The development of a cervical cancer prevention program for underserved women in the Dominican Republic.

495 Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Caribbean,” the Dominican Republic (DR) boasts more than 1,000 miles of majestic, white sandy beaches outlining the clear, blue, sparkling Caribbean Sea. However, beyond the golden sunsets of the beautiful country lie the tragedy and stark reality for many women living in poverty: the extremely high incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease, is taking the lives of women in the DR at an alarmingly high rate. The purpose of this article is to explore the challenges for nurses in understanding the magnitude of the cervical cancer burden and the existing barriers to risk reduction and prevention in the DR. The article will help nurses develop a plan for a comprehensive, multifaceted, and culturally sensitive cervical cancer prevention program. The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, has the first and only clinical research doctor of nursing practice (DrNP) degree in the nation and encourages advanced practice nurses (APNs) to rigorously identify and explore global nursing practice issues and utilize research and leadership skills to advocate for improvements to benefit the population and nursing practice. DrNP-educated nurses are highly capable of engaging in evidence-based, informed nursing practice in a variety of settings; participating in and leading interdisciplinary research teams; and conducting clinical research in practice settings (Dreher, Donnelly, & Naremore, 2005). As a nurse practitioner and DrNP candidate at Drexel University, the first author of this article organized a mission to the DR in 2007 as part of her course work for the DrNP “Clinical Role Practicum” course. The goal of the mission was to reach out to underserved The Development of a Cervical Cancer Prevention Program for Underserved Women in the Dominican Republic