222 ■ II: ROLES FOR DOCTORAL ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE
implementation of evidence- based practice. In terms of barriers related to the quality
of the research evidence, the DNP nurse can lead the effort to contribute further to the
knowledge base by replicating investigations that evaluate the effectiveness of interven-
tions. This requires a step beyond simply implementing and measuring the outcomes of
interventions, to formally testing hypotheses regarding the impact of such interventions
on nursing and health care. In effect, it requires the DNP- prepared nurse to be skilled in
the conduct, use, and dissemination of translational research.
In various leadership roles, the DNP- prepared nurse is uniquely positioned to
innovate and experiment with various models for increasing the utilization of research
in practice settings. With administrative authority that comes with these leadership
roles, the DNP- prepared nurse should have multiple options available for integrating
research into the workplace environment. Whether it is increased and more effective
use of existing resources or the deployment of external support and expertise, the DNP
nurse can raise the organization to higher levels of application of translational science
into practice. Particularly in promoting the translation of science into practice, the DNP
nurse can engage in action research, which leads to the solution of everyday practical,
as well as clinical, problems.
■ IS ACTION RESEARCH ORIENTED FOR DNP
CLINICAL SCHOLARSHIP?
Methods to increase the quality and rate of research translation are increasingly becom-
ing the focus of clinical practice. Leadership in clinical practice requires recognition that
evidence- based practice is central to the achievement of effective and efficient health care
delivery and to obtaining positive client outcomes (Mohide & Coker, 2005). Traditional
approaches to building the evidence predominate in the current research enterprise.
Nevertheless, there is increasing pressure upon the scientific community to look at
alternative paradigms to increase the uptake of research evidence into community- and
population- wide practice. Action research, one such alternative paradigm, is science
designed to obtain practical results to solve a specific challenge. Engagement in action
research is one in which the DNP nurse is optimally positioned, with the strong leader-
ship skills in community- based initiatives that is one of the hallmarks of the education
and preparation for DNP practice. In addition to the basic steps in traditional research of
design, data collection, analysis, and communication, this alternative paradigm requires
action, which is developmental in nature and has a wide range of applications in health
care. This showcases the strengths and talents of the DNP nurse; it highlights the natural
skills of the practitioner for practical solutions to real and actual problems in the clinical
setting as they occur. In addition to skills and competencies in the application of multi-
dimensional and multifaceted designs of participatory action research, the DNP nurse
is prepared to lead communities to form collaborative partnerships with the academic
scientists in community- based initiatives that aim to solve problems facing vulnerable
populations (Stringer, 2007).
■ WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE DNP CLINICAL SCHOLAR
IN DISSEMINATION?
The role of the DNP nurse as clinical scholar has within it an inherent obligation and
responsibility to disseminate knowledge and expertise gained from practice to various