In the Capella University Nursing FlexPath (NURS FPX) DNP pathway, the sequence of Assessment 5 tasks across four consecutive courses— NURS FPX 9010 Assessment 5, 9020, 9030, and 9040—marks the culmination of the Doctor of Nursing Practice project. Each Assessment 5 reflects a stage of project development: planning, implementation, evaluation, sustainability, and dissemination. Mastering these key deliverables demonstrates your transformation into a nurse scholar‑leader capable of driving real‑world healthcare improvements. In this article, we walk step‑by‑step through how one might successfully complete each Assessment 5, emphasizing strategies, structure, key elements, and meaningful reflection.

1. NURS FPX 9010 Assessment 5 – Project Planning & Approval

Assessment 5 in NURS FPX 9010 is typically titled “Project Proposal & Planning.” In this assignment, students present a fully developed implementation-ready project proposal. They must demonstrate they've secured necessary approvals, defined stakeholder roles, fleshed out timelines, and validated ethical compliance.

Key components include:

·       A refined problem statement, aligned with earlier assessments

·       Project purpose, aims, and SMART objectives

·       A complete logic model or framework detailing inputs, processes, outputs

·       Site approval and stakeholder commitment

·       Implementation-level IRB consideration or exemption justification

·       Updated budget, timeline, risk analysis, and communications matrix

Successful strategy:

1.     Revisit earlier assessments (e.g., FPX 9000 and 9010) to ensure alignment in problem statement and objectives.

2.     Develop a concise executive summary summarizing the project scope and organizational relevance.

3.     Use a clear logic model or table to communicate how inputs and activities produce expected outcomes.

4.     Attach documented site letters, stakeholder emails, and IRB communications to show readiness.

5.     Thoroughly update contingency plans and budgets with realistic estimates.

6.     Anchor justifications and logistics in the DNP Essentials, quality improvement principles, and evidence-based practice frameworks.

7.     Invite feedback from your instructor and adjust before submission—this preparation often yields a first-time "Meets Expectations" grade.

By completing FPX 9010 Assessment 5 successfully, you’ll have a polished, implementable proposal ready for the field.

2. NURS FPX 9020 Assessment 5 – Project Implementation & Mid‑Course Reflection

NURS FPX 9020 Assessment 5—commonly titled “Mid‑Implementation Progress Report”—marks the transition from planning to real-world execution of the DNP intervention. Here, you document early outcomes, reflect on barriers and facilitators, and demonstrate how your leadership efforts are driving change in practice.

Core elements include:

·       A succinct summary of what’s been implemented and where

·       Early process and outcome data, even if preliminary

·       Reflection/analysis of barriers, staff engagement, and how they were addressed

·       Demonstrated use of leadership and conflict-resolution strategies

·       Modifications made to the project in real-time

·       Affirmation of ongoing ethical, regulatory, and data integrity compliance

Strategy to succeed:

1.     Present a concise recap of the project logic model to remind readers of the original plan.

2.     Describe implementation progress using standardized frameworks—e.g., Donabedian’s structure/process/outcomes model. For example, "20 of 30 nurses trained; 80% compliance observed."

3.     Include a table with quantitative snapshots (e.g., weekly process metrics).

4.     Reflect authentically on barriers: “Staff turnover led me to increase training sessions and assign internal champions.”

5.     Tie your actions to evidence-based leadership strategies and DNP Essentials.

6.     Roll it all into a professional-level report with visuals, appendices, and citations.

By treating FPX 9020 Assessment 5 as a mini implementation-case study, you demonstrate both management ability and adaptive leadership. That sets you up for stronger final outcomes.

3. NURS FPX 9030 Assessment 5 – Project Outcomes, Evaluation & Analysis

In NURS FPX 9030 Assessment 5, you report on the results of your project. Whether your DNP intervention focused on reducing falls, implementing telehealth protocols, or improving discharge teaching, this assessment requires you to present and interpret outcome data, reflect on data-driven decision-making, and highlight both impact and limitations.

Required deliverables:

·       Presentation of final quantitative (and/or qualitative) data

·       Tables and graphs comparing baseline vs. post‐intervention outcomes

·       Discussion of effectiveness, statistical or thematic significance, and clinical impact

·       Analysis of project limitations (sample size, timeframe)

·       Linkage to evidence-based literature and DNP Essential domains

·       Reflection on your role as a scholar-practitioner and leader

Success strategy:

1.     Begin with a results summary table or graph of key metrics.

2.     Write a results section that objectively highlights data findings.

3.     Use a discussion section to interpret results relative to goals, literature, and clinical relevance.

4.     Acknowledge study limitations candidly and propose realistic mitigation strategies.

5.     Reflect on how the leadership strategies you deployed affected outcomes.

6.     Outline implications for practice, policy, patient outcomes, and cost.

7.     Prepare next steps: how to scale, sustain, or further study the intervention.

Completing FPX 9030 Assessment 5 demonstrates your ability to lead evidence-based practice forward and provide data-driven insight—fundamental DNP competencies.

4. NURS FPX 9040 Assessment 5 – Sustainability, Dissemination & Transition to Practice

The final capstone milestone, NURS FPX 9040 Assessment 5, shifts the focus from evaluation to strategic planning for sustainability and dissemination. Here, you translate your project into a system-wide or long-term initiative with a clear dissemination plan for scholarly and organizational sharing.

Elements to include:

·       Interventions to sustain improvements post-implementation (e.g., integration into policy, ongoing training, monitoring systems)

·       Final logic model update showing institutionalization or spread

·       A formal dissemination plan, including:

o   Internal presentations

o   Conference posters or podium presentations

o   Manuscript timeline for peer-reviewed publication

o   Consideration of continuing education credits or organizational newsletters

·       Reflection on your role as a change agent and leadership growth

·       Plans for ongoing evaluation: what data will you monitor going forward?

My strategy:

1.     Analyze project data to identify intervention elements that should continue (e.g., monthly compliance audits).

2.     Embed them into organizational structures, like nurse orientation or annual competencies.

3.     Describe how care protocols and workflows have been updated.

4.     Share dissemination goals with timelines (e.g., submit abstract to national conference in 6 months, manuscript draft in 9 months).

5.     Reflect on how you’ve grown professionally: leadership, data literacy, systems thinking.

6.     Attach supplementary materials: slide decks, updated policies, IRB communications, or sample abstracts.

Completing this assignment marks the culmination of your journey—from planning to full scholarly practice—showing others you’re ready to lead innovation in healthcare.

Integrating the Journey: Reflections Across All Four Assessments

Taken together, the four Assessment 5 milestones in NURS FPX 9040 Assessment 5–9040 form a cohesive, progressive story:

·       9010: You design with intention

·       9020: You implement with agility

·       9030: You evaluate with rigor

·       9040: You sustain and share with strategy

To excel across all four, embrace certain overarching principles:

1.     Apply rubrics early and often – Keep criteria visible in drafts

2.     Ground writing in DNP Essentials and evidence-based frameworks – Link actions and outcomes to professional standards

3.     Use visuals strategically – Tables, logic models, and charts deliver data-driven clarity

4.     Reflect authentically – Meaningful insights elevate academic writing into leadership narrative

5.     Engage faculty regularly – Ask questions and solicit feedback early

6.     Preserve appendices – Emails, training tools, and policy documents showcase your professionalism

These strategies don’t just help you "pass"—they help you earn distinguished evaluations and emerge with a portable portfolio that positions you as a change agent.

Final Thoughts: Owning Your Capstone

The four consecutive Assessment 5 tasks in NURS FPX 9010–9040 are not just academic checkoffs—they’re transformative milestones in your evolution from student to Doctor of Nursing Practice. By approaching each one with depth, integrity, and leadership intent, you not only earn your degree—you also plant the seeds of meaningful, future-proof change in healthcare systems.

Throughout this rigorous process, remember:

·       Your project reflects not just one course, but your professional identity

·       Strong execution will benefit patients, staff, and your organization

·       Thoughtful dissemination ensures your insights contribute to broader scholarship

·       Long‑term sustainability honors your commitment to lasting impact

Completing these four Assessment 5s is demanding—and that’s precisely why they matter. You rise by rising to the challenge. When you walk across the commencement stage, you’ll be graduating not simply with a credential, but with the confidence and tools to lead real, measurable transformation in nursing and health systems.