Page 7 CDU Newsletter February 2023
CDU ’ s First Doctoral Degree Program Edges Closer to Graduation
Students in the Doctor of Nursing ( DNP ) program have completed their DNP Institutional Review Board ( IRB ) approval process , edging closer to the graduation of CDU ’ s first doctoral degree program cohort .
The DNP IRB approval process is set up specifically for the DNP program to assure that the DNP Project is not human research . Every project is unique and is reviewed to ensure compliance . The students were able to do quality improvement projects which can be evidencebased practice ( EBP ) or quality improvement ( QI ).
Once approved by CDU ’ s DNP IRB process , students were then required to obtain the IRB approval at their clinical site . Some of the clinical locations where students are completing their projects include LAC / USC Medical Center , Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center , Kern Medical - Fresno , and PsyCare Las Vegas . Topics for the projects vary based on the student ’ s interest and the need of the facility where they will be conducting their projects .
Students will complete their DNP projects and present their work at the university level , including a podium presentation with slides , a poster presentation , and a final manuscript ready for publication .
“ The support of the university has moved the DNP program to where we are today ,” said Dr . Juana Ferrerosa , Director of the DNP program . “ The DNP team congratulates all DNP students who will be participating in the
39th Commencement Ceremony . We look forward to our student ’ s continued success .”
Dr . Ferrerosa said Dr . Junko Nishitani and Dr . Magda Shaheen have been instrumental in the development of the DNP IRB process . DNP Students are provided multiple resources at the university level , including the writing center / specialist , an assigned librarian , statistical support , and additional staff and faculty support to guide their DNP projects . Students attended National conferences such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice Conference . CDU , through HEERF funding , also provided a $ 1500 DNP Project stipend to support each student .