The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project was to establish preliminary evidence for validity of the Kissick Framework for DNP education and practice of Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). The history of the education of nurse practitioners (NPs) was explored to determine which frameworks should be considered in planning future curricula. The current need for more primary care practitioners due to the Affordable Care Act and the response in nursing to increase the number of primary care providers is discussed. The role of the NP has expanded and in 2004 the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) endorsed the DNP as the terminal practice degree to replace the Masters' of Science in Nursing (MSN) requirement for NPs. Frameworks for education and practice of doctorally prepared FNPs were examined and compared to the Kissick Framework. The Kissick Framework integrates the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice recommended by the AACN, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Core Competencies, and Ida J. Orlando's Theory of the Nurse-Patient Relationship. Preliminary evidence supports consideration of the Kissick Framework for the education of doctorally prepared FNPs and as a guide for practice.

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