Forensic Nursing

Why a DNP?

• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has stated that the changing demands of this nation's complex health care environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure high quality patient outcomes. The practice doctorate, DNP, is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, and offers an alternative to research focused doctoral programs (i.e. PhD programs).

How is the DNP different from the PhD, DNS, or DNSc?

• The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is for the nurse seeking specialty preparation in advanced levels of nursing practice.
• The DNP is a practice degree to meet the ever growing needs in a complex health care system.
• The PhD is primarily a researched-focused degree program.
• The DNS and DNSc are usually designed for nurse scholars who wish to pursue careers as leaders in health policy, healthcare delivery, nursing education and/or research.

What are the program requirements?

• Submit application online and on time
• All transcripts must be sent directly from each college and/or university attended
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 based on all collegiate work attempted
  (If GPA less than 3.0, applicants generally not competitive, but may submit additional documents for special consideration (e.g., GRE, leadership evidence).
• Documentation of currently unencumbered Tennessee RN license, or currently unencumbered authority-to-practice as RN via multi-state licensure compact
• Three recommendations must be sent on UTHSC “Recommendation Forms”.  At least one recommendation form should be completed by a university or college faculty member who can address your academic ability.  Forms can be found in online application.
• Must be certified in CPR or Advanced Life Support  prior to UTHSC enrollment and maintained throughout UTHSC enrollment
• Ready access to a web-connected personal computer and good computer literacy and skills
• Submit a 3-page essay describing professional goals, future roles, etc.
• If native tongue not English, must provide evidence of English proficiency
• Official minimum TOEFL Score within 2 years prior to application (550 on paper-based test or 213 on computer-based test)
• On-campus interviews scheduled for applicants meeting minimum admission requirements and passing initial screening

Are there clinical requirements?

•  Yes, clinical experience hours must meet the requirements to sit for certification by ANCC.

When should I register?

• Before February 1st

How do I apply?

• All applications must be submitted online at http://www.utmem.edu/nursing
• $50 application fee

Can I work and go to school?

• Yes, however, the full-time program makes if very difficult to work full-time and do well in the program.

What are my career options?

• Research

                       Design, implement, disseminate research studies

• Administration

                       Direct institutions or departments of nursing/research

• Faculty

                       Teach in a variety of institutions preparing nurses and other health care

                       providers

• Policy

                       Provide leadership for influencing political environment related to nursing and

                       health care delivery.

• Clinical Practice

                       Provide direct care within a group practice or independent practice.

                       Assess and manage patients with mental health problems.

                       Consult with primary care providers.

                       Medication management.

                       Generate outcomes data to improve health status of individuals, families, & 

                       aggregates.

What kinds of positions are offered to Forensic DNPs?

• In keeping with the goals of DNP education, the Integrated Model of Forensic Nursing prepares the forensic nurse to create systems of prevention and intervention in a variety of international cultures and settings, on behalf of populations impacted by unintentional injury and violence through the development of clinical practice models, health policy, and standards of care. The Integrated Model of Forensic Nursing combines concepts from Forensic Science, Public Health and Psych Mental Health Nursing in a holistic approach to the problem of injury and promotion of safety. Graduates are involved in areas of forensic practice such as:

Will I be credentialed? Is time spent getting this part of the DNP degree or separate (in amount of time)?

• Yes, the hours necessary for clinical and didactic experiences are within the program.

When will I be certified?

• Most students have completed the didactic and clinical hours necessary to sit for the certification exam the last semester of school during their residency.

What will the program cost?

• In-State - $3,970 per term
• Out-of-State - $9,360 per term
• The college has a number of scholarships that students are eligible after admission. Some employers also provide financial assistance.
  
  (The Academic Common Market is a consortium of states who have banded together to waive out-of-state fees for students when a specialization is not offered in the home state of the applicant (e.g., DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing). http://www.sreb.org

What is the program length?

• The DNP program is a full-time, five-term, 2 ½ year program of study primarily online.
• Consists of two academics terms per year with each term lasting 20 weeks.
• First three terms consist primarily of core courses, plus a few specialty courses in the student’s area of concentration
• Last two terms consist primarily of a resident practicum and a residency project
• Includes resident work arranged by the student in conjunction with a faculty member, which means that students typically do their residency in the area they currently live.
• Has no dissertation requirement
• Is not available as a part-time program

Are there any courses I can take in advance and if so, what is the procedure?

• Yes, students can take a few courses prior to enrollment; however, students should contact the faculty or the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs to make sure the course is the appropriate level prior to taking the course.

How many hours each day should I plan for studying?

• The number varies according to the student. Remember the old adage is that for every credit hour, 2 to 3 hours of study time.
• An advantage is that students don’t have to travel each week or sit in class each week.

What will be the career progression from entry into nursing and the DNP?

• Multiple routes and mechanisms for career progression will be possible and ultimately decided by each educational institution. The proposed model allows for progression from the BS or MS or PhD to the DNP. Pathways to the DNP and/or PhD for 2015 include:

Will the DNP diminish the need or support for PhD programs?

• There is no evidence that practice doctorates compete with programs aimed at        developing nurse researchers. The specific type of program that doctoral applicants choose depends on whether their preferred emphasis is in the practice arena or in scientific investigation. The practice doctorate is designed for those in direct clinical practice and areas that support clinical practice-administration, organizational management and leadership, and policy. AACN will continue its work to expand the pipeline of nursing scientists prepared in PhD programs.

• Research doctorates are a critical resource for supplying the evidence base for       nursing practice.

How will the DNP differ from the PhD, DNS, or DNSc in terms of curriculum content, research competencies, outcomes and roles occupied?

• The Essentials of the Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice Nursing will present the specifics of this education and role. DNP programs will incorporate the APRN content currently included in master's programs. The DNP focuses on providing leadership for evidence-based practice. This requires competence in translating research in practice, evaluating evidence, applying research in decision-making, and implementing viable clinical innovations to change practice.

• Considerable emphasis is placed on a population perspective, how to obtain assessment data on populations or cohorts, how to use data to make programmatic decisions, and program evaluation. If a DNP desires a more formal research role, additional preparation will likely be required-similar to a MD completing a PhD. The PhD and DNS/DNSc programs are research intensive. In many cases PhD graduates accept academic or governmental positions where research is a major expectation. The DNP graduates will likely seek practice leadership roles in a variety of settings-management of quality initiatives, executives in healthcare organizations, directors of clinical programs, and faculty positions responsible for clinical program delivery and clinical teaching would be appropriate.

What is a DNPs salary for different types of career options?

• Basic Level nurses usually start at an annual salary of $35,000-$40,000/year depending on the geographic location.
• APRN salaries range from $60,000/year and up.  Psychiatric DNPs are earning well over the average of other nurse practitioner specialties.
• Nurse executives (CEOs) can make from $100,000/year and upwards.
• Faculty members average about $65,000+ per year, again depending on the amount of education and experience.
• Some nurses become partners or associates in a group practice and generate annual salaries in excess of $100,000/year.

What is the incentive for expert APNs to go back to school, particularly since state laws and regulations allow practice with a master's degree?

• Over the years, requirements for the profession of nursing have evolved, consistent with needs of the healthcare environment. The DNP is preparing for the future-tomorrow's practice. Transforming health care delivery recognizes the critical need for clinicians to design, evaluate, and continuously improve the context within which care is delivered. Nurses prepared at the doctoral level with a blend of clinical, organizational, economic and leadership skills will significantly impact health care outcomes. Until the time that state laws are changed, if a nurse desires an APRN education, and has a choice between a DNP or a master's preparation, it would be far more cost-effective to spend the additional time for the DNP and be prepared for future practice.
  
  

Will adding another credential only create more confusion about nursing degrees?

• No, the DNP does not add "another layer"---just another doctoral focus. The plan will be that all practice doctorates will convert to the DNP designation to reduce confusion and differentiate those programs from research focused degrees (PhD, DNSc). All institutions that currently offer the Doctor of Nursing (ND) have chosen to become DNP programs. Those with an ND will need to contact their program about the possibility of a credential change.
  

Will doctorally-prepared nurses confuse patients and the public?

• No. The title of Doctor is common to many disciplines and is not the domain of any one group of health professionals. Many APNs currently hold doctoral degrees and are addressed as "doctors," which is similar to how other expert practitioners in clinical areas are addressed, including clinical psychologists, dentists, and podiatrists. In all likelihood, APNs will retain their specialist titles after completing a doctoral program. For example, Nurse Practitioners will continue to be called Nurse Practitioners. Of course, DNPs would be expected to clearly display their credentials to insure that patients understand their preparation as a nursing provider, just as many APNs, physicians, and other clinicians are required and currently do.
  
  

Will DNP programs prepare nurses to assume roles as physicians?

• No. Nursing and medicine are distinct health disciplines that prepare clinicians to assume different roles and meet different practice expectations. DNP programs will prepare nurses for the highest level of nursing practice. Transitioning to the DNP will not alter the current scope of practice for advanced practice nurses as outlined in each state's Nurse Practice Act.
  

Will CCNE accredit DNP programs?

• Yes, practice doctorates with the degree title DNP will be eligible for accreditation by CCNE. Programs offering research doctorates (e.g. PhD or DNSc) will not be considered for accreditation. It is expected that specialty accreditation for programs preparing nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists will continue by their respective accrediting agencies. If one of these programs is housed in a non-nursing program, the decision regarding the credential will be determined locally. CCNE continues to collaborate with specialty accrediting bodies through the Alliance for Nursing Accreditation. Moreover, CCNE will continue to strive to assure congruence among the standards for accreditation of nurse midwifery, nurse anesthesia, and DNP programs.