How to get to your ‘dream’ FINAL DNP PROJECT

Some schools call the final DNP project as the “capstone” project. Anyway, this final project requires the student to synthesize and apply learning’s of these three years in school to a project of the student’s interest.  The focus of a three year DNP program is to enable the student to critique researches, apply research into practice, and evaluate the clinical change that you applied for the betterment of health care. The DNP program encourages evidence-based practice. Therefore, the final DNP project should focus on an evidence-based practice change that will improve health care or patient outcomes in one way or the other.

Choosing a topic for the ideal DNP project is the often stressful process for a student; however, remember that the options for a health care or patient outcome change are endless. A multitude of new research comes out daily, so a student need not worry about running out of topics for your DNP project.

Before finalizing a DNP project topic:

• ·         Ask around for ideas for your ‘dream’ DNP project.
• ·         Formulate a well developed question
• ·         Ensure that the topic of choice can be supported by a sufficient amount of research (preferably systemic review studies)
• ·         DO NOT lead yourself with the belief that the world can be changed with your DNP project.
• ·         Try to take on a project that would not consume too much of your time, because in reality, once you start your project, it takes more time than you could have imagined.  (keep in mind that you will be taking other classes along with this project implementation that semester)
• ·         Do not worry yourself about sample size; the important thing is for you to graduate your program. You can always change the world after graduation as well.

Hope these tips will help you pick the right DNP project. Enjoy researching your topic and implementing a change to improve health care or patient outcomes.