School of Nursing to Host 8th Annual DNP Summit

The University of Rochester School of Nursing will host its eighth Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Summit on Oct. 6, 13 and 20.

As DNP-prepared nurses are increasingly integrated into health care systems, the annual DNP Summit plays a critical role in fostering meaningful conversations about DNP education, practice and leadership. The conference also showcases the contributions of DNP-prepared nurses, and explores how they make positive impacts in clinical practice, health policy, and care delivery across the health care continuum.

The theme of this year’s summit is “Better Together: DNP and PhD Collaboration.” Sessions will explore how nurses with practice and research doctorates complement one another’s work across nursing research, practice and education.

“DNP- and PhD-prepared nurses each bring unique perspectives and approaches to health care systems, but their work is closely intertwined, and they share a common goal to improve health outcomes,” said Associate Dean for Education & Student Affairs Lydia D. Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FNAP, director of the University of Rochester’s DNP program. “Through the power of collaboration, doctorally prepared nurses can innovate healthcare delivery, and advance the discipline of nursing and interprofessional practice inquiry.”

This year’s summit will maintain the same virtual format as last year, allowing participants to attend the three-week series of one-hour webinars from anywhere.

Six nationally recognized nursing leaders are joining us as guest speakers, starting on Oct. 6 and continuing Oct. 13 and 20. Each webinar will begin at 1 p.m. ET.

Susan Weber Buchholz, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP, professor and associate dean for research at Michigan State University School of Nursing and president of the National Organization of Nurse Pracititioner Faculties (NONPF) , will kick off the 2023 DNP Summit on Oct. 6 with the session “DNP & PhD Collaboration: Evolving Partnerships for Positive Health Outcomes.” Weber Buchholz is an Adult Nurse Practitioner who engages in research, teaching, practice, and service, in order to improve the health of adults. Her research, which has earned support from the National Institute of Nursing Research, aims to develop cost-effective strategies to increase physical activity among sedentary adults.

Four featured speakers will share their experiences of DNP and PhD collaboration in a panel discussion on Oct. 13:

• Ann Leonhardt-Caprio, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, SCRN, FAHA, program coordinator of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Strong Memorial Hospital and assistant professor of clinical nursing at the University of Rochester School of Nursing.
• Meghan L. Underhill-Blazey, PhD, APRN, AOCNS, assistant professor at the University of Rochester School of Nursing and nurse practitioner at the Wilmot Cancer Institute Hereditary Cancer Program
• Linda Cowan, PhD, APRN, RN, FNP-BC, CWS, director of the Patient Safety Center of Inquiry at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and Clinic in Tampa, Florida
• Jill Massengale, DNP, RN, chief nurse for nursing education, research & evidence-based practice at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and Clinic

Closing the three-week series is Karen Hande, PhD, DNP, APRN, CNE, ANP-BC, FAANP, ANEF, professor and chair of health promotions, populations and health systems community at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Hande will present “DNP & PhD Prepared Nurses: Leveraging Education, Practice, & Leadership to Improve Health Care.” She is an adult health board-certified nurse practitioner and certified nurse educator who practices at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in oncology pain management. Hande is also the assistant director of Vanderbilt's DNP program. 

The DNP Summit is open to all nurses, health professionals and students. Contact hours are available for attendees, and no registration fee is required. Visit the 2023 DNP Summit website to find more details and register.