The development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree has been a significant milestone in advancing the field of nursing and bridging the gap between research and practice. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recognized the need for advanced nursing education and practice to meet the complex healthcare needs of the population and called for the establishment of the DNP program as the terminal degree for advanced nursing practice (AACN, 2006).
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” further emphasized the importance of advanced nursing education for improving healthcare outcomes. One of the key recommendations of the report was to increase the number of nurses with advanced degrees in order to strengthen the nursing workforce and enable nurses to lead and drive change in healthcare (Bleich, 2011).
The DNP program aims to prepare advanced practice nurses to provide evidence-based, quality care, and to assume leadership roles in clinical practice and healthcare policy. The curriculum of the DNP program includes advanced clinical courses, research, and practice-focused projects. It provides a strong foundation in clinical practice, research methods, and leadership skills, enabling nurses to translate research into practice and effect change in the healthcare system.
One of the innovative approaches to enhance the education and development of DNP students is the use of clinical electronic portfolios (CEPs). CEPs provide a platform for students to showcase their clinical knowledge, skills, and achievements, as well as to reflect on their learning experiences. According to Moriber et al. (2014), CEPs can transform doctoral education by promoting critical thinking, self-assessment, and professional development. They allow students to document their learning and progress throughout their DNP program, making the educational process more transparent and accountable.
CEPs also provide a means of integrating theory and practice by linking academic coursework with clinical experiences. Students can demonstrate how they apply theoretical concepts in their clinical practice and reflect on the impact of their practice on patient outcomes. This integration of theory and practice is essential for developing advanced practice nurses who are able to critically analyze evidence and make informed decisions in complex clinical situations.
Furthermore, CEPs enable faculty to assess students’ learning and performance in a comprehensive and systematic manner. By reviewing students’ portfolios, faculty can determine whether students have achieved the program’s learning outcomes, as well as identify areas for further development. The use of CEPs also facilitates communication and collaboration between faculty and students, allowing for ongoing feedback and guidance throughout the program.
However, the implementation of CEPs requires careful planning and support. Students need to be provided with clear guidelines and resources for creating and maintaining their portfolios. Faculty also need training to effectively use CEPs for assessment and feedback purposes. Additionally, there may be concerns about the privacy and security of electronic portfolios, as they contain sensitive patient information. It is important for institutions to have appropriate safeguards in place to protect patient confidentiality and comply with relevant privacy regulations.
In conclusion, the development of the DNP program and the use of CEPs have greatly contributed to advancing nursing education and practice. The DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide evidence-based, quality care and to assume leadership roles in healthcare. CEPs enhance the education and development of DNP students by promoting critical thinking, self-assessment, and professional development. They also provide a means of integrating theory and practice and facilitating assessment and feedback. However, the implementation of CEPs requires careful planning and support to ensure their effective use. Overall, the use of CEPs has the potential to transform doctoral education and improve the quality of nursing practice.
