The DNP Project Oversight Committee (DNPPOC) was founded in 2018 to address opportunities to improve the process of DNP project identification, implementation, and sustainability. The collaborative committee was created to strengthen the academic-practice partnership between RUSH University’s College of Nursing (CON) and RUSH University System of Health. Representatives from key areas to ensure communication flow to and from committee: Associate Vice President (AVP), CON faculty, EBP & Research committee chair, Magnet Director, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Unit Director (UD), Professional Nursing Staff (PNS) President/Elect, RUSH University Medical Group (RUMG) ambulatory clinics and RUSH Oak Park Hospital (ROPH).
DNPPOC’s purpose is to ensure that DNP projects:
Add value to RUSH
Impact the quality and safety of patient care / operations
Create a positive learning environment for staff and students
Enhance communication between Division of Nursing (DON), RUSH administration, key leaders, and CON
Provide connection for sustainability and dissemination of project recommendations and results
DNP projects will align with the strategic goals and initiatives of RUSH. These projects will add value to the health system and be a positive learning experience for students.
Representatives from key areas to ensure communication flow to and from committee
DNP project ideas flow through this committee
Ensure projects align with FY goals and strategic initiatives
Link for sustainability and dissemination of results and recommendations to a broader community
Ensure appropriate identification of facilitators for each project reviewed by committee
Aligns with institutional goals/has resources to support efforts
Priorities for the agency/organization and link to quality and safety goals
Advances work that is needed, but is not time-sensitive
Can move at student pace with coursework
Typical timeframe is 1-2 years depending on DNP specialty track
Design and development phase (6-8 months)
Implementation and evaluation phase (6-8 months)
Scope of project is typically beyond unit level, focused on population or system change
Examples of DNP Projects at RUSH
Addressing Tobacco Cessation in an Ambulatory Cancer Center
Identification of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in a Cardiology practice
Adult ICU Visitor Orientation
Increasing Advanced Directives Completion through Patient Education in Pulmonary Clinic
Fall Reduction in the Emergency Department
Improving Bedside Procedures and Sedation Practices in the ICU
Addressing Food Insecurity in the Inpatient Population
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a new Critical Care Outreach Team
A project facilitator is someone who works at the project site and agrees to support the student and help to navigate the site’s system. In some programs, the student will be asked to identify a project facilitator at the agency’s site and give the name and contact information to the advisor. In some programs, the facilitator is assigned based upon the project focus. View our facilitator resources.