Balancing Life, School, and Career: Demetrius Kirk’s DNPc Story

The Melanin Initiative's Podcast

🎙️ Welcome to the Melanin Initiative Podcast!

This week, we’re honored to feature Demetrius Kirk, DNPc, MBA, MSN, RN, LNHA, LSSGB, PAC-NE, QCP, as he updates us on his inspiring journey toward earning his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Demetrius brings over 15 years of experience as a registered nurse and licensed administrator, currently specializing in long-term care. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, he now resides in Honolulu, Hawaii, balancing his demanding academic pursuits with his passion for improving senior care and advancing nursing education.

In this episode, Demetrius shares the latest milestones in his DNP program, including completing Chapter 3 of his dissertation and preparing for his upcoming oral presentation. He dives deep into his DNP project, which focuses on reducing falls among seniors by equipping nurses with the tools and training they need to make meaningful changes in care delivery. Learn how this innovative approach shifts the focus from patients to empowering nurses as critical agents in improving outcomes.

Whether you’re a nursing student, healthcare professional, or simply someone interested in understanding the healthcare system better, this episode is packed with insights. We discuss the state of Doctor of Nursing Practice education, the importance of quality improvement projects, and the ethical considerations of IRB processes. Plus, Demetrius offers personal reflections on balancing a rigorous academic journey with family life, sharing practical tips for staying motivated and maintaining strong relationships.

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Resources:
-American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Report: The State of Doctor of Nursing Practice Education https://lnkd.in/e-AgE-Ki
-Mount Sinai’s Translational Research and Implementation Science for Nurses (TRAIN) program supports Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students from underrepresented minority communities and disadvantaged backgrounds to become experts in translating research into clinical practice. Learn more here https://www.mountsinai.org/care/nursing-at-mount-sinai/research-and-innovation/train and connect with TMI Alum Kimberly Souffront, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAHA, FAAN
--DNPs of Color: www.dnpsofcolor.org and Danielle K. McCamey, DNP, ACNP-BC, FADLN, FCCP, FAAN
-Grammarly: www.grammarly.com
-Pearla https://www.perrla.com/#/

Connect with Demetrius Kirk, DNPc, MBA, MSN, RN, LNHA, LSSGB, PAC-NE, QCP:

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aservantleader/
Expert Healthcare Consulting: https://smkmedical.com/
Podcast SMK Medical LLC: https://www.youtube.com/@SMKMedical
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