The Yale School of Nursing (YSN) Post-Master’s DNP Program in Healthcare Leadership, Systems, and Policyis designed for working nurse leaders seeking to further advance their leadership trajectory in traditional or non-traditional healthcare leadership roles.Leadership experience is a requirement for admission as well as an advanced degree, master’s level in nursing or a related field (e.g., MSN, MBA, MHA, MPH).
“YSN’s Systems Leadership DNP Program prepares our students and alumni for leadership at the highest levels of healthcare systems as well as non-traditional healthcare leadership in government, consultancy, community agencies, and policy,” said Program Director of theHealthcare Leadership, Systems and Policy DNP Program,Mary Ann Camilleri,JD, RN, FACHE. “Their DNP projects are designed for large-scale system change with a futuristic view of a healthcare delivery system.”
YSN caught up with a few current students and recent alumni to see how they are making a difference in their communities and applying the work of their DNP projects.
Dustin Bass ’23 DNP, MHA, BSN, RN, CEN, NE-BC
Assistant Vice President of Patient Care Services at Atrium Health Cabarrus
A third-year student in ourHealthcare Leadership, Systems and Policy DNP Program, Bass currently oversees the operations of Emergency, Forensic Nursing, and Trauma services. He was recently selected by the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) for the Class of 2023 Young Professionals in recognition of his significant potential as a healthcare leader. The designation shows that Bass demonstrates exemplary leadership within his organization, community, and the nursing profession, and embodies innovation, influence, and inclusion. He presented his DNP project, “Reducing Unnecessary Emergency Department Visits through an Advanced ED Care Management Program,” at the Connecticut Nursing Research Alliance. His doctoral Advisor is Mary Ann CamilleriJD, RN, FACHE.
Dr. Elizabeth M. Clark ’22 DNP,MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Based on her doctoral work in the Healthcare Leadership, Systems and Policy DNP Program at YSN, Dr. Clark presented a poster on “Equipping Nurses for Political Involvement” at the American Academy of Nursing Conference in Washington DC in October. DNP Division ChairJoan KearneyPhD, APRN, FAAN was her doctoral Advisor andcontributed to the accepted abstract. Dr. Clark also co-authored a poster with Clinical DNP Program DirectorJoanne DeSanto Iennaco, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, Chair, Joan Kearney PhD APRN FAAN, and Professor EmeritaJane Dixon, PhD, “Worker’s Experience of Patient Aggression During Nursing Intervention,” for the APNA 36thAnnual Conference.
Dr. James DeMarco ’22 DNP
George Washington University Hospital
Dr. DeMarco presented a poster at the APNA 36thAnnual Conference in Long Beach, CA on “Use of Nurse-Driven Protocol to Increase Metabolic Screening and Interventions for Inpatients on Antipsychotic Medications,” a project which reports on his doctoral work in theHealthcare Leadership, Systems and Policy DNP Programat YSN where Dr. Joanne DeSanto Iennaco was his doctoral Advisor.DeMarco currently works as the manager of the psychiatric medical unit at George Washington University Hospital, and he is an adjunct professor at George Washington University.
Dr. Robbie Freeman ’24 DNP, RN
Vice President of Clinical Innovation and Chief Nursing Informatics Office at Mount Sinai Health System (New York)
Mr. Freeman was recently named to theBecker’s Hospital Review list of “Rising Stars: 104 Healthcare Leaders to Know”list. He has served as the vice president and chief nursing informatics officer at Mount Sinai Health System since 2021. His responsibilities include driving technology strategy to support nursing practice and patient care, leveraging different forms of technology, and overseeing clinical data science and digital engagement teams. He is also an assistant professor of health administration at New York University. His doctoral Advisor is Mary Ann CamilleriJD, RN, FACHE.
Dr. MaryEllen “Mel” Hope Kosturko ’22 DNP, MAHSM, RN, CENP
Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Hartford HealthCare
After an extensive career at Yale New Haven Health that began in 1990, Mel began a new role as Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Hartford HealthCare on December 27. She succeeds Mandy Richards’25 DNP, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC(see below), and the two YSN affiliates will partner closely on the transition. Mel most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Bridgeport Hospital. Mel is a 2022 graduate of the Healthcare Leadership, Systems and Policy DNP Program at YSN where her work focused on post Covid trauma and trauma informed care for the nursing workforce. Her doctoral Advisors were Drs Mary Ann Camilleri and Joan Kearney.
Dr. Lynn Malerba ’15 DNP
Treasurer of the United States | Chief, Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut
Dr. Malerba wassworn inasTreasurer of the United Statesin September 2022,making history as thefirst Indigenous person to hold the office. When her signature appears on U.S. currency, it will be the first inked by a Tribal leader and Indigenous woman.In her role as Treasurer, she also leads thenewly created Office of Tribal and Native Affairs.Her DNP project,“Indian Health Funding: Time for Change” raised awareness of the resource and funding issues in Indian Health Services led her to a significant role in leading change for indigenous populations on a national level.She also recentlydiscussed nursing and healthcare topicswith YSN’s Associate Dean for EquityAngela Richard-Eaglin, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, CDE®.
Dr. Esther Moas ’21 DNP, MS, RN
Vice President of Care Transitions for Mount Sinai Health System
Dr. Moas was recently elected as a Fellow to The New York Academy of Medicine, a recognition of her top performance as a nursing professional. Upon her completion of theHealthcare Leadership, Systems and Policy DNP Programat YSN, Dr. Moas advanced to her current role as a member of the Nurse Executive Cabinet at Mt. Sinai Health System and leads system-wide strategy for improving quality of care across the care continuum to reduce preventable admission, re-admissions, and total cost of care. Her DNP project work focusedonEvaluation of a Nursing-Led Telephonic Self-Management Program for Patients with COPD on Health Care Utilization where she worked with her DNP doctoral Advisor,Tish Knobf, PhD RN FAAN, Chair of the PhD Program.
Mandy Richards ’25 DNP, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Executive for Intermountain Healthcare
Mandy Richards, a second-year student in ourHealthcare Leadership, Systems and Policy DNP Program, was recently named the Chief Nursing Executive for Intermountain Healthcare, a non-profit healthcare system of 25 hospitals and 255 ambulatory care clinics in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. She has built a distinguished career in executive nursing, coming to Intermountain from Hartford HealthCare in Hartford, Connecticut where she has served as the Executive Vice president and Chief Nursing Officer over the past two years. Before her time in Connecticut, she spent 15 years with Allina Health in Minneapolis, MN, where she served in ever-expanding leadership roles, and ultimately as the chief nursing officer for the health system. In her time with Allina, Richards served as the CNO and VP of Patient Care and VP of Clinical Operations for multiple hospitals within the system. Mary Ann CamilleriJD, RN, FACHE is herdoctoral Advisor.
Dr. Christie Torres ’22 DNP, MSN, RN, APRN, FNP-BC
Chief Nursing Officer of Advanced Diagnostics Healthcare Systems
Dr. Torres recently accepted a CNO position at Advanced Diagnostics Healthcare Systems in Houston, Texas. She is also the recipient of the 2022 Visionary Award from the Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP), and is actively engaged with their Legislative Ambassador Program, an initiative addressing legislators on full practice authority issues in Texas. In a continuation ofher work as a YSN studentin ourHealthcare Leadership, Systems and Policy DNP Program, she co-authored a manuscript with Professor Emerita Jane J. Dixon, PhD titled, “An Evaluation ofThe Climate Change and Renal Health Awareness and Education Toolkit for Healthcare Providers:Reducing Climate-Health Risks in Primary Care” and has submitted it toThe Journal of Climate Changeand Health. Dr. Torres also serves as a board member of the Texas Physicians for Social Responsibility (TxPSR) and will help integrate some aspects of the toolkit into UT Southwestern Medical School’s core curriculum.
Upcoming Information Sessions
The program is hosting a series of information sessions on March 8 at 4 pm, March 15 at 4 pm, March 24 at 1 pm, and March 29 at 4 pm.Register for the next information session here.
FAQs
What does a DNP do in healthcare policy? ›
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), “DNP graduates are prepared to design, influence, and implement healthcare policies that frame healthcare financing, practice regulation, access, safety, quality, and efficacy.
What is the DNP role in leadership? ›As a health system leader, the DNP graduate can identify and align the organization with critical state, national, and specialty organizations to ensure benchmarking to promote important organizational initiatives and programs specific to particular environments and the populations served.
How are DNP prepared nurses shaping the future of our healthcare system? ›The DNP prepares graduates to practice at the most advanced practice level and to create evidenced based strategies through the application of new knowledge to improve clinical practice, which results in optimizing health outcomes.
What is your role as a nurse leader in ensuring policies or procedures are up to date? ›Nurse leaders must effectively communicate information about care practices, departmental needs, and organizational policies and issues. In clinical settings, they communicate treatment plans, diagnoses, and test results to patients and other healthcare providers.
Can a DNP be called doctor? ›Nurses With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) Should Not Call Themselves “Doctor” in a Clinical Setting - PMC. The . gov means it's official.
Is a DNP higher than an NP? ›An NP is a master's- or doctorate-prepared nurse that is certified and licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse. A DNP is a higher-education degree. An NP can earn a DNP degree, but a DNP-prepared nurse does not have to be an NP.
What is the main focus of DNP? ›The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is to prepare advanced practice nurses at the highest professional level of nursing practice and to advance the application of nursing knowledge for the purpose of improving health care to diverse populations.
How will earning a DNP contribute to your personal and professional goals? ›When you earn a DNP degree, you can choose from several specialization options. These specializations can help you achieve your career objectives by focusing on a particular area of study. With a specialization, you will be better prepared to pursue a leadership position aligned with your career goals.
How does the DNP play a role in quality improvement? ›The DNP can develop advanced competencies, enhance nursing knowledge, enhance leadership skills, develop parity with other health care professionals, and improve the image of nursing. The DNP program brings multiple new skills to nurse leaders and the healthcare system.
What are the skills that a DNP needs to be successful in health policy? ›Demonstrate leadership in the creation of institutional, local, state, federal or international healthcare policy. Influence policy makers through active participation on boards or task forces at any level. Educate others regarding nursing and patient care outcomes. Advocate for nursing within healthcare communities.
What is one of the most important roles of a healthcare leader? ›
To consistently deliver high-quality results, healthcare facilities need leaders who can create a vision for the company, build a positive culture, and provide the right direction at every level of operations.
What is the most important responsibility of a leader in healthcare? ›Health care leaders make decisions that shape caregiving in the United States. They help team members and organizations perform optimally in a constantly evolving environment. These professionals may oversee business units such as operations, human resources, accounting or oversee specific disciplines or regions.
How can a nurse demonstrate leadership in promoting quality care? ›Effective nurse leadership involves using personal connections and knowledge to motivate staff and to improve patient outcomes. The primary skills required for effective leadership in nursing include valuing others, team building, and conflict resolution.
What is the highest paid DNP? ›1 – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist- $208,000 or more
Nurse anesthetists are consistently recognized as being among the highest paid professionals in the field of nursing.
Nurse practitioners who earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are exceptional nurse leaders who are well-prepared to translate research evidence into clinical practice, serve patients at the highest level, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Why get a DNP instead of MD? ›DNP allows nurses to investigate and implement nursing science. M.D.s have a comprehensive education in medicine, starting in medical school. The curriculum focuses on a broader spectrum of medicine and covers every medical specialization. Physicians follow the medical model, which is disease-based.
What percentage of nurses hold a DNP? ›Only about 14% of APRNs hold a DNP as their highest degree, according to the (American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Who makes more DNP or PhD in nursing? ›Typically, nurses with a DNP degree have a higher annual salary than those with their PhD. That's in part due to the settings in which they work; since DNPs often practice clinically and see patients, they have a higher earning capacity than nurses in higher education or governmental positions.
Which NP specialty is the hardest? ›- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Armed Forces NP. ...
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Correctional Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Substance Abuse Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Critical Care Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
79.8% of all student nurse practitioners are women, while 20.2% are men. The average age of an employed student nurse practitioner is 42 years old.
Are DNP in demand? ›
As a current or prospective nursing professional, consider enrolling in a DNP program to stay ahead of industry trends. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that demand for nurses with a master's degree and higher will increase by 40 percent from 2021 to 2031—a considerably high growth rate.
Will DNP be required in 2025? ›In Summary:
The 2018 position statement from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties calls for DNP preparation for all NPs by 2025.
Professional development in the nursing profession brings us up to date on the latest techniques, technology and evidence to be able to provide quality care to patients. It also fosters career advancement and leadership growth for nurses who wish to elevate responsibilities.
What is a responsibility within the nursing professional development practice model? ›14. A responsibility within the nursing professional development practice model is: patient safety.
What is the role of the Aprn in health policy? ›APRNs treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease, and engage in continuous education to remain ahead of any technological, methodological, or other developments in the field.
What is the role of nurses and healthcare providers in policy making? ›All nurses can advocate for change, whether within their workplace, nursing organizations, government agencies, or directly with policymakers and elected officials. Every nurse can have a voice in the creation and enforcement of health policies.
What type of job does a DNP do? ›What Is a DNP? A DNP is a doctoral-level degree for nursing professionals. It prepares nurses for the highest level of nursing practice by expanding their knowledge of healthcare ethics, policy, and practice.
What is the most important nursing role in health promotion? ›Background: Health promotion contributes significantly to enhancing population awareness and improving their knowledge of wellness and illness. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) play a major role in lifestyle modification, treatment regimen, coordination of care, individual patient care and health promotion.
How can I be successful in a DNP program? ›- Clear Vision. Setting a vision and goal for the future is vital for success in the DNP program. ...
- Ability to Prioritize. ...
- Effective Time Management Skills. ...
- Strong Work Ethic. ...
- Healthy Work-Life Balance. ...
- An Understanding that Excellence is a Lifelong Process. ...
- Perpetual Curiosity.
APRNs deliver a particular type of care in a role such as nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners focus on a particular population, from the very broad family practice to the very narrow neonatal population.
What are some examples of healthcare policies? ›
Examples of policies designed to protect and promote employee health include rules around the consumption of alcohol and tobacco in the workplace, wearing masks and gloves to minimize the risk of exposure to illnesses and chemicals, and wellness policies such as time off and healthy eating.
What is the role of health policy professionals? ›Health policy is a segment of the health care industry that works to influence and improve individual and public health through enacting specific goals or legislation. Professionals in health policy conduct research, evaluate laws, identify challenges and weigh the costs and benefits of proposed initiatives.
How healthcare policy can impact the nursing profession? ›As WHO puts it, health policy “defines a vision for the future which in turn helps to establish targets and points of reference for the short and medium term.” Additionally, health policy helps to clarify priorities; it establishes roles and expectations for different groups, whether doctors, nurses or administrators.
Why is it important for nurses to be involved in policy development? ›Nursing Staff are encouraged to participate in health policy for three reasons. First, nurses closely deal with patients and their families in a variety of settings; therefore, their comments can be considered as valuable sources for policy development. Second, different health policies have direct effects on nurses.
How to work in health policy as a nurse? ›- Earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). ...
- Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive registered nurse (RN) licensure. ...
- Gain clinical nursing experience. ...
- Earn an MSN or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) in health policy. ...
- Earn certification in health policy.
The average income of all DNPs is $157,750 with a ceiling of $205,360 for certain specializations, such as nurse anesthetists.
What is the salary scale of DNP? ›Nurse Practitioner salary in India ranges between ₹ 1.2 Lakhs to ₹ 56.4 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 3.6 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 24 latest salaries received from Nurse Practitioners.