Director of Graduate Nursing
Layna Himmelberg, Ed.D., MSN, CNE
PH 402.552.2776 TF 800.647.5500
himmelberg@clarksoncollege.edu
Introduction
Graduates of Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program will have expanded knowledge and expertise required of advance practice nurses to provide leadership through collaborative and innovative decision making in an evidence-based practice environment. Graduates will demonstrate excellence in interdisciplinary, client-centered communication, translation of research, and implementation of evidence-based change to promote quality health care outcomes. Graduates will have a working knowledge of the processes involved in the development of state, national and professional policies governing health care.
We offer three (3) nurse practitioner options: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family, and Psychiatric-Mental Health. Each specialty in the online nursing program can be tailored for you to meet your career goals.
Nurse practitioner students must pass a certification examination in order to practice. At present, there are two (2) certifying bodies: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
ANCC certifies Family NPs, Adult-Gerontology NPs, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NPs. AANP certifies Family NPs.
Program Specific Competency Goals
Upon completion of the DNP degree, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:
- Integrate nursing science and theories to improve health care delivery systems, describe the actions and strategies to improve those health care systems, and evaluate patient outcomes in preparation for evolving nursing practice realities. (Critical Thinking, Technology)**
- Implement and evaluate health care delivery based on scientific findings that ensure quality and safety and consider ethical dilemmas, by using advanced communication processes, business and financial principles, and sensitivity to diverse populations. (Diversity, Communication)**
- Translate research into practice using evidence-based methods by disseminating findings, collaborating between disciplines, designing processes and evaluating quality improvement methodologies to address the complex needs of humankind. (Professionalism, Communication, and Critical Thinking)**
- Design information systems to guide clinical decision making, evaluate programs and improve health care outcomes while considering ethical and legal issues related to the use of information. (Technology, Communication)**
- Demonstrate leadership through the development, implementation and analysis of health policy at the micro and macrosystems of health care by engaging policy makers and advocating for social justice and the nursing profession. (Professionalism, Diversity)**
- Lead interprofessional teams through effective communication, leadership and collaboration to create practice improvement innovations in complex health care delivery systems. (Communication, Professionalism)**
- Analyze health care delivery models using scientific data to develop, implement and evaluate health promotion and disease prevention strategies to address gaps in care for population health. (Diversity, Critical Thinking, Technology)**
- Demonstrate advanced clinical judgment, systems thinking and accountability by designing and implementing evidenced-based care for specialty nursing practice via interprofessional collaboration, excellence in nursing, and therapeutic relationships with patients and other professionals. (Critical Thinking, Communication, Professionalism)**
Admission Policies
Enrollment in Clarkson College degree programs is limited through a selective admissions process. Admission policies and procedures are available
Required Courses for Doctor of Nursing Practice: BSN to DNP Option
Major Courses
Electives
4 semester hours required
There are four (4) options offered for the BSN-DNP: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA).
BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) can be found on the BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia section.
Major Specialty-Option Courses in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care to adult and gerontological patients in acute care settings. Throughout this program option, the learner will develop an advanced nursing practice that encompasses concepts and theories related to nursing and health care, and will assume the role of educator, referral agent and advocate while providing care within an evolving health care system.
*The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progression through the clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NS 830). Only one clinical course may be taken at a time.
Major Specialty-Option Courses in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care for patients in mental and/or behavioral health settings. The learner will engage in identifying key concepts and theories related to psychiatric-mental health nursing, strategies for communicating clearly with patients, and evidence-based treatment options or plans that meet the unique needs of each patient. The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner takes on the roles of educator, communicator, and advocate while providing care within an evolving health care system.
*The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progression through the clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NS 830). Only one clinical course may be taken at a time.
Major Specialty-Option Courses in Family Nurse Practitioner
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care of the individual and family in primary care settings. Throughout this program option, the learner will develop an advanced nursing practice that encompasses concepts and theories related to nursing and health care, as well as recognized and evidence-based care standards to deliver family-centered care. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) assumes the role of educator, referral agent and advocate while providing care within an evolving health care system.
*The Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progression through the clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NS 830). Only one clinical course may be taken at one time.