DNP Reflective Journal  Essay

DNP Reflective Journal  Essay

DNP Reflective Journal Essay

This reflective essay aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the experiences and learning outcomes achieved by a DNP student in the DNP-XXX course at Grand Canyon University. The focus of this reflection is to analyze the personal professional practice, skills, and responses of the student, highlighting how these experiences have contributed to the attainment of the competencies established by the AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. Throughout the DNP-XXX course at Grand Canyon University, the DNP learner has acquired essential knowledge and skills related to data analysis and statistical tests. This understanding has enabled the learner to accurately examine and interpret research findings, contributing to evidence-based practice in their professional setting.

Reflection

`One significant area of learning in the course was the application of various statistical tests, including the ANOVA test, paired sample t-test, and correlation analysis. The ANOVA test was particularly useful for comparing the number of patients discharged in different years and regions. It facilitated the examination of variability within and between groups, aiding in the identification of any significant differences (Yu et al., 2022). Similarly, the paired sample t-test provided a valuable means of comparing the means of two variables within the same group, allowing for an assessment of changes in patient discharge rates over time (Mishra et al., 2019). Furthermore, correlation analysis was instrumental in understanding the strength and direction of the linear association between variables, enabling the exploration of relationships within the data.

An important aspect of the course was the distinction between parametric and non-parametric tests. Parametric tests, such as the t-test and ANOVA, rely on assumptions about the underlying probability distribution of the data and are suitable for continuous data measured on an interval or ratio scale. On the other hand, non-parametric tests, encompassing rank-based tests and those applicable to categorical or ordinal data, offer more flexibility and can be utilized for diverse data types, even when the assumptions for parametric tests are not met (Orcan, 2020). This understanding allowed the learner to make informed decisions about selecting the most appropriate statistical test for different research scenarios.

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

Reflecting on the DNP Essentials, several domains align with the learner’s experiences and learning outcomes in data analysis. Domain 2, emphasizing organizational and systems leadership, was evident in the learner’s ability to apply statistical analyses to evaluate and drive improvements in patient care within healthcare organizations. Domain 4, which focuses on clinical scholarship and advanced nursing practice knowledge, also aligns with the learner’s utilization of data analysis techniques to critically appraise research findings and integrate evidence into practice. Finally, Domain 7, highlighting the use of technology and information systems, resonated with the learner’s application of statistical software and technology tools to analyze data effectively.

Conclusion

The DNP-XXX course at Grand Canyon University has equipped the DNP learner with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct data analysis and interpret statistical tests accurately. Through the application of ANOVA, paired sample t-tests, and correlation analysis, the learner has gained insights into research findings and their implications for evidence-based practice. Understanding the distinctions between parametric and non-parametric tests has empowered the learner to make informed decisions when analyzing different types of data. These experiences align with the DNP Essentials, particularly in the domains of organizational and systems leadership, clinical scholarship, and the use of technology and information systems. By applying these competencies, the DNP learner is well-prepared to contribute to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of nursing.

References

Mishra, P., Singh, U., Pandey, C. M., Mishra, P., & Pandey, G. (2019). Application of student’s t-test, analysis of variance, and covariance. Annals of Cardiac Anesthesia, 22(4), 407. https://doi.org/10.4103%2Faca.ACA_94_19

Orcan, F. (2020). Parametric or non-parametric: Skewness to test normality for mean comparison. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, 7(2), 255–265. https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.656077

Yu, Z., Guindani, M., Grieco, S. F., Chen, L., Holmes, T. C., & Xu, X. (2022). Beyond t-test and ANOVA: applications of mixed-effects models for more rigorous statistical analysis in neuroscience research. Neuron, 110(1), 21-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2021.10.030

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

Learners must maintain a reflective journal integrating self-reflection and inquiry demonstrated in the current Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) course.

General Requirements:

Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment:

Download the “Reflective Journal Template,” located in the DNP PI Workspace, for submission. Directions provided in the template should be followed because they align to the assignment rubric.

A minimum of three peer-reviewed references published within the last 5 years is required.

Doctoral learners are required to use the current APA style for their essay writing assignments.

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

DNP Reflective Journal Template 

The Essentials of Reflective Practice

The following reflection essay is an attestation of the nurse scholar’s acquisition of the course objectives of Grand Canyon University’s (GCU) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for DNP-XXX (Enter the Course #) and the competencies set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (American Associations of Colleges of Nursing, 2019).  From scientific underpinnings to project completion, the AACN Essentials provide the core competencies for all nurses seeking a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree.

For this reflective journal, analyze your own professional practice/skills/responses to provide a reflective summary that describes how the experiences in this course have personally enabled the DNP student to approach, attempt, or attain these competencies in his or her current course. Provide an introduction paragraph for this reflective essay to organize the essay for the reader. Use a scholarly approach (i.e., third person) in writing the reflective journal. This assignment is designed to help you think deeply about your learning and how you have achieved the competencies established by the AACN Essentials. Share your approach to learning, the resources used, and the strategies explored to achieve your personal learning goals. For more information, see the example Reflective Essay in the Appendix.

Submit your Reflective Journal in the course drop box, and upload to the Typhon Tracking System under the corresponding course section. Learners must submit this deliverable in Typhon and LoudCloud. Failure to submit in both locations can result in an Incomplete for the course.

Reflection

Grand Canyon University’s DNP-XXX course prepared this DNP learner to do what? What have you discovered about your professional practice, personal strengths, and weaknesses that surfaced while taking the course, additional resources, and abilities that could have influenced more optimal learning outcomes?

Is there a structure to this Reflective Journal? This journal is an exploration of personal learning experiences as a doctoral learner pursuing life-long learning. Each week describe a situation or experience which can be reflected upon as important or worth writing about. Describe your approach, feelings, or thoughts about the situation or experience. Explain what you have observed in terms of the DNP Essentials and DNP course objectives. What did you expect, learn, or decide about the experience?

Go to the DC Network and look at the DNP Essentials located in the Reflection Journal Template Folder. Reflect on these essentials and discuss at least three domains that align your experience with what you learned in the course and support your claim on how you accomplished them.

Conclusion

The purpose of this DNP-XXX Reflection was to provide exemplars of the methods used to fulfill GCU’s course objectives and achieve the competencies outlined in the AACN’s Essentials by this DNP student. The DNP learner used the weekly required readings and learning activities, supplemental readings, scholarly discussions, and project updates to solidify these competencies and outcomes. Ethical considerations, project implementation, leading collaborative teams using IT, researching the internet for a variety of resources, and creating a project PowerPoint presentation was integral to the achievement of learner competencies.

References

American Association of College of Nursing. (2012, January 3). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Retrieved from American Association of College of Nursing: https://www.aacnnursing.org/About-AACN/Who-We-Are/Staff-Directory

 Appendix

Essential I: Scientific Underpinnings for Practice

Essential III: Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice

Essential IV. Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care

Essential V. Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care

Essential VI. Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes

Essential VII. Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation’s Health

Essential VIII. Advanced Nursing Practice