Scientific underpinnings for practice competencies for the DNP-prepared nurse

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Preparing Your Reflection

The DNP Essentials (AACN, 2006) outline a number of scientific underpinnings for practice competencies for the DNP-prepared nurse. Reflect on the NR700 course readings, discussion threads, and applications you have completed across this course and write a reflective essay regarding the extent to which you feel you are now prepared to:

1.     “Integrate nursing science with knowledge from ethics, the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice.

2.     Use science-based theories and concepts to: determine the nature and significance of health and health care delivery phenomena; describe the actions and advanced strategies to enhance, alleviate, and ameliorate health and health care delivery phenomena as appropriate; and evaluate outcomes.

3.     Develop and evaluate new practice approaches based on nursing theories and theories from other disciplines” (AACN, 2006, p. 9).

Reference:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN]. (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Washington, DC: Author.

3 PAGES

Directions and Grading Criteria

CategoryPoints%Description
(Introduction – see note under requirement #5 above)88Introduces the purpose of the reflection and addresses DNP Essentials (AACN, 2006) pertinent to scientific underpinnings for practice.
You Decide Reflection8080Include a self-assessment regarding learning that you believe represents your skills, knowledge, and integrative abilities to meet the pertinent DNP Essential and sub-competencies (AACN, 2006) as a result of active learning throughout this course. Be sure to use examples from selected readings, threaded discussions, and/or applications to support your assertions to address each of the following sub-competencies:(a)   “Integrate nursing science with knowledge from ethics, the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice.(b)   Use science-based theories and concepts to: determine the nature and significance of health and health care delivery phenomena; describe the actions and advanced strategies to enhance, alleviate, and ameliorate health and health care delivery phenomena as appropriate; and evaluate outcomes.(c)   Develop and evaluate new practice approaches based on nursing theories and theories from other disciplines” (AACN, 2006, p. 9).
Conclusion44An effective conclusion identifies the main ideas and major conclusions from the body of your essay. Minor details are left out. Summarize the benefits of the pertinent DNP Essential and sub-competencies (AACN, 2006) pertaining to scientific underpinnings for practice.
Clarity of writing66Use of standard English grammar and sentence structure. No spelling errors or typographical errors. Organized around the required components using appropriate headers. Writing should demonstrate original thought without an over-reliance on the works of others.
APA format22All information taken from another source, even if summarized, must be appropriately cited in the manuscript and listed in the references using APA (6th ed.) format:1.  Document setup2.  Title and reference pages3.  Citations in the text and references.
Total:100100A quality essay will meet or exceed all of the above requirements.

Grading Rubric

Assignment CriteriaMeets CriteriaPartially Meets CriteriaDoes Not Meet Criteria
(Introduction – see note under requirement #5 above)(8 pts)Short introduction of selected DNP sub-competencies (AACN, 2006) pertinent to scientific underpinnings for practice. Rationale is well presented and purpose fully developed.7 – 8 pointsBasic understanding and/or limited use of original explanation and/or inappropriate emphasis on an area.5 – 6 pointsLittle or very general introduction of selected DNP sub-competencies (AACN, 2006). Little to no original explanation; inappropriate emphasis on an area.0 – 4 points
You Decide Reflection(80 pts)Excellent self-assessment of skills, knowledge, and integrative abilitiespertinent to scientific underpinnings for practice. Reflection on pertinent DNP sub-competencies (AACN, 2006) supported with examples.70 – 80 pointsBasic self-assessment of skills, knowledge, and integrative abilitiespertinent to scientific underpinnings for practice. Reflection on pertinent DNP sub-competencies (AACN, 2006) not supported with examples.59 – 69 pointsLittle or very general self-assessment of skills, knowledge, and integrative abilitiespertinent to scientific underpinnings for practice. Little or no reflection on pertinent DNP sub-competencies (AACN, 2006) or reflection not supported with examples.0 – 58 points
Conclusion(4 pts)Excellent understanding of pertinent DNP sub- competencies (AACN, 2006). Conclusions are well evidenced and fully developed.3 – 4 pointsBasic understanding and/or limited use of original explanation and/or inappropriate emphasis on an area.2 pointsLittle understanding of pertinent DNP sub-competencies (AACN, 2006). Little to no original explanation; inappropriate emphasis on an area.0 – 1 points
Clarity of writing(6 pts)Excellent use of standard English showing original thought with minimal reliance on the works of others. No spelling or grammar errors. Well organized with proper flow of meaning.5 – 6 pointsSome evidence of own expression and competent use of language. No more than three spelling or grammar errors. Well organized thoughts and concepts.3 – 4 pointsLanguage needs development or there is an over-reliance on the works of others. Four or more spelling and/or grammar errors. Poorly organized thoughts and concepts.0 – 2 points
APA format(2 pts)APA format correct with no more than 1-2 minor errors.2 points3-5 errors in APA format and/or 1-2 citations are missing.1 pointAPA formatting contains multiple errors and/or several citations are missing.0 points
Total Points Possible =  100  points