UTA DNP graduate makes her mark at national conference

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022

Jennifer Luna, a recent UTA DNP graduate, presented at the Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) 15^th National Conference in Tampa, Florida. The conference highlights best practice processes to collaborate with nursing colleagues to improve healthcare outcomes, showcase DNP experts and articulate collaboration strategies in the context of a Doctoral prepared nursing professional around the nation. 

“I presented my UTA DNP Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Project entitled: The Impact of High-Fidelity Resuscitation Simulation Training Program in Medical-Surgical Nursing Confidence,” said Luna. “It was inspired by my gap analysis where I discovered the challenges of new nurses as they transition from graduation to clinical work. I wanted to build their confidence by empowering their knowledge and skills in reviving a patient who goes into cardiopulmonary arrest. I did this through a high-fidelity simulation training program.”

Luna found motivation through various factors that guided her to present her research at this national conference. She wishes to continue to share her project and the results to motivate other aspiring nurses and to improve healthcare patient outcomes. The hospital in which she works encourages nurses to take their EBP projects to higher degrees, conferences, or publications outside of the hospital. Luna also credits UTA as she was inspired by CONHI faculty, Donna Hamby and Deborah Green Behan, to disseminate her EBP project after completing the DNP capstone dissertation.

“UTA has been exceptional in guiding me from conceptualization to full implementation and dissemination of my EBP project,” said Luna. “The academic program is very well-organized and each class that I took led me to the culmination of my final EBP dissertation. The CONHI DNP Program made sure that all my DNP essentials are embedded into my journey as a student.”

The DNP Program aided Luna to where she is today. She mentions the professors and faculty advisors were receptive to her concerns and questions. They helped her when she felt discouraged and ensured that she was presented with the best resources to be successful. The knowledge she gained in the program is now an essential tool in all her EBP projects and life.

“UTA CONHI is the best DNP academic program in my opinion, and I feel very blessed to have been accepted into the program,” said Luna. “I am confident that I now have the essential tools to mentor others, lead and advocate for policy change, and inspire others along the way. To all future DNP students, hang in there! Enjoy the learning journey. All your hard work, persistence, and late-night sacrifices – will be worth it in the end.”

– Written by Midori Hrinda, College of Nursing and Health Innovation