The Doctor of Nursing Practice program helps to address a shortage of healthcare providers
Members of Chaminade’s newest Doctor of Nursing Practice cohort gathered on campus this week for a series of seminars, trainings and social events aimed at starting their new academic journey off right.
The DNP Immersion agenda included a special welcome address from Chaminade President Lynn Babington, who congratulated the new students for advancing their education to better serve others. “Chaminade is proud to play an important role in educating our future leaders in healthcare and expert clinicians,” Babington said, speaking to the nine new students in this year’s DNP cohort.
Three recent Silversword nursing graduates—Ashley Jardine ’24, Lisa Kawamura ’24 and Daniel Gardner ’24—are among the new DNP candidates and said they’re motivated to help address the shortage of healthcare providers in Hawaii and help prepare the next generation of nurses for the islands.
“I always wanted to be in healthcare,” said Gardner, who currently serves as a registered nurse at Kalihi Elementary. “My dad was a Green Beret medic and he helped a lot of people, which is what I want to do.”
Cohort member Jacqueline “Jacquie” Bassett is focusing on the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track of the DNP, which is the highest clinical degree available in the nursing field. A nurse with the oncology ward at Straub Medical Center, Bassett hopes to relocate to Hawaii Island after completing her doctoral degree because so many communities are healthcare deserts.
“They desperately need mental healthcare workers there,” Bassett said.
“My parents own a homecare facility on the Big Island, and they see firsthand the need for—not just physical healthcare but mental healthcare, as well.”
A two-day program, the DNP Immersion on campus was led by School of Nursing Associate Dean and DNP Director Pam Smith, with the help of faculty members Linda Malone, Sandra Bourgette-Henry, Dana Monday and Marife Aczon-Armstrong. The agenda over the two days included introductions, faculty-led discussions about goals and motivation, scholarly writing and the significance of Hawaiian culture.
Maryann Kaiwi Salvador, DNP, FNP-BC ’24 also presented her capstone project to the group via Zoom, explaining that she focused her research on chronic kidney disease. She told students it’s critical to find an area of interest that keeps them interested—and drives them to contribute more to the field.
“When you think about the development of your DNP project, ask yourself: What is your passion?” Salvador said, during her presentation. “There will be bumps on the road and setbacks, but persevere and be ready to switch gears. Remember that your professors, your instructors, your clinical advisors and your mentors all believe in you. So believe in yourself.”
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Designed for registered nurses or advanced practice nurses, Chaminade’s DNP program emphasizes clinical expertise, leadership and the ability to translate research into practice, making DNPs well-suited to address the healthcare needs of isolated or marginalized populations, program leaders said.
The DNP’s newest cohort members kick off their doctoral journeys amid an ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals across the state, including for nurses—and particularly in specialties like primary care and mental health. Program leaders said DNPs bring advanced training to the field, giving them the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health conditions.
During her presentation, Salvador told students she will be joining Na Pu’uwai Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems on Molokai next week. “So when you think about your DNP project, think of where it might lead you,” she said.
In Chaminade’s DNP program, students can choose from one of four concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Post-Master’s Executive Leader.
“This DNP program will help you enhance your leadership skills,” Salvador said.
“You’ll get all the encouragement and support you will need from faculty and advisors to continue furthering your education. Congratulations on choosing to pursue your DNP.”