DNP Scholarly Project Final Paper Guidelines
PURPOSE
In this course, students will complete implementation and evaluation their DNP scholarly project
and submit a completed DNP scholarly project final paper; this is a revision and extension of the
approved project proposal that was developed in NR702: DNP Project & Practicum I. The completed DNP
scholarly project final paper will provide a detailed account of all phases of the completed DNP
scholarly project.
This paper may not be submitted until the student has completed project implementation, data
analysis, and evaluation.
COURSE OUTCOMES
This assignment enables the student to meet the following course outcomes.
CO1: Evaluate the outcomes of the DNP Scholarly Project using narrative and statistical methods.
(POs 3, 5, 6, 7. 9)
CO2: Develop a comprehensive plan for communicating the results of the evaluation of DNP Scholarly
Project for determination of sustainability and replication. (POs 2, 6, 8)
POINTS
This assignment is worth a total of 300 points.
DUE DATE
Submit to the Dropbox by the end of Week 5, Sunday, at 11:59 p.m. MT.
REQUIREMENTS
1. To complete this assignment, you will need to review the grading rubric carefully and
consider how to incorporate each required criterion into the final paper. This final paper is an
extension of the project proposal that you completed in NR702.
2. The DNP Final Paper is worth 300 points and will be graded on quality of information, use
of citations, use of Standard English grammar, sentence structure, and overall organization based
on the required components as summarized in the directions and grading criteria/rubric. All
evaluation criteria must be acceptable to earn the 300 points and pass this course.
3. Create your manuscript using Microsoft Word (a part of Microsoft Office), which is the
required format for all Chamberlain College of Nursing documents. You can tell that the document is
saved as a MS Word document because it will end in “.docx”
4. The length of the paper is to be no greater than 50 pages excluding title page, abstract,
reference pages, and appendices. The following are estimates for length of each section.
a. Introduction: 1-2 paragraphs
b. Significance of the Practice Problem: 3-5 pages
c. PICOT Question: 2-3 pages
d. Theoretical Framework: 2-3 pages
e. Synthesis of the Literature: 5-10 pages
f. Practice Recommendations: 1 page
g. Project Setting: 2-3 pages
h. Project Vision, Mission, and Objectives: 1-2 pages
i. Project Description: 5 pages
j. Project Evaluation Results: 5 pages
k. Discussion and Implications for Nursing and Healthcare: 1page
l. Dissemination: 1pages
m. Conclusion: 1-2 paragraphs
5. Doctoral level writing
6. APA format is required with a title page, abstract, and reference page. An APA template is
available in the Doc Sharing with required headings and content described.
Preparing the Paper
The following are best practices for preparing this paper:
1. Review comments that your instructor made on your Project Proposal in NR702 and make
recommended changes.
2. Use the APA template with required headings and descriptions of required content in Doc
Sharing.
3. Use the attached grading rubric to guide the development of your proposal.
DIRECTIONS AND GRADING CRITERIA
Compose a paper of approximately 50 pages describing your DNP scholarly project along with
evaluation and implications. You must present details of the entire DNP project including parts of
the completed DNP project completed in previous assignments in other practicum courses. For
example, you will be able to use parts of your project proposal completed in NR702 as long as you
update it using comments provided by your professor when it was graded. The page limit relates to
the body of the paper only and does not include the cover sheet, reference list, or appendices. The
paper must be complete and polished and reflect doctoral-level writing skills. The grading rubric
should be reviewed carefully as you prepare the paper to ensure that all required elements are
included.
Category Description
Writing Organization/Structure See Rubric
Writing Mechanics/Usage See Rubric
APA See Rubric
Abstract See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Introduction See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Significance of the Practice Problem See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
PICOT Question See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Theoretical Framework See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Synthesis of the Literature See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Practice Recommendation See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Project Setting See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Project Vision, Mission, Objectives See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Project Description See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Project Evaluation and Data Analysis See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Implications for Nursing and Healthcare See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Dissemination See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Conclusion See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
References See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Appendices See APA template for Final Paper and Rubric
Total: 300 A quality essay will meet or exceed all of the above requirements as described on
the APA Template for the Final Paper and the following grading rubric.
GRADING RUBRIC
Note: You will be allowed one rewrite for this assignment if you do not earn an acceptable score on
all criteria.
• If an acceptable score is not obtained for all criteria of Part I: Writing and APA, the
paper will not be graded but returned to you for your one opportunity to rewrite the paper and earn
an acceptable rating on all criteria, pass this assignment, the course, and progress to graduation.
• If an acceptable score is obtained on all criteria of Part I: Writing and APA but the
content in one or more sections of Part II is unacceptable, the paper will be returned to you for
your one opportunity to rewrite the paper and earn an acceptable rating on all criteria, pass this
assignment, the course, and progress to graduation.
If your project proposal is returned to you for your one opportunity to rewrite the proposal, it is
due within 5 days of when it was returned to you.
GRADING RUBRIC
Part I: Writing and APA Criterion Acceptable Not Acceptable
Organization/Structure
There is logical sequencing of ideas through well-developed paragraphs. Transitions are used to
enhance organization. There is a logical progression of thoughts and ideas. Concepts are clearly
presented with doctoral level vocabulary. The paper is well organized from introduction to
conclusion.
Mechanics/Usage
There are few errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, sentence structure, or word usage.
APA
There is consistent adherence to APA criteria in title page, running head, headings, citations,
and/or reference page. Font, layout, and/or margins adhere to APA format.
Part II: Content Acceptable Not Acceptable
Abstract
The abstract includes all required content and does not exceed 250 words. Effectively summarizes
the DNP scholarly project.
Introduction
The introduction clearly and concisely states the paper’s purpose. It is engaging and thought-
provoking. The introduction clearly states and describes the main topic and previews the structure
and content of the paper.
Significance of the Practice Problem
This section effectively describes the significance of the problem including human and societal
impact. The problem is significant to nursing and the student’s identified practice area. Current
data on incidence and/or prevalence is included if appropriate. Cultural, political, legal,
ethical, quality, and safety implications are included if appropriate. There is substantiation with
adequate number and quality of professional references with no uncited statements of fact.
PICOT Question
A well-constructed PICOT question is included. Each component of the question is thoroughly
described and/or operationally defined.
Part II: Content Acceptable Not Acceptable
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework is appropriate to the problem and/or intervention and the student’s
identified practice area. There is clear linkage between the components of the framework and the
elements of the problem and/or intervention.
Synthesis of the Literature
Substantial review of the literature is evident in the synthesis and covers all facets of the
problem with numerous (at least 10 primary research articles and/or systematic reviews) references
linking the practice problem and the selected intervention. This section is a synthesis rather than
a study by study review of the literature. Evidence tables of primary research and systematic
reviews are included as an appendix. Only research evidence is included in the synthesis and on the
evidence table. No secondary sources are included.
Practice Recommendations
Practice recommendations are identified and consistent with the synthesis of the literature. There
is logical progression from the synthesis of the literature to the practice recommendation to the
proposed intervention of the project.
Project Setting
The project setting is described including type of setting, typical client, vision and mission, and
organizational structure and culture. Discussion of how organizational need was established,
identified stakeholders, organizational support, and plans for sustainability are included. SWOT
analysis is discussed and the SWOT analysis is included as an appendix.
Project Vision, Mission, and Objectives
The vision, mission, and objectives of the project and included and there is evidence of congruence
between the institution’s mission and vision and the project vision and mission. Objectives are in
proper form. Discussion of risks and unintended consequences is included.
Part II: Content Acceptable Not Acceptable
Project Description
A description of the project from start to finish is included. The change model selected is
appropriate and used in implementation of the project. A discussion of barriers and facilitators
are included. The project schedule is included as an appendix. The resources utilized for the
project are discussed along with financing of the expenses. The student’s role as the project
manager is described along with the leadership qualities and skills you utilized to effectively
implement the project.
Evaluation and Data Analysis
The evaluation criteria are consistent with the outcome identified in the PICOT question. The
process for both formative and summative evaluation is included. The methodology is appropriate for
the problem. There is discussion of data collection tool(s) including validity/ reliability, data
collection methods, statistical tests, and statistical analysis. Tools are included as appendices.
Data analysis is described effectively. Results are effectively described in text and through the
use of tables and/or figures. A discussion of protection of human rights and privacy of healthcare
information is included.
Implications for Nursing and Healthcare
The implications of the project and project evaluation on nursing and healthcare is effectively
described. The impact on the appropriate system (i.e., micro, meso, macro) and recommendations are
included.
Dissemination
The plan to share the results is detailed, specific, and clearly presented. The plan includes
communication within the institution and within the professional community.
Effective Conclusion
The conclusion reviews the main topics presented and clearly and effectively summarizes significant
conclusions.
Professional References
References are current (within last five years or sentinel studies), from peer-reviewed journals,
minimal secondary sources, and all are appropriate to the identified nursing problem and
intervention.
Part II: Content Acceptable Not Acceptable
Appendices
Required appendices are included and complete: primary research evidence table, systematic reviews
evidence table, SWOT analysis, project schedule, project budget.
Total Points = 300 points
This assignment is graded as an all or none; all criteria must be acceptable to earn the 300
points. If any criterion is not acceptable even after the one allowed rewrite opportunity, a score
of 0 is earned.
9.