a dnp capstone project writing services

a dnp capstone project writing services

Effective Strategies for Writing a DNP Capstone Project

1. Introduction to DNP Capstone Projects

DNP Capstone Projects

Introduction

A DNP capstone project is a scholarly undertaking that applies evidence-based knowledge to solve a real-world nursing practice problem as part of a DNP student’s clinical immersion experience. This project represents the doctoral student’s personal commitment to the beliefs and values of the profession. The student’s documented results will contribute knowledge to the discipline, potentially advancing practice, education, policy, and/or the development or application of new clinical practice guidelines. The capstone project represents a rigorous scholarly investigation into a nursing practice-related problem that integrates knowledge, skills, and competencies developed throughout the curriculum. The primary academic products of the capstone project are a written scholarly work, a related fieldwork component, and a public presentation of the project and its implications for practice.

In addition to being a doctoral graduation requirement, the DNP capstone project has the potential to significantly impact healthcare and nursing practice. An important element of this project is the ability to communicate the findings through effective written communication. In addition, the final scholarly written work is expected to be of the quality and substance that it could be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Research & Fieldwork: The DNP Capstone Project includes both a scholarly investigation and an investigative experience in the field of anticipated doctoral practice. Studying in one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving specialty areas available in nursing and at the University of Utah provides you with the opportunity to contribute to the body of knowledge in your specialty through both research and practice. For the advanced practice nurse, this is a practicum that continues the series of on-campus and clinical experiences orchestrated and guided by the student’s academic advisor and practicum committee, ultimately culminating in a DNP Capstone Project.

2. Key Components of a DNP Capstone Project

Your capstone proposal should encompass all the critical elements of the DNP capstone project. Your proposal should be concise as not to exceed six pages, excluding the cover page, reference page, and any appendices. Using Times New Roman, your proposal must be prepared in APA format, and the reference page (if used) should be included at the close of your proposal. The cover page should reflect the proposal title, your name, the course, the instructor, the date, and the section in review (week 1 through week 8).

Typical components of the DNP capstone project include: (1) crafting a researchable question that contributes to the field of nursing; (2) providing a comprehensive literature review on the intended area of inquiry; (3) framing an evidence-based practice or clinical inquiry project; (4) describing a demonstration project, quality improvement program, or other special topics or needs area of the project; and (5) providing strategies for the project implementation, evaluation, dissemination, or sustainability recommendations.

These are some elements which contribute to the overall success of the project as well as the impact that a project demonstrates in the DNP areas of focus for the MSN program of study. For instance, the project investigators addressed one of the greatest contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality: a woman’s physical health status and disparities found with obesity. The investigators identified community health needs that informed the project’s clinical question. They reviewed relevant clinical literature to guide them in implementing a clinic half-day. Consultation was sought with experts in university research development offices and School of Nursing Institutional Review Board (IRB) leadership. Members of an OB clinic agreed to host the clinic half-day at their facility. Data was collected using the Priority Health Perinatal Quality Collaborative toolkit used for assessing mental health and substance use in postpartum women. Data results revealed patients with a BMI of 30 or greater had an increased rate of depression. This project was presented at the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners.

3. Research Methods and Data Analysis in DNP Projects

One of the key components of a DNP capstone project is the application of methodology that is designed to produce optimal results. It is essential that the appropriate research method be selected to address the clinical question and problem to be solved. The primary purpose of a DNP capstone project is to improve and facilitate advanced nursing practice. Multiple methods can be used, and this is to ensure that the final result makes a significant and notable contribution that informs and advances advanced nursing practice. Similarly, DNP capstone projects require appropriate data analysis strategies to match chosen methodologies to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the inquiry project. Robust and quality data analysis provides results that have meaning and implications for practice.

First, make sure to choose the appropriate research approach and justify your choice. The research approach serves as a statement of how the study will be conducted and provides structure and direction in the research process. The research method to be used should be chosen to answer the research question because as the methodology is determined, the required data will emerge from the method. Description of procedures for verification activities should be documented. The alignment of research method and data analysis is essential and is chosen to assist in the deliverables of the DNP capstone project. The selected research method and data analysis should be aligned and coherent to enhance the meaningfulness of the problem solution or answer.

4. Writing and Structuring a DNP Capstone Project

Writing a DNP capstone project is an opportunity to fully digest and share the experiences of completing a scholarly DNP project. The writing of doctoral projects requires clear yet concise language that is persuasive to the reader. Scholarly writing employs third person language, shares a clear purpose, makes use of the personal agency of the researchers in the use of proper citation, and is clear, concise, and coherent. In general, readers look for clear objectives and a succinct writing style that is respectful of their time and attention. An excellent DNP capstone focuses on writing that actively seeks to meet the objectives of scholarly practice while meeting the needs of an emerging nursing cadre.

In the discussion and conclusions, consider relationships to theory, research findings, and implications/solutions/outcomes that simply explain the overall value of the project. The goal is to direct and create a robust project that is logical and well-organized. Readers want to understand the flow of the information particularly as it pertains to the convening. It is helpful for the writer to use the conventional structure and adopted concepts in ways that are recognizable to those who want to share the document. Structuring the document in a way that moves from the general to the specific nestles important questions and aims into the consciousness of readers. In essence, the well-nested project is a well-recognized project.

5. Best Practices for Successful Completion of a DNP Capstone Project

When planning and conducting a program evaluation, a project team should aim for a policy brief. A policy brief is a succinct document that outlines an issue, highlights evidence-based strategies to address the issue, and shares program outcomes and recommendations. The policy brief is written for multiple audiences including local and state funders, program partners, clients, and the dissemination committee. In this part, we will consider best practices or strategies to manage the project timeline and ensure a successful DNP project completion.

The DNP capstone project is often the most demanding and time-consuming assignment of the DNP program. Most DNP project disparities range from 3000 to 5000 words. However, this will depend on the nature of the project and the needs as established by the project faculty or your clinical partners. You have worked long and hard to obtain the knowledge and experience necessary to design and implement a successful project. Use these skills to write a compelling project brief that motivates your audience to move out of a state of complacency and make a positive change. Ensure that your written project brief is supported by careful analysis and is achievable within the time frame of the project. Maintaining focus when writing a brief is essential for successful completion. Write in small stages and give time between drafts so that you can review your work with fresh eyes to identify issues and areas for improvement.

It is sometimes a humbling experience to put oneself out there with writing but very beneficial in the long run. There is often a time sink that can give the impression that we are writing in a vacuum. Fortunately, individuals in the partnership/committee capacity to review drafts and offer feedback can help prevent very real and very extreme situations where a project has gone off the rails mid-way or toward the end of the project time span. A well-written brief includes all the features of the project and is critical for “buy-in” from all vested stakeholders. It is paramount to integrate data interpretation and policy implications points into the body of the brief. Keep the focus of the policy brief on the evidence-based findings, as valuable real estate is being used to inform the reader about the findings that emerge from the study. Regardless of the feedback received, one should reflect on the project from the view of the customer(s). Doing so throughout the project helps ensure a smooth capstone project lifecycle. Identifying both the practitioner and patient-focused remarks/elucidations serves as a free, reflective tool. Information learned can influence the delivery and assessment of future projects following project dissemination. Select several policy brief content points and flesh out the details in order to make a more complete report that is relevant when presenting your proposed strategies to obtain “buy-in” for a future project.