Transcript Partnering Today to Create Tomorrow's Leaders: The Rush-Xavier MSN-DNP Program

PARTNERING TODAY TO
CREATE TOMORROW’S
LEADERS:
THE Rush-Xavier MSN-DNP
PROGRAM
The educators at Rush University College of
Nursing and Saint Xavier University School of
Nursing (SXU) have developed an innovative
model that builds upon the strengths of both
institutions to facilitate the seamless transition
of students from a Master’s degree granting
institution (SXU) into a Doctor of Nursing
Practice (DNP) program at Rush.
The Rush DNP program is designed for
master's prepared nurses with
demonstrated leadership ability.
It prepares students to be leaders able to
affect change through:
* system redesign and
* evidence-based decision making
in a variety of clinical, organizational and
educational systems.
A WIN-WIN FOR THE PARTNERS
• Since SXU is not authorized to grant doctoral degrees in
nursing:
* Collaboration with Rush enables SXU to offer a
facilitated admission into doctoral education for
their MSN students.
• It is advantageous to Rush to have:
* early identification of qualified students
* focused career progression advisement
* a cadre of local students prepared for doctoral
study.
A WIN FOR THE STUDENT, TOO
• SXU and Rush are two private universities in the
Chicago metro area committed to providing a
quality graduate nursing education.
• Through early identification and review of
materials, students receive timely guidance on
how to proceed.
• Application paperwork is reduced; students pay
one application fee.
• Partnership provides a seamless way for
focused students to achieve their career goals.
PLANNING THE PARTNERSHIP
• Dean to Dean discussion to establish common ground
• Task force established with key representatives from
both institutions
• Subcommittees organized to work on admissions
procedures, curriculum integration, marketing, etc.
• Dialogue between institution’s respective task forces and
their faculties
• General meeting for review of recommendations from
task forces
• Development of detailed timeline that considered the
approval mechanisms of both institutions
• Introduction of partnership to the public
Who should seek admission?
•
•
SXU master’s students who:
* have embarked on a leadership career
trajectory and
*need no more than one year to successfully
complete the SXU master’s program.
Two admission options are possible:
1. Expedited Admission - meets all joint admission requirements,
maintained a 3.0 GPA at SXU, strong leadership background and project
proposal
2. Qualified Admission - good potential but applicant needs
additional leadership preparation to be ready for admission into the DNP
program. “Bridge” experiences would be created in which SXU faculty
mentor students to enhance leadership skills
ENSURING SUCCESS
• Collaborators not competitors – congruent
philosophies
• Acceptable student pool
• Similar economics
• Collegial relationships
• Institutional champions
• Real timelines
• Maintain momentum