This past month was again one of the most challenging parts of the DNP program. Although everything about it is challenging, writing the Project Proposal for my Capstone Project was an arduous task. I am in a much better position now that I am only working part time, but the breadth of the task demands a rigorous scholarly approach into every aspect of it. I have just completed Applied Statistics and Epidemiology and these are two very important aspects of population health and prevention. However, learning about them in the classroom is so much different than applying the principles in actual practice.
My Capstone Project is about implementing a pediatric overweight and obesity preventive program in the primary care setting. I never realized the depth of the involvement I was putting myself into when began the project in a health center in my neighborhood. I knew I was going to create a project that will help the health center in some way. Little did I know how great an impact this project will have especially on the lives of disadvantaged individuals and families in my community who come to the health center for wellness care.
As I progressed along the DNP Project Process (Zaccagnini, 2011), I began to realize this is not just a school project I need to complete because I am required to; but also a real life project that has every potential to improve the outcomes for the health center and the youth in my community; a project that will impact the long-term health and quality of life of the children of today. The project requires a collaborative relationship with the stakeholders and other resources that can provide the support and information I need to make the implementation as efficient and effective as possible. The Capstone Project will be a pilot of the program and if determined to be feasible, it will be adopted full scale at all the health centers of the agency.
Again, I would like to encourage those of you interested in embarking into the DNP journey to reflect upon an issue you are passionate about; something that you believe you can do something about and want to do something about. This will make the project more meaningful, enjoyable, and fulfilling. I am halfway through the program and already, I am envisioning myself being involved in public health and prevention. I am excited about the idea and my mind is soaring high about the prospect of it, but there are more challenges to face, more battles to fight, more mountains to ascend. But I am holding fast and keeping my eyes fixed on the price. I need to finish this race that I’ve begun and intend to cross that line. Only then can I say, “I made it!”
Reference:
Zaccagnini, M. E. (2011). DNP project process model. In M.S. Zaccagnini & K.W. White (Eds.). The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials: A New Model for Advanced Practice Nursing. Sadburry, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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