NURS - Nursing

This course introduces the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner student to the management of adult patients who are acutely ill and those with exacerbation of chronic illness. Analysis and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic data, as well as intervention with invasive therapy is included.  

This course provides the student the opportunity to apply knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the roles of the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner in the acute care environment. A minimum of 200 supervised clinical hours are required.

This course provides the student the opportunity to apply knowledge, develop additional advanced skills and abilities in the role of the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner in the acute care environment. A minimum of 200 supervised clinical hours is required.

This course builds upon the skills and knowledge from prior coursework. Management of complex patients in the acute setting by the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner is emphasized.

This course focuses on the multifaceted roles of the professional nurse in advanced practice in a variety of clinical settings. Examines resource utilization in relationship to healthcare management and cost effectiveness, along with the legal, and ethical implications of advanced practice. Emphasis is on the development and assumption of the role of the advanced practitioner as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team.

The focus of this course is on the use of theoretical frameworks to direct research, practice and education. Concepts of theory and theory building are explored. Selected theories from nursing, science, organizational and systems theory will serve as a framework for inquiry.

(60 Practicum Hours) This practicum is the capstone course for the Nurse Educator track of the MSN Program. The practicum provides the student opportunity to synthesize information learned related to evidence-based teaching practice and the roles/responsibilities of the academic nurse educator. The practicum consists of two components: a semester long project and practice experiences related to the academic nurse educator role in classroom, clinical, and stimulated learning environments. Experiences may also relate to the nurse educator role in the acute care/inpatient setting.

(120 clinical hours) This course is individualized to student needs and outcomes. Opportunities are provided for enhanced knowledge and skill development related to adults across the lifespan. The student is expected to make application of knowledge from the didactic courses to the clinical care of individuals. The focus is on the continued development of the adult gero acute care NP role as a member of the interdisciplinary team in the acute care environment.

(120 clinical hours) This course is a continuation of the immersion experience and is individualized to student needs and outcomes. Opportunities are provided for enhanced knowledge and skill development related to adults across the lifespan. The student is expected to make application of knowledge from the didactic courses to the clinical care of individuals. The focus is on the continued development of the adult gero acute care NP role as a member of the interdisciplinary team in the acute care environment.

This course builds upon concepts studied in undergraduate nursing research. Topics include increased depth in research designs, epistemological framework for design and the research of a specified problem. Emphasis includes critique and utilization of theory, education and practice.

(50 Practicum Hours) This course focuses on the development of clinical reasoning and technical skills in performing accurate, comprehensive, health assessment across the life span and across populations. Interpretation of diagnostic findings as they relate to differential diagnoses is included.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare information technology. Focus of this course is on the management principles necessary to establish and maintain a successful clinical practice including proper coding of encounters and procedures, reimbursement and fiscal responsibility of the provider.

(15 Practicum Hours) This course will introduce components and frameworks for nursing education curriculum. Discussion of regulatory agencies and accreditation will be included. Best practices for developing and revising nursing education curriculum, as well as the roles/responsibilities of the academic nurse educator will be explored.

This course will survey principles of teaching and learning, learning theories, and evidence-based teaching practices. Additionally, students will examine the legal and ethical aspects of the academic nurse educator role, student/faculty relationships, and trends and issues in nursing education.

(15 Practicum Hours) This course will survey principles of teaching and learning, learning theories and evidence-based teaching practices. Additionally, students will examine the role of student-faculty relationships as well as trends and issues in nursing education.

This course focuses on determinants of health and principles of epidemiologic data to design and deliver evidence-based, culturally relevant clinical prevention interventions and strategies. Health promotion strategies are presented for improving population-based health outcomes for individuals, families, communities and aggregate/clinical populations.

This course focuses on advanced pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics, for all broad categories of agents. Issues explored include evidence-based practice guidelines, cost containment strategies, alternative interventions and systems management for effective patient outcomes.

This course focuses on those physiological and pathophysiological processes that are the basis for direct patient care across the lifespan. The focus is on regulatory mechanisms that maintain homeostasis and the clinical problems that arise in the pathophysiological state.

This course is designed to assist students in the development of comprehensive assessment proficiency, critical thinking, and evidence-based diagnostic reasoning.  The student will utilize a systematic approach for clinical decision making, diagnosis, and documentation.

This course focuses on the study of decision making, responsibilities, systems and procedures in the development of health care policy. The influence of social determinants on health care is presented including: accessibility, accountability and affordability. Change theory is used as students explore the role of advocacy and the relationship between policy, health economics and health care outcomes.

(15 Practicum Hours) This course will address assessment and evaluation in nursing education programs. Included are student assessment, course evaluation and program evaluation methods. Strategies for evaluating classroom and clinical outcomes, as well as development of a systematic plan for evaluation of a nursing program will be explored.

 

This course is first in a series of didactic courses that focuses on assessment, diagnosis and management of select common and acute health problems in the primary care setting across the lifespan. Included is the application of their epidemiologic, pathophysiologic, symptoms complexes, and research-based treatments as well as appropriate patient education resources and protocols. Attention is given to the integration and application of advanced health assessment and critical-thinking skills, developmental family theories, and health promotion strategies in the diagnostic and clinical management processes of the family nurse practitioner (FNP) role.

(100 Practicum Hours) This course focuses on health and illness of children in the primary care setting. Using an evidence-based practice framework the student will utilize health promotion, disease prevention, screening recommendations, and assessment, along with managing most common acute and chronic illnesses in partnership with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. The focus of this clinical practicum is on the care provided to the pediatric population by the Family Nurse Practitioner. The importance of preforming comprehensive advance-level health assessments, use of diagnostic reasoning, the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests and pharmacologic and non-pharmacological therapies is emphasized. Using an evidence-based practice framework the student will utilize health promotion, disease prevention, screening recommendations, and assessment, along with managing most common acute and chronic illnesses of pediatric population in partnership with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

(100 Practicum Hours) This course focuses on all reproductive health and illness in the primary care setting. Using an evidence-based practice framework the student will utilize health promotion, disease prevention, screening recommendations, and assessment, along with managing most common acute and chronic illnesses in partnership with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. The focus of this clinical practicum is on the care provided to women by the Family Nurse Practitioner. The importance of performing comprehensive advance-level health assessments, use of diagnostic reasoning, the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests and pharmacologic and non-pharmacological therapies is emphasized. Using an evidence-based practice framework the student will utilize health promotion, disease prevention, screening recommendations, and assessment, along with managing most common acute and chronic illnesses of all reproductive alterations in partnership with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. 

(100 Practicum Hours) This course focuses on the family nurse practitioner role in assessment, diagnosis, and management of common acute and chronic health problems in the primary care setting across the lifespan. Using an evidence-based practice framework the student will utilize health promotion, disease prevention, screening recommendations, and assessment, along with managing most common acute and chronic illnesses in partnership with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. The focus of this clinical practicum is on the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner.  The practicum builds upon the student’s proficiency in comprehensive health evaluation across the lifespan within the context of family, community, and culture.  The importance of performing comprehensive advance-level health assessments, use of diagnostic reasoning, the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests and pharmacologic and non-pharmacological therapies is emphasized.  Using an evidence-based practice framework the student will apply health promotion, disease prevention and recommendations, and assess and manage most common acute and chronic illnesses.

(100 Practicum Hours).  The focus of this course is on the progressive role of the family nurse practitioner in assessment, diagnosis, and management of common acute and chronic health problems in the primary care setting across the lifespan. Using evidence-based practice the student will utilize health promotion, disease prevention, screening recommendations, and assessment, along with managing most common acute and chronic illnesses.  The focus of this clinical practicum is on the progression in the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan in a primary care setting. The importance of performing comprehensive advance-level health assessments, use of diagnostic reasoning, the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests and pharmacologic and non-pharmacological therapies is emphasized.  Using an evidence-based practice framework the student will apply health promotion, disease prevention and recommendations, and assess and manage most common acute and chronic illnesses.

(100 Practicum Hours) The focus of this course is on the progressive role of the family nurse practitioner in assessment, diagnosis, and management of common acute, chronic, and complex health problems in the primary care setting across the lifespan. Using evidence-based practice the student will utilize health promotion, disease prevention, screening recommendations, and assessment, along with managing the most common acute, chronic, and complex illnesses.  Focus is on the progression in the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the diagnosis and management of common acute, chronic, and complex conditions across the lifespan in a primary care setting. The importance of preforming comprehensive advance-level health assessments, use of diagnostic reasoning, the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests and pharmacologic and non-pharmacological therapies is emphasized.  Using an evidence-based practice framework the student will apply health promotion, disease prevention and recommendations, and assess and manage most common acute, chronic, and complex illnesses.

(200 Practicum Hours) The immersion experience focuses on the synthesis of previously learned knowledge, skills, and abilities as a provider of advanced nursing care to individuals, families, and populations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the management of patients with acute and chronic illnesses, health promotion and illness prevention.  This course will include both a didactic and clinical component in which the student will demonstrate the role of the advanced practice nurse as member of the interdisciplinary heath care team. 

This course provides the student the opportunity to work with the project chair to complete steps needed to defend the project proposal. The initial steps will include project management planning, CITI training, IRB (Institutional Review Board) submission, final literature review, and project proposal. The final project proposal must be approved before moving to the next course. 

Prerequisites: Approval of program chair, completion of all didactic courses.

Co-requisite: NURS 7251

The course provides the student the opportunity to work with the project chair to stay on target timeline goals, oversee project implementation, and begin data collection for the intervention.

Prerequisites: NURS 7161

Co-requisite: NURS 7252

The course provides the student the opportunity to work with the project chair to stay on target timeline goals, oversee data collection, and analyze data results. Students are ready to begin the project defense process. 

Prerequisites: 7162

Co-requisite: NURS 7253

This course is the culmination of the scholarly project. The scholarly project completion demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for the executive nurse leader to facilitate organizational change to improve healthcare outcomes in various settings for diverse populations. Students can showcase their successful completion of the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) Nursing Essentials competencies through an E-Portfolio. Students will work with the project chair with final preparations for the scholarly project's defense. 

Prerequisites: NURS 7163

Co-requisite: NURS 7254

This course is the first of four practicum courses that support the student’s leadership growth while engaged in capstone project activities. The student will evaluate connections between the project and the leadership essentials required to plan the project. Students will establish goals and objectives that create a framework for the experience. Clinical hours (105) will be accrued during this course. The project chair will approve all clinical hours. Students must complete all pre-practicum requirements such as health clearances before enrollment in this course. 

Prerequisites: Approval of program chair, completion of all didactic courses.

Co-requisite: NURS 7161

This course provides the student an opportunity to more deeply engage in the leadership competencies required to implement a large scope scholarly project. The students will execute the scholarly project, paying close attention to the inter and intra professional collaboration and communication necessary for implementation. Students will continue to progress in project goals and objectives. Clinical hours (105) will be accrued during this course. The project chair will approve all clinical hours. Completion of all course deliverables required for progression to the next course. 

Prerequisites: NURS 7251

Co-requisite: NURS 7162

This course provides the student opportunities to engage in systems level leadership experiences. The scholarly project continues and will conclude during this course. The student will evaluate any continuing challenges with the flow of the project. Students will continue to progress in project goals and objectives.  Clinical hours (105) will be accrued during this course. The project chair will approve all clinical hours. Completion of all course deliverables required for progression to the next course. 

Prerequisites: NURS 7252

Co-requisite: NURS 7163

This course continues to provide students opportunities to engage in systems level leadership experiences. The scholarly project concludes during this course, if not completed in previous course. Students will continue to progress in project goals and objectives. The student will participate in leadership reflection activities that demonstrate growth as a nurse executive leader. Clinical hours (105) will be accrued during this course. The project chair will approve all clinical hours. This is the final course of the practicum. All clinical hours need to be completed by the end of this course.

Co-requisite: NURS 7164

This course emphasizes the necessity of nursing leadership involvement in interdisciplinary collaboration, systems-level thinking, and innovation to advance population and public health initiatives. Students learn about and apply population-focused interventions to address health outcomes. Consideration is given to environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic dimensions of individuals, populations, and communities. Students will gain understanding of emergency and disaster preparedness in community, regional, national, and global forums from a population health perspective. This course includes opportunities to advocate and participate in political and policy-making processes for the student's area of interest.

Prerequisite: NURS 7313

This course is designed to provide students with the philosophy, background, and issues related to the developing DNP role as a terminal nursing degree. Students will investigate and reflect upon conceptual frameworks for the leadership qualities required for the DNP prepared nurse. Students will begin to develop a personal leadership framework and leadership development plan. This course also incorporates connections to nursing theory. The student will gain an understanding of project management concepts.

Prerequisites: Admission to DNP program

This course is designed to enable the student to consider executive level leadership competencies. Students will explore interprofessional team dynamics and ethical conflict resolution. The challenges of ethical decision-making while integrating faith-based discernment are incorporated into the competencies. Students will learn to critically analyze the nurse leader’s role in policy development, ethical research, and outcomes management.

Prerequisite: Admission to DNP program

Corequisite:  7310

This course focuses on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze and interpret data to be used in translating research into practice. Research design, data collection, and analysis techniques will be explored. The importance of creating the correct question for planned intervention will be discussed. Ethical research concepts are discussed, with an emphasis on human subjects’ protections. Statistical software will be introduced.

Prerequisites: Master’s level statistics course, 7310

This course is designed to support the executive nurse leader with the tools needed to analyze financial and operational mechanisms that drive current healthcare decision-making. Topics include budget analysis, financial decision-making, business plan evaluation, and financial implications on outcomes management in the diverse and complex healthcare system. This course includes opportunities to participate in clinical hours with financial decision-makers for the student's area of interest.

Prerequisite: 7310, can be taken concurrently

This course will focus on exploring organizational change and systems theory for interprofessional collaboration and strategic planning. Forecasting needs, balancing data-driven decisions with innovation, entrepreneurship, and mentoring others are key leadership qualities and concepts for navigating the complexity of the current healthcare environment. This course includes opportunities to participate in clinical hours with leadership for the student's area of interest.

Prerequisites: NURS 7313, 7323

Designed to provide students with an in-depth study of the principles, social, cultural, and economic factors and inter-professional issues that impact curriculum and program development in baccalaureate and higher degree nursing education. The process of accreditation is also reviewed.

Leadership and management theories and concepts are presented with applications made to the nursing faculty and administrative leadership roles. Building upon professional education and experience of learners, essential skills, core competencies, and best practices in leadership are explored.

Prepares nurse educators to identify and apply evidence based practice teaching methods to student learning and evaluation, and teacher and program effectiveness. Teaching pedagogy as it relates to nursing education, fairness in evaluation, and integration of new and emerging technologies, assessment, and reporting is presented.

A focus on innovation in classroom, clinical and simulated learning is presented as a framework for building upon the students’ professional experience as educators, objective assessment and evaluation of students is explored. Legal and ethical implications of teaching, learning and the evaluative process are included.

This course prepares students to evaluate evidence-based quality improvement models and implementation science in order to effectively manage data translation into change initiatives. Working as partners in interdisciplinary teams, students will assess organizational quality and patient safety culture. The principles in this course will prepare students to engage in local, state, national, and global healthcare improvement. This course includes opportunities to participate in clinical hours with quality improvement and patient safety specialists/leaders.

Prerequisites: NURS 7345

This course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed for using data information systems to evaluate and improve healthcare. Students build a foundation for the appraisal of health information systems in various settings and consider how those systems can be used to maximize quality and patient safety. Students will explore different informatics tools for data extraction, organization, and evaluation. This course includes opportunities to participate in clinical hours with nurse informaticist or other data analyst in student's area of interest.

Prerequisite: 7310

This course focuses on the student's final preparations prior to the start of the scholarly project. Various Evidence-Based Practice models will be explored. Synthesis of the evidence into a cohesive plan of action for the scholarly project includes literature review, selecting a theory or conceptual framework for the proposed project, and project management principles. The student will analyze the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process for their work environment. Student must gain approval of final deliverables to proceed to practicum and project courses. Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses in the DNP program.

Prerequisite: NURS 7320, can be taken concurrently

An independent study directed by a full-time graduate faculty member in the College of Education. May be repeated for credit when the content varies. Prerequisite: permission of the Director of the Doctor in Nursing Practice program.