Course Syllabus

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NGR 7855C: Evidence-Based Practice Development for DNP

Department of Nursing Practice & Department of Nursing Systems, College of Nursing

3 Credit Hours (2,1)

Syllabus: Print Version

Table of Contents

Instructor Information

  • Instructor: Valerie Martinez, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
  • Office Location: Office number 454/University Tower (UT)
  • Office Hours: Virtual by appointment
  • Phone: (407) 823-5024
  • Digital Contact: Valerie.Martinez@ucf.edu

Course Information

  • Term: Fall 2022
  • Course Number & Section: NGR 7855C: OW61
  • Course Name: Evidence-Based Practice Development for DNP
  • Credit Hours: 3 Credit Hours (2,1)
  • Class Meeting Days: Not Applicable except for DNP Intensive Dates
  • Class Meeting Time: Meets online (asynchronous); synchronous meetings may be offered but are not required
  • Class Location: Webcourses (web-based)
  • Course Modality: W

Enrollment Requirements

Course Prerequisites: None
Course Co-requisites: None
Other Enrollment Requirements: Admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) tracks or Consent of Instructor.

Course Description

Critique and synthesis of evidence for practice-related questions. Includes analysis of the context where evidence will be applied.

The purpose of this course is to help you explore DNP Project topics, help build foundational skills needed to complete a scholarly DNP project, and complete the College of Graduate Studies modules required for graduation related to Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research. This course is a three (3) credit course. It is divided into two (2) credit hours of didactic content via Webcourse and one (1) credit hour (60 clock hours) of DNP Project Hours.

Course Materials and Resources

Required Materials/Resources

  • American Psychological American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). ISBN: 9781433832161.
  • Dang, D., Dearholt, S.L., Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2022). Johns Hopkins Evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals: Model & guidelines (4th ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. ISBN: 9781948057875. (***An e-copy of this book is available from the UCF library for free, please see the course module “Course related ebooks” for link to access this resource).
  • Reavy, K. (2016). Inquiry and leadership: A resource for the DNP project. F.A. Davis. ISBN: 9780803642041.
    (***An e-copy of this book is available from the UCF library for free, please see the course module “Course related ebooks” for link to access this resource).
  • LEAP*RN: All students are required to have a subscription to LEAP*RN. See policy below.
  • In addition, most modules have supplemental online journal article readings and/or website readings. These are listed within Webcourses.

Optional Materials/Resources

  • Bradshaw, M.J., & Vitale, T.R. (2020). The DNP project workbook: A step-by-step process for success. Springer Publishing Company. ISBN: 9780826174321.
    (***An e-copy of this book is available from the UCF library for free, please see the course module “Course related ebooks” for link & instructions to access this resource).

LEAP*RN Policy

All College of Nursing students are required to pay a one-time subscription to LEAP*RN prior to registering for first semester courses. All courses will be evaluated at the end of the semester via LEAP*RN. All Nursing programs will contain graded assignments and tasks that can only be completed within LEAP*RN. To be successful in your program, you must be able to access and complete assigned items within LEAP*RN.

Directions for accessing LEAP*RN:

  • Type https://secure.projectconcert.com/ucf into the URL (search) bar.
  • Login using your NID and NID password just as you would for Webcourses or myUCF.
  • For specific instructions on LEAP*RN requirements for this course, see Webcourses.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Analyze contexts of nursing practice to identify gaps in practice quality.
  • Develop search strategies to obtain evidence related to practice problems
  • Critique studies as to applicability and rigor.
  • Synthesize knowledge from published evidence to recommend practice changes.
  • Consider perspectives of multiple disciplines in approaching health problems.
  • Align questions with national policy recommendations, including scientific best practices.
  • Demonstrate academic writing fluency.

Course Activities

  • Learning Modules:
    • The course has specific learning modules lasting 1-3 weeks throughout the semester. These are all available for view and/or download from the Webcourses site.
    • Students should complete the assigned module before moving on to the next module.
  • Required Online Resources:
    • Webcourses (Canvas) is the learning system and is required. Please make sure to review the system early in the semester. Contact online support or notify the instructor if you have trouble opening modules or gaining access to assignments.
    • All modules will be available on Webcourses.
    • Most modules will include required online journal articles and website readings. These are listed in each module in Webcourses.
    • Please log on at least three times per week. Note that assignments are scheduled throughout the semester. Please review the course calendar and assignments. Please email the instructor if you have any questions or concerns.
    • Assignments should be submitted via Webcourses unless otherwise noted in Webcourses.
    • Subscription to LEAP*RN is required.
  • Assignments - (See course schedule for due dates)
  • Exams/Quizzes/Final Exam
    • There are no examinations or quizzes in this course.

Activity Submissions

Formatting for assignments is discussed within each assignment rubric. Unless otherwise instructed, all assignments should be submitted to Webcourses.

Attendance/Participation

Since we do not meet “in person”, it is expected that you frequently check both UCF email and Webcourses. Please login to the course at least three days a week. It is also expected that you complete the modules and all other activities/assignments to help with your learning. Also see required “DNP Intensive Attendance Requirement.” Make sure you read any "Announcements" posted in the webcourse, they may contain clarifying information or assignment reminders. It is helpful to have email notifications for course activity set up in your Webcourse settings, see Canvas User Orientation for help with this. 

Several synchronous online library workshops will be offered throughout the semester, these sessions are not mandatory and will be recorded. Please see course summary below for dates.

  • DNP Intensive Attendance Requirement
    • Participation in the UCF DNP intensive is a program requirement for all DNP students. Failure to participate in all scheduled activities will result in a zero for the attendance requirement. In the event of illness or family emergency, the program coordinator must be notified within 72 hours of the occurrence. If a personal conflict is identified prior to the start of the semester, the student must contact the program director in writing describing the nature of the conflict and request an excused absence. This request must be made at least one month in advance of the Intensive and is subject to the approval of the program director (individual course instructors may not excuse students from program requirements). Students are expected to arrange their personal and work schedules to participate in the Intensive. Vacation, social events or work-related schedule conflicts are not considered valid rationale for an excused absence. In the event that a student is excused from attendance, the student will be held responsible for any material covered during the approved absence.

Make-up Exams and Assignments

Per university policy, you are allowed to submit make-up work (or an equivalent, alternate assignment) for authorized university-sponsored activities, religious observances, or legal obligations (such as jury duty). If this participation conflicts with your course assignments, I will offer a reasonable opportunity for you to complete missed assignments and/or exams. The make-up assignment and grading scale will be equivalent to the missed assignment and its grading scale. In the case of an authorized university activity, it is your responsibility to show me a signed copy of the Program Verification Form for which you will be absent, prior to the class in which the absence occurs. In any of these cases, please contact me ahead of time to notify me of upcoming needs.

Late Work Policy

Work that is submitted late may earn a 10% deduction in the grade per day. For discussion boards, the section that is late may carry a 10% penalty for every day beyond the due date. For example, if you are late with a peer response, this may be 0.5 points/day. Assignments may not be accepted if overdue by more than seven days or if the assignment has already been graded and/or grades released.

Extenuating circumstances, as described in University policies (eg: religious holidays, jury duty, unanticipated illness or death of immediate family members), will be accepted. Advance notification of conflicts is expected when possible. Students are required to notify the faculty in advance of anticipated conflicts (eg: religious holidays, jury duty). Notification of unanticipated illness or death will be expected as soon as is reasonably possible.

Assessment and Grading Procedures

The table shows the weight distribution for each assignment.

Assignment

Percentage of Final Grade

First Week Introduction Discussion Post for UCF Attendance

P/F

Discussion Postings with Peer Response (4 total)

20%

DNP Project Hours Objectives

5%

DNP Library Literature Search Assessment

P/F

Clinical Question & Problem Statement Assignment

5%

Analysis of Two Studies Assignment

10%

Literature Search & Evidence Table Assignment

20%

Synthesis & Recommendations Tool Assignment

5%

Final Synthesis of Literature Assignment

30%

DNP Intensive Participation

5%

Practice Hour Outcomes & Documentation in LEAP*RN

P/F

Final Week Discussion Post - No Peer Response

P/F

Total

100%

 

The table shows the range for each letter grade and uses a plus/minus system.
GRADUATE COURSE GRADING SCALE %

Letter Grade

Points

A

96 – 100 points

A-

92 – 95 points

B+

87 – 91 points

B

83 – 86 points

C+*

79 – 82 points

C*

75 – 78 points

D*

70 – 74 points

F*

69 and below

*Not acceptable for progression in the DNP or MSN program. A “B” or better is required in all graduate courses in order to stay in the program. Final grades of 0.5 or higher will be rounded up. For example, 95.5 will be rounded to a 96; however, 95.49 will not.

Consult the latest Undergraduate or Graduate catalog for regulations and procedures regarding grading such as Incomplete grades, grade changes, and grade forgiveness.

Course Schedule

Please see course schedule below for module and assignment due dates.

University Services and Resources

Academic Services and Resources

A list of available academic support and learning services is available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Academic Support and Learning Services" on the right-hand side to filter.

Non-Academic Services and Resources

A list of non-academic support and services is also available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Support" on the right-hand side to filter.

If you are a UCF Online student, please consult the UCF Online Student Guidelines for more information about your access to non-academic services.

Policy Statements

 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due