responsibility is in addition to the requirement of submitting
assignments to dropbox in the LMS. This space will allow learners and the DPI committee,
including faculty members, chair (assigned in DNP-955A), and the mentor/content expert, to
communicate regarding the DPI Project privately. Learners are required to keep the following in
their LDP under the "Portfolio" fol
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Levels of Evidence in Research
Refer to the "Levels of Evidence in Research" document as needed in this course.
DNP-RS-Levels-of-Evidence-Chart.docx
Library Walk Through Tutorial
If you have not already done so, view the "Library Walk Through Tutorial."
https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/?mediaElement=C08DFB75-
69DE-E611-A9AE-005056BD1ABC
Lopes Activity Tracker
Lopes Activity Tracker is used to track all direct practice immersion hours. All direct practice
immersion hours are entered into Lopes Activity Tracker by the learner and submitted within 48
hours of the practice immersion experience. After the practice immersion hours have been
submitted, the preceptor/mentor will verify the practice immersion hours. To submit practice
immersion hours, the learner will download an electronic summary of practice immersion hours
and upload it to the assignment dropbox. The practice immersion hours will be reviewed and given
final approval by the faculty through the submission.
Document your practice immersion hours using the Lopes Activity Tracker
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Lopes Write
Refer to the Lopes Write webpage for guidance regarding assignments requiring submission to
Lopes Write.
https://support.gcu.edu/hc/en-us/articles/201277380-LopesWrite
Optional: Grammarly
For additional information, the following is recommended:
Grammarly is an online writing assistance app that reviews written submissions and suggests
context-specific corrections for grammar, spelling, word usage, wordiness, style, punctuation, and
plagiarism. The reasoning for each suggested correction is provided, allowing users to make
informed decisions about how to correct writing issues.
Grammarly can be installed as free browser extension, but Grammarly Premium requires an
annual subscription. This subscription is not a GCU-required purchase, but it is strongly
recommended to DNP learners.
https://www.grammarly.com/premium
Optional: Thinking Storm
For additional information, the following is recommended:
ThinkingStorm is an online tutoring resource that provides flexible support to supplement
traditional educational environments. The tutoring center is remotely accessible to GCU learners
with a computer and an internet connection and offers convenient hours for learners with busy
schedules. ThinkingStorm tutoring includes a writing center that offers 24/7 submission-based
writing support, as well as live writing support across the curriculum.
If you are interested in utilizing ThinkingStorm's writing support, submit your documents chapter by
chapter, rather than as a full manuscript.
To assist learners with thei
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https://www.thinkingstorm.com/GCUinfo.aspx
Practice Immersion Hours Information: Purpose of Practice Immersion Experience
Practice immersion is an essential component of the GCU Doctor of Nursing Practice educational
program, combining scholarly activities with practice immersion environment experiences
designed to provide in-depth, application-based learning. Practice immersion experiences are
designed to help learners build and assimilate knowledge for advanced specialty practice at a high
level of complexity.
Refer to individual courses for required practice immersion hours. Courses have specific practice
immersion hour requirements.
The final work product at the end of the program, the DPI Project, can account for an additional
100 practice immersion hours. These practice immersion hours ar
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Requirements for Successful Course Completion
All DNP learners are required to have and are responsible for maintaining a mentor from DNP-
815A until graduation. The mentor is expected to work with the learner on the Direct Practice
Improvement (DPI) Project. The collaboration is necessary for the learner to build the Individual
Success Plan (ISP), work on assignments that build the foundation for the DPI Project, and
maintain frequent communications with faculty. Because this requirement must be adhered to, if a
learner loses the mentor, the learner must immediately contact the Office of Field Experience to
resolve the issue before the course ends. If there is no mentor, there is no mentor evaluation, and
therefore practice immersi
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The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials: A New Model for Advanced Practice Nursing
Zaccagnini, M. E., & Pechacek, J. M. (2021). The doctor of nursing practice essentials: A new
model for advanced practice nursing (4th ed.). Jones and Bartlett Learning. ISBN-13:
97811284079708
This text will be used as a resource throughout your program. Download the book in this
course so it can be accessed as needed in subsequent courses.
View Resource
The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Current Issues and Clarifying Recommendations
Read:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2015). Doctor of nursing practice: Current issues
and clarifying recommendations.
This document will be reviewed periodically throughout the DNP Program.
https://www.pncb.org/sites/default/files/2017-02/AACN_DNP_Recommendations.pdf
The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice
Familiarize yourself with the following resource. The essentials discussed in it will be reviewed
periodically throughout your DNP program.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for
advanced nursing practice.
http://www.aacnnursing.org/DNP/DNP-Essentials
Topic 1: Becoming a Doctoral Learner
Feb 17-23, 2022
Max Points:100
Objectives:
1. Propose strategies that support success as DNP learner.
2. Explain how the future role as a DNP leader serves the profession and the local
community.
3. Propose strategies for self-care.
Assessments
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Class Introductions
GO TO DISCUSSION
Start Date
Feb 17, 2022, 12:00 AM
Due Date
Feb 19, 2022, 11:59 PM
Points
0
Status
Published
Assessment Description
Take a moment to explore your new classroom and introduce yourself to your fellow classmates.
What are you excited about learning? What do you think will be most challenging?
Topic 1 DQ 1
GO TO DISCUSSION
Start Date
Feb 17, 2022, 12:00 AM
Due Date
Feb 19, 2022, 11:59 PM
Points
5
Status
Published
Assessment Description
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Grand Canyon
University. Earning a DNP is a major milestone for you personally and a significant contribution to
your community and profession. In keeping with the expectations of DNP professionals, learners
enrolled in this program are expected to display courteous and professional conduct and develop
strong scholarly skills. This course will begin to prepare you for your professional journey.
In a few words, explain how your future role as a Doctor of Nursing Practice leader will serve your
profession and your personal community. On a personal level, what do you expect to achieve from
this program? (This response does not require research support.)
Review the "Discussion Forum Philosophy" located in the Class Resources. You are expected to
post in the forum according to these guidelines without further prompting for the duration of the
program.
Topic 1 DQ 2
GO TO DISCUSSION
Start Date
Feb 17, 2022, 12:00 AM
Due Date
Feb 21, 2022, 11:59 PM
Points
5
Status
Published
Assessment Description
The rigor of a DNP program requires that each learner maintain personally developed strategies
that can be used to minimize stress in order to maintain a healthy balance. One important area to
consider is self-care. Discuss ways in which you will recognize signs of imbalance or stress as a
DNP learner. Explain what type of self-care routines or activities you can use in these instances to
help you better achieve balance. (This response does not require research support.)
In response to your peers, discuss what strategies they are using that could work for you or
provide suggestions to peers for self-care.
Important information for writing discussion questions and participation
Hi Class,
Please read through the following information on writing a Discussion question response and participation posts.
Contact me if you have any questions.
Important information on Writing a Discussion Question
- Your response needs to be a minimum of 150 words (not including your list of references)
- There needs to be at least TWO references with ONE being a peer reviewed professional journal article.
- Include in-text citations in your response
- Do not include quotes—instead summarize and paraphrase the information
- Follow APA-7th edition
- Points will be deducted if the above is not followed
Participation –replies to your classmates or instructor
- A minimum of 6 responses per week, on at least 3 days of the week.
- Each response needs at least ONE reference with citations—best if it is a peer reviewed journal article
- Each response needs to be at least 75 words in length (does not include your list of references)
- Responses need to be substantive by bringing information to the discussion or further enhance the discussion. Responses of “I agree” or “great post” does not count for the word count.
- Follow APA 7th edition
- Points will be deducted if the above is not followed
- Remember to use and follow APA-7th edition for all weekly assignments, discussion questions, and participation points.
- Here are some helpful links
- Student paper example
- Citing Sources
- The Writing Center is a great resource
Welcome to class
Hello class and welcome to the class and I will be your instructor for this course. This is a -week course and requires a lot of time commitment, organization, and a high level of dedication. Please use the class syllabus to guide you through all the assignments required for the course. I have also attached the classroom policies to this announcement to know your expectations for this course. Please review this document carefully and ask me any questions if you do. You could email me at any time or send me a message via the “message” icon in halo if you need to contact me. I check my email regularly, so you should get a response within 24 hours. If you have not heard from me within 24 hours and need to contact me urgently, please send a follow up text to.
I strongly encourage that you do not wait until the very last minute to complete your assignments. Your assignments in weeks 4 and 5 require early planning as you would need to present a teaching plan and interview a community health provider. I advise you look at the requirements for these assignments at the beginning of the course and plan accordingly. I have posted the YouTube link that explains all the class assignments in detail. It is required that you watch this 32-minute video as the assignments from week 3 through 5 require that you follow the instructions to the letter to succeed. Failure to complete these assignments according to instructions might lead to a zero. After watching the video, please schedule a one-on-one with me to discuss your topic for your project by the second week of class. Use this link to schedule a 15-minute session. Please, call me at the time of your appointment on my number. Please note that I will NOT call you.
Please, be advised I do NOT accept any assignments by email. If you are having technical issues with uploading an assignment, contact the technical department and inform me of the issue. If you have any issues that would prevent you from getting your assignments to me by the deadline, please inform me to request a possible extension. Note that working fulltime or overtime is no excuse for late assignments. There is a 5%-point deduction for every day your assignment is late. This only applies to approved extensions. Late assignments will not be accepted.
If you think you would be needing accommodations due to any reasons, please contact the appropriate department to request accommodations.
Plagiarism is highly prohibited. Please ensure you are citing your sources correctly using APA 7th edition. All assignments including discussion posts should be formatted in APA with the appropriate spacing, font, margin, and indents. Any papers not well formatted would be returned back to you, hence, I advise you review APA formatting style. I have attached a sample paper in APA format and will also post sample discussion responses in subsequent announcements.
Your initial discussion post should be a minimum of 200 words and response posts should be a minimum of 150 words. Be advised that I grade based on quality and not necessarily the number of words you post. A minimum of TWO references should be used for your initial post. For your response post, you do not need references as personal experiences would count as response posts. If you however cite anything from the literature for your response post, it is required that you cite your reference. You should include a minimum of THREE references for papers in this course. Please note that references should be no more than 5 years old except recommended as a resource for the class. Furthermore, for each discussion board question, you need ONE initial substantive response and TWO substantive responses to either your classmates or your instructor for a total of THREE responses. There are TWO discussion questions each week, hence, you need a total minimum of SIX discussion posts for each week. I usually post a discussion question each week. You could also respond to these as it would count towards your required SIX discussion posts for the week.
I understand this is a lot of information to cover in 5 weeks, however, the Bible says in Philippians 4:13 that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Even in times like this, we are encouraged by God’s word that we have that ability in us to succeed with His strength. I pray that each and every one of you receives strength for this course and life generally as we navigate through this pandemic that is shaking our world today. Relax and enjoy the course!
