The Ongoing Conundrum About DNP Project Variability

An important publication titled The State of Doctor of Nursing Practice Education in 2022 reports on a national study that examined the current state of DNP graduates both in practice and in academia. The key findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the 2022 report provide an updated snapshot of current DNP education and practice along with recommendations for curricula and utilization of DNP graduates. This article focuses on the DNP Project as an integral component of the DNP curriculum in developing clinical leaders and scholars to improve healthcare outcomes and significantly impact healthcare transformation. Many publications have addressed the significant variability of the DNP Project among programs. This AACN report further underscores variability among DNP Projects regarding purpose, focus, format, development, evaluation, dissemination, and contribution to practice. The purpose of this article is to provide a perspective for nurse leaders and faculty about selected key findings, conclusions, and recommendations from this 2022 report that relate to DNP Projects as a means to improve the value and rigor of DNP Projects and decrease the variability among DNP programs.

Automated summary

This article introduces an important report from 2022, which examines the current state of DNP graduates in both practice and academia. The report's key findings, conclusions, and recommendations provide an updated understanding of DNP education and practice, as well as suggestions for improvement. The article focuses on the significance of the DNP Project in developing clinical leaders and scholars to improve healthcare outcomes.