Nursing viewed as a religious vocation by GCU professor: medicine served through spiritual ministry
Grand Canyon University's Associate Professor Dr. David Mulkey Leads DNP Program Revisions
Dr. David Mulkey, an associate professor at Grand Canyon University, is making significant strides in the redevelopment of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions' Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. His efforts are aimed at enhancing the program's focus on clinical practice, evidence-based practice, and organizational change in healthcare.
The DNP program, launched in 2014, is an online initiative designed to train learners to translate research into clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Mulkey's leadership in the program's revisions is instrumental in shaping the next generation of nursing professionals.
Mulkey views nursing as a ministry and is committed to fostering a learning environment that emphasizes high expectations and grace. His approach to teaching is inspired by his faith, which he believes equips him to guide students towards becoming change agents in healthcare systems.
In addition to his role in program development, Mulkey is an active scholar, publishing scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals and writing book chapters. He is also a contributing editor to the Journal of Christian Nursing.
Mulkey's dedication to his students extends beyond the classroom. He takes pride in mentoring students on their doctoral projects, helping them to develop evidence-based, well-researched plans for sustainable healthcare improvements. His personalized mentorship has earned him nominations for teaching awards.
The DNP program aims to open pathways and increase the number of nurses earning this advanced degree. Mulkey values the diversity of students in the program, recognizing that they come from different walks of life and bring unique strengths to the nursing community.
Interacting with students located all over the United States is a rewarding aspect of Mulkey's role. Despite the distance, he maintains a personal connection with each student, working one-on-one with them on their doctoral projects.
In 2024, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported a 2% growth in the number of DNP students, reflecting the program's growing influence and impact on the nursing profession.
When not immersed in his academic pursuits, Mulkey enjoys hiking and spending time in the mountains. However, his young children currently prevent this from being a family activity.
[1] Source: Personal interview with Dr. David Mulkey, Grand Canyon University, 2021.
- Dr. David Mulkey, a faculty member at Grand Canyon University, leads the revisions of the university's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions' Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, focusing on clinical practice, evidence-based practice, and organizational change in healthcare.
- Launched in 2014, the DNP program is an online academics initiative that trains students to translate research into clinical practice, improving patient outcomes.
- Mulkey, who sees nursing as a ministry, fosters a learning environment that emphasizes high expectations and grace, aiming to guide students towards becoming change agents in healthcare systems.
- In addition to his role in program development, Mulkey is an active scholar, publishing scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals, writing book chapters, and contributing to the Journal of Christian Nursing.
- Mulkey personally mentors students on their doctoral projects, helping them develop evidence-based, well-researched plans for sustainable healthcare improvements.
- The DNP program aims to increase the number of nurses earning this advanced degree and values the diversity of its students, recognizing that they come from different walks of life and bring unique strengths to the nursing community.
- Mulkey interacts with students located all over the United States, maintaining a personal connection with each student, working one-on-one with them on their doctoral projects.
- The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported a 2% growth in the number of DNP students in 2024, reflecting the program's growing influence and impact on the nursing profession.
- When not engaged in his academic pursuits, Mulkey enjoys hiking and spending time in the mountains, although his young children currently prevent this from being a family activity.
