Nursing Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner

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 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.