Nursing Specialization in Nurse Educator

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).

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.