Nursing (NURS)

This sixteen-week course focuses on students developing an appreciation for the clinical and leadership roles expected of advanced practice nurses within the current and future national and international health care systems. Emphasis is placed on the breadth and depth of clinical competencies of the individual advanced practice nursing specialties and how to integrate these competencies into the collaborative interdisciplinary teamwork required to ensure quality, cost-effective, and accessible care within a variety of health care settings. The health care environments and their components are analyzed using a systems approach to health care policy and financing. Concepts in organization structure and theory and political processes influencing health care policy are discussed. Synthesis of the course content facilitates transition to an advanced practice role, and promotes integration of the new functions and activities into professional practice.

This course focuses on research and applied statistics for the health sciences of importance to advanced practice nursing. Emphasis is placed on a conceptual understanding of statistics, methods of inquiry as a basis for the expansion of nursing knowledge and the application of research in advanced clinical practice. Selection of statistical and research methods to identify client-focused clinical nursing problems and appropriate interventions in advanced practice are addressed. The course provides a basis for understanding statistical methods and the evaluation of published research while supporting the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods to clinical practice client/population focused problems. Analysis of research studies and utilized statistical methods, as well as the identification of a specific research problem in nursing that is addressed with an evidence-based nursing practice paper, are expected outcomes of this course.

This course focuses on creating a culture of wellness from a perspective of population health. Emphasis is placed on a population based approach for advanced practice nurses in disease management, chronic care management, public health, health policy, quality and patient safety. Epidemiological topics such as, emerging infectious diseases, screening and prevention of diseases, chronic disease, role of culture, genetic applications, nursing pandemics and emergency preparedness and applications in clinical nursing sciences are discussed. Frameworks for cultural assessment and intervention are discussed and applied in a transcultural nursing paper.

Incorporates the evidence-based (EB) process in health care practice and policy improvement, clinical reasoning, and clinical decision making. Emphasis is placed on understanding principles of evidence measurement, collection, management and analysis. Students are prepared to address clinical issues by selecting internal evidence, validating clinical practice, and implementing application of evidence through the use of continuous monitoring of outcomes.

Focuses on cellular physiological and pathophysiological processes in adult clients to provide a foundation for clinical assessment, decision-making, and clinical management. Emphasis is on commonly found altered health states based on current epidemiological trends. Integration of current research from nursing and other disciplines is used to explore the pathophysiological processes, the compensatory mechanisms, and the rationales for clinical interventions. The advanced practice clinician will be able to utilize this knowledge as a basis for interpreting changes in normal physiologic function, and in applying appropriate treatment modalities.

Focuses on advanced principles of pharmacology, including both the pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics of selected drug groups and their clinical application. The course is designed to build upon the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of disease processes, and to provide the foundation for clinical competency in therapeutic drug administration across the life span. Emphasis is placed on provision of knowledge, and skills to assess, diagnose, and treat common health alterations, and the issues related to prescriptive practice. Synthesis and application of pharmacological principles will also be integrated within the clinical practice experience.

Focuses on the expansion and refinement of the clinician’s skills in collecting and integrating data necessary for a comprehensive health assessment. It is designed to strengthen the physical, social and psychological assessment across the life span as well as incorporate the cultural and developmental variations of individuals. Laboratory and clinical experiences in advanced practice skills are used to emphasize the differentiation between normal and abnormal findings. The enhancement of holistic assessment skills is intended to serve as the basis for ensuring appropriate and effective clinical decision-making in advanced practice.

Provides the theoretical basis of the teacher role in schools of nursing and/or staff development programs. There are five general categories of content: theories and research in educational psychology, role socialization of the teacher, governance, teaching/learning process, and curriculum development. Integrated throughout this course is the theory/practice in academic computing and instructional technology. OPTIONAL COURSE for Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Administration students.

Focuses on nursing faculty role in the traditional and Web-based course delivery environment. The student will examine relevant applications including planning for instruction, instructional delivery, assessment, test construction, clinical teaching and creating optimal learning environments. This course focuses on real-world applications in the teaching of nursing in academia and service settings. OPTIONAL COURSE for Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Administration students.

Provides the student the opportunity to apply theory, methods and strategies in the classroom (traditional or online) and in the clinical area of choice. A minimum of 120 hours in a practicum setting is required with at least 30 of these hours in direct patient care within a clinical specialty area of their choice. The course includes a 4-6 hour time frame for a classroom/laboratory student teaching presentation(s) and a nursing education project is completed. OPTIONAL COURSE for Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Administration students.

Presents a neurobiological science based overview of the pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders. Pharmacological agents and strategies for evidence-based treatment of acute and chronic behavioral and psychiatric disorders are examined. Prescribing and medication management roles and responsibilities of family psychiatric nurse practitioners are emphasized. The course uses an evidence-based, integrative approach to the combined use of medication management in population with specific psychiatric disorders. Special attention is placed in psychopharmacology of children and geriatric patients as well as women across the reproduction life cycle.

Focuses on building foundational skills including the development of an appropriate provider/patient alliance in diagnosing, treating and managing patient populations. The course includes the incorporation of state specific mental health laws while learning the proper usage of screening and assessment tools and the DSM IV to determine appropriate diagnoses and identify crises and acute situations. Current research and epidemiological trends in psychiatric mental health care are utilized it the analysis of clinical decision making and collaboration with interdisciplinary providers for the early screening, assessment and diagnosis of psychopathology across the lifespan. Laboratory and clinical setting allow student to apply assessment and intervention strategies to assist patient with the maintenance and restoration of their highest level of mental health. (Student must meet with the clinical faculty during the semester preceding their enrollment to arrange for the clinical component of this course).

Focuses on psychotherapeutic management of psychiatric disorders and behavioral/mental health problems with a focus on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, at risk populations and use of psychopharmacotherapeutics across the lifespan. Current research and epidemiological trends in psychiatric mental health care are utilized for the selection of pertinent constructs to be addressed and therapies to be explored. Opportunities are provided for examination and application of individual self, group and marital/couples therapies across the lifespan in various clinical practice settings. Laboratory and clinical setting allow students to apply assessment and intervention strategies to assist patients with the maintenance and restoration of their highest level of mental health. (Student must meet with the clinical faculty during the semester preceding their enrollment to arrange for the clinical component of this course.)

Focuses on the culmination of skill sets allowing for the comprehensive management of psychiatric disorders and behavior/mental health problems in patient population across the lifespan. Current research and epidemiological trends in psychiatric mental health care are utilized in the clinical opportunities for screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and medication management of various patient population across the lifespan. The clinical settings allow opportunities for the students to collaborate with the various disciplines while applying assessment and intervention strategies to assist patients with the maintenance and restoration of their highest level of mental health. The students will practice appropriate personal and professional boundaries and identify various professional and therapeutic resources for their patient populations. (Student must meet with the clinical faculty during the semester preceding their enrollment to arrange for the clinical component of this course.)

Focuses on primary health care delivery with an emphasis on health promotion, risk screening, and disease prevention across the entire life span. Current research and epidemiological trends in health care are explored and serve as the foundation for application of clinical decision making in advanced practice roles. This course provides opportunity for discussion, differentiation, and application of the concepts related to various clinical practice roles. Laboratory and clinical settings allow students to apply assessment and intervention strategies for episodic health care problems, and emphasize promotion of the client’s self-care agency. (Students should review the Graduate Clinical Rotation Guidance document nine months before beginning practica courses.)

Focuses on management strategies for human responses to common acute problems with an emphasis on early diagnosis, at risk population, and therapeutic interventions for health problems across the entire life span. Current research and epidemiological trends in health care are utilized for the selection of pertinent health issues to be addressed. This course provides opportunity for discussion, differentiation, and application of the concepts related to various clinical practice roles. Laboratory and clinical settings allow students to apply assessment and intervention strategies to assist the clients with the maintenance and restoration of his/her highest level of wellness. (Students should review the Graduate Clinical Rotation Guidance document nine months before beginning practica courses.)

Focuses on management strategies for human response to acute and chronic complex problems across the life span. Current research and epidemiological trends in health care are utilized for the selection of pertinent health issues to be addressed. Emphasis is placed on the entire life span (pediatric, adult, and geriatric) in keeping with the population trends impacting health care delivery. This course provides opportunity for practice roles. Laboratory and clinical settings allow students to apply assessment and intervention strategies to assist the client with the maintenance and restoration of his/her highest level of wellness. (Students should review the Graduate Clinical Rotation Guidance document before beginning practica courses).

This capstone course presents the opportunity for the student to integrate and apply the principles of quality improvement, organizational performance and financial planning in a health care setting. The student will develop and implement a process improvement project or introduce a new protocol, practice or program. This experience will give the student an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the course work leading to an MSN in Administration. Through ongoing on line discussions the students will discuss issues and challenges that develop during planning and implementation of quality improvement processes. The student’s experiences in managing an operational setting during implementation of change will provide a basis for the ongoing discussions.

Offers graduate level advanced study of selected topics in nursing.

Is specific to the FNP option. Students enrolled in this clinical practicum will be expected to integrate and apply the theories and concepts of the NP role in clinical practice. The practice setting will be selected based on student interests and professional goals. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive assessment, management, and evaluation of health care needs across the lifespan. Students will complete a critical literature review poster and present poster at Scholarship Day.

This course will focus on the role of the DNP-prepared nurse in the current trends and issues related to healthcare across systems. Leadership opportunities are examined through the identification of current issues as the foundation of the DNP scholarly project. Students will discuss the DNP role within collaborative teams across diverse healthcare systems. This course will allow students to identify the relationship between nursing leadership and practice scholarship in translational research in order to solve problems across disciplines to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes.

This course focuses on the examination and application of information technologies in health care. Clinical, research, educational, and administrative applications of information technology in the advanced nurse role are addressed. Strategic information systems planning, cost/benefit analyses, and human/organizational/technologic interface issues are explored with consideration of the ethical, legal, financial, educational, and political issues in the healthcare system. Students are prepared to utilize and evaluate information technologies for data management and analysis, patient and professional educational, and fiscal and professional practice purposes.

This course explores the application of epidemiology in doctorly-prepared nurses’ practice promoting health equity in our global society. Course content focuses on critically assessing and planning for health promotion, disease prevention, and culturally relevant care management for diverse populations. Students will be prepared to provide leadership in ensuring respect, collaboration, and cultural safety for a multicultural workforce and patient population. The synthesis of this course content promotes the integration of health policy and practice skills into nursing leadership in an increasingly global society.

The purpose of this course is to develop doctorally-prepared nurses’competencies to influence health care policy, legislation, and regulation. Emphasis is placed the ability to articulate the advanced nurse role in enhancing the U.S. healthcare delivery system, as well as advocating for policy and regulation that is culturally appropriate, compassionate, and cost-effective.

This course focuses on business, finance, and economics as scientific underpinnings of nursing practice. These principles are applied in the proposal of an evidence-based health care practice to improve the quality of care across systems. Students will enhance the skills necessary to improve healthcare outcomes by utilizing cost-effective strategies to promote and sustain the financial viability of proposed practice initiatives. Accounting principles, cost analysis, planning and control management of the organization's financial resources, and use of management tools are studied and applied to healthcare cases. Furthermore, current issues and future directions in financial management are explored. This course enables DNP students to build on their knowledge of healthcare finance. They will learn to create and manage the budget for their DNP project in this course.

This course is to provide a practicum opportunity to experience the advanced nurse role in various settings related to patient care. Also, students will apply their nursing practice expertise and DNP leadership principles to promote quality improvement and patient health outcomes. During this course, the student may begin to consider their interests in selecting their DNP project topic.

This course provides an intensive, focused residency designed to enable students to expand upon and further develop their Doctor of Nursing Practice role. Students will have opportunities to illustrate clinical trends, expert clinical judgment, and cultural competence in providing evidence-based quality health care that is population-focused and systems-based.

Focuses primarily on the design and completion of the DNP Project Proposal. The course allows for additional individual or group instruction and guidance of a scholarly DNP project proposal. Students will design objectives, prepare timelines, and set parameters for successful completion under the guidance of a doctorally-prepared nursing instructor.

This course explores the principles and methods of nursing research for practice application-oriented scholarship. The focus is on problem identification, purpose refinement, differentiation of research methods and designs, selection of appropriate statistical procedures, and integration of findings. Students will critically appraise research studies and explore methods of translational research.

This scholarly initiative is an individualized focus of study that demonstrates the application and synthesis of the concepts of the doctorally-prepared advanced nursing practice role. This clinically based initiative, DNP Project, will culminate in a scholarly paper that will contribute to nursing knowledge on a topic or issue of significance to nursing. The student is encouraged to collaborate with other advanced health providers and researchers in developing this initiative or study for quality improvement. Students will assess the system, information, and system to plan and design a study for the DNP project

Focuses primarily on the implementation and completion of the DNP Scholarly Project. The course allows for additional individual or group instruction and guidance of a scholarly DNP project implementation, including data acquisition, analysis and project creation. Students will design objectives, prepare timelines, and set parameters for successful completion under the guidance of a doctorally-prepared nursing instructor.

This scholarly initiative is the second DNP project course focusing on implementing the clinically based initiative. Students will refine their proposals and implement the data collection and analysis strategy of their DNP project. Students implement their projects in the selected setting for system changes or quality improvement to meet the needs of healthcare providers, clients, and stakeholders. Students will have opportunities to demonstrate their leadership in the practice setting and serve in the role of a doctorally-prepared nurse.

Students complete and evaluate their scholarly initiative that was developed and implemented in the prerequisite course: Translational Research Scholarly Initiative I and II. Progress on this clinically based scholarly initiative or study should reflect the evaluation, documentation, and dissemination phase of the project. Students will develop competencies in disseminating outcomes of the scholarly initiative. This scholarly paper will be presented at a professional conference or will be published in a nursing journal. .

Focuses primarily on the preparation and reworking of the DNP Scholarly Project for dissemination for professional publication or professional presentation. The course allows for additional individual or group instruction and guidance for creation and reworking of the approved manuscript for dissemination. Students will design objectives, prepare timelines, and set parameters for successful completion under the guidance of a doctorally-prepared nursing instructor.

This course focuses on the continued development of the nurse educator, as students design, implement and evaluate educational plans for diverse populations and systems, in academic, acute care hospital and community education settings. Students will analyze various educational models and methods in application to the design of curricula in educational settings to create positive learning environments. Models are discussed in light of course content, objectives, goals, and current research. Focus on problem-solving common teaching/learning situations and the relationship between theory and practice. Online seminars synthesize knowledge from prior graduate nursing courses and explore approaches to the approaches to the teaching of nursing.