Nursing: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses for the highest level of specialized nursing practice. DNP graduates are innovative leaders prepared to translate evidence into practice, improve systems of care and measure health outcomes in diverse settings. Students are required to plan, implement, and evaluate a quality improvement project customized to support their unique aspirations.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) program is for nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing who are seeking leadership development and certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).  This program will prepare the experienced Registered Nurse (RN) with the knowledge, skills,and competencies to assess,diagnose, and manage mental healthcare patients across the lifespan. Foundational core coursework to prepare the advanced practice nurse is completed prior to transitioning into specialty content.

Courses are competency-based, founded on evidence-based approaches to care management and learning strategies with commitment to student success and continuous quality improvement embedded within the process. Synchronous, asynchronous, low and high-fidelity simulation,virtual and on-campus intensives,and clinical immersion will reinforce didactic content and afford the student the opportunity to transition to an active member of a collaborative mental health care team.

Admission Requirements

1. Registered Nurse licensure: An unencumbered registered nurse license in the United States
2. A bachelor of science in nursing
3. Letters of recommendation: Three letters of reference pertaining to academic ability, professional competency, and personal character are required.
4. Updated resume
5. Professional statement: The professional statement must include a written essay responding to each of the following:

   1. Discuss the DNP PMHNP program, what experiences have contributed to your interest and how do you visualize yourself in this role after graduation?

   2. How will a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of New Hampshire help you attain your professional goals?

   3. This is a graduate program that requires a high cognitive load, explain in detail how you are going to prepare yourself and manage throughout the program.

6. Interview: After initial review of the application, applicants may be contacted for an interview.

Degree Requirements

Clinical Hours: 750*

*

Clinical hours are completed through the following required courses: NURS 986, NURS 987, NURS 988, NURS 989.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner builds upon the skills of the baccalaureate prepared generalist nurse.

• Integrate, translate, and apply knowledge from nursing and other disciplines, to formulate clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice as well as synthesize comprehensive knowledge of advanced nursing practice, integrating scientific principles and clinical expertise to enhance patient outcomes.
• Design person-centered care that builds on a scientific body of knowledge focusing on individuals with multiple complicated circumstances, including family and/or important others as well as critically analyze the effectiveness of person-centered care on patient outcomes, healthcare systems, and policy development through rigorous assessment and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Advocate for healthcare delivery from public health prevention to disease management through collaborative activities for equitable population health outcomes as well as formulate and evaluate strategies to improve health outcomes for diverse populations, addressing social determinants of health and reducing health disparities.
• Disseminate nursing knowledge to improve health care as well as critically evaluate current research and evidence-based practices in nursing, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.
• Integrate established and emerging principles of safety as core nursing values to enhance quality and minimize harm to patients and providers as well as implement and evaluate quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and care outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices to minimize risks and optimize healthcare delivery.
• Lead collaborative care teams to optimize patient outcomes and improve health care experiences as well as facilitate and evaluate effective collaboration with interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes, fostering a culture of teamwork and communication.
• Coordinate resources for diverse populations to provide safe, quality, and equitable care as well as analyze and influence healthcare systems to optimize care delivery, advocating for policies and practices that enhance system efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Utilize informatics and communication technologies in developing and delivering optimal healthcare services according to best practice and professional and regulatory standards as well as integrate and evaluate informatics and healthcare technologies to improve patient care, utilizing data analytics to inform clinical decision-making and enhance health outcomes.
• Cultivate a sustainable professional nursing identity that reflects nursing’s characteristics and values as well as exemplify professionalism in all aspects of practice, demonstrating ethical behavior, accountability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Utilize leadership skills, change theories, and effective decision making in advanced nursing roles in the provision of care as well as engage in continuous personal and professional development, demonstrating leadership in clinical practice, education, and healthcare policy.

Nursing: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)

Location/Delivery: School of Nursing [Online Program]

This program is designed to prepare graduates for professional licensure/certification as follows:

Nurse Practitioner

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination

The University of New Hampshire has determined this program meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in:¹
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont

Additional information and related resources are available on the Office of the Registrar's website.

¹

State specific post-education requirements are subject to change. Students are responsible for confirming these requirements in their state of residence and intended practice.