Nursing Specialization in Nursing Informatics

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).

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.