Doctor of Nursing

The learner must be able to specialize within a specific field of Nursing at the level of a clinical nurse specialist and be able to apply critical analysis and problem solving techniques in the investigation of health related problems through research which will contribute to a scientific basis for nursing practice.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access may be granted to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements in accordance with the RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• An appropriate Master's Degree.

Research and thesis.

Exit Level Outcome 1: Conduct independent research at an advanced level that promotes research-based nursing practice.

• Contribute new insights, knowledge and/or information to the discipline of nursing.
• Communicate the results of nursing in a technology transfer document in publishable format.

Specified Outcomes

• Critically analyse and apply the results of health and nursing related literature to their own field or area of investigation.
• Select the appropriate research paradigm (qualitative or quantitative) and method/s for investigation.
• Apply the scientific method systematically and with rigour in the research process to solve a problem related to nursing.
• Apply research tools effectively and correctly to the research process.
• Logically and critically develop, analyse and draw conclusions from the findings of the research Review the research findings in order to expand or redefine existing knowledge or develop new insights, information and/or knowledge in the selected area of nursing.
• Produce a thesis that places the research within the broader context of the field and can withstand international intellectual scrutiny.

• Models, principles, theories, techniques, methodologies and results of health and nursing related literature are critically analysed and applied to their own field of research.
• The use of literature surveys/correlations/experimentation/causal analysis or appropriate qualitative research method is justified fully and correctly in an oral presentation and the written record of research.
• The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal
• The stated questions, objectives or hypotheses direct the investigation to solve a nursing problem.
• The research is designed, conducted and reported in accordance with sound ethical principles of research and professional values.
• The sampling strategy is planned and executed in a manner that aims to a allow study findings, where appropriate to be generalized to the population and to be attributed to the treatment/intervention variable if appropriate.
• Negotiation, conflict resolution and motivational skills to implement the research are explained.
• Reflection on the manner in which the research is implemented is demonstrated.
• Information sources are used critically and appropriately and include a range of media.
• Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data analyses, data presentation and the production of a thesis.
• The appropriate narrative, mathematical and statistical analysis methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
• The quality of the data is evaluated based on independently generated criteria in terms of validity and reliability in a manner that is consistent with the research paradigm.
• The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical and narrative analyses are logical and juxtaposed with relevant models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies of the field or area of investigation.
• Critical interpretation of data reflects the ability to evaluate contradictory findings of the study and challenge existing theories, models, principles, methodologies and techniques in order to contribute new insights, information and/or knowledge in the area.
• The research contributes new, complex knowledge in the selected specialized area of nursing practice.
• Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in communicating and defending the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations clearly in either an oral presentation or written record of the research.
• The results of the research are correctly explained in relation to existing knowledge in the field or area of investigation by means of either an oral presentation, article prepared for publication or a technical report that will enhance utilization of the research in practice and further research.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of the outcomes is done through evaluation of the research process and the thesis.