Doctor of Nursing Practice program evaluation and beyond: capturing the profession's transition to the DNP.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) educational preparation for advanced practice nursing and DNP role development are innovations that require intense scrutiny through formative and summative evaluation. It is imperative to move beyond standard curriculum evaluation approaches to capture the transformation of advanced nursing practice and the profession. The University of Washington School of Nursing designed a comprehensive DNP evaluation plan that focuses on both program effectiveness and the experience of transition as described by faculty and students. The evaluation plan is outlined, and lessons learned regarding data collection, student and faculty participation, and institutional review board approval are discussed. Examples of instruments are included.