American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) named Dean Sarah Thompson, PhD, FAAN, to chair their national DNP Implementation Task Force. Dean Thompson will facilitate the work of a task force whose charge is to evaluate the implementation of the DNP since its inception. Her appointment will allow her to evaluate the implementation of the DNP and to make recommendations regarding such aspects as scholarly products, clinical learning and practice hour requirements, to name a few. A new program benefits from evaluation to ensure students have clear guidelines and can successfully complete their DNP program.

The task force will put together a report that will clarify translation of knowledge into practice by regulating DNP products, mentorship, capstone projects, and practice outcomes, among many other program variability issues. The report will ensure the consistency and rigor of DNP program learning. It will be released during the summer of 2015.

"I have been asked to serve as the chair of this very important task force. I believe this is kudos to CU College of Nursing and will be another way to highlight the college nationally,” Thompson says.