DNP Committee Reflection Paper

Faculty Committee Selection

Selection of my DNP project committee wasn’t an easy process at all. Although, I already knew I was interested in postsurgical pain management as a potential DNP project, but I wasn’t sure of how it would play out. During my DNP application process, I researched every single faculty member listed on Wayne Sate School of Nursing website. Having read about Dr. April Vallerand research works on pain, I couldn’t help but developed a keen interest in her research work. In my quest for my DNP Committee, I made a list of must have qualities in my DNP committee. I wanted at least one person who is an expert on pain and will demonstrate willingness in sharing his/her expertise with me as part

I was not also sure if she would be interested in my topic as a few faculty have said she believed opioid epidemic was all media driven. However, I did not allow my fear to hinder me from reaching out to her as my potential reader. I provided a brief overview of my topic in my first email conversation with Dr. Vallerand, and in her response, she seemed very excitement about my topic. We exchanged several emails prior to our official meeting which took place on Wednesday, June 6. During our meeting, I told Dr. Vallerand that I have read about her research works and would be honored to have her as my reader. She immediately asked me to explain why I think post-surgical pain might be partly responsible for the ongoing opioid crisis; how I would approach my topic; what I have done so far; my plans moving forward; when do I intend to start my project and the facility that I would like to carry out my project. These questions didn’t come as a surprise at all. I explained to Dr. Vallerand that approximately 22% of chronic opioid users had their first exposure to opioid during surgery. I also explained what I have done so far, what I intend to do over the next few months, where and when I intend to start implementing my project, and my desire in conducting a literature review. Dr. Vallerand was pleased with my answers and acknowledged that I came very