dnp capstone project writing help

dnp capstone project writing help

Effective Strategies for Writing a DNP Capstone Project

1. Introduction to DNP Capstone Projects

The DNP Capstone Project in Applied Practice is the implementational aspect of the DNP. It is the representation acumen and the art to define combined and flow as a priestly process together. The DNP graduate is best defined in that moment when action flows from reverence and the one who cares. Individuals and organizations increasingly understand the advantages of being associated with local and effectual scholarship. Patients in a hospital gain confidence most readily if the local providers manifest both knowledge and a posture of curiosity outside of the rote answers given in medical routines.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Capstone Project is a scholar-crafted design initiated to address a contemporary healthcare problem using evidence-based practice knowledge acquisition and dissemination. It could directly change patient care or nursing practice. The DNP Capstone Project distinguishes executive leadership in applied practice to answer the question of how development in knowledge and wisdom in the discipline will transform healthcare. Can I design a way of caring by healing the heroic story of healthcare? The DNP Capstone project synthesizes information from numerous academic courses; it then creates the evidence base in a practice discipline for translational change. Marie Manthey, in her work as CEO at the Nursing Arts, argues that nursing is a discipline dedicated to knowledge generation, and this theory is well-worded as she combines both Ph.D. and DNP competences within the same document and demonstrates the clear linkage between practice knowledge and disciplinary knowledge with respect to standard competences.

2. Key Components and Structure of a DNP Capstone Project

Components of a DNP Capstone Project: A. Introduction – The introduction chapter provides information about the DNP capstone project as a whole. The sections often include the purpose of the project, the purpose statement which is an opening that tells the reader what the chapter will cover, the fever model representation and how the DNP capstone project fits into that model, the scope of the portfolio, delimitations of the project, a timeline of the project, and the expected outcomes of the project. B. Rationale for Project – This section is often part of the DNP project introduction, but it can also be placed in its own chapter. This section provides an explanation of the topic. It includes the sections background of the project and thus DNP and the history of the development of the project, an explanation of why a DNP capstone project is important, and the meaning and value of implementing the project. While the history of the development of the project often includes background on the overall health issue, use of epidemiological data, and the health outcome topic, it is a more comprehensive literature review of the topic or problem.

Structure and components of a DNP Capstone Project: A DNP Capstone Project contains the background of the study, a review of the literature, purpose statement, research question(s), rationale, significance of the study, description of the theoretical framework, the conceptual framework or the model that will frame the study, the target population, offers the methodology that provides a description of research designs that include quantitative, qualitative, mixed method, critical review, the scope and limitations that include the delimiters, definition of terms, a chapter on or separate section on known tools, tools that need minor adaptation, and tools that need to be developed.

3. Research Methods and Data Analysis in DNP Capstone Projects

The most popular techniques used for data analysis in DNP projects incorporate descriptive statistics that summarize characteristics of quantitative data and inferential procedures that test theories. These methods include, for example, t-tests, chi-square, ANOVAs, correlations, simple and multiple regressions, and factor analysis. Alternatively, researchers may utilize a range of non-parametric techniques, such as Spearman, Kendall’s tau-b, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon ranking tests, to analyze statistics. The literature provides a listing of data analysis methods that may be integrated into the DNP capstone project. In addition, if the researcher conducts extensive qualitative research, data analysis methods might include: dimensional analysis, Glaserian coding, grounded theory coding, ethnographic formal, secondary data analysis, thematic analysis, or constant comparative analysis. The method of data analysis varies within the capstone project courses and students are guided to use that methodology relevant to their specific project goal.

Throughout the DNP capstone project, the researcher follows a methodical approach to collecting, evaluating, and presenting findings. This systematic approach is referred to as the research methodology. In a DNP capstone project, researchers articulate their approach to methodology in the methods chapter. Choosing an appropriate research methodology involves careful consideration of the ways in which data will be collected, analyzed, and used to advance answers to the practice-focused question. The goal of the approach to data collection and analysis is to design a study that collects evidence to ably support a study’s findings and conclusions. A brief discussion concerning the methods that are more commonly used for DNP capstone projects may well be illustrative at this point in time. There are two main approaches to research: quantitative and qualitative.

4. Writing and Formatting Guidelines for DNP Capstone Projects

The narrative piece should always move back and forth between what the existing foundational knowledge is about a particular topic, and then the gap in that foundation or what is missing or not clear or complete (problem identification). Facing Forward. In your proposal identifying, it is important to move away from data collection to problem identification or a description of a clearly defined issue or problem necessary to understand the possible contributions of data collected which is a move to an applied project. The cornerstone of this section is problem identification. The rationale should appear at the end of each section. Write in academic style and please refer to the rubric and the assignment guidelines for further detail regarding the expectations for the Research Article/Manuscript Proposal in Module 2.

Writing standards: The discussion and conclusion sections should include a summary and description of conclusions drawn, as well as key points and recommendations. The purpose, research questions, and review of the literature, for example, should guide the written work that follows. Sources and their type, as well as your research methodology, are important in guiding your content development. The DNP project is not a research thesis, where extensive presentation of the literature is offered, but it is a synthesis of both the literature and the evidence, which forms the basis for the practice-focused scholarship. This is where you bring together the related research studies, expert opinion, theory and/or policy to develop a coherent description or analysis of the issue or problem you are addressing.

5. Effective Presentation and Defense of DNP Capstone Projects

Each college or university establishes a defense of scholarly projects based on best practices for the specific program. Most defenses begin with an oral presentation of the project, followed by a question and answer period with a scholarly committee. Use visuals – PowerPoint, Prezi, etc. – to highlight your work and supplement your presentation, but do not simply read your PowerPoint slides: explain the visuals or include supplemental information that adds to your presentation. Speak directly to your scholarly committee members, and position yourself at the head of the table where you can address all of the members. You may be asked to provide clarification or more in-depth discussion about a specific aspect of your project, but you will not typically be asked broad-based questions (such as would be encountered if you sought IRB approval). The members of your scholarly committee are typically focused on your work and not likely to ask questions to simply ‘stump the student.’ Respond respectfully to their questions and offer clarifying statements.

DNP-prepared nurses are natural leaders and knowledge generators, and part of that leadership includes distinguishing oneself and one’s work beyond the confines of the university. Nursing leaders who are successful in improving health outcomes and leading key initiatives are often savvy and effective presenters. Wherever possible, take opportunities to share your work with a variety of audiences, from local clinical settings or community groups, to state and national audiences. National conferences often have specific sessions for DNP scholarly presentations, such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Doctoral Education Conference or the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties’ annual conference. The annual Doctors of Nursing Practice Conference offers two tracks – for students and graduates. Peer-reviewed journals are another outlet, and students may submit their projects to the DNP section of the Journal for Nurse Practitioners. Sharing at a more local level could be accomplished in a multitude of venues.

Effective Presentation and Defense of Your DNP Capstone Project