Nursing Student Handbook 2012-2013

132 College of Nursing degree. Degrees cannot be conferred if there are any financial holds remaining on the student’s account. Information related to graduation is provided on the NSUWeb site and is sent via email from admissions. D.N.P. Program Description This online Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program is a practice-focused degree that prepares graduates to practice at the highest level in specialty practice or executive leadership. The program is designed to serve post-M.S.N., advanced practice nurses; nurse informaticists; community health nurses; and nurse executives. Nurse educators seeking advanced clinical practice in order to promote better patient outcomes may also apply. Five years is allotted for the completion of the entire doctoral (D.N.P.) program, which includes all coursework, clinical practice experience, and capstone project. Capstone Project The capstone project is the culmination of the doctoral candidate’s engagement in the D.N.P. program, and is expected to reflect the highest levels of nursing practice competencies. The D.N.P. student must demonstrate through this scholarly project • advanced clinical judgment, expertise, and specialization in a defined content area • advanced levels of systems thinking and accountability in designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based care to improve health care quality, safety, and outcomes • leadership in the development and implementation of patient-driven, institutional, local, state, federal, and/or international health policy in a select content/specialty area Exit Requirements for D.N.P. Program All students must meet with their adviser during the last semester of enrollment and review their CAPP report and completion of all required courses. All students must apply for graduation online and are responsible for graduation fee payment, should they plan on attending graduation, prior to conferral of degree. Degrees cannot be conferred if there are any financial holds remaining on the student’s account. Information related to graduation is provided on the NSUWeb site and is sent via email from admissions. Ph.D. Program Description and Progression This online Ph.D. in Nursing Education is a terminal research degree that prepares the nurse with a master’s degree to practice in an educational role in the clinical setting or for academia. This program coursework is primarily online with a required annual week-long summer institute on the NSU main campus. The summer institute is required up to the stage when the student successfully completes his or her comprehensive examination. To progress in the Ph.D. in Nursing Education Program, the student must take a minimum of one course per semester, with no more than one semester taken off per year. All coursework must be completed within five years. Seven years is allotted for the completion of the entire doctoral (Ph.D.) program, which includes all coursework, research hours, comprehensive examination, and dissertation. Research Hours After successful completion of the quantitative and qualitative research courses, the student will seek approval to begin his or her research practicum. Each student will be expected to complete 90 hours of mentored research experience prior to the comprehensive examination.