Nurse Executive, DNP

Nurse Executive Concentration Description

The Nurse Executive concentration is designed to provide Registered Nurses with specialized knowledge and skills for strategic, executive-level leadership within and across health systems, implementing innovative solutions to complex problems, and adeptly navigating times of crisis. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree concentrations include pathways for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a DNP in another concentration.

Coursework provides a theoretical foundation and is designed to assist students in developing practical expertise in providing executive-level leadership in a myriad of settings, addressing crises, and strategically meeting ever-changing demands in health systems. Graduates are expected to play a crucial role in shaping health, health care delivery, policy, and culture. Their contributions are significant in several key areas including strategic leadership and decision-making, advocacy and health policy influence, quality and patient safety initiatives, workforce development and retention, interprofessional collaboration, innovation and technology integration, and financial stewardship.

DNP Program Design and Outcomes

The DNP degree represents the culmination of study that prepares graduates for advanced levels of nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on nursing care that is based upon philosophical, ethical, and scientific principles. In addition to the advanced clinical practice series, all students enroll in core courses focusing on concepts essential for the analysis and evaluation of practice outcomes. Students select an area for scholarly examination of internal and external factors that influence nursing care in their clinical areas. This process guides the students in the identification and evaluation of practice issues. Students collaborate with expert clinicians in their specialty areas.

Coursework in all DNP concentrations, besides Nurse Anesthesiology, is conducted primarily online, with specific on-campus days determined by each concentration. The Advanced Health Assessment course requires on-campus demonstration of a comprehensive physical examination and attendance of the sensitive examination with standardized patients. Faculty meet with students during the on-campus sessions for classroom instruction, competency testing, and advisement. Clinical experiences are scheduled in proximity to the student’s residence when possible.

Students wear their UTHSC picture identification while on campus and at clinical sites. Preceptors verify student placement in clinical sites, and faculty conduct clinical site visits or videoconferencing sessions with the student and preceptors.

Upon completion of the DNP Program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficient clinical reasoning in advanced nursing practice.

2. Lead within health care systems to deliver safe, quality care for diverse populations.

3. Disseminate findings from evidence-based practice and research for optimal healthcare outcomes.

4. Integrate health information and patient care technologies to transform healthcare outcomes across the lifespan.

5. Advocate for social justice and equity through strategic initiatives to influence public policy.

6. Lead interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes.  

7. Integrate concepts of social determinants of health, epidemiology and ethics to improve population health.

8. Design, implement, and evaluate quality care based on science to facilitate optimal patient outcomes

DNP Nursing Executive Outcomes

DNP Nursing Executive Outcomes 

1. Model leadership characteristics within and across health systems.  
2. Integrate leadership into professional identity.  
3. Demonstrate professionalism in nursing executive leadership practice. 
4. Display a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. 
5. Integrate contextual factors to influence communication within and across health systems. 
6. Cultivate the ability to foster effective relationships within and across health systems. 
7. Demonstrate the ability to lead transformational change within and across health systems. 
8. Apply business skills and principles in Nurse Executive leadership within and across health systems. 
9. Apply advanced leadership theories and practices to effectively guide health systems through crises. 

Nurse Executive Technical and Performance Standards

Technical and Performance Standards

All students in the DNP Nurse Executive Concentration must meet the Technical and Performance Standards for admission and progression.

In addition to the technical and performance standards expected of all students in educational programs in the College of Nursing, students in the DNP program are also expected to possess the mental, auditory, visual, sensory, strength, manual dexterity, and communication skills to:

1. Lead and govern through vision, strategic planning, using evidence in decision making while maintaining ethical standards.
2. Provide operational management with resource allocation, compliance, and risk management.
3. Demonstrate financial acumen in budget development, fiscal management, and economic analyses.
4. Apply principles of human resource development with human acquisition, professional development, and performance appraisal.
5. The ability to lead diverse, interdisciplinary teams.
6. Use communication skills and emotional intelligence for interdepartmental and external communication and conflict resolution.
7. Demonstrate appropriate technology utilization with health informatics and telehealth integration.
8. Assess the health and healthcare landscape and emerging trends in healthcare.
9. Maintain effective relationships and interact appropriately with other professionals and clients/families, demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and decisiveness skills.
10. Maintain flexibility and emotional stability in response to novel, unique situations and stress.

Technical and Performance Standards Specific to Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesiology, Nurse Executive, Nurse Midwifery, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

  1. Develop insight into self-emotional functioning to evaluate the ability to provide therapeutic intervention for a patient.

If a student cannot fulfill these Technical and Performance Standards, with or without accommodations, at any time in the program, the student will be ineligible for admission or continued progression in the DNP Program. In addition to assuring that students can meet the intellectual, emotional, and physical criteria for the DNP Program, it is of utmost importance that students have the ability to provide for the safety and welfare of others. Reasonable accommodations will be provided, when appropriate, to help students meet these Technical and Professional Standards. Disability Services must make a determination of eligibility and recommendations for accommodations at https://www.uthsc.edu/tlc/disability-services.php.  Any student wishing accommodations must contact the university’s Office of Disability Services at tlc@uthsc.edu.

Sample DNP: BSN to DNP Nurse Executive Plan of Study

• Credits / Units: 11 (11-0)

• NSG 910  - Philosophy of Science and Theory in Nursing Cr Hrs: 4
• NSG 877  - Health Care Economics Cr Hrs: 3
• NEX 801  - Advanced Nursing Informatics Cr Hrs: 3
• NEX 802  - Scholarly Writing for Leaders Cr Hrs: 1