Immersion into DNP Public Health Nursing: Transformational Learning

BACKGROUND: Public Health Nursing (PHN) and workforce development challenge the novice and the expert nurse obtaining graduate advanced practice education. Transforming the focus of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students from nursing the individual with illness to addressing poor health outcomes in populations lead to knowledge, experience and proficiency in PHN Core Competencies. Multiple educational modalities integrate public health concepts, public health language, leadership principles, collaboration skills, systems thinking, cultural awareness and personal perceptions during the process METHODS: Immersion is a focused practicum that presents the language and concepts of Public Health Nursing within the framework of a group process throughout a five-day, face-to-face on-campus experience at the beginning and end of the first term of a DNP Public Health Option Program. Didactic presentations, leadership identification techniques, interactive sessions, agency and organizational stakeholder environments, logic model development, and group assignments provide service for the community and uniformity of practicum. RESULTS: The results of immersion experiences through a group process demonstrate cohesive group behaviors, collegial leadership styles, team building, and application of new skills among the class members at the end of the first week and continue through the program. Evaluation surveys, skill demonstrations, PHN Core Competency templates and student initiative verified outcomes. IMPLICATIONS: Immersion experiences speed the acclimation process for DNP PHN students while transcending traditional curriculum presentations by exposing the adult learners to the application of public health nursing principles, group dynamics, professional socialization and leadership skills in real-world community settings using multiple intensive educational modalities.