Bits, Bytes, Nibbles, and Clusters—An Interprofessional Practicum Experience: An Innovative Application of a Doctor of Nursing Practice Essential IV

Abstract

BackgroundThe Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) practicum should reflect the application of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Eight Essentials. This student's personal practicum experience combined her interest in interprofessional collaboration and the relationships with the Sexual Assault Response Team.ObjectiveAn innovative practicum was developed to assist in fulfilling the Fourth Essential: Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care, as it pertained to the student's scholarly project.MethodsClinical Practicum.ResultsA criminal investigator, specializing in digital forensics, offered his expertise toward this educational opportunity as related to the student's scholarly project.ConclusionsThis experience provided a practicum that was considered “outside the box” for this Fourth Essential.Implication for NursingIt may be necessary for the Doctor of Nursing Practice student to consider a variety of opportunities to meet the Fourth Essential competency.