T
his year marks the tenth anniversary of the Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP, program at Columbia University School of Nursing. Columbia Nursing’s program was among the first in the nation, and in the years since it was established, DNP programs have proliferated at nursing schools across the nation. Columbia Nursing’s DNP focus is unique among these programs in its distinctive emphasis on comprehensive clinical care. “The DNP program at Columbia University School of Nursing is a terminal degree that prepares the advanced practice nurse with the knowledge and skills necessary for comprehensive care of patients across sites and over time,” says Susan Doyle-Lindrud, DNP, ANP, DCC, (’94 ’08), director of the DNP program. “The advanced practice nurse with a DNP degree is well positioned not only to manage the individual patient, but is also prepared to improve patient outcomes through translation of research into practice.” Not only has Columbia Nursing’s DNP program graduated a cadre of exceptional nurse leaders, it is changing the face of nursing for the 21st century by helping to revolutionize the way health care is delivered in this country and around the world. In honor of the DNP decade, The Academic Nurse asked three DNP graduates and a current DNP student to tell us what the DNP degree means to them and how it affects their ability to care for patients, families, and communities.
BY ROBERT BROWN
Revolution, Evolution, Solution: 14
Spring 2014
The Academic Nurse
DAV I DE B ON A ZZI
A D E CAD E O F D NP AT C OLUMBIA NURS I NG The Academic Nurse
Spring 2014
15