Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today’s challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master’s Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.

All applicants to the MSN program must hold a current and unencumbered license in the state in which they are completing program requirements. Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.

The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.

Courses may be waived if the individual’s master’s transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the MSN degree program will demonstrate acquisition of competencies and proficiencies related to the following:

• Theoretical Foundations: Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
• Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Human Diversity: Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
• Healthcare Policy, Organization and Finance: Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
• Ethics: Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
• Professional Role Development: Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
• Informatics and Technology: Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
• Advanced Nursing Role: Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

Specialization in Nursing Informatics

Offered at South University, Online Programs.

The 21st century nurse informaticist will transform care of patients and communities by optimizing information management and communication. These activities include the design and use of informatics solutions and technology to support all areas of nursing practice, including the direct provision of care, establishing effective administrative systems, designing useful decision support systems, managing and delivering educational experiences, enhancing lifelong learning, and supporting nursing research. The Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in Nursing Informatics from South University prepares the next generation of nursing leaders to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop and implement information management systems in a variety of settings including home health and hospice agencies, nursing homes, public and community health agencies, physician offices, ambulatory care centers, medical device vendors, large and small software companies, web content providers, disease management companies, and government agencies. Students will complete 240 practicum hours during progression through the program.

Program curriculum for the MSN with a specialization in Nursing Informatics includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (2011), the Alliance for Nursing Informatics (2010), and the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice (2008). Students completing this program will be eligible to sit for the AACC certification examination.

Specialization Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in Nursing Informatics, students should be able to:

• Evaluate information requirements for nursing practice.
• Use principles of database management to collect and analyze the comprehensive data, information, and knowledge pertinent to a situation in nursing practice.
• Use principles of project management to develop and implement a plan that prescribes strategies, alternatives, and recommendations to attain expected nursing informatics outcomes.
• Integrate current theories of technology implementation to influence the identified plan, enhance the abilities of other professionals, and effect change in nursing practice.
• Analyze computer and information technologies for their application to nursing practice.
• Collaborate with professionals in other informatics-related disciplines to develop informatics solutions to nursing problems.
• Develop strategies for introducing, modifying, and evaluating information systems for nursing practice.