Aligning the Post Master's DNP with the 2021 AACN Essentials

Abstract

Background: The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education was published in 2021 to establish competency-based education on two levels; entry and advanced. Advanced level competencies are intended for doctorally prepared professionals.

Purpose: The purpose of this initiative was to align a Post Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program with the new 2021 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Competency-Based Essentials.

Methods: Three DNP faculty met weekly, outlined a timeframe and approached the revision as a quality improvement plan to revise the curriculum based on our comprehensive review of the domains and concepts of the revised (2021) AACN Essentials. DNP Course Leads were interviewed to evaluate the course objectives, student learning objectives, assignments, and course content.

Results: Six new program outcomes (POs) were written. For each (PO), measurable student learning outcomes (SLOs) were articulated for each course. Several courses were combined or retired, and several new courses were added including an elective. The DNP project was reframed based on a 'systems' approach to implement quality improvement (QI) within the health care system in consideration of the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the impact on patient outcomes.

Conclusions: In keeping with the Mission, Vision and Values of the College and with the collaboration and support from the Dean, the graduate Chair, and faculty of the College, the post-master's DNP program was approved with an anticipated start date in Summer, 2023.

Keywords: Curriculum; Doctor of nursing practice; Essentials; Program outcomes; Student learning outcomes.