
University of Washington School of Nursing
What is DPEN?
DPEN is a program at the University of Washington’s School of Nursing that trains undergraduate nursing students, currently practicing Registered Nurses (RNs), and Interprofessional healthcare students in caring for people living with dementia. It does this in three ways:
- Undergraduate program for nursing students: Providing comprehensive classroom curriculum paired with clinical experience and instruction
- Continuing nursing education for practicing RNs: Self-paced modules for RNs working in the field
- Interporfessional education for 500+ health science students
Why dementia?
Dementia affects millions of people. In the US, 5 million people are living with dementia and are cared for by over 15 million family/friend care partners. Despite of the epidemic proportions of dementia, only about 13,000 physicians and nurses currently specialize in dementia care—that’s over 380 people living with dementia for every 1 specialist! This mismatch results in poorer quality care, long wait times, and high costs—things our older adults simply cannot afford. That’s why DPEN was designed to transform the education of nursing professionals so they are prepared to serve as leaders of multidisciplinary care teams. DPEN is a comprehensive approach to optimizing dementia-competent and equitable care that focuses on clinical education, workforce development, research and increasing visibility and global partnerships.
How can I get involved?
If you’re interested in becoming a part of DPEN, we have a place for you!
JOIN DPEN
Partners
We are looking for businesses and organizations to partner with us to fund DPEN initiatives and to provide clinical training opportunities for students
Medical professionals
We are looking for nurses and other healthcare providers who are interested in informing DPEN curriculum development
Students
If you are a undergraduate in the University of Washington’s School of Nursing, you can apply to being the DPEN program starting Fall 2022. See our list of courses here and apply here.
Who’s already involved in DPEN? see here
Core Team
PARTNERS
Alzheimer’s Association
Project: In-kind support
Alzheimer’s Association of Washington
Projects: DPEN in-kind support, media partner
Avamere – Queen Anne Healthcare
Projects: Excellence in Long-Term Care Externship
Cambia Health Foundation
Project: DPEN funding partner
CoMotion
Project: DPEN technology funding partner
Cross Cultural Health Care Program
Project: DPEN in-kind support
Dementia Action Collaborative
Projects: DPEN in-kind support, Partnering with Your Healthcare Provider
Department of Scandinavian Studies | University of Washington
Project: Queen Silvia Nursing Award
The Embassy of Sweden | Washington, USA
Project: Queen Silvia Nursing Award
EmpRes Healthcare Management
Project: Excellence in Long-Term Care Externship
The Ensign Group
Project: Excellence in Long-Term Care Externship
The Honorary Consulate of Sweden | Seattle
Project: Queen Silvia Nursing Award
The I’m Still Here Foundation
Project: Excellence in Long-Term Care Externship
The Jane Isakson Lea Foundation
Project:
The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation
Project: DPEN education funding partner
King County Nurses Association
Project: Queen Silvia Nursing Award
The National Nordic Museum
Project: Queen Silvia Nursing Award
Swedish Women’s Educational Association International, Inc. | Seattle
Project: Queen Silvia Nursing Award
The Swedish Club
Project: Queen Silvia Nursing Award
Transforming Ages
Project: Excellence in Long-Term Care Externship
Washington Health Care Authority
Project: In-kind support
Nursing Commission
Project: DPEN in-kind support
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Project: In-kind support