Director of Graduate Nursing
Layna Himmelberg, Ed.D., MSN, CNE
PH 402.552.2776  TF 800.647.5500
himmelberg@clarksoncollege.edu

Introduction

Graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program option 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.

Part- and full-time study options are available.

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)**

Council on Accreditation (COA) Graduate Standards

Upon completion of the DNP degree, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Support patient safety through vigilance and protection from complications. (Critical thinking, Technology)**
• Demonstrate competence in the perianesthesia management of patients by delivering individualized, culturally competent care across the life span. (Diversity, Technology)**
• Demonstrate critical thinking, responsibility and accountability by applying evidenced-based concepts to decision making and problem solving when assessing, diagnosing, managing and evaluating perianesthesia care. (Critical Thinking, Technology)**
• Develop interpersonal communication skills promoting the effective exchange of information and collaboration while respecting patient privacy and maintaining confidentiality. (Communication, Technology)**
• Develop a leadership style integrating critical thinking and facilitating professional collaboration.   (Professionalism, Critical Thinking)**
• Demonstrate professionalism, including a commitment to academic and personal integrity.   (Professionalism)**

**Categories denoted in the parentheses represent relationship to the Clarkson College student success skills, which are our institutional student learning outcomes, and include Communication, Technology, Critical Thinking, Diversity and Professionalism

Program requires Health and Safety – View Health and Safety Information

Admission Policies

Enrollment in Clarkson College degree programs is limited through a selective admissions process. Admission policies and procedures are available from: the Admissions office, the College website, or in the Academic Policies & Procedures section (AD-1).