Week 1
This week, a crucial milestone was reached in my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, as the Institutional Review Board granted full approval and authorized recruitment to begin. I had the chance to present my project again, with a specific emphasis on the behavioral goals and the PICOT question. The study aims to augment nurses’ knowledge and competencies in nonpharmacological interventions, decrease dependence on pharmaceutical treatments for agitation, and eventually improve patient outcomes over a six-week timeframe. The PICOT question focuses on the effect of an educational program on a new facility protocol that provides nonpharmacological interventions, such as art and music, twice a week.
The goal is to assess the impact of this program on nurses’ knowledge and skills regarding nonpharmacological interventions, as well as the resulting reduction in the use of pharmacologic interventions. Regarding the attainment of course objectives, I have successfully articulated my project goals and objectives, demonstrating critical thinking in the creation and execution of the project plan. This is in accordance with the South University Five Pillars of Nursing, notably professionalism, critical thinking, and communication.
In addition, I have been actively working with my mentor to enhance the project, exemplifying the principle of holism by thoroughly examining all facets of the project and its potential effects on clinical nurses and the patients in their care. Recruitment flyers were displayed in the institution to attract nurses. Meanwhile, I conducted clinical research, specifically examining articles related to nonpharmacological approaches, such as music and art, and their effects on patients with dementia (Cai et al., 2020).
The activities for this week align with The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, specifically in the domains of scientific foundations for practice, leadership in organizations and systems for improving quality, and the use of clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice. Generally, I have a positive and enthusiastic outlook on the progress of my project. I eagerly anticipate the hiring procedure and the chance to collaborate closely with the nursing staff to enhance patient outcomes.
Week 2
My primary focus this week was on the ethical standards related to DNP. I dedicated time to examining the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, with a focus on Statement 7.1. This statement highlights the significance of conducting research and engaging in scholarly activities related to intricate matters like the nonpharmacologic management of dementia (Luggar-Schmit, 2024). This statement is highly relevant to my project, as it emphasizes nurses’ ethical obligation to advance the profession through research and evidence-based practice.
Regarding the achievement of specific course objectives, I performed research on previously completed DNP projects that were related in topic to my major thesis. This enabled me to have a deeper understanding of effective project delivery methodologies and the challenges that may arise. In addition, I pursued my clinical study by specifically examining pertinent literature on nurse education regarding nonpharmacological therapies and their advantages for patients diagnosed with dementia.
Furthermore, I actively engaged in recruitment efforts for the project and collaborated closely with my mentor to enhance the recruitment process. This partnership exemplifies the fundamental role of communication in Southern University’s Five Pillars of Nursing, as excellent communication is crucial for the successful execution of projects. In addition, I have persistently dedicated myself to enhancing my DNP portfolio. This endeavor serves as a platform to showcase my scholarly achievements and unwavering dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.
The activities for this week pertain to the fundamental principles of doctoral education for professional nursing practice. These encompassed the domains of scientific underpinnings of practice, clinical investigation, and analytical techniques for evidence-based practice. I gained a deeper understanding of information systems and technology, as well as the use of patient technologies, to enhance and revolutionize healthcare.
Contemplating ethical concepts has underscored the significance of conducting a study responsibly and morally. This includes obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, and mitigating potential harm to individuals. This also entails ensuring clarity and openness on the objectives and methodologies of the research, as well as disseminating findings to pertinent parties. By upholding these ethical values, I exhibit my dedication to the nursing vocation and the individuals under my care.
In general, I have a favorable outlook on the advancement of my work and the moral principles that guide its execution. I anticipate the continuation of the recruitment process and the commencement of data collection in the upcoming weeks.
Week 3
This week, I have been mostly dedicated to promoting health and preventing disease. I conducted a study on health outcomes to enhance the effectiveness of dementia treatment by implementing nonpharmacological interventions like art and music therapy. Health promotion and illness prevention are integral aspects of nursing. My initiative aims to enhance the well-being of patients with dementia and decrease their reliance on medication through targeted interventions.
I persisted in my clinical investigation, concentrating on pertinent publications regarding the advantages of art and music therapy for patients afflicted with dementia in a nursing home environment. I sought guidance from my mentor regarding strategies to enhance projects and staffing by applying the fundamental principles of communication outlined in Southern University’s Five Pillars of Nursing. I require efficient communication to achieve effective project execution and foster collaboration with stakeholders.
Recruitment efforts for the initiative were ongoing, and I engaged in discussions with nurses regarding the project’s objectives and their voluntary involvement. By undertaking such initiatives, I endeavor to enhance patient outcomes and elevate the standard of care delivered by nursing personnel. The activities for this week center on the fundamental aspects of doctoral education for practicing nurses, with a specific emphasis on medical policy, ethics, and the advanced practice nurse’s role in influencing healthcare delivery. My project aligns with the broader objective of improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities by emphasizing wellness promotion and disease prevention.
Each week, my motivation to pursue my research grows stronger, particularly as I observe the advancements made and the potential advantages it could offer to individuals suffering from dementia and their caregivers. The prioritization of health promotion and illness prevention has underscored the need to adopt a comprehensive approach to patient care and to address the fundamental factors that contribute to health and well-being (Adja et al., 2020). During my study of health promotion and illness prevention, I placed significant emphasis on the cruciality of addressing the socioeconomic determinants of health in nursing practice. These characteristics encompass socioeconomic status, education, and access to health care, all of which can exert a substantial influence on an individual’s health state. Nurses can have a significant impact on promoting health equity and decreasing health disparities by addressing these fundamental concerns.
Week 4
This week, my main areas of focus were leadership vulnerability and data collection and analysis for my research topic. Vulnerability pertains to the capacity of leaders to exhibit openness, honesty, and sincerity in their dealings with others. Possessing this quality is crucial for nurses as it fosters trust and teamwork between team members and enhances patient outcomes. The recruitment process for the study proceeded this week, with approximately 10 nurses enrolling. We are currently in the stage of finalizing the signing of consent forms, and we have already scheduled the dates for the presentations. I am now creating a PowerPoint presentation that will provide a comprehensive overview of the project and the benefits of nonpharmacological interventions for patients with dementia.
Additionally, it will provide practical approaches for implementing these interventions in a nursing home environment. The events for this week center around leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clinical research and analytical approaches for evidence-based practice. Through a deliberate emphasis on leadership vulnerability and meticulous data collection and analysis, I cultivate the skills and knowledge to become a proficient leader and make valuable contributions to the advancement of the nursing field.
The significance of leadership vulnerability was underscored in the context of emphasizing an interpersonal approach to leadership, which prioritizes the cultivation of strong relationships with colleagues. This encompasses being receptive to input, acknowledging errors, and demonstrating empathy and compassion towards others. Nurses can enhance patient outcomes by fostering positive relationships and cultivating a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritizes patient-centered care (Brooks-Carthon et al., 2020). In general, I am hopeful about the advancement of my study and the possible advantages it could provide to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The prioritization of vulnerability in leadership underscores the significance of being honest and authentic in relationships with others, as well as the worth of fostering trust and collaboration among team members.
Week 5
In the fifth week, my main emphasis was on implementing data collection and analytic methodologies for my capstone project. After conducting a thorough study, I carefully evaluated different data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, and observations, and determined the most appropriate ones for my project. I examined different data analysis methods, such as descriptive data and inferential statistics, to identify the most suitable approach for evaluating the acquired data.
Aside from gathering and examining data, I also delivered my DNP portfolio to fellow students and teachers and assessed a classmate’s portfolio. It was a chance for me to present the advancements I had achieved in my coursework and to obtain input and recommendations from my colleagues and teachers. I further conducted research on the cognitive advantages of art and music in individuals with dementia, along with the long-term use of pharmaceutical treatments for dementia.
I sought guidance from my mentor regarding enhancing the presentation, and he provided suggestions to render it more captivating and enlightening for the target audience. I initiated the process of gathering data for the pretest and survey outcomes of the initial session of the educational presentation. This involved distributing the findings from the preliminary test and survey to the nurses who would be involved in the training class, as well as gathering and organizing data for analysis. Upon contemplation of the tasks undertaken this week, I perceive that I have achieved substantial advancement in relation to the specific objectives of the course. I acquired a more profound comprehension of data gathering and analysis methodologies and commenced the implementation of these methodologies in my project.
References
Adja, K. Y. C., Lenzi, J., Sezgin, D., OâCaoimh, R., Morini, M., Damiani, G., Buja, A., & Fantini, M. P. (2020). The importance of taking a patient-centered, community-based approach to preventing and managing frailty: A public health perspective. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 1â10.
Brooks-Carthon, J. M., Brom, H., Poghosyan, L., Daus, M., Todd, B., & Aiken, L. (2020). Supportive clinical practice environments associated with patient-centered care. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 16(4), 294â298.
Cai, Y., Li, L., Xu, C., & Wang, Z. (2020). The effectiveness of nonâpharmacological interventions on apathy in patients with dementia: A systematic review of systematic reviews. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 17(4), 311â318.
Luggar-Schmit, K. (2024). The nursing code of ethics: A guide. Nursing CE Central.
