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DNP Project Committee RolesThe student, advisor, faculty co-advisor, and preceptor serve in various roles duringthe student DNP experience, which facilitates progression and attainment of the Doctorof Nursing Practice degree. For example:DNP Academic/Project Advisor: At the start of the DNP program, each student will beassigned an advisor. The DNP Academic/Project Advisor may be a DNP/PhD preparedfaculty member or administrator of the School of Nursing who holds graduate facultystatus. All DNP advisors will be familiar with the DNP program and will haveclinical/scholarly expertise. The DNP Academic/Project Advisor will provide academicadvisement throughout the program. It is the right of a student to change advisors.Should a student wish to change an advisor, the student should contact the DNPCoordinator.DNP Project Faculty Advisor: The DNP Faculty Advisor works closely with the studentto support and assist with the development and revisions of the DNP Project.Faculty Co-Advisor: The DNP Project faculty co-advisor is another DNP/PhDprepared facultymember who holds graduate faculty status. The faculty co-advisorprovides clinical/scholarly expertise and provides comments/revisions for the DNPProject. The co-advisor works in collaboration with the advisor to provide feedback tothe student.Preceptor: The preceptor should hold a doctoral degree such as a DNP, PhD, MD,PharmD, etc. The preceptor can be from a variety healthcare disciplines. The preceptorwill serve in a consulting role and may be helpful in navigating the clinical setting. Forexample, a preceptor may facilitate advanced practice experiences and provide entry tovarious interprofessional team experiences in which they may or may not participateon themselves. Clinical preceptors may have varied skill sets, educational credentials,and expertise. Students cannot be precepted by a spouse or family member.Course designated clinical experiences are facilitated by the preceptor and may includebut not be limited to: Providing curricular, professional, or programmatic guidanceServing as a resource person and/or role modelEnhancing the learning experiences of the DNP studentProviding access to a setting or population of patientsProviding leadership opportunities within the systemFacilitating interprofessional team leadership experiencesClinical hours are logged by the student. Clinical hours may include hours on the DNPProject proposal including development, clinical contact hours, and hours based onparticipation in leadership activities and committees. The faculty or DNP Coordinatormay be contacted to clarify what constitutes clinical hours.Revised 8/20/15, 4/16/18, 11/28/18, 6/7/21Reviewed 8/12/16; 8/24/17, 5/15/2020, 6/9/20226

The following table outlines responsibilities of the student, advisor, co-advisor, andpreceptor in selected courses of the DNP curriculum.CourseSynthesisandApplicationof olar IStudentResponsibilitiesContact AdvisorShare drafts ofPICOT questionwith advisorIdentify a list ofpotentialpreceptorsDevelop goalsand objectivesfor working withpreceptorChoose preceptorandcommunicategoals andobjectivesObtain preceptorvita/resume,contactinformation, andvalidatelicensure.Providedocumentation tofacultyDeveloppreliminarybackground andAdvisor &Co-AdvisorResponsibilitiesProvide feedbackon PICOTquestionPreceptorResponsibilitiesCourse FacultyResponsibilitiesNoneGuide andcritique thePICOT questionFacilitate thestudentprogression plan,consideringprogrammaticand professionaldevelopmentneedsMaintain studentcontact duringproposaldevelopmentServe as aresource to thestudent as theydevelop goals andobjectives toshare with thepreceptorReview student’sdevelopingproposal andprovide guidancerelated tocontent, thefeasibility of thestudy andpossiblecollaborationsand resourcesRevised 8/20/15, 4/16/18, 11/28/18, 6/7/21Reviewed 8/12/16; 8/24/17, 5/15/2020, 6/9/20227Encouragestudent contactwith the advisorFacilitatelearningactivities toachieve courseobjectivesProvide agencyorientation forthe student, e.g.,agency policiesand proceduresand otherrequirementsMeet regularlywith student toreview goals andobjectives andprovide feedbackEnhance thelearningexperiences ofthe studentFacilitate thestudenttransition to thenext courseCollect preceptorvitas, contactinformation, andvalidation oflicensure; file instudent recordReview andapprove goalsand objectivesfor working withpreceptorIdentify if anaffiliationagreement isneeded andprovidemechanism toobtainProvide entry toleadershipopportunities and Contactpreceptor asfacilitateinterprofessional necessaryopportunities at

significancethe systems levelReview theliterature relatedto a healthcareissue or situationMay reviewstudent’sdevelopingproposal andprovide guidancerelated tocontent, thefeasibility of thestudy andpossiblecollaborationsand resourcesCollaborate withadvisor duringproposaldevelopmentMaintain detailedclinical activitieslog according tocourserequirementsFile log of clinicalhours in studentrecordsSend thank youletter topreceptorsSubmit log tocourse faculty atend of courseClinicalNurseScholar II*Minimum of 90clinical hoursChoose a secondcommitteemember (coadvisor) from theSON in additionto preceptor orexternal expertDevelop/refinemethods sectionof proposalObtain IRBapprovalFacilitateformation of aDNP ProjectCommitteeRead and providefeedback to thestudent regardingthe proposaland/or assignedproject for thecourseSend proposal toDNP projectcommittee twoweeks prior toproposalpresentationPowerPointpresentation todefend proposalRevised 8/20/15, 4/16/18, 11/28/18, 6/7/21Reviewed 8/12/16; 8/24/17, 5/15/2020, 6/9/2022Enhance thelearningexperiences ofthe advancedpractice nursingstudentIf a member ofthe DNP ProjectCommittee,participate inproposalpresentationCollect preceptorvitas, contactinformation, andvalidation oflicensure; file instudent recordReview andapprove goalsand objectivesfor working withpreceptorIdentify if anaffiliationagreement isneeded andprovidemechanism toobtainContactpreceptor as8

necessaryto DNP ProjectCommitteeFile log of clinicalhours in studentrecordsSubmit log tocourse faculty atend of courseDNPProject Iand II*Minimum of 180clinical hoursSubmit log tocourse faculty atend of course ofhours completedtoward the 270residency hoursComplete DNPProjectFacilitate projectimplementationand finalmanuscriptdevelopmentFacilitate projectimplementationServe as aresource personand/or rolemodelProvide access toa setting orpopulation ofpatientsSchedule DNPProjectPresentationProvide copy ofDNP Projectpaper tocommitteemembers 2weeks prior toDNP ProjectPresentationIf member of theDNP ProjectCommittee,participate inDNP ProjectPresentationSend thank youletter topreceptorsCollect preceptorvitas, contactinformation, andvalidation oflicensure; file instudent recordReview andapprove goalsand objectivesfor working withpreceptorIdentify if anaffiliationagreement isneeded andprovidemechanism toobtainContactpreceptor asnecessaryDevelopPowerPoint topresent DNPProjectFile log of clinicalhours in studentrecordsSend thank youletter topreceptorsRevised 8/20/15, 4/16/18, 11/28/18, 6/7/21Reviewed 8/12/16; 8/24/17, 5/15/2020, 6/9/20229

ClinicalScholarResidencyRefine andimplement DNPProjectSubmit finalpublishablemanuscript toprojectcommitteeSubmit hours logto course facultyContinuefacilitation ofDNP Project andfinal manuscriptdevelopmentWork closelywith student andprovide ongoingfeedback*Minimum of 270clinical hoursduring DNPProject 1 & 2 andthe ClinicalResidencyProvide guidanceServe as aresource personand/or rolemodelCollect preceptorvitas, contactinformation, andvalidation oflicensure; file instudent recordReview andapprove goalsand objectivesfor working withpreceptorIdentify if anaffiliationagreement isneeded andprovidemechanism toobtainContactpreceptor asnecessaryValidate thatstudents haveacquired aminimum of1000 postbaccalaureatehoursFile log of clinicalhours in studentrecordsSend thank youletter topreceptors*All students must be able to validate 1040 post-baccalaureate hours upon completionof the program.Revised 8/20/15, 4/16/18, 11/28/18, 6/7/21Reviewed 8/12/16; 8/24/17, 5/15/2020, 6/9/202210

DNP Project TimelineDuring the spring semester of the first year of study, the student will meet withher/hisProject Advisor and form the DNP Project Committee. Once the committee is formedthe student will download the DNP Project Committee Designation and ApprovalsForm, found on the DNP website, to be completed by the DNP Project Committee. Oncecompleted, the student will file the form in the office of the Graduate Student ServicesCounselor.After the DNP Project Committee is confirmed, the student will work closely with theDNP Project Advisor to develop and revise the DNP Project Proposal. Once the DNPProject Proposal is approved by the DNP Advisor, the student must send a clean copyof the DNP Project Proposal to the DNP Project Committee 3 weeks prior to the DNPProject Presentation date. The student will work with the DNP Project Committee todetermine a DNP Project Proposal Presentation date during the spring semester of thefirst year to be attended by the DNP Project Committee. The preceptor may attend themeeting via video conferencing. If the preceptor needs to cancel on the selected date ofthe DNP Project Proposal Presentation, the DNP Project Proposal Presentation willneed to be rescheduled. The DNP Project Proposal Presentation is a 20-minutePowerPoint slide presentation of the student’s DNP Project. Following the DNP ProjectProposal Presentation, the DNP Project Committee will ask questions to determine thestudent’s knowledge of the research process and readiness to move forward with theDNP Project. Often, revisions to the DNP Project Proposal are required before movingforward in the program. The DNP Project Committee will deliberate and return adecision to approve or disapprove the DNP Project. If approved, the DNP ProjectCommittee Designation and Approvals Form will be signed by the DNP ProjectCommittee. The student will file the form in the office of the Graduate Student ServicesCounselor.If a student receives a vote of disapproval, the student will work with the DNP ProjectAdvisor to address the concerns of the DNP Project Committee. Then the DNP ProjectCommittee will meet for a second DNP Project Proposal Presentation. A secondfailure will result in student dismissal from the DNP Program.Once the DNP Project Committee approves the DNP Project Proposal, the student willwork with the DNP Project advisor/preceptor to apply for Institutional Review Board(IRB) approval, which must be obtained prior to the student initiating the DNP Project.IRB information can be found at http://www.uakron.edu/research/ora/irb. Allstudents must complete CITI Training for the ethical conduct of research.If a student is conducting the DNP Project at a healthcare institution, it may benecessary to seek IRB approval at both the healthcare institution and The University ofAkron. The student has the responsibility to contact The University of Akron IRB todetermine if reciprocity of approval is available. Once IRB approval is obtained, it is theRevised 8/20/15, 4/16/18, 11/28/18, 6/7/21Reviewed 8/12/16; 8/24/17, 5/15/2020, 6/9/202211

student’s responsibility to ensure the IRB approval number is added to the DNP ProjectCommittee Designation and Approvals Form and is on file in the office of the GraduateStudent Services Counselor.DNP Project GuidelinesThe DNP Project documents the student’s educational experiences, provides a measurefor evaluating the achievement of the DNP Essentials and DNP program outcomes, andshowcases the student’s growth in knowledge and expertise as a future DNP scholar. TheDNP Project results in 5 chapters as indicated below, and a publishable manuscript. TheDNP Project should serve as a foundation for future scholarly practice as a DNP withinthe clinical setting.The completed DNP Project will be written in APA format, typically 20 to 30 doublespaced pages in length excluding references, tables, and figures. The elements of thecompleted DNP Project are as follow:Title PageAbstract – 250 wordsChapter One: Nature of the Project1. Introduction2. Purpose and PICOT Question3. Significance to Nursing and HealthcareChapter Two: Review of Literature1. Theoretical Framework2. Review of Current ResearchChapter Three: Methods3. PICOT Question and Project Design4. Sample and Setting5. Procedures6. Instruments7. Data AnalysisChapter Four: Findings1. ResultsChapter Five:1. Discussion2. Limitations3. Implications for Nursing Practice4. ConclusionsAt the completion of the DNP Project, the student will work closely with the DNPAdvisor to develop and revise the 5 chapters of the completed DNP Project. Onceapproved by the DNP Advisor, the student must send a clean copy of the completedDNP Project to the DNP Project Committee 3 weeks prior to the Final DNP ProjectPresentation date. The student will work with the DNP Project Committee toRevised 8/20/15, 4/16/18, 11/28/18, 6/7/21Reviewed 8/12/16; 8/24/17, 5/15/2020, 6/9/202212

determine a DNP Project Presentation date. Please check the Graduate School websiteto determine the date all paperwork needs to be submitted in order to graduate inMay. The preceptor may attend the Final DNP Project Presentation via videoconferencing. If the preceptor needs to cancel on the selected date of the DNP ProjectPresentation, the DNP Project Presentation will need to be rescheduled. The Final DNPProject Presentation will occur via a 20-minute PowerPoint slide presentationfollowed by questions and discussion. After the Final DNP Project Presentation, theDNP Project Committee will deliberate and return a decision to approve or disapprovethe Final DNP Project Presentation. If approved, the DNP Project CommitteeDesignation and Approvals Form will be signed and the student will file the form in theoffice of the Graduate Student Services Counselor.It is imperative to acknowledge the contributions of faculty who contributed toyour project and manuscript by including them as co-authors on a manuscriptyou submit for publication.Rules, Policies, and ProceduresThe DNP requires 540 post-master’s practice hours. DNP students enter the programwith 500 or more hours from their master’s program, or they need to complete extraclinical hours in the DNP program to meet these entry criteria. To be accepted, thehours must have been part of a supervised academic program (e.g., degree orcertificate). Students must request written verification of the number of hourscompleted within their master’s program. If a student has achieved 1040 postbaccalaureate hours in the master’s program, a minimum of 270 hours must still becompleted in the DNP residency. In addition, students must complete hours in ClinicalNurse Scholar 1 and Clinical Nurse Scholar 2. Plans will be individualized based onreported hours, and to meet The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced NursingPractice (2006), available NPEssentials.pdfAchievement of the DNP Essentials may occur in the context of direct patient care butmay also occur in other settings. It is possible for some practice hours to be metthrough the DNP Project while others are achieved elsewhere (e.g., work on a policyissue, leadership roles in professional organizations, etc.).The primary reference for rules, policies and procedures concerning graduateeducation at The University of Akron is the Graduate Bulletin published by the GraduateSchool. You may access the Graduate School Bulletin pdf. It is expected that allgraduate students become familiar with the policies and rules contained in thisdocument.Revised 8/20/15, 4/16/18, 11/28/18, 6/7/21Reviewed 8/12/16; 8/24/17, 5/15/2020, 6/9/202213

Mandatory Onsite AttendanceMandatory attendance is required for the in person and online asynchronous weekendimmersion classes twice a semester. Failure to attend a weekend may result in thestudent being withdrawn from the course. When possible, one class will be offered onSaturday and the second class will be offered on Sunday.If a student misses more than one weekend once the program has begun, thestudent may be withdrawn from the DNP program.Computer RequirementsThe DNP program is taught using online synchronous or face to face meetings(depending on the class) two weekends a semester and asynchronously during thesemester via online discussions, posted assignments, and learning activities. Allstudents must have a personal computer with sufficient memory, speed and softwarecapabilities to participate in online activities. Helpful information on computerrequirements and Technology Services can be foundat http://www.uakron.edu/it/ .The student may also contact the UA Computer Help Desk @ 330.972.6888 duringhours of operation.Withdrawing From a CourseStudents who withdraw from a course must officially complete the process as describedby UA policy found in the Graduate Bulletin. Failure to withdraw from a course willresult in a grade of “F”.Entering the Program and Request for Program LeaveOnce a student is accepted into the DNP program, if the student chooses not to enter inthe semester and year accepted a new application is required for consideration in asubsequent year.DNP students are admitted annually for a summer start date. Courses are offeredsummer, fall, and spring. If a student steps out for personal, professional or academicreasons, the student must notify the DNP Coordinator in writing. When the student isready to re-enroll, a written request must be submitted to the DNP Coordinator to jointhe next cohort. If the student plans to use previously earned credits, those must fallwithin the ten-year time limit for obtaining a doctorate. The 10-year timeline alwaysbegins with the first course the student takes that applies to the program. Should astudent request a leave, the student will still need to enroll in at least one credit for eachfall and/or spring semester of their leave per the Graduate School’s continuousenrollment requirement.Continuous Enrollment RequirementThe Graduate School requires that a doctoral student register for a minimum of onegraduate credit as approved by her/his adviser during each fall

The University of Akron has a long tradition of being home to one of Ohio's top ranked programs of nursing. One of the particular strengths of our DNP program is that unlike other DNP programs, the courses at The University of Akron are taught by a complimentary blend of DNP and PhD prepared faculty, thus offering the student