MS in Nursing (MSN)

This course explores foundations of scholarly inquiry in nursing within the context of caring science through the structure and process of circle practice. Students in both administration and education concentrations engage in shared leadership and attend to the well-being of the group. The course emphasizes the scholarly practices of closely reading text, making connections with scholarly literature and lived experience, synthesizing scholarly thought, and writing. Students strictly adhere to the rules of style of the American Psychological Association (APA) for guidance in the writing process, including ethics of authorship. [3 credits]

Focuses on the exploration of nursing knowledge development to include philosophy, theories, and conceptual models designed to guide patient care, inform health care delivery system decision-making, educational programming and nursing administration. A first course in the program, grounding learners in nursing science. [ 3 credits ]

This course cultivates instructional creativity and pedagogical engagement through an introduction to a variety of tools and strategies. The future MSN educator will consider applications for face to face student engagement, simulated learning activities, and online/hybrid course experiences. Being a caring presence with students in learning experiences is at the heart of this course. Students will explore how to strengthen relationships with in the classroom by providing an environment that embraces technology and nurtures engagement with course content.  [3 credits]

This course focuses on student assessment and evaluation practices in nursing education. Students will explore the theoretical basis for evaluation, in addition to practical applications and strategies. Student will be prepared to utilize both traditional and non-traditional methods of assessment to assess student learning outcomes.  This course includes content on providing meaningful feedback; test construction and psychometric evaluation; the development and grading of written assignments; evaluation in the clinical performance; and the use of self-assessment.  Current trends in assessment and evaluation within nursing education will be explored, in addition to the tension between traditional and emancipatory pedagogies.  [3 credits]

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore their direct care role from a caring holistic approach. Students will integrate advanced level health assessment, physiology, pharmacology, and holistic nursing practices to support their role as nurse educator. Students will apply these advanced concepts to their chosen direct care focus. Students are challenged to transform their nursing practice and outcomes of those they serve from a holistic lens.  [ 2 credits ]

Provides opportunities to critically examine multiple leadership theories, styles and approaches in nursing with emphasis on the interrelationships among leaders, followers and the entire multi-disciplinary team. In addition, excellence in nursing leadership will be explored along with the implications and responsibilities of the nurse leader for shaping today's changing educational and health care environments. [ 2 credits ]

Uses a case-study and seminar format to help students explore contemporary issues and trends in nursing education. Students will be introduced to fundamental legal and ethical principles which influence the quality of public and private education. They will become acquainted with the American legal process, basic legal terminology, selected precedents, and landmark cases in nursing education. Students will also have the opportunity to self-select trends in education for in-depth exploration and construct strategies to meet common challenges within diverse practice settings. [ 3 credits ] 

Introduces students to the history, theories, education taxonomies and critical thinking that influence curriculum development both in academia and the clinical setting. Students  will learn to develop a formal plan of study that provides the philosophical underpinnings, goals and guidelines for the delivery of RN educational programs, including associate, baccalaureate, master's degrees and staff development. Systematic curriculum and program evaluation
will be examined through the lens of educational evaluation models and accreditation in the academic and practice setting. Prerequsites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-502, NUR-503, NUR-535, NUR-537, NUR-512, NUR-542, NUR-504. [ 4 credits ]

This course introduces students to philosophical paradigms that ground and guide curriculum thinking and pedagogical practice. A major focus of the course is to offer students opportunities for critical analysis of curriculum work, including evaluation, and to transform visions for nursing education. Throughout the course, epistemological and ontological questions raised through technical, practical/interpretive, and critical perspectives are pursued during guided
readings and classroom conversation. Students will envision and plan thoughtful curriculum work grounded in caring for enactment in their 
teaching practica settings. Open only for students enrolled in the Post Master's Nurse Educator Certificate program. Prerequisites: NUR-502, NUR-512. [ 3 credits ]

Examines ethical and legal issues in nursing administration and applies relevant principles to increasingly complex practice problems. Through the case study method, learners become acquainted with the American legal process, basic legal terminology and the diversity of legal issues that affect nurse administrators. [ 3 credits ]

Applies administrative theory and management principles and processes to roles in management/ administration in health related organizations.
Additionally, a framework for strategic planning is used to consider assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of strategic initiatives applicable to nursing leadership. Prerequisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-510, NUR-515, NUR-542, NUR-520, BUS-521, NUR-518, BUS-522, BUS-523, BUS-521. [4 credits ]

This course uses caring science and administrative theory and management principles and processes to examine management/administration roles in healthcare organizations. Students use frameworks for decision making, change management, and strategic planning to consider assessment, planning,
implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives applicable to nursing leadership. This course will consider the perspectives of various stakeholders involved in operational and strategic decision-making and strategies for communication. Open only for students enrolled in the Post Master's Nurse  administrator Certificate. Prerequisites: BUS-521, NUR-518, BUS-522 or BUS-523. [ 3 credits ]

Examines historical and current health policy issues related to socio-political environment, economics of health care, legislative and regulatory influences and how these apply to the practice of the nurse leader. Considers the various stakeholders involved in health policy and their perspectives and strategies.  [3 credits].

This course will prepare the graduate nursing student to evaluate and use current technologies to deliver and coordinate care across multiple settings, analyze point of care outcomes, and communicate with individuals and groups, including the media, policymakers, other healthcare professionals, and the public. In addition, it will foster an attitude of openness to innovation and continual learning and a deep understanding of the ethical implications of rapidly growing healthcare data management systems. Students will be able to educate key stakeholders using current technologies and understand the principles related to the safe and effective use of care and information technologies.  [ 2 credits ]

Study Abroad is encouraged for MSN students who are designing practicum experiences. Opportunities for practicums in advanced clinical practice, nursing education or nursing administration are available. Experiencing another culture allows learners a chance to grow personally, increase cultural understanding and broaden their education and knowledge of the world. This global experience promotes compassion in the delivery of nursing care to the culturally diverse populations that we currently serve and contributes to global citizenship. Students will co-register for NUR-603 or NUR-520 as appropriate. [ variable credits ]

The course expands on undergraduate skills in systematic health assessment across the life span. The student will learn advanced health assessment skills in specialty advanced nursing practice. Integration of skills and techniques in collecting health assessment data towards appropriate decision-making and clinical assessments in select populations are emphasized in this didactic course.  Particular attention will be paid to teaching strategies for health assessment.  [3 credits]

This course introduces and integrates general principles of pharmacology with pathophysiological phenomena. It is designed to provide future nurse educators with a holistic and advanced understanding of disease as disordered normal body physiology. As such, students will have an enhanced ability to teach the disease process and related potential sequelae. This course will explore the mechanism(s) related to the production of signs, symptoms, complications, treatments, and interventions of different disease states and specific health problems. Innovative teaching strategies for selected alterations in health are used with emphasis on pathophysiological concepts and pharmacological interventions. Nurse educator students will experience being the learner using a variety of teaching learning methods. This course does not meet requirements for prescriptive authority.  [3 credits]

This course provides the opportunity for graduate nursing students to engage in enhanced critical inquiry activities as they analyze, interpret, and evaluate research studies. There will be an emphasis on problem identification; design principles; and accessing, analyzing, disseminating and applying nursing research. Students will explore current evidence to guide the development of a research proposal grounded in caring science in their area of interest.
Prerequisite NUR-500. [ 3 credits ]

The course focuses on advancing knowledge, skill, and valuing of family as a critical aspect of the Family and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner roles. Family Nursing Situations for advanced practice are analyzed through the lens of select theoretical and philosophical frameworks. Family Systems Theory, Family Assessment models and Nursing as Caring Theory along with other select caring science and family science theories are applied to guide understandings of family as the unit and context of care in a variety of Family Situations in Primary Care. Situations of health promotion, family crises related to addictions, poverty, violence, homelessness, mental illness, chronic illness, and trauma offer opportunities for exploration of complex family "calls" for nursing. Compassionate family interview, holistic assessment of family health, ilness, and suffering, discerning what matters most to families, and scholarly engagement in relational inquiry allows for reflective family practice grounded in theory. [ 2 credits ]

This course helps students acquire knowledge and skills in the conduct of a comprehensive health assessment including the physical, psychological, social, functional and environmental aspects of health. Data collection, interpretation, documentation and dissemination of assessment data is studied. Techniquest of interviewing, observation, percussion, palpation,  inspection and auscultation in assessing clients across the lifespan are reviewed in simulated and learning environments. Students develop clinical reasoning skills to begin to formulate differential diagnoses. Prerequisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545. Corequisite: NUR-547. [ 3 credits ]

This seminar course engages the instructor and students in mutual learning while critically examining social justice and public health issues. Principles of genetics, genomics, epidemiological data, and patterns of knowing are considered for design and delivery of evidence-based, culturally relevant clinical prevention and health promotion stragegies and interventions. This course also  explores health information and technology that allows for the exploration of the distribution and determinants of health and disease. Emphasis is placed on building awareness and understanding of the advanced practice nurse's involvement in the ecology of health. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542. Co-requisites: NUR-630, NUR-635. [3 credits]

Provides an internship in the appropriate educational setting that complements the intended career path of each learner. Students will deliver didactic and clinical instruction under the guidance of a selected nurse preceptor. Opportunities to attend curriculum and evaluation meetings and to participate in
advising will be provided. Part of this course will include an integration seminar. Prerequisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-502, NUR-503, NUR-535, NUR-537, NUR-512, NUR-542, NUR-504. [ 4 credits ]

This course provides opportunities for Post Master's students to deepen understanding of nursing curriculum through thoughtful enactment of caring emancipatory pedagogical practice in a variety of settings. Reflection on the lived experience of being-with students as a teacher and critical readings in pedagogy and practice allows for celebration of education as transformation. Open only for students enrolled in the Post Master's Nurse Educator Certificate
Program. Prerequisites: NUR-502, NUR-512. [ 3 credits ]

Applies administrative theory and management principles and processes to roles in management/administration in h ealth related organizations. Additionally, a framework for strategic planning is used to consider assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of strategic initiatives applicable to nursing
leadership. Prerequisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-510, NUR-515, NUR-542, NUR-520, BUS-521, NUR-518, BUS-522, BUS-523, BUS-521. [ 4 credits ]

This course focuses on exploration of theory through participation, research, and observation of organizational functioning and nursing leadership. Students co-design practicum objectives with a nursing administrator preceptor in a clinical setting. Through the lens of Caring Science, emphasis is on organizational and departmental structure. Open only for students enrolled in the Post Master's Nurse Administrator Certificate program. Prerequisites: BUS-521, NUR-518 or BUS-522 or BUS-523. [ 3 credits ]

This seminar course engages the faculty and students in mutual learning while critically examining theoretical and practical foundations of acute problems encountered by adults in a primary care setting. It includes primary health care of women. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to health promotion, disease prevention, early detection, and management of common acute and chronic health conditions of adults with special attention to care of the reproductive age female patient. The focus is on pathophysiology of the condition, etiology, incidence, clinical findings, and differential diagnosis. Evidence-based research will drive healthcare decision making, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical management to promote health of adults in primary care settings. Caring between nurse practitioner and patient is valued and explored. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-545, NUR-501, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542. Co-requisites: NUR-635 and NUR-549. [ 3 credits ]

This seminar course engages the instructor and students in mutual learning while critically examining advanced practice nursing in the care of adolescents and adults with an emphasis on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common health problems among culturally diverse populations. Research and principles of evidence-based practice are used to apply health promotion and disease prevention strategies for adolescents and adults. What matters most to the adult and adolescent is considered and caring between nurse practitioner and patient is essential and explored. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542, NUR-630, NUR-635, NUR-549. Co-requisites: NUR-636 and NUR-632. [ 3 credits ]

This seminar course engages the instructor and students in mutual learning while critically examining advanced practice nursing roles, grounded in caring science, including past and present trends relevant to understanding leadership functions., organization of health care delivery systems, and the political climate surrounding advanced practice and regulatory and reimbursement processes. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542, NUR-630, NUR-635, NUR-549. Corequisites: NUR-631 and NUR-636. [ 2 credits ]

This is an interactive seminar course where students and faculty engage in mutual learning while critically examining issues in the primary care of infants and children, with an emphasis on wellness promotion, illness prevention, and treatment of common health problems among culturally diverse populations. Research and principles of evidence-based practice will be  used to promote the health and wellbeing of infants and children. Caring between the nurse practitioner and family is essential and explored. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542, NUR-630, NUR-635, NUR-631, NUR-636, NUR-549, NUR-632. Co-requisite: NUR-637. [ 2 credits ]

This course builds on the management of acute and chronic illness to focus on the health care needs of the older adult with chronic illness in the primary care setting. A holistic approach to promoting wellness, maintaining function, and self-care is emphasized. Evidence-based research will drive healthcare decision making, pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical management to promote quality of life with older adults. Ethical dilemmas that impact the care of older adults such as palliative care measures, supportive measures, and family care  living at end of life are integrated. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542, NUR-630, NUR-635, NUR-631, NUR-636, NUR-549, NUR-632. Co-requisite: NUR-637. [ 2 credits ]

This is the first practicum experience for nurse practitioner students. Students will have a supervised clinical experience in which they will provide caring science-based holistic assessment and treatment with a variety of patients from diverse populations in the areas of wellness and health promotion, illness prevention, and symptom management. Students will use critical thinking reflective practice, and evidence-based practice to develop skills at the novice level in formulating clinical impressions, differential diagnoses, treatment, and evaluation plans. Requires 130 hours of supervised clinical practice, simulation, and clinical conference. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542. Co-requisites: NUR-630 and NUR-549. [ 2 credits ]

This is the second practicum experience for nurse practitioner students. Students will have a supervised clinical experience in which they will provide caring science-based holistic assessment and treatment with a variety of patients from diverse populations in the areas of wellness and health promotion, illness prevention, and symptom management. Students will use critical thinking reflective and evidence-based practice to develop skills at the advanced beginner level in formulating clinical impressions, differential diagnoses, treatment and evaluation plans. Requires 195 hours of supervised clinical practice, simulation, and clinical conference. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542, NUR-530, NUR-549. Co-requisites: NUR-636 and NUR-632. [ 3 credits ]

This is the third practicum experience for nurse practitioner students. Students will have a supervised clinical experience in which they will collaboratively manage the care of a variety of patients from diverse populations in the areas of wellness and health promotion, illness prevention, and treatment. Students will use critical thinking, reflective caring science-based and evidence-based practice to develop skills at a competent level in formulating clinical impressions, differential diagnoses, treatment, and eveluation plans. Requires 195 hours of supervised clinical practice, simulation, and clinical conference. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542, NUR-630, NUR-635, NUR-549,  NUR-631, NUR-636, NUR-632. Co-requisites: NUR-633 and NUR-634. [ 3 credits ]

This is the fourth practicum experience for nurse practitioner students. Students will have a supervised clinical experience in which they will collaboratively manage the care of a variety of patients from diverse populations in the areas of wellness and health promotion, illness prevention, and treatment. Students will use critical thinking, reflective caring  science-based and evidenced-based practice to develop skills at a proficient level in formulating clinical impressions, differential diagnoses, treatment, and eveluation plans. Requires 260 hours of supervised clinical practice, simulation, and clinical conference. Pre-requisites: NUR-500, NUR-501, NUR-545, NUR-546, NUR-547, NUR-548, NUR-542, NUR-630, NUR-635, NUR-549, NUR-631, NUR-636, NUR-632, NUR-637, NUR-633 or NUR-634. Co-requisite: NUR-510. [ 4 credits ]