Doctoral Nursing

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Doctoral Programs and Requirements

Degrees

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Administration (D.N.P.)  
Advanced Practice (D.N.P.) 

B.S.N. to D.N.P. Option (Doctor of Nursing)

Family Nurse Practitioner (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)  
HSA: Health Systems & Administration Concentration (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)  
HSA: Informatics Concentration (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)  
HSA: Transformation of Care Concentration (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)  

R.N. to D.N.P. Option (Doctor of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Systems & Administration, Informatics, Transformation of Care:
R.N. to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)  

The doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) is a terminal degree in nursing that can be completed in one calendar year of full-time study or in two years of part-time study. The D.N.P. program will fulfill a need within the profession for advanced practice nurses who can provide leadership in the healthcare system of the 21st century. The D.N.P. will be a visionary leader for the practice of nursing and the delivery of health care in all settings. This program prepares graduates to demonstrate competencies, including organizational and systems leadership, advanced clinical skills, the ability to mobilize interdisciplinary teams, the ability to establish collaborative relationships to solve complex clinical problems, and to initiate policy and programmatic changes. The D.N.P. program will prepare clinicians (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists) and nurse administrators for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and to fully implement the emerging science and practice innovations in health care.

D.N.P. Outcomes

Graduates with a doctor of nursing practice from the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing will be prepared to:

1. Practice at the highest level of nursing by integrating nursing science and the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, organizational and public health sciences to improve health, nursing and education outcomes;
2. Integrate advanced critical reasoning and judgment in the management of complex clinical situations and systems;
3. Assimilate ethical principles, personal beliefs, and Christian values to provide a framework for advanced nursing practice;
4. Engage in scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice to effect optimal outcomes;
5. Apply information systems and technology for the provision and/or transformation of health care delivery and nursing practice;
6. Participate in interprofessional collaboration for the improvement of individual and population health outcomes;
7. Advocate change in health care practice through policy development, implementation and evaluation.

Admissions

Applications for the D.N.P. program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Complete the Verification of Clinical Hours form.
3. In one document, include a curriculum vitae or résumé AND a 1-2 page paper describing a clinical practice problem that you are interested in. This could be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problem, or an area of practice in need of change that the applicant will address while in the D.N.P. program. This paper should cite appropriate sources and follow APA format. In addition, the applicant must be able to identify key resources (personnel, preceptors, institutions) necessary to complete the project. Attach this document to your application.
4. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
5. Master’s degree from a CCNE, CNEA, or an ACEN (formerly NLNAC) accredited program in the area of advanced practice or administration (applicants with unique credentials will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
6. Master’s degree cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale.
7. International applicants (applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent residents) must contact the director of graduate student services for detailed program requirements.
8. American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 80 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
9. Video interview.

Academic Policy and Progression

Transfer Credit

Graduate students are permitted to transfer a maximum of twelve hours of graduate credit from an accredited college or university. To do so, students should complete a course substitution form and attach a copy of the syllabus. Transfer credits will be evaluated by the associate dean of the graduate program for applicability to the program.

Progression Policies

In order to progress in the doctoral program in the School of Nursing, the student must:

1. Have a completed Health Data Record (with all required immunizations) updated annually and on file in University Health Services and the School of Nursing.
2. Document and keep current the following requirements:

   1. Carry health insurance while enrolled at Samford. Students in the School of Nursing are required to provide proof of current personal health insurance coverage. Each semester, students in the IVMSON are automatically enrolled in the University-sponsored student health insurance plan. There is a charge for this coverage. If you are a new nursing student, you will need to register your health insurance coverage by clicking on the following link and completing the information:

      http://www.firststudent.com/schools/SamfordUniversity/waive_insurance.htm

      OR if you are a new student and would like to enroll in the University-offered insurance program, click on the following link:

      http://www.firststudent.com/schools/SamfordUniversity/enrollment.htm and complete the information.

   2. BLS certification
3. Adhere to the Code of Ethical/Professional Conduct as specified in the School of Nursing section.
4. Completion of Verification of Clinical Hours Form.
5. Possess a current unencumbered registered nursing license.
6. Submit to drug testing and background check prior to entering the first clinical or specialty course in each doctoral nursing track.
7. Students must make a grade of B or better in each required or prescribed course in the D.N.P. program. Note: A grade of C, D or F constitutes a failure in any prescribed or required course in the D.N.P. program. **Students must maintain a cumulative 3.00 GPA and may not earn a grade below B in any course to progress in the curriculum. Students must have a 3.00 cumulative GPA to graduate.

Academic Policies

Graduate students who receive a grade below a B in any required or prescribed course or whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 will be placed on academic probation.

Students placed on academic probation must:
• Repeat any nursing course in which a grade received was below a B and receive a grade of B or better.
• Be aware that a required nursing course can only be repeated one time.
• Failure of the same course twice or failure of two separate courses constitutes dismissal from the program

Students on academic probation who fail to successfully complete a required nursing course within one calendar year of the academic probation notification will be dismissed from the program. Students must be aware that plagiarism, unethical, unprofessional or unsafe conduct may result in immediate dismissal from the School of Nursing.

Program Interruptions

Students who need more than five years to complete the program may petition the School of Nursing doctoral program to request an additional year for completion (a total of six years for completion).

Readmissions Policy

A student who has been dismissed from the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing graduate program may apply through the Office of Graduate Student Services for readmission after an intervening period of not less than one semester. The appropriate graduate admission committee will consider such requests for readmission on presentation of substantial evidence of a responsible and successful period of work or study during the intervening period. There is no guarantee, however, that a student will be readmitted. The decision regarding readmission rests with the dean and is based upon the faculty’s evaluation of the likelihood of the applicant’s ability to perform successfully in graduate coursework.

B.S.N. to D.N.P. (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

The doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) is a terminal degree in nursing. It can be completed, post-master’s, in one calendar year of full-time study or in two years of part-time study. The B.S.N. to D.N.P. program can be completed in three years of full-time study. The D.N.P. program will fulfill a need within the profession for advanced practice nurses who can provide leadership in the healthcare system of the 21st century. The D.N.P. will be a visionary leader for the practice of nursing and the delivery of health care in all settings. This program prepares graduates to demonstrate competencies, including organizational and systems leadership, advanced clinical skills, the ability to mobilize interdisciplinary teams, the ability to establish collaborative relationships to solve complex clinical problems, and to initiate policy and programmatic changes. The D.N.P. program will prepare clinicians (nurse generalists, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists) and nurse administrators for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and to fully implement the emerging science and practice innovations in health care.

Admissions

Applications for the B.S.N. to D.N.P. program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Complete the Verification of Clinical Hours form.
3. In one document, include a curriculum vitae or résumé AND a 1-2 page paper describing a clinical practice problem that you are interested in. This could be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problem, or an area of practice in need of change that the applicant will address while in the D.N.P. program. This paper should cite appropriate sources and follow APA format. In addition, the applicant must be able to identify key resources (personnel, preceptors, institutions) necessary to complete the project. Attach this document to your application.
4. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
5. Bachelor of science in nursing from an NLN accredited program in the area.
6. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale.
7. International applicants (applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent residents) must contact the director of graduate student services for detailed program requirements.
8. American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer) or 80 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
9. Video interview.

R.N. to D.N.P. (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

The doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) is a terminal degree in nursing. It can be completed, post-master’s, in one calendar year of full-time study or in two years of part-time study. The R.N. to D.N.P. program can be completed in three and onehalf years of full-time study. The D.N.P. program will fulfill a need within the profession for advanced practice nurses who can provide leadership in the healthcare system of the 21st century. The D.N.P. will be a visionary leader for the practice of nursing and the delivery of health care in all settings. This program prepares graduates to demonstrate competencies, including organizational and systems leadership, advanced clinical skills, the ability to mobilize interdisciplinary teams, the ability to establish collaborative relationships to solve complex clinical problems, and to initiate policy and programmatic changes. The D.N.P. program will prepare clinicians (nurse generalists, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists) and nurse administrators for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and to fully implement the emerging science and practice innovations in health care.

Admissions

Applications for the R.N. to D.N.P. program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Complete the Verification of Clinical Hours form.
3. In one document, include a curriculum vitae or résumé AND a 1-2 page paper describing a clinical practice problem that you are interested in. This could be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problem, or an area of practice in need of change that the applicant will address while in the D.N.P. program. This paper should cite appropriate sources and follow APA format. In addition, the applicant must be able to identify key resources (personnel, preceptors, institutions) necessary to complete the project. Attach this document to your application.
4. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
5. Associate degree from an NLN accredited program in the area.
6. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale.
7. International applicants (applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent residents) must contact the director of graduate student services for detailed program requirements.
8. American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer) or 80 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
9. Video interview.

Programs

• Administration (D.N.P.)
• Advanced Practice (D.N.P.)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• HSA: Health Systems & Administration Concentration (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• HSA: Informatics Concentration (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• HSA: Transformation of Care Concentration (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• R.N. to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Courses

• NURG 700 - Theory and Philosophy of Nursing Practice (3)
• NURG 701 - Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (3)
• NURG 702 - Biostatistics (3)
• NURG 703 - Information Systems and Technology (3)
• NURG 704 - Policy for Population Health (3)
• NURG 705 - Leadership, Economics, and Quality (3)
• NURG 710 - Teaching-Learning Principles (3)
• NURG 711 - Nurse Faculty Role in Curriculum Development (3)
• NURG 712 - Nurse Faculty Role in Program Evaluation (3)
• NURG 715 - Nurse Faculty Role Transition (3)
• NURG 720 - Administrative and Organizational Theory (3)
• NURG 721 - Strategic Management of Organizations (3)
• NURG 722 - Administrative and Organizational Controls (3)
• NURG 725 - Nurse Administrator Practicum (6-8)
• NURG 740 - Resource Planning for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
• NURG 741 - Contemporary Issues within Vulnerable Populations (3)
• NURG 742 - Emerging Diseases, Genetics, and Health Trends (3)
• NURG 745 - Advanced Practice Practicum (6-8)
• NURG 750 - Clinical Decision Making in Advanced Nursing Practice (2)
• NURG 751 - Primary Care of Adults (6)
• NURG 752 - Advanced Practice Clinical: Adult (3)
• NURG 753 - Community Focused Primary Care (3)
• NURG 754 - Primary Care of Women (2)
• NURG 755 - Advanced Practice Clinical: Women (2)
• NURG 756 - Primary Care of Children (3)
• NURG 757 - Advanced Practice Clinical: Across the Lifespan (4)
• NURG 758 - Emergency/Urgent Care (2)
• NURG 759 - Advanced Practice Clinical: Emergency/Urgent Care (2)
• NURG 760 - DNP Project I (2)
• NURG 761 - DNP Project II (2)
• NURG 765 - Case Management across the Continuum (3)
• NURG 766 - Cultural and Spiritual Competence (3)
• NURG 770 - Service Learning and Interprofessional Practice (2)
• NURG 777 - Family Nurse Practitioner Synthesis Practicum (7)
• NURG 780 - Leadership Seminar I (2)
• NURG 781 - Health Systems and Administration Seminar (2)
• NURG 782 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum I (2)
• NURG 783 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum II (2)
• NURG 784 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum III (3)
• NURG 785 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum IV (3)
• NURG 786 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum V (4)