Nursing (RN to MSN)

This course introduces the student to baccalaureate nursing practice centered in the art of caring and integrating principles of holism in its foundation of professional service. Students utilize critical thinking and communication skills as they explore issues related to the evolution and philosophy of nursing, theoretical foundations of practice, health care delivery systems, finance, and health care policy focused on quality outcomes and patient safety.

This course builds on the physical assessment skills of the registered nurse. The course takes a systems approach to physical assessment and includes both normal and abnormal findings.

This course guides registered nurse students to understand research methods and apply evidenced-based findings to professional nursing practice. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods will be examined. Also included is the evaluation of research for translation into clinical practice.

This course provides students with knowledge and skills to use information management and patient care technologies to deliver safe, efficient and effective care. Nursing's role in decision-making, product testing, asset acquisition, project management and change management will be addressed.

This course gives the registered nurse the opportunity to enhance his/her patient teaching skills and develop skills for staff education. Principles of learning, teaching strategies, communication and preparation of continuing education programs will be included. Considerations for teaching and learning with a diverse population will be explored.

This course prepares the registered nurse to utilize leadership and management theory and skills in professional practice. The need for cultural competence, effective communication skills, understanding of health care systems, commitment to quality improvement and patient safety initiatives are included.

This course explores healthcare, financial and regulatory policies that prepare the Registered Nurse student for an enhanced role as policy maker and healthcare advocate. Economics of healthcare disparities in the healthcare system, legal and ethical issues as well as impact of social trends will be addressed.

This course focuses on nursing's role in health promotion and disease prevention in various community settings with emphasis on primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention among diverse and vulnerable clients and aggregates.

This course explores the societal context of health, illness, and the health care system in American Society. Determinants and measurement of health and disease are examined and the study of epidemiology and public health is evaluated.

This course explores the relationship and impact of the environment to health and illness in human populations. An exploration of man-made and natural environmental hazards will be discussed. Environmental health and risk assessment will be discussed as well as interventions. Environmental policy and practices will be viewed from the public health perspective and include the study of energy, waste, environmental justice and regulation.

This course reviews and compares traditional medicine to complementary or alternative health measures. Examination of current trends will focus on the business practices and practitioners involved in these alternative healing therapies. Various types of Alternative and Complementary medicine will be evaluated based on scientific research, including Systematized Practices, such as traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine; Botanical Healing, such as herbs, nutritional supplements and homeopathy; Manual Healing Methods, including chiropractic, massage, and pressure point therapies; and Mind-Body Techniques, such as yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback.

This course introduces the history and development of epidemiology in healthcare with a focus on disease identification and control. A special section is devoted to the detection and response to bioterrorism and pandemics.

This course explores the health problems and issues unique to women and minorities, including access to healthcare resources and the delivery of quality healthcare services.

This course focuses on current collaborative management of the most problematic national health topics and indicators across the lifespan. The government website Healthy People will serve as the course foundation.

This course provides registered nurses with an overview of the common issues affecting the health care needs of gerontological adults. Theories of aging are reviewed as well as common physiological, psychological, and social changes experienced by the population. Students are provided with assessment tools and strategies to improve nursing practice with older adults. Major foci of this course include promoting wellness and safety, prevention and assessment of elderly neglect or abuse and other legal/ethical concerns. Health promotion of the Gerontologic client in diverse health care settings will be reviewed.

This course introduces the student to theory and practice in the field of global health dealing with not only the health issues of developing countries but the threats to health extending beyond borders and affecting the global population. Students will explore the determinants and disparities of health at the global level including poverty and health beliefs and behaviors; surveillance and intervention measures; global health policies; and the governmental and nongovernmental agencies and collaborative efforts and obstacles in play to resolve global health issues. Case studies and examples of current global health challenges and outcomes will be discussed with a focus on factors contributing to the issues and collaborative approaches to delivering solutions.

This course provides an overview of the health communication field and examines effective communication approaches. Students will learn how media can impact the health and well-being of populations at the personal, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy level. Communication tools and technologies and strategies will be explored, as well as the importance of communication in advocacy for health promotion policies and programs. Students will develop a public health education piece addressing a current or emerging health information, prevention or emergency preparedness issue.

In this course, students examine the multifaceted role of the advanced practice nurse within contemporary  in  healthcare systems and political arenas. Students examine the responsibilities, scope of practice, and historical evolving role of the advanced practice nurseand leadership models within a variety of healthcare regulatory settings provide the basis for self-reflection, self-mastery, professional integrity, and ethical decision making to help the student transition from entry-level practice to the advanced practice role A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students cultivate an understanding of health care policy formation and evaluation, while examining the nursing role in public policy, finance, and politics. The organization and delivery of healthcare is explored, applying the most current knowledge available in health promotion and disease prevention. Guidelines, initiatives, mandates, and recommendations from a variety of agencies and organizations provide a solid foundation from which nurses in advanced practice roles can plan, implement, and evaluate care related to health promotion and disease prevention. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students develop and refine essential skills necessary to strengthen critique of selected peer-reviewed research studies. The student identifies a topic or problem, related to their field of study, using consideration of national/international research initiatives and priorities. Students review quantitative and qualitative research designs for essential understanding of research elements as a foundation for evidenced-based practice . A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students examine pathophysiologic principles and common pathological conditions. In depth theoretical and clinical principles of diseases encountered in primary care settings as well as health disparities resulting from genetic, environmental, and stress related causes are included.The focus is on pathological conditions encountered in advanced clinical practice across the lifespan of patients.. Emphasis is placed on regulatory and compensatory mechanisms as they relate to commonly occurring diseases. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students review and synthesizes the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of drugs commonly used in the management of acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the therapeutic decision-making in drug selection and monitoring therapeutic response for culturally diverse patients. Patient education, legal, ethical and economic issues are reviewed. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students apply holistic health concepts by performing culturally sensitive, comprehensive health assessments in clients across the lifespan. History taking includes: physical, and psychological assessment of client’s signs and symptoms, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations of the client including the individual, family, and community. T Students  develop a thorough understanding of the client’s health statusto determine appropriate and effective health care strategies that include health promotion and illness prevention across the lifespan. Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.  A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students’complete an exam  designed to assess preparedness for the practicum experience. The exam is designed to evaluate students’ knowledge in the areas of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment. The exam is a standardized assessment. Students must pass all components of the exam to advance in the Nurse Practitioner program. This course is pass/fail.

In this course, students gain enhanced knowledge and skills related to managing patients across the lifespan as they transition to advanced practice. Emphasis is placed on acute, episodic, and chronic conditions in the context of primary care. Management consists of identifying, monitoring, treating, and maintaining health care problems of patients utilizing research and/or evidence-based practice. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students build upon previous NP specialization content to gain further knowledge and skills related to managing patients across the lifespan as students transition to advanced practice. Emphasis is placed on acute, episodic, and chronic conditions in the context of primary care. Clinical management of patients consists of identifying, monitoring, treating, and maintaining health care problems utilizing research and/or evidence-based practice. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students analyze and provide in-depth care related to alterations  in health within  primary care adult gerontology healthcare settings. Patient management  focuses upon evidence-based practice and the nursing process. This is an advanced nursing practice experience for the beginning Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner student with mentoring, coaching and precepting by an approved preceptor.  A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s). Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.

In this course, r students learn  to manage the primary gender health care of patients from adolescence into adulthood. Focus is on health promotion, disease prevention, and the clinical management and referral of common, recurring health problems of reproductive health. The student identifies normal physiologic alterations associated with reproductive health, which are addressed with emphasis on health promotion behaviors. This is an advanced nursing practice experience for the beginning Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner student with mentoring, coaching and precepting by an approved preceptor(s). A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students continue to work with their approved preceptor to refine diverse, equitable, inclusive care for the Gerontological patient Emphasis is placed on diverse clinical experiences that build upon the student's knowledge base. Clinical experiences may include practice with specialty practices which focus on primary care. The student's level of function becomes more independent in practice. Mentoring, coaching and precepting are provided by approved preceptors.  Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.

This course focuses on the comprehensive synthesis of skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program’s didactive and clinical courses required for program completion and graduation. The comprehensive review adds breadth and depth to the learner’s knowledge base, while examining the varied roles that students can expect upon graduation from the program. Students will demonstrate competence and readiness to assume the role and professional responsibilities required for the beginning-level nurse practitioner through scholarship, research, and knowledge.  A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course. 

NOTE: During the final course in the program, NSG6998_A, students take the APEA Predictor and University exam(s). These exams provide data on the student's readiness for the national certification examination. Students collaborate with their faculty of record to strengthen identified weaknesses in preparation for certification. Each of these exams account for a percentage of the final course grade.

Students unsuccessful on their second attempt are given an incomplete and placed into a workgroup for additional one-on-one mentoring. Requirements include an extension of a mandatory review on identified weak areas. Students who fail to post all necessary requirements of workgroup remediation will receive the initial grade from the course gradebook.

Refer to the Progression Policy for the Nurse Practitioner Student in the Academic Catalog.

**Any student who must retake NSG6998_A must retake the course online.

In this course, students examine pathophysiologic principles and common pathological conditions. In depth theoretical and clinical principles of diseases encountered in primary care settings as well as health disparities resulting from genetic, environmental, and stress related causes are included.The focus is on pathological conditions encountered in advanced clinical practice across the lifespan of patients.. Emphasis is placed on regulatory and compensatory mechanisms as they relate to commonly occurring diseases. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students review and synthesizes the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of drugs commonly used in the management of acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the therapeutic decision-making in drug selection and monitoring therapeutic response for culturally diverse patients. Patient education, legal, ethical and economic issues are reviewed. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students apply holistic health concepts by performing culturally sensitive, comprehensive health assessments in clients across the lifespan. History taking includes: physical, and psychological assessment of client’s signs and symptoms, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations of the client including the individual, family, and community. T Students  develop a thorough understanding of the client’s health statusto determine appropriate and effective health care strategies that include health promotion and illness prevention across the lifespan. Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.  A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students’complete an exam  designed to assess preparedness for the practicum experience. The exam is designed to evaluate students’ knowledge in the areas of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment. The exam is a standardized assessment. Students must pass all components of the exam to advance in the Nurse Practitioner program. This course is pass/fail.

In this course, students gain enhanced knowledge and skills related to managing patients across the lifespan as they transition to advanced practice. Emphasis is placed on acute, episodic, and chronic conditions in the context of primary care. Management consists of identifying, monitoring, treating, and maintaining health care problems of patients utilizing research and/or evidence-based practice. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students build upon previous NP specialization content to gain further knowledge and skills related to managing patients across the lifespan as students transition to advanced practice. Emphasis is placed on acute, episodic, and chronic conditions in the context of primary care. Clinical management of patients consists of identifying, monitoring, treating, and maintaining health care problems utilizing research and/or evidence-based practice. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, students analyze and provide in-depth care maintenance in adult health in non-acute, community-office-outpatient clinic settings.  Patient management focuseson evidence-based practice and the nursing process. This is an advanced nursing practice experience for the beginning Family Nurse Practitioner student with mentoring, coaching and precepting by an approved preceptor.  A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s). Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.

In this course students learn how to manage the primary health care of women from menarche to senescence. Focus is on health promotion, disease prevention, and the clinical management and referral of common, recurring health issues of women, including pregnancy. The student identifies normal physiologic alterations associated with reproductive health, which are addressed with emphasis on health promotion behaviors. This is an advanced nursing practice experience for continuing level Family ARNP students. Mentoring, coaching and precepting are provided by approved and currently licensed and certified physicians, Certified Nurse Midwives or ARNPs.  A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s). Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.

In this course students focus on advanced nursing and healthcare management for children and adolescents in primary care. Course content includes developmental, physiological, pathological, and psychosocial changes relative to health maintenance, acute and chronic illnesses, and developmental transitions within the family context. This is an advanced nursing practice experience for continuing level Family Nurse Practitioner students. Mentoring, coaching and precepting are provided by an approved preceptor A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s). Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.

In this course, students continue to work with their approved  preceptor to refine diverse, equitable, and inclusive care for primary care patients across the lifespan.  Emphasis is placed on diverse clinical experiences that build upon the student’s knowledge base.  The student’s level of function becomes more independent in practice.  Mentoring, coaching and precepting are provided by approved apreceptors. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s). Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.

This course focuses on the comprehensive synthesis of skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program’s didactive and clinical courses required for program completion and graduation. The comprehensive review adds breadth and depth to the learner’s knowledge base, while examining the varied roles that students can expect upon graduation from the program. Students will demonstrate competence and readiness to assume the role and professional responsibilities required for the beginning-level nurse practitioner through scholarship, research, and knowledge.  A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course. 

NOTE: During the final course in the program, NSG6998_F, students take the APEA Predictor and University exam(s). These exams provide data on the student's readiness for the national certification examination. Students collaborate with their faculty of record to strengthen identified weaknesses in preparation for certification. Each of these exams account for a percentage of the final course grade.

Students unsuccessful on their second attempt are given an incomplete and placed into a workgroup for additional one-on-one mentoring. Requirements include an extension of a mandatory review on identified weak areas. Students who fail to post all necessary requirements of workgroup remediation will receive the initial grade from the course gradebook.

Refer to the Progression Policy for the Nurse Practitioner Student in the Academic Catalog.

**Any student who must retake NSG6998_F must retake the course online.

Leading organization wide structural and cultural change is a significant challenge facing today's organizations. This course will explore the nature of these changes, the basis for their adoption, and both the management and leadership of organizational change in the 21st century, including issues of managing growth, resistance to change, intervention phases, crisis management, inter and intra-group conflict/power.

This course equips students with the foundational skills necessary for success in graduate business studies and management careers. Through a focus on analytical, communication, and planning abilities, students will develop a personal strategy for completing their graduate program. Key topics include statistical techniques for problem-solving, financial analysis using time value of money, and risk evaluation. Students will also learn to assess financial statements based on GAAP standards, addressing critical management and stakeholder concerns related to organizational performance.

Presentation of human resource management principles as applied in healthcare organizations. Examines the unique aspects of managing healthcare professionals including recruitment and retention, staff privileges, legal issues, job design and analysis, compensation, and labor relations.

This course examines the role of the nurse executive within complex health care environments, focusing on the conceptual frameworks of systems theory, complexity science, appreciative inquiry and organizational learning theory, as well as nursing administration models of organizational management.

This course provides an overview of quality, safety and performance improvement, including an analysis of care processes through evidence-based practice, research and translation of innovation. In addition, this course provides an overview of healthcare financing and financial management for the nurse executive. Topics may include financial accounting, cost accounting, budgeting, capital expenditures, and reimbursement systems.

This course is the first course in a two-course series which synthesizes content from the specialty administrative courses into a culminating “clinical” nursing administrative experience. In both courses the learner enacts the role of the nurse administrator. Content will include didactic and clinical administrative experiences. The course involves obtaining a local mentor and practicing the administrative role under guided mentorship. The majority of didactic course work includes practical experience with budgets, developing and honing leadership style and expertise, initiating collaborative practice and teambuilding, as well as working with change and motivational theories. The learner will incorporate the five pillars of the conceptual framework into administrative experiences. The majority of clinical time will be spent in an administrative organizational setting mutually agreed upon by the instructor, the mentor and the student.

A minimum grade of a B is required to pass the didactic  and practicum component.  Online time will be used to analyze and evaluate this experience. A minimum of 120 practicum hours is required in the chosen administration setting.

This course is the second in the set of two culminating administrative curricular experiences. It expands on previous didactic and clinical coursework, through didactic work in management areas such as quality management, patient care outcomes, and measurement of health care outcomes. Emphasis is placed on long-term and strategic planning, incorporating personnel management tactics such as performance evaluation, and collective bargaining. The student will continue to assimilate knowledge inclusive of the five pillars of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism into the administrative experience.
A minimum grade of a B is required to pass the didactic and practicum components. Online
time will be used to analyze and evaluate this experience. A minimum of 120 practicum hours is
required in the chosen administration setting.

The capstone project is a synthesis and application of advanced nursing knowledge, scholarship, and research in the area of specialization. The student’s inquiry is focused in the area of the specialty concentration and will focus on a substantive nursing practice issues developing solutions based on the available evidence. The student will develop a scholarly project that will either demonstrate an application of evidence to practice for a substantive change or quality improvement, which can include generation of new nursing knowledge. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based research methodology, scholarly writing, and critical thinking. These scholarly projects are presented in both written and oral form. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

Students in this course will examine learning theories, learning styles, and factors which influence motivation and learning in students, while applying evidenced-based teaching practices to create learning environments and teaching plans for both didactic and clinical settings to optimize student outcomes. Methods of evaluation will be examined and utilized to determine student outcomes. The emphasis is on innovative teaching strategies, utilizing technology, and collaboration of nurse educators in the in the didactic, simulation, and clinical settings. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

This course focuses on the development of teaching and learning strategies designed to measure learner acquisition of nursing knowledge and achievement of performance standards for use in classroom, laboratory, and clinical practice settings. Content includes formative and summative assessment methodologies. Students will develop and analyze measurable assessments based upon program outcomes, accreditation and regulatory requirements. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

This course prepares the learner to design nursing curriculum and create program mission and philosophy statements. Students will explore the process for course design based upon current health care needs, nursing organizational standards, and evidence-based practices. Course organizational models will be analyzed. Students will develop course objectives and learning activities, and include interdisciplinary collaboration, technology, service learning, and global health. Methods to evaluate and revise curriculums will be examined. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

In this course students enhance their knowledge and skills through a comprehensive exploration into the interconnected disciplines of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment within the context of healthcare practice across the lifespan. Students delve into the fundamental principles underlying disease processes, the actions and interactions of pharmacological agents, and the essential skills necessary for holistic health assessment. A grade of B or higher is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course, the student participates in the direct care role, under the supervision of a clinical preceptor, to integrate direct care knowledge.  The practicum area should be in an area where the student gains new, advanced knowledge to enhance their professional role.

A minimum grade of B is required to successfully complete this course. Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.

Under the supervision of a local mentor, the student will apply knowledge of learning theories, learning styles, and evidenced based teaching practices to design lessons for didactic and clinical settings.  The student will engage in evaluation of educational outcomes for both didactic and clinical performance, ensuring the safe practice of patient care. The student will further engage in various roles of the nurse educator, such as facilitator of learning, scholarship, and service.

A minimum grade of B is required to successfully complete this course. Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.

The capstone project is a synthesis and application of advanced nursing knowledge, scholarship, and research in the area of specialization. The student’s inquiry is focused in the area of the specialty concentration and will focus on a substantive nursing practice issues developing solutions based on the available evidence. The student will develop a scholarly project that will either demonstrate an application of evidence to practice for a substantive change or quality improvement, which can include generation of new nursing knowledge. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based research methodology, scholarly writing, and critical thinking. These scholarly projects are presented in both written and oral form. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

This course equips students with the foundational skills necessary for success in graduate business studies and management careers. Through a focus on analytical, communication, and planning abilities, students will develop a personal strategy for completing their graduate program. Key topics include statistical techniques for problem-solving, financial analysis using time value of money, and risk evaluation. Students will also learn to assess financial statements based on GAAP standards, addressing critical management and stakeholder concerns related to organizational performance.

This course covers foundational concepts of information technology (IT) infrastructure. The course describes the major components of an organization’s IT infrastructure and examines essential considerations of enterprise architecture security, data management, networking, and operations. Further, the course explores key processes involved in managing an IT infrastructure, including best practices of service delivery, IT service support, and continuing maintenance.

This course considers real-world issues pertaining to the development, operations, management and maintenance of an organization’s information systems (IS) with an emphasis on effective business decision making within an enterprise system. The course also explores key considerations of security risk mitigation inherent in the operation of IS.

In this course students explore the role of the nurse informaticist using the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Informatics, Nursing Informatics theories, models, and frameworks are examined  Additionally, the integrations of nursing, computer, and information sciences related to a foundation of knowledge within nursing practice  is examined. A grade of B or better is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

In this course students examine issues and trends in nursing informatics from sources such as professional and governmental regulations, academic and professional literature, and case studies. Topics include the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act, Meaningful Use stages, and Health Level 7 standards, with an emphasis on how these issues affect nursing informaticists in their current and future roles. A grade of B or better is required to progress in the MSN program(s).

This course is the first course in a two-course series which synthesizes content from the specialty informatics courses into a culminating "clinical" nursing informatics experience. In both courses the learner enacts the role of the nursing informatics professional. Content will include clinical informatics experiences. The course involves obtaining a local mentor and practicing the informatics role under guided mentorship. The majority of clinical time will be spent in an informatics organizational setting mutually agreed upon by the instructor, the mentor, and the student. A minimum grade of a B is required to pass. A minimum of 120 practicum hours is required.

This course is the second course in a two-course series which synthesizes content from the specialty informatics courses into a culminating "clinical" nursing informatics experience. In both courses the learner enacts the role of nursing informatics professional. Content will include didactic and clinical informatics experiences. The course involves obtaining a local mentor and practicing the informatics role under guided mentorship. The majority of clinical time will be spent in an informatics organizational setting mutually agreed upon by the instructor, the mentor, and the student.
A minimum grade of a B is required to pass. A minimum of 120 practicum hours is required. 

The capstone project is a synthesis and application of advanced nursing knowledge, scholarship, and research in the area of specialization. The student’s inquiry is focused in the area of the specialty concentration and will focus on a substantive nursing practice issues developing solutions based on the available evidence. The student will develop a scholarly project that will either demonstrate an application of evidence to practice for a substantive change or quality improvement, which can include generation of new nursing knowledge. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based research methodology, scholarly writing, and critical thinking. These scholarly projects are presented in both written and oral form. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.