Chaminade’s new Doctor of Nursing Practice launched this Fall, and participants were welcomed to campus as part of a hands-on immersion experience designed to build a strong foundation of relationships with their professor-mentors, advisors and peers.
The School of Nursing and Health Professions and Chaminade administration leaders were among those who offered their greetings to students in the immersion. The sessions will be held annually for each cohort and this year’s schedule included campus tours, cultural experiences and a networking panel.
Dr. Rhoberta Haley, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, described the DNP as an innovative program designed to prepare students for the highest clinical levels of nursing—with a strong emphasis on leadership development and culturally-informed practice for diverse communities.
“There is a critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Hawaii, including highly-skilled nurses equipped to tackle diverse patient needs and help to oversee positive patient outcomes,” Haley said. “We know our DNP program will make a significant impact in the lives of Hawaii residents.”
As part of the DNP program, students choose from one of three concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Post-Master’s Executive Leader.
In her address to new students, Chaminade President Lynn Babington said she looks forward to watching the trajectory of their academic and professional careers. “I have deep respect for all of you for the commitment you have made for extending your education and working at the highest level possible in nursing,” she said.
Babington added that what separates Chaminade’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is the University’s “partnership with our communities”—including with those that are traditionally underserved—and a team of faculty and advisors who offer support to students every step of the way in their degrees.
The first cohort for the DNP program has over 20 students.
They officially start on August 23, with instruction delivered fully online in addition to the in-person immersion sessions. The fully-accredited program additionally challenges students to take on an action-based research project, pursuing an area of professional interest that would improve patient care.
