2016-2017
Handbook
for
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
“Evidence-Based DNP Project”
Dear DNP student:
Welcome to the seminal event of the DNP program. You have successfully completed the
required course work and now you are about to begin the culminating event of your preparation
as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
The evidence-based capstone project in the DNP is designed to allow you to synthesize your
prior preparation into a single evidence-based project that changes practice in a particular setting.
As a DNP student, this project should impact either the micro-system or macro-system in the
clinical practice area. It is expected that the project be completed during one semester each of
N9885 and N9886.
There are a number of mechanisms that have been put into place that will help you stay on track
to complete the project in the allotted time. Faculty can put the benchmarks in place; however, it
is the student’s responsibility to meet the outcomes of the project. Ultimately, it is your
responsibility to stay on track, meet deadlines, and complete the project.
This handbook is your guide throughout the project. Refer to it often and complete all sections
as they appear throughout the process. The handbook begins with the criteria for the project.
Because the project is initially integrated within the N9885 DNP Clinical Capstone course, the
next section demonstrates how this integration can keep you on target. Finally, the outcomes and
due dates for the project sections completed in N9886 are included. Any required forms are
located in the Appendixes within this handbook.
Best of luck on this last phase of your doctoral education!
Graduate Program Faculty
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 2
Differentiating the Research Process from the QI process
The DNP project is intended to be a quality improvement project where evidence is used to
develop a project that will have a positive impact on a clinical practice. The project is not
intended to be a research project. The table below indicates the major differences between a
research project and the DNP project.
Purpose
Research
To discover new knowledge
Test
One large “blind” test
Biases
Control for as many biases as possible
Data
Gather as much data as possible, "just
in case"
Duration
Can take long periods of time to obtain
results
DNP Project (QI Process)
To bring new knowledge into
daily practice
Many sequential, observable
tests
Stabilize the biases from test
to test
Gather "just enough" data to
learn and complete another
cycle
"Small tests of significant
changes" accelerates the rate
of improvement
The DNP project is a QI project, not a research study. The criteria identified on the succeeding
pages are to be used to develop your project. The headings in your paper should reflect the
headings in the criteria. Research project headings are not appropriate for this project.
Throughout the paper, refer to this as a QI project, not research; you are the project coordinator,
not the researcher. This will help your focus stay on the QI process. Do not confuse your paper
with the IRB requirements.
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 3
Criteria for Evidence-Based Project
I. Introduction
o Identify the problem
 Use the literature to make a case for the significance of the issue
 Help the reader ‘see’ that this is an issue that needs to be addressed
o Discuss the trigger or stimulus that caused you to investigate this problem
 This is to be the trigger at the clinical site where the project is being
implemented
o Justify why this problem is relevant to the NP role
 Support this with literature
II. Context of the Problem
o Description of clinical site where the project will be implemented
o Include each of areas identified below. Do not just present the information. Explain
the significance of the information and its relationship to the problem being
addressed.
 Demographics
 Organizational culture
 Key stakeholders
 Power relationships dynamics
 Financial Stability
1. Payer mix
o include percentages
2. Internal resources
o What resources are available at the site that can be used for the
project?
o What does the clinical site need to support the project that it
does not currently have?
o Can the clinical site afford the project? How can the project
become affordable?
III. Perspectives of the Problem
o Current Practice
 What is the current practice at the clinical site regarding this problem?
 What are the contributing factors at the site that support or reinforce the
current practice?
o Historical trends regarding the problem
 According to the literature and empiric research, what has been done
historically to address, manage, or solve this problem?
o National trends related to the problem
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 4

According to the literature, national data bases, and empiric research, what is
currently being done to address, manage, or solve this problem?
1. For empiric studies, include the type of study, population,
measurement instrument, statistical results, and recommendations of
the researcher. Be sure to paraphrase!
2. Draw a conclusion regarding how this research study or clinical
project relates to you problem of interest.
o Impact of maintaining status quo
 What happens at the site if the problem continues to go unaddressed?
o Supporting Site Data
 What is the data that demonstrates the existence of the problem at the site?
 What are the outcome measures that are currently being used at the site for
this problem?
1. These should be objective and measureable
2. Are they consistent with the literature in the national trends section?
 Based on your literature review done in the Perspectives of the Problem
section:
1. What outcome measures will be used for this project?
2. What benchmarks will be established for these outcomes?
o Summarize this section with a Re-Statement of the Problem for Change, the project
outcomes and target benchmarks
IV. Evidence-Based practice framework
o Select an evidence-based practice framework.
o Use a framework from the text in N5902 that discusses how to make a change in an
organization.
o Do not confuse this with a practice model such as the chronic care model. These are
totally different things.
o Describe how this framework guides the project
 What steps in the framework have been accomplished and how?
 How will you go about accomplishing the other aspects of the framework?
V. Critical Appraisal of the Supporting Literature
o This section is designed to integrate additional content areas from the program that
give a broader understanding to the problem you are addressing
o These areas are to be supported by literature, empiric research, or national databases
o The content area should be addressed from a global or broad perspective and then
addressed from the perspective of the clinical agency and the problem being
addressed
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 5
o Content areas that may be relevant include those listed below, however, the topic
areas should be selected based upon the project site and problem:
 Ethics
 Policy
 Economics
 Leadership
 Care models
 Information Systems
 Motivation
VI. Implementation plan
o Provide a brief overview of planned project
 Is additional support from the site needed?
o Perform a SWOT analysis of the clinical agency
 How will you maximize strengths and opportunities?
 How will you overcome weaknesses and threats?
o Detailed description of measurement plan
 How will desired outcomes be measured?
 What instrument is being used?
 Include the validity and reliability of the instrument
 When will measurement take place?
 How will the outcome data be analyzed?
 What statistics will be measured?
o Provide a detailed description of the implementation plan for the project
 The implementation plan is a list of the timeline and activities by week
 What will be done each week?
 When does measurement of outcomes take place?
o ‘Audit trail’ checkpoints
 How will you stay on track during the implementation of the project?
o What is the budget and financial impact of the project at the site?
VII.
Evaluation of Project Outcomes
o Analyze the outcome data
o Use graphs, tables and figures as appropriate to the data
o Integrate tables into the text of the narrative. Refer the reader to the table in the
narrative. Do not repeat the information in the table, explain what it means for the
reader.
VII. Evaluation of the Process
o Describe what happened during the project period
 This is where your ‘audit trail’ comes in
o Analyze why the events occurred
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 6

VIII.
Support your suppositions with evidence from the literature
Conclusions
o This is not a reiteration of your project
o Describe the future implications of the project
o What is the impact of the project on your own self-regulation and evidence-based
practice?
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 7
Timeline for Activities Prior to N9885
Activity
1. Register for
N9885
When


2. Contact clinical
coordinator about
potential
placement for
9885
3. Attend orientation
for 9885 and
project




Date
Accomplished
Comments
End of October if taking
N9885 the next Spring
semester
Early March if taking
N9885 the next Fall
semester
October if taking N9885
in Spring semester
March if taking N9885
the next Fall semester
Mid to end of April if
taking in Fall semester
Early to mid December if
taking in Spring semester
During the orientation the types of projects and potential settings will be discussed and selection
of the Project Chair will also be explained.
Outcomes to be achieved between the orientation meeting
and the first day of class in N9885
 Identification of Committee Chair
 Identification of agency where project is to be completed
 Determination of need for a ‘Clinical Affiliation
Agreement’
 Identify appropriate preceptor
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Responsible Person
Student
Negotiated between clinical
coordinator and student
Clinical Coordinator
Clinical coordinator and course
leader
Page 8
Timeline for Activities while taking N9885
Activity
Due Date
1. Institutional Review Board
(IRB) certification (citi
programs)
2. Includes Social & Behavioral
course and clinical training
programs


3. Establish meeting dates with
project chair for entire
semester

4. Second reader will be
assigned to each
student/project

4. Introduction, context and
completed

Outcome
Week 1
Due first day of
class in N9885Monday 8/29

Week 2
Between
September 5-9

Week 2-3 between
September 5September 16

Week 5
September 26






5. Perspectives of the Problem
completed, including: current
practice, historical trends,
national trends, and impact of
maintaining the status quo

Week 7
October 10



Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Submit IRB certificate to Project
Chair and N9885 instructor. The
certification must be in effect
throughout the project period.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Meeting dates established with
project chair
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Project chair to notify student of
second reader
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Submit completed work to project
chair
Project chairs will not sign off on
work that does meet the criteria for
the section and is not in an “almost
finished” scholarly format. Do not
send incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Submit completed work to project
chair
Project chairs will not sign off on
work that does meet the criteria for
the section and is not in an “almost
finished” scholarly format. Do not
send incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Page 9
6. Supporting site data,
restatement of problem

Week 8
October 17



7. Evidence-Based practice
framework

Week 9
October 24



8. Appraisal of Supporting
Literature

Week 10
October 31



9. Development of
Implementation plan
completed

Week 11
November 7



10. Submit final project proposal

Week 13
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16

Submit completed work to project
chair
Project chairs will not sign off on
work that does meet the criteria for
the section and is not in an “almost
finished” scholarly format. Do not
send incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Submit completed work to project
chair
Project chairs will not sign off on
work that does meet the criteria for
the section and is not in an “almost
finished” scholarly format. Do not
send incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Submit completed work to project
chair
Project chairs will not sign off on
work that does meet the criteria for
the section and is not in an “almost
finished” scholarly format. Do not
send incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Submit completed work to project
chair
Project chairs will not sign off on
work that does meet the criteria for
the section and is not in an “almost
finished” scholarly format. Do not
send incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Submit completed work to
Page 10
to 9885 course leader and
Project Chair
Final project is due
November 21


11. Submit IRB proposal to
Project Chair

Week 14
November 28



12. Submit final IRB proposal


Due to IRB on
December 12
Failure to submit
by December 12
results in an
automatic
Incomplete in the
course



committee chair and N9885 course
instructor by due date
Submit verification from committee
chair to N9885 course instructor that
satisfactory work submitted by due
date (Appendix A).
Committee chair submits project to
second reader as deemed appropriate
Submit completed work to project
chair
Project chairs will not sign off on
work that does meet the criteria for
the section and is not in an “almost
finished” scholarly format. Do not
send incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Submit completed work to project
chair
Project chairs will not sign off on
work that does meet the criteria for
the section and is not in an “almost
finished” scholarly format. Do not
send incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from project
chair to N9885 course instructor
(Appendix A).
Both the Committee Chair and N9885 course faculty member will grade the clinical project
paper submitted Week 13. The grades of each person will not be ‘averaged’ but negotiated.
The final grade will account for 40% of the N9885 course grade.
It is reasonable to expect that feedback will be provided within 10-14 days after
submission. Continue to work on the next portion of the paper while waiting.
If the work required for the clinical project is not completed during N9885, the student will
receive an ‘Incomplete’ (refer to University ‘Incomplete’ policy) and must complete N9885
requirements during the following semester. The default grade in the incomplete reflect the 40%
weight for the project. If the project activities for N9885 are not completed during the second
semester of N9885, the default grade from the incomplete will go into effect for the first
semester of N9885. Students may not register for N9886 unless all requirements for N9885 are
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 11
met. Students who take more than one semester to complete N9885 can receive no more
than a B+ in N9885. This will delay graduation for at least one semester. For example, a
student fails to submit the final project proposal by November 21. This delays the student’s
ability to complete the IRB proposal and submit it by December 12. The student receives a
incomplete for 9885. If 9885 was taken in Fall semester, the student cannot register for N9886
until the next time the course is offered, which is the following fall semester. NO
EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE TO THIS POLICY. It is in your best interest to meet all
deadlines outlined above to remain on schedule for course completion. All work submitted must
be satisfactory on submission.
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 12
Figure 1. Progression possibilities in N9885
REGISTER FOR N9885
Do Not Complete N9885
by December 12
Complete N9885 by
December 12
Register for N9886 for
the next semester
Receive Incomplete in N9885
Continue to meet N9885
requirements throughout the
next semester
Complete N9885
During next semester
Do Not Complete N9885
in second semester


Receive Grade in
N9885
Grade can be no
greater than B+



Do Not Progress
Receive Default Grade
from Incomplete
Register for N9886
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 13
the next semester
offered
Timeline for Activities while taking N9886
Completion of the clinical project is totally in the hands of the student during N9886. The
student has regular meetings with the Project Chair. Project implementation cannot begin until
approved by the IRB so due dates are approximate.
Activity
1. Evaluation of Project
Outcomes Section

Outcome/Due Date
Week 6
February 21



2. Evaluation of Process

Week 8
March 7



3. Conclusion

Week 10
March 21



Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Submitted/Reviewed
Submit completed work to
project chair
Project chairs will not sign off
on work that does meet the
criteria for the section and is
not in an “almost finished”
scholarly format. Do not send
incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from
project chair to N9885 course
instructor (Appendix B).
Submit completed work to
project chair
Project chairs will not sign off
on work that does meet the
criteria for the section and is
not in an “almost finished”
scholarly format. Do not send
incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from
project chair to N9885 course
instructor (Appendix B).
Submit completed work to
project chair
Project chairs will not sign off
on work that does meet the
criteria for the section and is
not in an “almost finished”
scholarly format. Do not send
incomplete work needing
significant editing.
Submit verification from
Page 14
4. Final Submission

Week 12
April 4


5. Presentation of Project
within Temple

6. Oral Presentation


Submit abstract when
call for papers is
distributed



Week of April 17
To be scheduled by
Department



project chair to N9885 course
instructor (Appendix B).
Submit 1 copy of final
submission to Project Chair
Appendix C must be submitted
at the time of final submission
Department EBP conference
CPH Research Day
STTI/Department EBP
conference
Attended by chair and second
reader and Graduate Faculty
Open to all nursing faculty
Guests allowed upon discretion
of student
If the work required for the clinical project is not completed during N9886, the student will
receive an ‘Incomplete’ (refer to University ‘Incomplete’ policy) and must complete the course
requirements the following semester. If the project activities for N9886 are not completed
during the second semester, the default grade from the incomplete will go into effect. The grade
received in N9886 will determine the student’s ability to graduate. See Figure 2
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 15
Commented [C1]: CPH
Figure 2. Progression possibilities in N9886
REGISTER FOR N9886
Complete N9886 in first
semester
Do Not Complete N9886 in
first semester
GRADUATE
Receive Incomplete in N9886
Continue meeting N9886
requirements the second
semester
Complete N9886
Do Not Complete N9886


Receive Grade in
N9886
Grade can be no
greater than B+
 Receive Default Grade

Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
from Incomplete in
N9886
Ability to graduate
determined by default
Page 16
grade
GRADUATE
Appendix A
A copy of Appendix A is to be submitted to the Capstone Project Chair for Signature at each
assigned due date. After receipt of signature, the form is submitted to the N9885 course faculty
for verification and signature. Submissions will be signed off only if all criteria are met and the
project is in a scholarly format. Rough drafts will not be signed off.
Indicate the assignment that was submitted to the committee chair:
 IRB Certification for Social and Behavioral Sciences and Clinical Training
Module
o Date Submitted (due 8/29):______________________
o Chairperson Signature:___________________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
 Identification of Second Reader
o Members
 Chairperson name:_____________________
 Second Reader:_________________________
o Date Submitted (between 9/5 and 9/16):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
 Introduction and context completed:
o Date Submitted (due 9/26):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
 Perspectives of the Problem completed:
o Date Submitted (due 10/10):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
 Supporting site data completed:
o Date Submitted (due 10/17):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 17
 Evidence-Based practice framework completed:
o Date Submitted (due 10/24):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
 Supporting literature completed
o Date Submitted (due 10/31):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
 Implementation plan completed
o Date Submitted (due 11/7):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________

Final Project Submission completed
o Date Submitted (due 11/21):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
 Draft IRB Proposal submitted
o Date Submitted (due 11/28):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
 Final IRB Proposal submitted to IRB
o Date Submitted (due 12/12):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
o N9885 Course Faculty Signature: _____________________
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 18
Appendix B
A copy of Appendix B is to be submitted to the Capstone Project Chair for Signature at each
assigned due date. Submissions will be signed off only if all criteria are met and the project is in
a scholarly format. Rough drafts will not be signed off.
Indicate the assignment that was submitted to the committee chair:
 Evaluation of Outcomes
o Date Submitted (due 2/21):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
 Evaluation of Process
o Date Submitted (due 3/7):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
 Conclusion
o Date Submitted (due 3/10):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
 Final Submission
o Date Submitted (due 4/4):____________________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
 Submit Abstract for Presentation of Project within Temple (Select one of the
following):
o Sigma Evidence based conference______
o Departmental EBP conference_______
o CPH Research Day________
o Chairperson Signature:__________________
 Scheduling of Oral Presentation Week of April 17 (TBD by faculty)
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 19
Appendix C
I, _______________________________ am submitting this Evidence-Based project in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. I certify that the
attached project entitled,
_________________________________________________________is the work of this author.
Student Signature:_________________________________
Committee Chair Signature:________________________________
Second Reader Signature: _________________________________
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 20
Scoring Rubric for N9885 Evidence-Based DNP Project
Criteria
4 points
3 points
Introductio
n
 Describes the
motivating forces that
caused the author to
investigate this problem
 Description is
Coherent and clear
 Description
motivates the author to
want to read further

Describes the
clinical
problem
 Description is
coherent and clear
 Description does
not
entice the reader to
read further

Description
of the
system
 Description
includes at least 4
characteristics of the
organization
 Describes the
comprehensive impact
of the characteristics on
the organization
 Describes 3
characteristics of the
organization
 Description of the
impact of the
characteristics on the
organization is present
but not comprehensive
 Describes 2
characteristics of
the organization
 Description of
the
impact of the
characteristics on
the organization is
weak
Financial
Stability
 Description of
payor mix is
sufficiently
comprehensive that the
reader can discern the
financial viability of the
institution
 Description of
internal resources
available to implement
and support the project
is comprehensive
 Describes specific
roles or tasks for the
internal resources
relevant to the project


Description of
payor
mix is gives an
overview of the
financial viability of
the institution
 Description of
internal
resources available to
implement and support
the project is adequate
 Minimally
addresses
specifics roles or tasks
for the internal
resources relevant to
the project
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
2 points
Clinical
problem is not
easily discerned
 Description is
unclear
and unfocused
 Description is
flat
Description of
payor
mix is insufficient
to discern the
financial viability
of the institution
 Description of
internal
resources available
to implement and
support the project
is incomplete
 Minimally
addresses
specifics roles or
tasks for the
internal resources
1 point
Score

Unable to
identify
the clinical
problem
 Description
is
unclear and
unfocused
 Description
is flat
 Describes 1
characteristic
of the
organization
 Does not
describe
the impact of
the
characteristic
on the
organization
 Description
of
payor mix is
insufficient to
discern the
financial
viability of the
institution
 Description
of
internal
resources
available to
implement and
support the
project is poor
 Does not
Page 21
relevant to the
project
Current
Practice
 Addresses the 4
criteria to describe the
current practice
 Makes a
compelling case to
change the practice

Addresses the 3
criteria
to describe the current
practice
 Makes a case to
change
the practice

Supporting
Site Data
 Provides
compelling data
on the existence of the
problem at the site
 Describes the
outcome measures used
by the institution and
their benchmarks
 Outcomes and
benchmarks are
supported by literature
AND research
 Uses the literature
and research to
establish project
outcomes and
benchmarks
 Justifies selection
of outcomes and
benchmarks for that site
 Provides data
on the existence of the
problem at the site
 Describes the
outcome
measures used by the
institution and their
benchmarks
 Outcomes and
benchmarks are
partially supported by
literature and research
 Project outcomes
and
benchmarks are partly
derived from the
literature and research
 Poorly justifies the
selection of outcomes
and benchmarks for
that site

Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Addresses the 2
criteria
To describe the
current practice
 Makes a weak
case to
change the practice
Provides
insufficient
data on the
existence of the
problem at the site
 Describes most
outcome measures
used by the
institution and their
benchmarks
 Outcomes and
benchmarks are
poorly supported
by literature and
research
 Most project
outcomes
and benchmarks are
not derived from
the literature and
research
 Does not
justify the
selection of
outcomes and
benchmarks for that
site
address
specifics roles
or tasks for the
internal
resources
relevant to the
project
 Addresses
the
criteria to
describe the
current practice
 Makes
almost no
case to change
the practice
 Provides
minimal
data on the
existence of the
problem at the
site
 Inadequatel
y
describes the
outcome
measures used
by the
institution and
their
benchmarks
 Outcomes
and
benchmarks are
poorly
supported by
literature and
research
 Most
project
outcomes and
benchmarks are
not derived
from the
literature and
research
 Does not
justify
the selection of
outcomes and
benchmarks for
Page 22
Evidence
Based
Framework
 Provides a
comprehensive
description of the
framework used for this
project
 Addresses all major
concepts in the
framework
 Description of the
practice project is
integrated into the
framework

Provides an
adequate
description of the
framework used for
this project
 Addresses all most
concepts in the
framework
 Description of the
practice project is
incompletely
integrated into the
framework
 Provides an
inadequate
description of the
framework used for
this project
 Addresses
some
concepts in the
framework
 Description of
the
practice project is
poorly integrated
into the framework
Supporting
Literature
 Provides a
comprehensive view of
macro and micro
systems
 Uses literature
from 4 disciplines
 Addresses at least5
different topic areas
 Incorporates
sufficient empiric
research for each topic
area
 Makes a
compelling case
for why this problem is
in the scope of practice
for the DNP
 Provides a detailed
view of macro and
micro systems
 Uses literature
from
3 disciplines
 Addresses at least
4
different topic areas
 Incorporates
sufficient
empiric research for
most topic areas
 Makes a good case
for why this problem
is in the scope of
practice for the DNP

SWOT
Analysis
 Thorough analysis
of strengths,
weaknesses,
opportunities and


Thorough analysis
of
(3 of 4) strengths,
weaknesses,
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Provides a
detailed
view of either
macro and micro
system
 Uses literature
from
2 disciplines
 Addresses at
least 3
different topic areas
 Incorporates
sufficient
empiric research
for several topic
areas
 Makes an
average case
for why this
problem is in the
scope of practice
for the DNP
Adequate
description
of strengths,
weaknesses,
that site
 Provides a
poor
description of
the framework
used for this
project
 Addresses
minimal
concepts in the
framework
 Description
of the
practice project
integrated into
the framework
is largely
absent
 Provides a
weak
view of either
macro and
micro system
 Uses
literature
from 1
discipline
 Addresses
at least
2 different
topic areas
 Incorporate
s
insufficient
empiric
research for
several topic
areas
 Case for
why this
problem is in
the scope of
practice for the
DNP
demonstrates a
misunderstandi
ng of the role
 Incomplete
description of
strengths,
weaknesses,
Page 23
threats as they relate to
implementation of the
project
opportunities and
threats as they relate to
implementation of the
project
opportunities and
threats as they
relate to
implementation of
the project
 Identifies
 Identifies
outcomes for
outcomes for
the project but not all
the project but not
literature based
literature based
 Identifies
 Identifies some
benchmarks
benchmarks for
for project
project
 Provides a detailed  Provides a
timeline for project
broad
implementation
timeline for project
implementation
 Description of
budgetary impact of
 Brief
the project is
description of
incomplete
budgetary impact
of the project is
limited
Implement
ation Plan
 Identifies desired
literature/research
based outcomes for the
project
 Explains selection
of benchmarks for
project
 Provides a detailed
timeline for project
implementation
 Analysis of the
budgetary impact of the
project is thorough
Measureme
nt Plan
 Describes
measurement
instrumentation for
outcomes
 Describes when or
how measurement will
occur
 Describes plan for
analysis of data

One of the
following
is missing but
description present is
comprehensive:
 Describes
measurement
instrumentation for
outcomes
 Describes when or
how measurement will
occur
 Describes plan for
analysis of data

APA
format
■ Running head is
present and correctly
formatted
■Title page is
consistent with APA
■Abstract accurately
represents the body of
the paper
■ Running head is
present and correctly
formatted
■Title page is
inconsistent with APA
■Abstract does a fair
job of representing the
body of the paper
■ Running head is
present but not
correctly formatted
■Title page is
inconsistent with
APA
■Abstract poorly
represents the body
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Two of the
following
are missing and
discussion is
insufficient:
 Describes
measurement
instrumentation for
outcomes
 Describes when
or
how measurement
will occur
 Describes plan
for
analysis of data
opportunities
and threats as
they relate to
implementation
of the project
 Identifies
outcomes
For the project
but not
literature based
 Identifies
no
benchmarks for
project
 Provides a
minimal
 timeline for
project
implementa
tion
 Minimal
discussion
of budgetary
impact of the
project
 Two of the
following are
missing and
discussion is
poor:
 Describes
measurement
instrumentation
for outcomes
 Describes
when or
how
measurement
will occur
 Describes
plan for
analysis of data
■ Running
head is
Absent
■Title page
does not reflect
APA
■Abstract does
not represent
Page 24
References
■Pages are numbered
correctly
■Third person is used
consistently
■Active voice is used
consistently
■12 point font, Times
Roman is used
■Follows all 6th edition
requirements
■Paper is typed and
double spaced
■Uses APA style
headings
■Pages are numbered
correctly
■Third person is used
most of the time
■Active voice is used
most of the time
■ Font size is greater
or less than 12, Times
Roman
■Follows all 6th
edition requirements
■Paper is typed and
double spaced
■Uses headings but
not APA style
of the paper
■Pages are
numbered but not
according to APA
■Third person is
used intermittently
■Active voice is
used intermittently
■12 point font, not
Times Roman
■ Follows most 6th
edition
requirements
■Paper is typed and
double spaced
■Uses some
headings but not
APA
■References are cited
correctly in reference
page
■Citations are within
the past 5 years and
peer reviewed journals
■References cited
correctly in text
■References are well
integrated and not
repetitive of text
■Quotations are used
appropriately and cited
correctly in text
■References are cited
correctly in reference
page
■Citations are within
the past 5 years and
peer reviewed journals
■References cited
correctly in text
■References are well
integrated but
repetitive of text
■Quotations are used
appropriately and cited
correctly in text
■References are
cited incorrectly in
reference page with
1-2 types of errors
■Citations are
within the past 5
years and include a
combination of
peer reviewed
journals and texts
■References
intermittently cited
incorrectly in text
■References are
not well integrated
and repetitive of
text
■Quotations are
used
inappropriately and
cited incorrectly in
text
the body of the
paper
■Pages are not
numbered
■Third person
is usually not
used
■Active voice
is usually not
used
■ Font varies in
paper, type
may or may not
be Times
Roman
■Does not
follow most 6th
edition
requirements
■Paper is typed
and double
spaced
■Does not use
headings
■References
are cited
incorrectly in
reference page
with 3-4 types
of errors
■Citations are
6 years old or
over, some are
peer reviewed,
texts are
included
■References
incorrectly
cited in
correctly in text
■ References
are not well
integrated and
repetitive of
text
■Quotations
are used
inappropriately
and cited
incorrectly in
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 25
text
Scholarly
presentatio
n
■Paper meets the page
requirements of the
assignment
■There are no spelling
errors
■There are no
punctuation errors
■There are no
grammatical errors
■Each paragraph
begins with a topic
sentence that introduces
the discussion for that
paragraph
■Transitions logically
progress from 1 idea to
another
■Each paragraph is
focused on one concept
or topic
■Each paragraph has a
minimum of 3
sentences
■ Headings are
appropriately used and
titled
■Headings are
consistent with topical
outline
■Headings guide the
reader appropriately
through the discussion
■No parenthetical
references are made
■Paper is 1 page more
or less than the
assigned length
■There are rare
spelling errors
■There are rare
punctuation errors
■There are rare
grammatical errors
■Each paragraph has a
topic sentence early in
the paragraph that
introduces most of the
discussion for that
paragraph
■Transitions are not
always evident in
progressing from 1
idea to another
■Most paragraphs are
focused on one
concept or topic
■Each paragraph has a
minimum of 3
sentences but some are
excessively long
■ Headings are used
but titles are
misleading
■Headings are
consistent with topical
outline
■Headings somewhat
guide the reader
through the discussion
■No parenthetical
references are made
■Paper is 2 pages
more or less than
the assigned length
■There are multiple
spelling errors
■There are multiple
punctuation errors
■There are multiple
grammatical errors
■Most paragraphs
have a topic
sentence early in
the discussion that
introduces most of
the discussion for
that paragraph
■Transitions are
not always evident
in progressing
from 1 idea to
another
■Many paragraphs
are focused on
more one concept
or topic
■Several
paragraphs or
excessive length or
fewer than 3
sentences
■ Headings are not
well titled or placed
■Headings are
inconsistent with
topical outline
■Headings do not
guide the reader
through the
discussion
■Parenthetical
references are made
SafeAssign
■Corrected score is
10% or less
■ Corrected score is
11-12%
■ Corrected score
is 13-14%
Related
Assignmen
■100% of related
assignments submitted
■100% of related
assignments submitted
■At least 50% of
related assignments
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
■Paper is at
least 3 pages
more or less
than the
assigned length
■There are
numerous
spelling errors
■There are
numerous
punctuation
errors
■There are
numerous
grammatical
errors
■Difficult to
discern a topic
sentence in
each paragraph
therefore the
discussion in
each paragraph
seems
unfocused.
■Transitions
are not evident
■Most
paragraphs are
focused on
multiple
concepts or
topics
■ Several
paragraphs or
excessive
length or fewer
than 3
sentences
■ Headings are
not used
■Parenthetical
references are
made
■ Corrected
score is 15% or
more
■Less than
50% of related
Page 26
■100% of assignments
submitted on time
ts
■Some assignments
submitted late
submitted
■Some
assignments
submitted late
assignments
submitted
■Some
assignments
submitted late
Scoring Rubric for N9886 DNP Evidence-Based Project
Criteria
Introductio
n
Description
of the
system
Financial
Stability
4 points
3 points
PASS
 Describes the
 Describes the
motivating forces that
clinical
caused the author to
problem
investigate this
 Description is
problem
coherent and clear
 Description is
 Description does
Coherent and clear
not
 Description
entice the reader to
motivates the author to read further
want to read further
 Description
 Describes 3
includes at least 4
characteristics of the
characteristics of the
organization
organization
 Description of
 Describes the
the
comprehensive impact impact of the
of the characteristics
characteristics on the
on the organization
organization is
present but not
comprehensive
 Description of
 Description of
payor mix is
payor
sufficiently
mix is gives an
comprehen-sive that
overview of the
the reader can discern financial viability of
the financial viability
the institution
of the institution
 Description of
 Description of
internal
internal resources
resources available to
available to implement implement and
and support the project support the project is
is comprehensive
adequate
 Describes specific  Minimally
roles or tasks for the
addresses
internal resources
specifics roles or
relevant to the project tasks for the internal
resources relevant to
the project
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
2 points
1 point
FAIL
 Clinical
 Unable to
problem is not
identify
easily discerned
the clinical
 Description is
problem
unclear
 Description
and unfocused
is
 Description is
unclear and
flat
unfocused
 Description
is flat
 Describes 2
 Describes 1
characteristics of
characteristic of
the organization
the organization
 Description of
 Does not
the
describe
impact of the
the impact of the
characteristics on
characteristic on
the organization is
the organization
weak

Description of
payor
mix is insufficient
to discern the
financial viability
of the institution
 Description of
internal
resources available
to implement and
support the project
is incomplete
 Minimally
addresses
specifics roles or
tasks for the
internal resources
relevant to the
project
Score

Description
of
payor mix is
insufficient to
discern the
financial viability
of the institution
 Description
of
internal resources
available to
implement and
support the
project is poor
 Does not
address
specifics roles or
tasks for the
internal resources
Page 27
Current
Practice
 Addresses the 4
criteria to describe the
current practice
 Makes a
compelling case
to change the practice
 Addresses the 3
criteria to describe
the current practice
 Makes a case to
change the practice
 Addresses the 2
criteria to describe
the current practice
 Makes a weak
case to
change the practice
Supporting
Site Data
 Provides
compelling data
on the existence of the
problem at the site
 Describes the
outcome measures
used by the institution
and their benchmarks
 Outcomes and
benchmarks are
supported by
literature AND
research
 Uses the literature
and research to
establish project
outcomes and
benchmarks
 Justifies selection
of outcomes and
benchmarks for that
site
 Provides data
on the existence of
the problem at the
site
 Describes the
outcome
measures used by the
institution and their
benchmarks
 Outcomes and
benchmarks are
partially supported by
literature and
research
 Project outcomes
and
benchmarks are
partly derived from
the literature and
research
 Poorly justifies
the
selection of outcomes
and benchmarks for
that site

Evidence
Based
Framework
 Provides a
comprehensive
description of the
framework used for
this project
 Addresses all
major
concepts in the
framework

 Provides an
inadequate
description of the
framework used for
this project
 Addresses
some
concepts in the
framework
Provides an
adequate
description of the
framework used for
this project
 Addresses all
most
concepts in the
framework
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Provides
insufficient
data on the
existence of the
problem at the site
 Describes most
outcome measures
used by the
institution and their
benchmarks
 Outcomes and
benchmarks are
poorly supported
by literature and
research
 Most project
outcomes
and benchmarks are
not derived from
the literature and
research
 Does not
justify the
selection of
outcomes and
benchmarks for that
site
relevant to the
project
 Addresses
the 1
criteria to
describe the
current practice
 Makes
almost no
case to change
the practice
 Provides
minimal
data on the
existence of the
problem at the
site
 Inadequately
describes the
outcome
measures used by
the institution
and their
benchmarks
 Outcomes
and
benchmarks are
poorly supported
by literature and
research
 Most project
outcomes and
benchmarks are
not derived from
the literature and
research
 Does not
justify
the selection of
outcomes and
benchmarks for
that site
 Provides a
poor
description of the
framework used
for this project
 Addresses
minimal concepts
in the framework
 Description
Page 28
 Description of the
practice project is
integrated into the
framework

Description of
the
practice project is
incompletely
integrated into the
framework
 Provides a
detailed
view of macro and
micro systems
 Uses literature
from
3 disciplines
 Addresses at least
4
different topic areas
 Incorporates
sufficient
empiric research for
most topic areas
 Makes a good
case
for why this problem
is in the scope of
practice for the CNL

Description of
the
practice project is
poorly integrated
into the framework
of the
practice project
integrated into
the framework is
largely absent



Supporting
Literature
 Provides a
comprehensive view
of macro and micro
systems
 Uses literature
from
4 disciplines
 Addresses at least
5
different topic areas
 Incorporates
sufficient empiric
research for each topic
area
 Makes a
compelling case
for why this problem
is in the scope of
practice for the CNL
SWOT
Analysis
 Thorough analysis
of strengths,
weaknesses,
opportunities and
threats as they relate to
implementation of the
project

Implement
ation Plan
 Identifies desired
literature/research
based outcomes for
the project
 Explains selection
of
benchmarks for
project
 Provides a detailed
timeline for project
implementation during

Thorough
analysis of
(3 of 4) strengths,
weaknesses,
opportunities and
threats as they relate
to implementation of
the project
Identifies
outcomes for the
project but not all
literature based
 Identifies
benchmarks for
project
 Provides a
detailed timeline
for project
implementation
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Provides a
detailed
view of either
macro and micro
system
 Uses literature
from
2 disciplines
 Addresses at
least 3
different topic areas
 Incorporates
sufficient
empiric research
for several topic
areas
 Makes a
average case
for why this
problem is in the
scope of practice
for the CNL
Adequate
description
of strengths,
weaknesses,
opportunities and
threats as they
relate to
implementation of
the project
 Identifies
outcomes for
the project but not
literature based
 Identifies some
benchmarks for
project
 Provides a
broad
timeline for project
implementation
Provides a
weak
view of either
macro and micro
system
 Uses
literature
from 1 discipline
 Addresses at
least
2 different topic
areas
 Incorporates
insufficient
empiric research
for several topic
areas
 Case for why
this
problem is in the
scope of practice
for the CNL
demonstrates a
misunderstanding
of the role
 Incomplete
description of
strengths,
weaknesses,
opportunities and
threats as they
relate to
implementation
of the project
 Identifies
outcomes for
the project but
not literature
based
 Identifies no
benchmarks
for project
 Provides a
minimal
timeline for
Page 29
Spring 2013
 Analysis of the
budgetary
impact of the project
during Spring 2013
 Description of
budgetary
impact of the project
Measureme
nt Plan
 Describes
measurement
instrumentation for
outcomes
 Describes when or
how measurement will
occur
 Describes plan for
analysis of data

Evaluation
of
Outcomes

Data analysis
consistent with
measurement plan
Explanation of
data is accurate
and
comprehensive
Uses figures/tables
that add to the
understanding of
the data and
project text

Analysis of
process reflects a
critical
examination of
events
Conclusions
reached are
comprehensive



Evaluation
of Process


One of the
following
is missing but
description present is
comprehensive:
 Describes
measurement
instrumentation for
outcomes
 Describes when
or
how measurement
will occur
 Describes plan
for
analysis of data



Data analysis is
reflects the
measurement
plan with some
additions or
deletions
Explanation of
data is accurate
with few minor
omissions or
errors
Figures/tables
add to the
understanding on
the data and text
Analysis of
process reflects a
critical
examination of
events
Conclusions
reached reflect
analysis of the
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
during Spring 2013
 Brief
description of
budgetary impact
of the project
project
implementation
during Spring
2013
 Minimal
discussion of
budgetary impact
of the project
 Two of the
 Two of the
following
following are
are missing and
missing and
discussion is
discussion is
insufficient:
poor:
 Describes
 Describes
measurement
measurement
instrumentation for instrumentation
outcomes
for outcomes
 Describes when  Describes
or
when or
how measurement
how
will occur
measurement will
 Describes plan occur
for
 Describes
analysis of data
plan for
analysis of data
 Data analysis is  Data analysis
inconsistent
is largely
with
absent
measurement
 Explanation
plan
of data is
 Explanation of
absent or
data is mostly
reflects
correct but
inadequate
some
understandin
fundamental
g
misunderstandi  No
ng exits
tables/figures
 Tables/figures
used
do not reflect
or explain the
text; largely
supplemental
 Analysis of
 Provides a
process reflects
narrative
little critical
description of
examination of
events with
events
little analysis
 Conclusions
 Conclusions
reached reflect
reached are
little to no
inconsistent
Page 30

Conclusion
s


APA
format
and reflect the
analysis of the
process
Literature used to
support
conclusions is
appropriate

Provides a

comprehensive
description of the
implications for
this project
Reflective

description of how
the project impacts
personal future
practice or
professional
engagement
■ Running head is
present and correctly
formatted
■Title page is
consistent with APA
■Abstract accurately
represents the body of
the paper
■Pages are numbered
correctly
■Third person is used
consistently
■Active voice is used
consistently
■12 point font, Times
Roman is used
■Follows all 6th
edition requirements
■Paper is typed and
double spaced
■Uses APA style
headings
process but could
be more
comprehensive
Literature used to
support
conclusions is
mostly
appropriate
Provides a clear
description of the
implications for
this project with
some omissions
Description of
how the project
impacts personal
future practice or
professional
engagement uses
some reflection
■ Running head is
present and correctly
formatted
■Title page is
inconsistent with
APA
■Abstract does a fair
job of representing
the body of the paper
■Pages are numbered
correctly
■Third person is used
most of the time
■Active voice is used
most of the time
■ Font size is greater
or less than 12, Times
Roman
■Follows all 6th
edition requirements
■Paper is typed and
double spaced
■Uses headings but
not APA style
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
analysis of the
process
Literature used
to support
conclusions is
somewhat
appropriate
with
described

process
 Literature
used to
support
conclusions
is unrelated
 Provides a
 Description
confused
of the
description of
implications
the
for this
implications for
project are
this project
mostly absent
 Description of
or
how the project
disconnected
impacts
from project
personal future  Unclear
practice or
description of
professional
how the
engagement
project
uses little to no
impacts
reflection
personal
future
practice or
professional
engagement
■ Running head is
■ Running head
present but not
is
correctly formatted Absent
■Title page is
■Title page does
inconsistent with
not reflect APA
APA
■Abstract does
■Abstract poorly
not represent the
represents the body body of the paper
of the paper
■Pages are not
■Pages are
numbered
numbered but not
■Third person is
according to APA
usually not used
■Third person is
■Active voice is
used intermittently usually not used
■Active voice is
■ Font varies in
used intermittently paper, type may
■12 point font, not or may not be
Times Roman
Times Roman
■ Follows most 6th ■Does not follow
edition
most 6th edition
requirements
requirements
■Paper is typed and ■Paper is typed
double spaced
and double
■Uses some
spaced
Page 31
References
Scholarly
presentatio
n
■References are cited
correctly in reference
page
■Citations are within
the past 5 years and
peer reviewed journals
■References cited
correctly in text
■References are well
integrated and not
repetitive of text
■Quotations are used
appropriately and cited
correctly in text
■Paper meets the page
requirements of the
assignment
■There are no spelling
errors
■There are no
punctuation errors
■There are no
grammatical errors
■Each paragraph
begins with a topic
sentence that
introduces the
discussion for that
paragraph
■Transitions logically
progress from 1 idea
to another
■Each paragraph is
focused on one
concept or topic
■Each paragraph has a
minimum of 3
sentences
■References are cited
correctly in reference
page
■Citations are within
the past 5 years and
peer reviewed
journals
■References cited
correctly in text
■References are well
integrated but
repetitive of text
■Quotations are used
appropriately and
cited correctly in text
■Paper is 1 page
more or less than the
assigned length
■There are rare
spelling errors
■There are rare
punctuation errors
■There are rare
grammatical errors
■Each paragraph has
a topic sentence
early in the paragraph
that introduces most
of the discussion for
that paragraph
■Transitions are not
always evident in
progressing from 1
idea to another
■Most paragraphs are
focused on one
concept or topic
■Each paragraph has
a minimum of 3
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
headings but not
APA
■References are
cited incorrectly in
reference page with
1-2 types of errors
■Citations are
within the past 5
years and include a
combination of
peer reviewed
journals and texts
■References
intermittently cited
incorrectly in text
■References are
not well integrated
and repetitive of
text
■Quotations are
used
inappropriately and
cited incorrectly in
text
■Does not use
headings
■References are
cited incorrectly
in reference page
with 3-4 types of
errors
■Citations are 6
years old or over,
some are peer
reviewed, texts
are included
■References
incorrectly cited
in correctly in
text
■ References are
not well
integrated and
repetitive of text
■Paper is 2 pages
more or less than
the assigned length
■There are multiple
spelling errors
■There are multiple
punctuation errors
■There are multiple
grammatical errors
■Most paragraphs
have a topic
sentence early in
the discussion that
introduces most of
the discussion for
that paragraph
■Transitions are
not always evident
in progressing
from 1 idea to
another
■Many paragraphs
are focused on
more one concept
■Paper is at least
3 pages more or
less than the
assigned length
■There are
numerous
spelling errors
■There are
numerous
punctuation
errors
■There are
numerous
grammatical
errors
■Difficult to
discern a topic
sentence in each
paragraph
therefore the
discussion in
each paragraph
seems unfocused.
■Transitions are
■Quotations are
used
inappropriately
and cited
incorrectly in text
Page 32
SafeAssign
Related
Assignmen
ts
■ Headings are
appropriately used and
titled
■Headings are
consistent with topical
outline
■Headings guide the
reader appropriately
through the discussion
■No parenthetical
references are made
sentences but some
are excessively long
■ Headings are used
but titles are
misleading
■Headings are
consistent with
topical outline
■Headings somewhat
guide the reader
through the
discussion
■No parenthetical
references are made
■Corrected score is
10% or less
■100% of related
assignments submitted
■100% of assignments
submitted on time
■ Corrected score is
11-12%
■100% of related
assignments
submitted
■Some assignments
submitted late
or topic
■Several
paragraphs or
excessive length or
fewer than 3
sentences
■ Headings are not
well titled or placed
■Headings are
inconsistent with
topical outline
■Headings do not
guide the reader
through the
discussion
■Parenthetical
references are made
■ Corrected score
is 13-14%
■At least 50% of
related assignments
submitted
■Some
assignments
submitted late
not evident
■Most
paragraphs are
focused on
multiple concepts
or topics
■ Several
paragraphs or
excessive length
or fewer than 3
sentences
■ Headings are
not used
■Parenthetical
references are
made
■ Corrected score
is 15% or more
■Less than 50%
of related
assignments
submitted
■Some
assignments
submitted late
8/12; 1/14; 6/16
Developed 11/2/11; Revised 2/22/15; Revised 6/15/16
Page 33