The Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), accredited by SACS, is designed to prepare nurse educators and scholars for leadership roles in nursing education, health policy related to vulnerable populations, and applied research. The graduate will function as a nurse leader with expertise in nursing and healthcare phenomena related to evidence-based practice, the investigative skills of an applied researcher, and the leadership skills for influencing health care systems, particularly related to population-based health disparities. The curriculum focuses on nursing education and health policy within the context of health disparities and population based health care. Coursework will prepare the graduate to evaluate and influence nursing practice and health care delivery systems, and to educate the next generation of nurses through various faculty roles.
- Upon successful completion of the DNS program graduates will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge of the theoretical foundations of nursing and related fields.
- Integrate acquired knowledge into a philosophical and intellectual frame of reference that can be applied to nursing education and practice-based solutions to health and health care problems.
- Advance the body of nursing knowledge by identifying gaps in the knowledge base of practice, conducting applied research and evaluation of nursing interventions and health care outcomes, and disseminating evidence-based solutions to problems within health care.
- Demonstrate leadership, analytical, and collaborative strategies in the development and implementation of population-based health care models and health care responses to health disparities locally and globally.
- Demonstrate leadership, analytical, and collaborative strategies in the development and implementation of innovative and outcome focused nursing curriculum models incorporating nursing, philosophy, and education theories to facilitate student learning and success.
Dissertations from 2021
Characteristics of Substance Addicted Mothers that Predict Graduation from the Family Treatment Court, Katherine Barnett
The Transgender Individual's Experience with Healthcare Interactions, Amy Roach
The Relationship between Collective Nursing Knowledge and Nurse Turnover: An Application of Nursing Intellectual Capital Theory, Pamela Russman-Chambers
Dissertations from 2020
Exploring the Experiences of Community Health Workers in the Dominican Republic Using Photovoice, Johnathan Steppe
Dissertations from 2019
Millennial Perceptions of Leadership as an Influential Factor in Nursing Retention: A Phenomenological Study, M'Lyn Spinks
Dissertations from 2018
The Lived Experience of Afghan Women Refugees in Three Metropolitan Areas of the Southeastern US: A Phenomenological Study, Brenda Brown DNS, RN, CNE
I Was Clear with My Goals, Where I’m Heading, and What I Wanted with My Life: Life History of an Omani Woman and Nurse Leader, Christie Emerson
Exploring Men who have sex with men’s HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Initiation Decision-making Processes in the Southern United States, Portia Thomas
Dissertations from 2017
Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying, Betsy N. Ward and Elizabeth Nora Ward
Dissertations from 2016
Nurse Faculty Job Satisfaction: Development and Evaluation of the Nurse Educator Satisfaction Index, Annette J. Jackson
Psychometric Testing of the TeamSTEPPS® 2.0 Team Performance Observation Tool, Mary Beth R. Maguire
Theses/Dissertations from 2015
Wirelessly Connected Sensor Acquisition System for Remote Nursing Applications, Yuhua Hu
Theses/Dissertations from 2014
The Role of Preceptorship and Group Cohesion on Newly Licensed Registered Nurses' Satisfaction and Intent to Stay, Sarah Michelle Bontrager
Use of Complementary Therapies by Individuals with or at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes: Results of the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, Katrina Michelle Embrey
Association Between Nurse Staffing Indicators, Patient Falls, and Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers in the Acute Care Setting, Cheryl Renee Moates
Meaningful Recognition in a Healthy Work Environment for Nurse Engagement in a Critical Care Setting, Ann Rachel Willingham
Theses/Dissertations from 2013
The Student Nurse's Change in Knowledge During a Clinical Rotation in Labor and Delivery, Katherine B. Barnett
Patient Perceptions of Functional Abilities after Total Knee Arthroplasty, Stephanie A. Jones
Palliative Care Knowledge among Bachelors of Science Nursing Students, Amy Pope
Heterosexism and Homophobia Among Students Participating in a Bachelor of Science Nursing Program, Johnathan Daniel Steppe
The Effect of Preceptor Role Effectiveness on Newly Licensed Registered Nurses' Perceived Psychological Empowerment and Professional Autonomy, Chanell Watkins
Theses/Dissertations from 2012
African American Parents' Experiences in Their Children's Health Care Encounters, Rebecca D. Green
The Effects of Work Schedule Flexibility on Job Satisfaction of Telephone Advice Nurses, Angela D. O'Neal
Relationship of a Healthy Work Environment to Retention of Direct Care Nurses in a Hospital Setting, Ashlee P. Thomas
Theses/Dissertations from 2011
Can Water Professionals Transform Pharmaceutical Disposal Practices of Hospice Nurses?, Jennifer L. McCoy and Kimberly P. Holland