CORE COURSES
RESEARCH AND THEORY I
3 credits
This course explores the relationships among research, theory, and practice. Students examine the integration of theory in clinical, educational, and administrative areas of nursing. Critique of published studies focuses students on research methods and the applicability of research findings to practice situations. Principles of evidence-based practice guide students’ development of a researchable question. Development of the question guides students to a critical review of the literature. Various research designs are contrasted.
RESEARCH AND THEORY II
3 credits
This course is a continuation of Research and Theory I (NUR 604). Students develop research proposals, generated by research questions and the literature review, completed in NUR 604. They also examine treatment of variables, sampling, measurement theory, probability theory, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the use of the computers in data analysis. Ethical and legal principles related to the conduct of nursing research will be discussed. The course emphasizes the links between theory, research, and evidence-based practice.
Pre-requisite: NUR 604
ADVANCED EDUCATION NURSING ADMINISTRATION IN HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS
3 credits
This course examines the evolution of advanced education nursing in the context of changing health care delivery systems. Students explore health care policy development and examine systems of delivering patient care in relation to financial, ethical, legal, sociocultural, legislative-political, and professional concerns. Program development, informatics, fiscal management of health care services, budgeting, and reimbursement issues are emphasized. Students practice interdisciplinary collaboration and coalition-building skills in leadership roles extending beyond the traditional health care environment.
POPULATION-BASED CARE AND ADVANCED EDUCATION NURSING
3 credits
In this course, students develop cultural competence regarding the role of the advanced education nurse by meeting the health-care needs of diverse groups and populations. Health promotion, disease prevention, resource utilization, and health education responsibilities are examined. Students utilize basic epidemiological concepts, group theories, and needs-assessment approaches for vulnerable populations. They explore the varying needs of diverse groups in community settings through a cultural blueprint.
TRACK COURSES, ADULT HEALTH AND ILLNESS-CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST
INTRODUCTION TO NURSING INFORMATICS
3 credits
This course focuses on understanding the fundamentals of computer systems and how they might be applied to support nursing and health-care administration. It emphasizes the use of computer applications software for Internet research as well as data analysis and reporting. Content incorporates theoretical and “hands-on” exposure to word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentations graphics, electronic mail, and Web page authoring. While no prior knowledge of Microsoft Office is required for this course, it is expected that the student will have a familiarity with using a keyboard and mouse in a Windows environment. Students with light computer backgrounds will be expected to maintain pace with the instructor and with the rest of the class. Basic computer knowledge required.
ADVANCED ASSESSMENT IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS
3 credits
This course addresses the health assessment of clients using a framework of physiologic, psychological, socio-cultural, and physical examination data. Students explore history-taking methods, principles of physical assessment, and concepts of clinical diagnosis to determine clients’ potential and actual health problems. The purpose of the course is to enable students to develop skills necessary to evaluate the holistic health status of children and adults through assessment of normal and abnormal physical findings. Students combine principles of nursing and other related sciences to analyze clinical problems and provide safe, competent patient care. Students advance in theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, differential diagnosis, and decision-making skills.
Prerequisites: Core, NUR 617, NUR 618
PHARMACOLOGY
3 credits
This course examines the actions and effects of drugs on the human system. Students analyze the scope of legal and professional nursing responsibilities related to pharmacology in expanded nursing roles. They study principles of drug therapy, mechanisms of action, and evaluation of drug therapy in current practice, as well as the selection of pharmacologic agents in clinical practice.
Prerequisite: NUR 618
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
3 credits
This course integrates physiological principles, physical manifestations, and clinical practice implications with pathological interferences. Students focus on recognizing changes in client status, interpreting physiologic, pathologic, psychologic, and sociocultural data, and utilizing this information in formulating safe, culturally competent advanced practice nursing care. Advanced practice nursing implications of current diagnostic studies and prototype pharmacological interventions will also be addressed.
Prerequisite: Core
THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES FOR ADULT CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALISTS/CLINICAL EDUCATORS IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS
3 credits
This course focuses on the complex needs of chronically and acutely ill adults and their families. Needs assessment and program evaluation for specific medical-surgical patient groups are emphasized, as are topics on systems improvement, health-care mistakes and injuries, patient safety initiatives, standards of care, and evidence-based practice initiatives. Culturally competent approaches to the care of vulnerable, urban populations are integrated into plans of care. Safety-net services are examined from the perspective of continuity of care. The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) practice and education standards are emphasized.
Pre-requisites: Core, NUR 512, NUR 616
Co-requisite: NUR 625
CARE DELIVERY AND STAFF EDUCATION: INTEGRATION OF PATIENT PROGRAMS
3 credits
This course explores health-care needs of chronically and acutely ill adults and families and the corresponding teaching/learning needs of nursing staff caring for them. Course learning opportunities develop student expertise in utilizing teaching strategies designed to advance the practice of other nurses via formal and informal educational encounters. Collaborative teaching arrangements are evaluated. Competence assessment, educational program creation and evaluation, and organization-wide quality initiatives are emphasized. The relationship between nursing education and patient outcomes is appraised. Strategies to teach at-risk patients, including vulnerable and under-served, are investigated.
Pre-requisites: Core, NUR 623, NUR 625
Co-requisite: NUR 626
FIELD STUDY IN ADULT HEALTH AND ILLNESS I
4 credits
This seminar and preceptored practicum course is designed to integrate theory, practice, and research as the basis for advanced clinical practice for clinical nurse specialists (C.N.S.). Nursing care needs of adults and their responses to health and illness are explored within the context of health promotion, maintenance, and restoration health-care services. Clinical practica are structured according to the needs of the graduate student. The seminars provide a forum for discussion of the roles of the advanced practitioner. Practica and seminars enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes relevant to advanced nursing practice in a variety of settings. This course requires 267 hours of clinical practicum.
Pre-requisites: NUR 616, Core
Co-requisite: NUR 623
FIELD STUDY IN ADULT HEALTH AND ILLNESS II
4 credits
A continuation of NUR 625 in which graduate students explore the needs and responses of diverse healthy and ill adults during preceptored clinical practica and seminars. The course views theory and research as foundations of nursing practice. Advanced nursing practice is examined within the context of health promotion, maintenance, and restoration services. Students investigate the characteristics and functions of the clinical nurse specialist role in relation to clinical problems. Practica are structured according to the needs of graduate students. The seminars provide a forum for discussion of various roles and clinical issues of advanced nursing practice in clinical nurse specialist roles in diverse settings. The practica and seminars enable students to expand knowledge, skills, and attitudes relevant to culturally competent advanced nursing practice for diverse clients. The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) practice and education standards are integrated. This course requires 256 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: NUR 625
Co-requisite: NUR 621
Please note: Students may complete both the Adult Health and Illness Track and the Certificate in Gerontology as an option for the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology.
TRACK COURSES, ADULT NURSE PRACTITIONER
PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS I
3 credits
This course focuses on primary-care health concerns of diverse adult clients and develops the advanced practice nursing role reflecting evidence-based practice. Using national health-care guidelines and professional standards, students evaluate health behaviors and implement culturally competent strategies for health promotion and disease prevention. Health maintenance and health restoration principles are explored in light of the traditional and contemporary managed care environments especially for vulnerable and under-served populations. Client education and counseling techniques relevant to advanced nursing practice are emphasized.
Prerequisites: Core, NUR 616, NUR 617, NUR 618
Co-requisite: NUR 665
PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS II
3 credits
This course focuses on the theories, principles, and processes necessary to diagnose and manage primary-care clients. Using evidence-based practice standards and ethical principles, students gain the knowledge base to evaluate and manage diverse clients with complex primary-care health needs. Students explore health risks and behaviors, health promotion strategies, disease prevention and health restoration in the context of traditional and contemporary managed care environments, especially for vulnerable and under served clients. Legal, ethical, financial, and cultural concepts related to advanced practice nursing and professional certification requirements are integrated.
Prerequisite: NUR 660
Co-requisite: NUR 666
FIELD STUDY IN PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS I
4 credits
This seminar course focuses on knowledge and skills necessary to provide primary care to adults at varied developmental stages, especially those from vulnerable and under served populations. Seminars focus on the application of physiologic, pharmacologic, and psychosocial principles in the role of the nurse practitioner within the health-care delivery system. Students integrate research-based knowledge of health assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and family theory into preceptored clinical experiences in primary-care settings. Case presentations focus on the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness. This course requires 256 hours of clinical practicum.
Co-requisite: NUR 660
FIELD STUDY IN PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS II
4 credits
This course provides the opportunity for further development and refinement of primary-care skills and clinical judgment of the nurse practitioner student. Students build on beginning competencies to develop greater skill in primary-care activities through integration of theory and principles of nursing and other related fields and preceptored clinical activities. Clinical reasoning skills are refined through clinical practice, case presentations, mentoring, and role modeling. Students apply evidence-based research related to pharmacology and clinical management theory and techniques to effectively manage health and disease in diverse primary-care settings. Student presentations develop the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness. This course requires 256 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: NUR 665
Co-requisite: NUR 661
TRACK COURSES, FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER
FAMILY HEALTH NURSING
3 credits
This course explores theoretical perspectives on the family system and analysis of factors influencing family health, especially those of vulnerable and under-served populations. Students examine the life cycle of the family, including transitions of child bearing, the prenatal period, childrearing, and bereavement. Health promotion interventions are proposed for families with chronically ill and acutely ill members. Family responses to and coping mechanisms associated with acute and chronic illness are scrutinized. Students apply family theory as enacted by the advanced practice nurse in diverse community settings. Family assessment strategies are introduced as they relate to family nursing interventions. Principles of cultural competence and leadership/change agency are explored. Course may be taken as an elective in other M.S.N. tracks.
ADVANCED ASSESSMENT IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS
3 credits
This course addresses the health assessment of clients using a framework of physiologic, psychological, socio-cultural, and physical examination data. Students explore history-taking methods, principles of physical assessment, and concepts of clinical diagnosis to determine clients’ potential and actual health problems. The purpose of the course is to enable students to develop skills necessary to evaluate the holistic health status of children and adults through assessment of normal and abnormal physical findings. Students combine principles of nursing and other related sciences to analyze clinical problems and provide safe, competent patient care. Students advance in theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, differential diagnosis, and decision-making skills.
Prerequisites: Core, NUR 617, NUR 618
PHARMACOLOGY
3 credits
This course examines the actions and effects of drugs on the human system. Students analyze the scope of legal and professional nursing responsibilities related to pharmacology in expanded nursing roles. They study principles of drug therapy, mechanisms of action, and evaluation of drug therapy in current practice, as well as the selection of pharmacologic agents in clinical practice.
Prerequisite: NUR 618
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
3 credits
This course integrates physiological principles, physical manifestations, and clinical practice implications with pathological interferences. Students focus on recognizing changes in client status, interpreting physiologic, pathologic, psychologic, and sociocultural data, and utilizing this information in formulating safe, culturally competent advanced practice nursing care. Advanced practice nursing implications of current diagnostic studies and prototype pharmacological interventions will also be addressed.
Prerequisite: Core
PRIMARY CARE OF FAMILIES: WOMEN AND CHILDREN
6 credits
This course presents the principles of primary care, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention for the child from birth through adolescence and woman’s health care, both pregnant and non-pregnant. Pathophysiological alterations, developmental stages, family, culture, and societal influences are addressed and the primary-care management of the health problems of women and children are emphasized. Students increase clinical reasoning skills to manage minor and chronic illnesses, as well as to meet the health promotion needs of individuals and families in ambulatory-care settings. Specific emphasis will be placed on the objectives from Healthy People 2010 for women and children services especially as they relate to vulnerable and under-served populations. This course meets the standards of care and professional performance as published in the Scope and Standards of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (ANA, 1996). This course requires 180 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisites: NUR 661, NUR 666
PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS I
3 credits
This course focuses on primary-care health concerns of diverse adult clients and develops the advanced practice nursing role reflecting evidence-based practice. Using national health-care guidelines and professional standards, students evaluate health behaviors and implement culturally competent strategies for health promotion and disease prevention. Health maintenance and health restoration principles are explored in light of the traditional and contemporary managed care environments especially for vulnerable and under-served populations. Client education and counseling techniques relevant to advanced nursing practice are emphasized.
Prerequisites: Core, NUR 616, NUR 617, NUR 618
Co-requisite: NUR 665
PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS II
3 credits
This course focuses on the theories, principles, and processes necessary to diagnose and manage primary-care clients. Using evidence-based practice standards and ethical principles, students gain the knowledge base to evaluate and manage diverse clients with complex primary-care health needs. Students explore health risks and behaviors, health promotion strategies, disease prevention and health restoration in the context of traditional and contemporary managed care environments, especially for vulnerable and under served clients. Legal, ethical, financial, and cultural concepts related to advanced practice nursing and professional certification requirements are integrated.
Prerequisite: NUR 660
Co-requisite: NUR 666
FIELD STUDY IN PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS I
4 credits
This seminar course focuses on knowledge and skills necessary to provide primary care to adults at varied developmental stages, especially those from vulnerable and under served populations. Seminars focus on the application of physiologic, pharmacologic, and psychosocial principles in the role of the nurse practitioner within the health-care delivery system. Students integrate research-based knowledge of health assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and family theory into preceptored clinical experiences in primary-care settings. Case presentations focus on the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness. This course requires 256 hours of clinical practicum.
Co-requisite: NUR 660
FIELD STUDY IN PRIMARY CARE OF ADULTS II
4 credits
This course provides the opportunity for further development and refinement of primary-care skills and clinical judgment of the nurse practitioner student. Students build on beginning competencies to develop greater skill in primary-care activities through integration of theory and principles of nursing and other related fields and preceptored clinical activities. Clinical reasoning skills are refined through clinical practice, case presentations, mentoring, and role modeling. Students apply evidence-based research related to pharmacology and clinical management theory and techniques to effectively manage health and disease in diverse primary-care settings. Student presentations develop the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness. This course requires 256 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: NUR 665
Co-requisite: NUR 661
TRACK COURSES, NURSING ANESTHESIA
ADVANCED ASSESSMENT IN HEALTH AND ILLNESS
3 credits
This course addresses the health assessment of clients using a framework of physiologic, psychological, socio-cultural, and physical examination data. Students explore history-taking methods, principles of physical assessment, and concepts of clinical diagnosis to determine clients’ potential and actual health problems. The purpose of the course is to enable students to develop skills necessary to evaluate the holistic health status of children and adults through assessment of normal and abnormal physical findings. Students combine principles of nursing and other related sciences to analyze clinical problems and provide safe, competent patient care. Students advance in theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, differential diagnosis, and decision-making skills.
Prerequisites: Core, NUR 617, NUR 618
PHARMACOLOGY
3 credits
This course examines the actions and effects of drugs on the human system. Students analyze the scope of legal and professional nursing responsibilities related to pharmacology in expanded nursing roles. They study principles of drug therapy, mechanisms of action, and evaluation of drug therapy in current practice, as well as the selection of pharmacologic agents in clinical practice.
Prerequisite: NUR 618
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
3 credits
This course integrates physiological principles, physical manifestations, and clinical practice implications with pathological interferences. Students focus on recognizing changes in client status, interpreting physiologic, pathologic, psychologic, and sociocultural data, and utilizing this information in formulating safe, culturally competent advanced practice nursing care. Advanced practice nursing implications of current diagnostic studies and prototype pharmacological interventions will also be addressed.
Prerequisite: Core
ORIENTATION TO STUDY AND PRACTICE OF ANESTHESIA
4 credits
This orientation course is required for all students enrolled in the nurse anesthesia track. It is designed to familiarize students with department management, policies, and procedures, the history of nurse anesthesia, the role of the anesthesiologist as an anesthesia care team member, the history of anesthesia, and issues related to anesthesia administration. In addition, this course acquaints students with the physical plant, surgical suite, and critical care area. Program requirements and accreditation requirements of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs are presented. A broad field orientation to clinical practice includes legal implications of anesthesia care, preoperative patient assessment, airway management, and patient positioning. This course provides the basis for meeting the anesthesia-related needs of culturally diverse patients in acute-care settings. Topics included are: (1) Orientation to Anesthesia Department, Care Plans, and Records, (2) Orientation to the Operating Room, (3) Preoperative Patient Assessment, (4) Substance Abuse, Application to Nurse Anesthesia Practice, (5) Airway Management, (6) Patient Positioning, and (7) Basic Principles of Anesthesia Practice.
Prerequisite: Graduate Core, Advanced Core, special permission
ANATOMY, PHSYIOLOGY, AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY I
4 credits
Nurse Anesthesia students are presented with specific anatomic and physiologic considerations of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and fluid/electrolyte systems. Cellular physiology as it applies to Nurse Anesthesia practice is presented. Cardiovascular segments provide monitoring modalities, cardiovascular pharmacology, and the effects of the anesthetic agents on the cardiovascular system. The respiratory segment provides an in-depth examination of anatomy, physiology, respiratory reflexes, lung volumes, respiratory sounds, rates, and types as they apply to anesthesia. Pathophysiologic disease processes associated with culturally diverse patient populations are presented and clinically applied. Topics included are (1) Cell Physiology, (2) Respiratory I, and (3) Cardiovascular I.
PHARMACOLOGY I
2 credits
The purpose of this course is to help students understand the actions and effects of specific anesthetic medications on the human system. Students analyze the nursing responsibilities related to anesthetic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for the advanced practice nurse. Students study principles of drug therapy, mechanisms of action, and selection of pharmacologic agents specific to anesthesia practice. Regional anesthetics, intravenous and inhalational anesthetic agents, and their clinical applications are incorporated. In addition, students examine pharmacologic considerations associated with diverse patient populations, especially those in urban medically under-served areas. Topics included are (1) Introduction to Pharmacology, (2) Regional Anesthesia, and (3) Inhalational Anesthesia.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY I
2 credits
This course introduces the student to the principles of inorganic chemistry that are applicable to anesthesia practice. The core portion of this course encompasses the critical elements of design, purpose, operation, and safety principles associated with anesthesia machine use. The FDA checklist is incorporated into the didactic portion of the curriculum. Topics included are (1) Anesthesia Machine and (2) Patient Monitoring.
PHARMACOLOGY II
3 credits
The purpose of the course is to expand students’ pharmacologic knowledge base related specifically to nurse anesthesia practice while continuing to build on the principles of NUR 683. Students continue to build on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to local anesthetics, muscle relaxants, and intravenous anesthetic agents. The course continues to focus on the pharmacologic considerations and pathophysiologic disease processes of persons in medically under-served areas and with high-risk urban populations. Topics included are (1) Local Anesthesia, (2) Muscle Relaxants, and (3) Intravenous Anesthesia Agents.
ANATOMY, PHSYIOLOGY, AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY II
4 credits
The anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are expanded upon from NUR 682. In addition, the physiology, anatomy, and pathophysiology of the hepatic, endocrine, excretory, and autonomic nervous systems are presented. The effects of the inhalational and intravenous anesthetic agents on the hepatic, renal, and endocrine systems are featured with a focus on biotransformation and excretory processes. Pathophysiologic disease processes specific to culturally and racially diverse patient populations are applied. Topics included are (1) Cardiovascular II, (2) Respiratory II, (3) Hepatic System, (4) Endocrine System, (5) Excretory System, and (6) Autonomic Nervous System.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY II
2 credits
The physical laws of physics as they apply to anesthesia practice are presented. Organic and inorganic chemistry principles as they apply to nurse anesthesia practice are examined. Electrical safety and electrical principles related to the physical environment and surgical suite are integrated into this dynamic course.
ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE
4 credits
An in-depth presentation of the respective anesthesia subspecialties is presented. Surgical subspecialties explored include obstetrics, pediatrics, CT surgery, geriatrics, neuroanesthesia, trauma, burns, orthopedics, ENT, plastic surgery, GI surgery, pain management, laser surgery, and hematology. Specific techniques, monitoring devices, complications, physiologic alterations, and anesthesia provider considerations associated with each subspecialty are extensively reviewed and applied clinically. Subspecialty practice applicable to the medically under-served is included in conjunction with cultural issues that affect health care in the urban setting. Topics included are (1) Obstetrics, (2) Pediatrics, (3) Cardiothoracic, (4) Geriatrics, (5) Neuroanesthesia, (6) Trauma/Burns, (7) Orthopedics, (8) ENT/Plastics, (9) GI Surgery, (10) Pain Management, (11) Laser Surgery, and (12) Hematology.
PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS
2 credits
This culminating course is designed to prepare students for the professional responsibilities they will assume as nurse anesthetists following graduation. Medical-legal considerations associated with nurse anesthesia are incorporated and selected medical malpractice cases are analyzed. This course provides students with the ability to evaluate journal clubs and prepare professional reports for presentation. Topics included are (1) Medical-Legal Considerations in Anesthesia Practice, (2) Seminar Workshop, Educational Meetings, Morbidity, and Mortality Conferences, and (3) Journal Club.
CLINICAL PRACTICUM I
3 credits
This clinical practicum is developed to allow the student to gain exposure to the induction, maintenance, and emergence phases of anesthesia. Students focus on pre-anesthesia assessment, anesthesia induction techniques, emergence, and proper postprocedure care. This is a Pass/Fail course. Objectives included are (1) Room Preparation, (2) Pre-Anesthetic Assessment, (3) Anesthesia Record, (4) Induction, (5) Maintenance, Emergence, and Post-operative Periods, and (6) Interpersonal Behavior.
CLINICAL PRACTICUM II
6 credits
This clinical capstone course is the final culmination of the student’s clinical experience. Senior nurse anesthesia students utilize their didactic preparation and clinical anesthesia foundation from the preceding six semesters. Topics included are (1) Room Preparation, (2) Preanesthetic induction, (3) Anesthesia Record, (4) Induction, (5) Maintenance, Embergence, and Post-operative rounds, and (6) Interpersonal Behavior.
TRACK COURSES, PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING
NURSING AND HEALTH EDUCATION
3 credits
This is the first graduate nursing education course in a three-course sequence designed to prepare the master’s-level nurse for beginning teaching roles in nursing education, staff development, and public/health education. The course explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of education and their relevance to the education of nurses and the public. Emphasis is given to nursing education theory, critical analysis of theories of learning and teaching strategies, and exploration of current issues in nursing education, nursing practice, and public/health education.
Prerequisite: None
METHODS OF EDUCATION IN NURSING
3 credits
This course builds on the content of NUR 610 and focuses on the way in which the components of the teaching/learning process are organized in order to meet the needs of the learner—nursing student, client/patient and family, or practicing nurse. The emphasis in this course is on the application of models and strategies in any classroom or clinical setting where nurses are responsible for others’ learning.
Prerequisite: None
HEALTH POLICY AND PROGRAM PLANNING AND EVALUATION
3 credits
This seminar course introduces students to health policy, program planning, and evaluation in the public health context, especially as they relate to vulnerable and under-served populations. Special emphasis is placed on students’ strengthening and developing their skills in policy formulation and implementation. The social, economic, legal, ethical, cultural, and political environments that influence public policy, planning, and evaluation are explored. Students acquire familiarity with strategies for health planning and evaluation through selected applied learning activities.
Prerequisites: Core
EPIDEMIOLOGY
3 credits
Epidemiology is concerned with analyzing and describing patterns and determinants of health and disease in human populations. The principles and methods of epidemiology provide knowledge of the evolution of health and disease processes, the foundation for preventive health practices, and the basis for rational health policy decisions. Population-based data collection methods and analyses of health data and their relationship to the utilization of health services are emphasized. Application of epidemiological methods to communicable and chronic diseases is discussed, especially as they relate to systematic health-care interventions.
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING I
3 credits
This is the first of two courses designed to provide the theoretical foundations necessary for advanced public health nursing practice. Health behaviors and change strategies will be discussed as the bases for effective public health interventions. A variety of community assessment models from nursing, public health, public policy, and the social sciences will be examined. Current writings from the humanities provide an opportunity to apply and critique assessment models. Content includes the scope and standards of practice for public health nursing and exploration of significant public health problems.
Prerequisites: Core, NUR 635, NUR 637
Co-requisite: NUR 655
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING II
3 credits
This is the second of two courses designed to provide the theoretical foundations necessary for advanced public health nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on intervention and evaluation strategies. Content includes public health services models that support primary, secondary, and tertiary health-care initiatives both in traditional and non-traditional settings. Financial, ethical, cultural, and political factors in aggregate interventions are explored. Models for intervention and evaluation from nursing and other disciplines are analyzed for their utility in advanced practice nursing. Popular works of non-fiction are used to highlight the benefits and limitations of theoretical models in public health nursing. The synthesis of ideas, models, and research from a variety of sources are emphasized as a critical component of public health nursing.
Prerequisites: NUR 650, NUR 655
Co-requisite: NUR 656
FIELD STUDY IN PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING I
4 credits
This seminar and preceptored practicum course integrates theory, practice, and applied research. Through seminars and clinical applications, students develop the initial phases of a community health project with targeted populations. Emphasis is placed on leadership roles that optimize the health of families, groups, and communities through an assessment of the health status of an aggregate or community and a proposed plan of action based on priority needs and resources of the target population. The final phases of this project (implementation, evaluation, and recommendations) will be completed in the Spring Semester (NUR 656). The course builds on public health principles and culturally competent interventions engaging at-risk urban populations. Healthy People 2010 guides the student’s advanced practice opportunities through collaborative, multidisciplinary, client-oriented work in community settings. This course requires 256 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisites: NUR 635, NUR 637, HCA 731, or MBA 610
Co-requisite: NUR 650
FIELD STUDY IN PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING II
4 credits
This seminar and preceptored practice course further integrates theory, practice, and program evaluation perspectives into advanced practice public health nursing. The course supports the implementation and evaluation phases of the student’s ongoing public health project/practicum. Emphasis is placed on expanding professional and community roles, responsibilities and requisite skills to sustain and promote population-focused health within the framework of Healthy People 2010. The course focuses on culturally competent public health nursing interventions and leadership opportunities in diverse urban settings. Innovative health communication, education, and outreach strategies addressing public health needs in the 21st century are essential components of the course. This course requires 256 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisites: NUR 650, NUR 655
Co-requisite: NUR 651
TRACK COURSES, NURSING ADMINISTRATION/M.B.A.
NURSING MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION I: THE CONTENT AND CONTEXT OF NURSING ADMINISTRATION
3 credits
This course focuses on the practice of nursing administration and provides students with the opportunity to critically examine the role of the nurse administrator. Students examine theories and principles regarding management of organizational systems within diverse health-care settings. Delivery of nursing care and services in relation to structure, process, and outcomes within small and large organizational systems is emphasized. Organizational design, administrative processes, and measurement of organizational effectiveness within nursing systems are emphasized. The professional, research, managerial, leadership, and change agency aspects of the nurse administrator role are explored in relation to the practice of nursing administration.
Prerequisites: Core, M.B.A. Foundation, M.B.A. Executive Perspectives, and acceptance into the M.B.A. program.
Co-requisite: NUR 645
FIELD STUDY IN NURSING MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION I
4 credits
This is the first of two preceptored field experiences designed to provide the student with the opportunity to integrate administration theory, operations, and research in a variety of health-care settings in order to positively influence the quality of patient care. With faculty guidance, students select and participate in a variety of experiences that focus on nursing management within diverse health-care settings. Seminars provide students with experiences in developing the skills necessary for the nurse administrator to influence change, to work with teams, and to manage resources. Trends, ethics, standards, and research in the area of nursing management are also examined. Emphasis is placed on the student’s articulation of the philosophical and theoretical basis of the practicum issues and on the development, refinement, and evaluation of effective management strategies. Clinical practica are structured according to the individual student’s knowledge and skill needs. This course requires 125 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: M.B.A. Core, M.B.A. Foundation, M.B.A. Executive Perspectives
Co-requisite: NUR 640
FIELD STUDY IN NURSING MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION II
4 credits
In this preceptored field experience, students select opportunities to participate in strategic and financial management operations in a variety of settings. Seminars examine the impact of prospective payment, managed care, and uncompensated care on health-care organizations and nursing systems, especially those serving vulnerable and under-served populations. Students explore intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial roles of nursing administrators. Seminars provide students with the opportunity to share and process weekly practicum experiences and to receive feedback from students and faculty colleagues. Students articulate the philosophical and theoretical basis of practicum issues and the development, refinement, and evaluation of effective management strategies to effect positive changes in patient-care delivery systems. Students are encouraged to seek practica in alternative care delivery sites such as, but not limited to, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), primary-care health centers, assisted living centers, nursing homes, and hospitals and with diverse client populations, especially the vulnerable and under-served. This course requires 125 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisite: NUR 645
Required M.B.A. courses are previously listed and described elsewhere in this catalog.
TRACK COURSES, ELECTIVE NURSING COURSES
ETHICS IN NURSING
3 credits
This course is designed to provide the foundations for critically analyzing ethical dilemmas in nursing practice. Ethical theories will be explored and critically examined, with a focus on their application to practice. Moral developmental theories will be discussed in light of the current debate regarding gender and racial disparities in decision for ethical practice from a systems theory perspective. The course will draw on students’ clinical experiences to promote moral reflection and personal values clarifications with regard to contemporary health-care challenges. The course will examine current and emerging issues as influenced by emerging technological, clinical, political, legal, socio-economic, and fiscal factors.
INTRODUCTION TO NURSING INFORMATICS
3 credits
This course focuses on understanding the fundamentals of computer systems and how they might be applied to support nursing and health-care administration. It emphasizes the use of computer applications software for Internet research as well as data analysis and reporting. Content incorporates theoretical and “hands-on” exposure to word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentations graphics, electronic mail, and Web page authoring. While no prior knowledge of Microsoft Office is required for this course, it is expected that the student will have a familiarity with using a keyboard and mouse in a Windows environment. Students with light computer backgrounds will be expected to maintain pace with the instructor and with the rest of the class. Basic computer knowledge required.
SPIRITUALITY IN NURSING AND HEALTH CARE
3 credits
This course focuses on understanding the fundamentals of computer systems and how they might be applied to support nursing and health-care administration. It emphasizes the use of computer applications software for Internet research as well as data analysis and reporting. Content incorporates theoretical and “hands-on” exposure to word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentations graphics, electronic mail, and Web page authoring. While no prior knowledge of Microsoft Office is required for this course, it is expected that the student will have a familiarity with using a keyboard and mouse in a Windows environment. Students with light computer backgrounds will be expected to maintain pace with the instructor and with the rest of the class. Basic computer knowledge required.
SAFETY STRATEGIES FOR HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS
3 credits
This course explores medication errors and other health-care errors that threaten patient safety. The impact of health-care errors is examined from the perspectives of consumers, health-care providers, professional organizations, legislators, hospitals, and other health-care delivery agencies. Systems improvement initiatives are investigated with the goal of preventing health-care errors. Interdisciplinary and collaborative roles of consumers, legal counsel, and health-care providers, including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians are emphasized.
CARING THEORY, CARING PRACTICE
3 credits
This course examines human caring and nurses’ contributions to the health and healing of the people served. It emphasizes the history, research, and aesthetics of caring from the perspectives of nursing and other disciplines. Emphasis is placed on critique of caring research, scholarly and aesthetic writing on caring, and resources available to study caring. Intentional caring and self-care are also analyzed.
INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE RESEARCH AND WRITING
3 credits
A cross-disciplinary seminar that introduces students to the latest research technology and databases for advanced work in their major. Emphasis on research and communication skills, including oral presentations and written reports and papers. An individualized paper or written project, approved by the student’s department, will be completed by each participant in the seminar.
SEMINAR IN NURSING HISTORY
3 credits
The purpose of this seminar is to expand the student’s awareness of the historical role of nursing as a social response to the health needs of the American public. The changes in nursing itself will be viewed through the context of American political, economic, and social force. The internal forces of nursing will be analyzed as responses to those events. The philosophies of nursing leaders and other leaders and groups will be analyzed. Emphasis will be given to the interplay between societal forces and American nursing practice, education, and administration.
GROUP PROCESS IN NURSING PRACTICE
3 credits
Nurses in advanced practice are increasingly called upon to participate in and provide leadership to groups of patients, families, and professional staff. Strong leadership in-group process can promote quality health care. To examine group process, course topics will include (1) theories of group development and operation, (2) group properties and process, (3) the synergistic nature of groups, and (4) the function of group leadership. The group theories and processes will be examined in light of support groups, patient education groups, staff-work groups, and committees.
SELECTED CERTIFICATE COURSES THAT MAY BE TAKEN AS M.S.N. ELECTIVES
CARING FOR THE ELDERLY: THEORIES, PRACTICES, AND SOCIAL POLICY
3 credits
This course analyzes aggregate care models for the elderly. It explores social policy on aging from a governmental and interagency perspective. Population changes and aging in society are highlighted. Public health and social agency strategies are explored. Ethical issues relating to aging and social policy are discussed.
THEORIES, PRINCIPLES, AND ASSESSMENT IN BIOLOGICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL AGING
3 credits
The course explores social and psychological aspects of aging, common physical health problems in the elderly, and behavioral and biological aging theories. Behavioral theories such as stress models, person-environment fit, and social cognitive theory are examined. Special attention is given to mood disorders, dementia, elder abuse, congestive heart failure, degenerative joint disease, and osteoporosis as prototype concerns. Common therapeutic interventions such as fall prevention, pain management, and exploitation prevention and assessment strategies for social, psychological, physical, and functional health aspects of aging are emphasized. Public health implications of depression, delirium, dementia, and elder exploitation are explored. Health advocacy approaches, prevention models, and critical pathway analysis are used to frame health promotion and disease prevention programs.
FIELD STUDY IN GERONTOLOGY: PRACTICUM
3 credits
This practicum course offers opportunities for students to observe and work with a preceptor in clinical or community settings serving the elderly. Seminar meetings and clinical experiences allow students to apply concepts of gerontology in actual elder-care situations.
Pre-requisites: GERO 410/510, GERO 422/522, GERO 591.
GERIATRIC PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
1 credit
This course explores treatment of mental health problems in the elderly using pharmacological interventions. Drug treatment for depression and psychosis are featured, as well as management of behavior disorders related to dementia along with the role of psychoactive drugs in the care of older adults. Appropriate and inappropriate uses of such drugs will be compared. Depression and dementia will be examined as prototypes of psychoactive drug use in the elderly. End-of-life issues and pain relief will be addressed.
Pre-requisites: GERO 410/510, 422/522, or special permission.
URBAN HEALTH: FAMILIES AND CHILDREN IN JEOPARDY
3 credits
This course explores the public health resources and challenges of urban families and their children. Utilizing models suitable for vulnerable populations, the impact of social, economic, and educational factors on the well being of urban populations is investigated. Students examine urban communities as complex physical and social environments. Selected threats to quality of life and the effects of common high-risk behaviors on family health are assessed. This course recognizes the family unit as the basis for interrelations health. Students engage family members and community organizations as partners in positive family health strategies. Experiential and service learning projects emphasize both family and community assessments.
