Nursing (RN to MSN)

This course introduces the study of human social development, social organizations and social institutions by looking at our own self as the investigated or member of the society. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine themselves around the development of self-concept, group dynamics, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education. Through open discussion of current societal events, students will explore the constructs and consequences of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This course is designed to introduce the basic tenets, applications, and focus of public health. It will provide an introduction to public health terminology, history, core disciplines, professional roles and services, current public health challenges and the impact of public health efforts on population health.

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 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.

This course examines the role of the advanced practice nurse in the clinical, primary care, education, administration, research, healthcare specialty, health policy, and political arenas. The historical role of the nurse, nursing theory and leadership models within a variety of healthcare regulatory models provide the basis for self-reflection, self-mastery, professional integrity, and ethical decision making to help the student transition from clinical expert to the advanced practice role. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

This course explores theories related to nursing, health care and learning. Students will have the opportunity to analyze and critique various theories. Students will demonstrate how theory is applied to research. A minimum grade of a B is necessary to pass this course.

This course builds on and applies concepts from the humanities, behavioral sciences, biological sciences and nursing science in an examination of pathophysiologic principles and common pathological conditions. The topics of cellular biology, genes and gene-environment interactions, mechanisms of self-defense, cellular proliferation, and pathophysiologic alterations related to organs and body systems, are addressed. The focus is on pathological conditions encountered in clinical practice across the life span of patients, including but not limited to geriatric, adult, and pediatric considerations. Emphasis is placed on regulatory and compensatory mechanisms as they relate to commonly occurring diseases. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

In this course, the learner cultivates 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 the areas of health promotion and disease prevention. Guidelines, initiatives, mandates and recommendations from a wide range of agencies and organizations provide a solid foundation from which nurses in advanced practice roles can plan, implement and evaluate care designed to promote health and prevent disease.

This course prepares the graduate student to develop and refine essential skills necessary to strengthen critique of selected research studies. The student will identify a topic or problem using consideration of national/ international research imitates and priorities. The student will complete a NIH learning module which emphases ethical guidelines to protect the rights of human subjects. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs will be assessed for essential understanding of research elements. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

The focus of this course is to synthesize content from advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and evidence-based treatment modalities to develop expertise in disease management and collaborative practice. This course will prepare the learner to manage the most common health problems across the lifespan. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

In this course the student reviews and comprehends 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 minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

This course is designed to apply holistic health concepts by performing culturally sensitive comprehensive history taking, physical and psychological assessment of client’s signs and symptoms, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations of the client including the individual, family, and community. The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is for the student to develop a thorough understanding of the client’s health status in order to determine appropriate and effective health care strategies that include health promotion and illness prevention across the life span.  Taking into consideration client’s diverse needs, a major focus is on symptom/health problem assessment, client teaching using a culturally appropriate approach and the selection and interpretation of screening and diagnostic tests in order to formulate and effectively communicate differential diagnoses. 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.

This course is designed to assess the student's preparedness for the practicum experience. It is designed to evaluate students' knowledge in the areas of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology and Health Assessments. The examination is comprised of a standardized subs test called the 3P examination. Students must pass all portions of the exam in order to advance in the program. This is a pass/fail course.

In this course the student analyzes and provides in depth care of alterations in adult health in non-acute, community-office-outpatient clinic settings. Patient management will be focused upon evidence-based practice and the nursing process. This is an advanced nursing practice experience for the beginning Adult-Gerontology Primary Care ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) student with mentoring, coaching and precepting by an approved and currently licensed physician or ARNP. 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.

In this course, required for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, the student learns how 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 experience for continuing level Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner students. 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.

This course culminates the student's role as the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner through didactic and clinical experiences. Students continue to work with their approved local mentor and refine their practice of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner professional role. Emphasis is placed on diverse clinical experiences that build upon the student's knowledge base. Clinical experiences may include practice with specialty practices in addition to the focus on primary care. The student's level of function becomes more independent in practice. Using a seminar approach, students and faculty will analyze and evaluate these experiences based upon human diversity and social issues. This is an experience for Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner students. Mentoring, coaching and precepting are provided by approved providers. 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.

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 their 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.

The focus of this course is to synthesize content from advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and evidence-based treatment modalities to develop expertise in disease management and collaborative practice. This course will prepare the learner to manage the most common health problems across the lifespan. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

In this course the student reviews and comprehends 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 minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

This course is designed to apply holistic health concepts by performing culturally sensitive comprehensive history taking, physical and psychological assessment of client’s signs and symptoms, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations of the client including the individual, family, and community. The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is for the student to develop a thorough understanding of the client’s health status in order to determine appropriate and effective health care strategies that include health promotion and illness prevention across the life span.  Taking into consideration client’s diverse needs, a major focus is on symptom/health problem assessment, client teaching using a culturally appropriate approach and the selection and interpretation of screening and diagnostic tests in order to formulate and effectively communicate differential diagnoses. 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.

This course is designed to assess the student's preparedness for the practicum experience. It is designed to evaluate students' knowledge in the areas of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology and Health Assessments. The examination is comprised of a standardized subs test called the 3P examination. Students must pass all portions of the exam in order to advance in the program. This is a pass/fail course.

In this course the student analyzes and provides in depth care maintenance in adult health in non-acute, community-office-outpatient clinic settings. Patient management will be focused upon 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 and currently licensed physician or Nurse Practitioner. 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.

In this course the student learns 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.

The focus of this course is on advanced nursing and healthcare management of 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 ARNP students. Mentoring, coaching and precepting are provided by approved and currently licensed and certified physicians or ARNPs. 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.

This course culminates the student’s role as the Family Nurse Practitioner through didactic and clinical experiences. Students continue to work with their approved local preceptor/s and refine their practice of the FNP Advanced Practice Nurse professional role. Emphasis is placed on a variety of primary care clinical experiences that build upon the student’s knowledge base. The student’s level of function becomes more independent in practice. Students and faculty will analyze and evaluate these experiences on patients across the lifespan. Mentoring, coaching and precepting are provided by approved and currently licensed and certified physicians or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. 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.

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 their 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.

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.

In this course the student reviews and comprehends 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 minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

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 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.

The capstone project is a synthesis and application of advanced nursing knowledge, scholarship, and research to initiate change and to improve practice. The student’s inquiry is focused in the area of their advanced nursing knowledge and on evidenced-based nursing practice issues to develop solutions using available evidence. The student develops a scholarly capstone that will either demonstrate an application of evidence to practice for a substantive change or of a quality improvement initiative to advance the practice of nursing. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based research methodology, scholarly writing, and critical thinking. The scholarly capstone is presented in both written and oral forms. 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.

In this course the student reviews and comprehends 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 minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

This course is designed to apply holistic health concepts by performing culturally sensitive comprehensive history taking, physical and psychological assessment of client’s signs and symptoms, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations of the client including the individual, family, and community. The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is for the student to develop a thorough understanding of the client’s health status in order to determine appropriate and effective health care strategies that include health promotion and illness prevention across the life span.  Taking into consideration client’s diverse needs, a major focus is on symptom/health problem assessment, client teaching using a culturally appropriate approach and the selection and interpretation of screening and diagnostic tests in order to formulate and effectively communicate differential diagnoses. 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.

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, 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 to initiate change and to improve practice. The student’s inquiry is focused in the area of their advanced nursing knowledge and on evidenced-based nursing practice issues to develop solutions using available evidence. The student develops a scholarly capstone that will either demonstrate an application of evidence to practice for a substantive change or of a quality improvement initiative to advance the practice of nursing. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based research methodology, scholarly writing, and critical thinking. The scholarly capstone is presented in both written and oral forms. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

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.

In this course the student reviews and comprehends 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 minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.

This course explores the role of the nurse informaticist using the ANA (American Nurses Association) Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing Informatics. Informatics theories, including Rogers Theory of Diffusion of Innovation, the Technology Acceptance Model, and Locsin's Technology Competence as Caring in Nursing will be examined.

This course examines issues and trends in nursing informatics from sources such as professional and governmental regulations, academic and professional literature, and case studies. Topics may include the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act, meaningful use, and Health Level 7, with an emphasis on how these issues affect nursing informaticists in their current and future roles.

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. 

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 their 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.