Nursing

Program Description

The program of study may be completed in any of ten tracks:

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, (On Hold)
Clinical Nurse Leader,
Nursing Administration/MBA (dual degree), (On Hold)
Nursing Service Administration (for those with a prior MBA), (On Hold)
Nursing Administration (On Hold)
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner,
Family Nurse Practitioner,
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The curriculum reflects a balance between liberal and professional education and is designed to foster intellectual inquisitiveness, analytical thinking, critical judgment, creativity, and self-direction under the guidance of quality faculty. Students are adult learners from diverse backgrounds who participate in the development of their own agendas for learning within a planned program of studies.

Mission

Consistent with Lasallian values, the Mission of the Nursing Program is to provide scientifically based nursing curricula to educate clinically competent, caring, nursing professionals with a commitment to excellence in practice, service, life-long learning, and scholarship.

Vision

The Nursing Program educates professionals prepared as leaders in practice, service, scholarship, and education, contributing to the advancement of the health and well-being of communities. Explore, Experience, Excel

Philosophy for Nursing Programs

Nursing is a practice-based profession encompassing both arts and sciences. Nursing provides health services to diverse individuals and groups. Nurses collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals and clients. Nursing care is aimed at facilitating health and wellness, thus fulfilling a contract between society and the profession. Safe, quality nursing interventions are evidence-based.

The nursing community at La Salle University respects the humanity of the people they serve and recognizes the potential for healing within the person, integrating mind, body, and spirit. Students bring their experience to the process of development as ethical, caring practitioners. Students and faculty relationships foster scholarship, collegiality, respect, and collaboration.

1. Science 2. Holistic care 3. Professionalism 4. Population health 5. Environment

Program Goals

• Prepare students to provide professional nursing services in health care agencies and communities with an emphasis on vulnerable populations,
• Facilitate students’ professional development in the knowledge, skills, and values to advocate for a healthy society,
• Foster student and faculty engagement in interprofessional and collaborative health care services, programs, and research,
• Educate students to strengthen the nursing profession and to contribute to the health of society through service and practice
• Develop a community of life-long learners among students, faculty, alumni, and community partners.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program the student will be able to do the following:

Integrate advanced theoretical, research-based, scientific, and clinical knowledge into clinical practice to provide nursing care to diverse clients. (Essential 1)
Practice independently and collaboratively with an inter-professional team while delivering direct and indirect care services in various types of health care systems. (Essential 2, 7, 9, 10)
Use research findings from nursing and other disciplines as a basis for clinical decision-making to improve practice and to formulate health policy. (Essential 4, 6)
Use ethical decision-making to promote the well-being of individuals, families, health care professionals in local, national, and international communities. (Essential 6)
Utilize evidence-based practice recommendations and professional standards of care to promote health, prevent disease and improve the health status of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. (Essential 4, 8)
Demonstrate communication skills, including health information management to enhance the quality of care provided at individual and aggregate levels. (Essential 5)
Demonstrate safe, effective assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills in caring for individuals and groups while working in inter-professional collaborative relationships. (Essential 3, 4, 7, 9)
Provide culturally competent care to all persons regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, culture, health care beliefs, and religion. (Essential 7, 8)
Function as a leader and change agent in nursing and in health care delivery systems particularly to insure quality care for vulnerable and underserved populations. (Essential 7, 8)
Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for on-going professional development (Essential 9).

Program Specific Information

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Academic Requirements

Master of Science in Nursing

The following is presented as a model for progression through the Master of Science in Nursing program. Individual plans for progression will be determined for each student in consultation with the Program Chair. Please see the Nursing Student Handbook, the University Student Handbook, and Student Guide to Rights and Responsibilities for additional information. These handbooks are both available on the University Web site and in print.

Required for all MSN Degrees

34 to 59 graduate credits (depending on track)

Core

Required of students in all tracks (12 credits)

NUR 709 - Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice
NUR 607 - Advanced Nursing Roles in Healthcare
NUR 608 - Advanced Education Nursing: Population-Based Care
Elective

Course Sequence

Tracks

Requirements vary with specialization chosen.

Clinical Nurse Leader

NUR 512
NUR 616
NUR 617
NUR 618
NUR 631
NUR 633
NUR 634

Total Credits: 34

Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

NUR 512
NUR 616
NUR 617
NUR 618
NUR 620
NUR 621
NUR 625
NUR 626
one elective

Total Credits: 41

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

NUR 615
NUR 616
NUR 617
NUR 618
NUR 660
NUR 661
NUR 665
NUR 666
One elective

Total credits: 41

Family Nurse Practitioner

NUR 615
NUR 616
NUR 617
NUR 618
NUR 660
NUR 661
NUR 663
NUR 664
NUR 665
NUR 667
NUR 668
NUR 669

Total Credits: 45

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

NUR 615
NUR 616
NUR 617
NUR 618
NUR 622
NUR 627
NUR 657
NUR 628
NUR 658

Total Credits: 46

Nursing Service Administration (with prior MBA)

MBA (transfer 9 credits)
NUR 512
NUR 565
NUR 635
NUR 640
NUR 645
NUR 646

Total Credits: 41

Nursing Administration

NUR 512
NUR 565
NUR 640
NUR 641
NUR 645
NUR 646
MBA 615
MBA 691
MBA 810
no electives

Total Credits: 41

Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA)

This dual-degree program prepares nurses for leadership positions in a reformed health-care system in all types of nursing and health-care practice settings. The curriculum focuses on the disciplines of nursing, management, and business and emphasizes the delivery of quality health- care services. Graduates participate fully in the strategic and operational activities of health-care agencies.

MSN/MBA Courses

NUR 604
NUR 605
NUR 607
NUR 608
NUR 640
NUR 645
NUR 646
MBA 610
MBA 615
MBA 625
MBA 630
MBA 690
MBA 691
MBA 692
MBA 810
MBA 820
MBA 830
MBA 901
MBA 902

Total Credits: 59

Dual Degree Information

Dual degree programs are offered for: MSN/MBA

MSN/MBA

This dual degree program prepares nurses for leadership positions in a reformed health care system in all types of nursing and health care practice settings. The curriculum focuses on the disciplines of nursing, management, and business and emphasizes the delivery of quality health care services. Graduates participate fully in the strategic and operational activities of health care agencies. Students in the MSN/MBA track must take the GMAT standardized test to be accepted. Students must also be accepted by the MBA program mba@lasalle.edu.

This track requires a total of 250 clinical hours in two of the nursing courses. The clinical experiences are in NUR 645 and NUR 646. There are additional field work requirements in selected MBA courses.

Pre-program Basic Skills** 3 Courses (1 credit each)

MBA 501 - The Executive Communicator: Presentation Module
MBA 502 - Computer Literacy for the Contemporary Business Environment
MBA 503 - Mathematical Methods Module*

*not required
**not required for most students

Nursing Certificates

Post-Graduate Certficate Programs are available for the following tracks:

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (On Hold)

This post-master's certificate option is available for nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

The track for a clinical nurse specialist prepares a professional for overseeing nursing care for a group of well or ill clients in hospitals, homes, and primary care settings, acting as a program director in some positions. Two major areas of responsibility include direct and indirect patient care. This nurse moves in and out of direct care situations when expert skill and knowledge are required. The clinical nurse specialist is accountable to patients, advocates for them, and evaluates the quality of nursing services. In indirect care, this nurse's responsibility is primarily to a nursing staff, serving as a consultant, bringing expert clinical knowledge to health care providers on a system-wide basis, and applying current research findings to patient care. This nurse's expertise contributes greatly to the plan of care for patients.

This track requires a total of 512 clinical hours. The clinical experiences are in NUR 625 and NUR 626.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

This post-master's certificate option is available for nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

This track prepares students to provide direct care and to take leadership in the primary care of young adults, adults and older adults. Primary care sites include outpatient clinics, work sites, college health services, emergency rooms, home health and other community-based settings. Upon completion of this track, students are eligible for licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for national certification as an Adult Practitioner.

This track requires a total of 512 clinical hours. The clinical experiences are in NUR 665 and NUR 666.

Family Nurse Practitioner

This post-master's certificate option is available for nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

This track builds upon the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track and prepares students to provide direct care and to take leadership in the primary care of families. Primary care sites include outpatient clinics, work sites, college health services, emergency rooms, home health and other community-based settings. Upon completion of this track, students are eligible for certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for national certification as a Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.

This track requires a total of 692 clinical hours. The clinical experiences are in NUR 665, NUR 667, NUR 668, NUR 669.

For post master’s certificate students who are already adult nurse practitioners, the clinical requirements are 306 hours.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This post-master's certificate option is available for nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program prepares nurse practitioner students to provide a full range of mental health services to clients across the life span. This specialty emphasizes prevention, diagnosis, and management of both acute episodic and chronic mental illnesses. Although not setting specific, clinical rotations will primarily occur in in-patient, outpatient, and community residential settings. Upon completion of this track, students are eligible for certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

This track requires a total of 692 clinical hours. The clinical experiences are in NUR 665, NUR 667, NUR 668, NUR 669.

Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA) (On Hold)

Nursing Courses

NUR 604
NUR 605
NUR 607
NUR 608
NUR 640
NUR 645
NUR 646
MBA 810
MBA 820
MBA 830
MBA 901
MBA 902

MBA Courses

MBA 610
MBA 615
MBA 625
MBA 630
MBA 690
MBA 691
MBA 692

Total Credits: 59

Degree or Certificate Earned

M.S.N.

Number of Courses Required for Program Completion

11-19

Number of Credits Required for Program Completion

34-59 credits

GPA Required for Program Completion

3.0

Program Contact Information

Patricia Dillon, PhD, RN

Chair of the Graduate Nursing Programs

dillonp@lasalle.edu

215-951-1322

Staff Contact Information

Christine Beerman

Administrative Assistant

mcglinn@lasalle.edu

215-951-1413

Faculty

Chair: Patricia A. Dillon, Ph.D, R.N.

Professors: Czekanski, Dillon
Associate Professors: Donohue-Smith, Frizzell, Kinder, Wilby

Assistant Professors: Alberts, Palovcak, Uribe, Wool

Course Descriptions

NUR 512 - Informatics

This course provides an overview of informatics and other technologies used to enhance and improve patient care. The application of communication technology to integrate and coordinate care is examined. Data management and electronic health records are explored. Access to current literature through search processes using technology is linked to evidence-based health education and other patient care interventions.

Number of Credits: 3

NUR 565 - Safety Strategies for Health Care Delivery Systems

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.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

NUR 581 - The School Nurse and the Exceptional Child

This course examines the principles of school nursing applied to children with special education and health-related needs. Students explore the practical applications of laws, rules, and regulations that form the basis for accommodating the needs of exceptional children. Emphasis is placed on identifying common health problems and disabilities, nursing care management, and interdisciplinary decision-making. This course addresses Knowledge of Content (IA-ID), Performances, and Professionalism (IIIA-IIID) specified in the School Nurse Guidelines of the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards.

Number of Credits: 3

How Offered: Online

NUR 582 - School Nurse Practicum

This course provides the student with a practicum in school nursing to meet the entry criteria for school nurse certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and meets Standards IV, V, VI, and VII of the Pennsylvania Department of Education General Standards and School Nurse Guidelines I.A., I.B., I.C., I.D., II, III.B., III.C., and III.D. Practicum students will demonstrate the school nurse role under the supervision of a certified school nurse mentor. Students applying to take course will present a dossier detailing previous work experience and professional academic experience for evaluation by the School of Nursing.

Number of Credits: 4

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: NUR 581

NUR 607 - Advanced Nursing Roles in Healthcare

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, socio-cultural, legislative-political, and professional concerns. Program development, informatics, fiscal management of health-care services, budgeting, and reimbursement issues are emphasized. Students practice interdisciplinary networking and coalition-building skills in leadership roles extending beyond the traditional health-care environment.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

NUR 608 - Advanced Nursing Practice for Population-Based Care

In this course, students develop cultural competence regarding the role of the advanced practice 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.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

NUR 615 - Family System Concepts for Primary Care

This course explores theoretical perspectives on individuals' health within the family system, emphasizing vulnerable and underserved populations. Societal-level patterns of aging are investigated, including issues affecting family systems at the national and global levels. Family assessment, human development, and life transitions theory are introduced to prepare students to provide anticipatory guidance and advance care planning. Family responses to and coping mechanisms associated with acute, chronic, and terminal illness are scrutinized. Principles of cultural competence and leadership/change agency are explored.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

NUR 616 - Advanced Health Assessment

This course addresses the health assessment of individuals across their lifespan 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 patients' potential and actual health problems. The course enables students to develop skills necessary to evaluate the comprehensive health status of individuals 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.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core, NUR 617, NUR 618

NUR 617 - Advanced Pharmacology

This course expands the study of the actions and effects of drugs in the human system across an individual's lifespan. Students synthesize legal and professional nursing responsibilities related to pharmacotherapy for health promotion, pathological syndromes, and clinical disorders in advanced practice nursing roles. Students appraise principles of drug therapy, mechanisms of action, and selection of appropriate pharmacological agents in clinical prescribing.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: NUR 618

Corequisites: NUR 618

NUR 618 - Advanced Pathophysiology

This course integrates physiological principles, clinical manifestations, and advanced nursing practice implications with the clinical decision-making process. Common pathological syndromes and disorders are explored across an individual's lifespan. Students interpret physiologic, pathophysiologic, psychological, and sociocultural data utilizing information to formulate culturally appropriate advanced nursing practice. Students focus on differentiating normal, variations of normal and abnormal changes of syndromes, and constellations of symptoms with a selection of pertinent diagnostic testing.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

NUR 620 - Biopsychosocial Processes: Nursing Care of Adults in Health and Illness

This course explores biopsychosocial and cultural processes in relation to health, illness, and healing in diverse human systems, especially those from vulnerable and under-served populations. Students evaluate significant health problems that represent leading causes of mortality and morbidity for adults from early adulthood through senescence. Evidence- based nursing interventions for adult and geriatric patients with varied health problems ranging from primary to acute concerns are evaluated from the Clinical Nurse Specialist's caring perspective. The National Association for Clinical Nurse Specialists' (NACNS) Statement on Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice and Education, the Clinical Nurse Specialist Core Competencies, and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Competencies provide the role context for the course with adult-gerontology population content provided using relevant resources to achieve nationally validated competencies with an emphasis on quality improvement, outcomes management, research, and evidence-based practice.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Online

NUR 621 - Biopsychosocial Processes II: Nursing Care of Adults in Health and Illness

This course is a continuation of NUR 620 which explores biopsychosocial and cultural processes in relation to health and healing in human systems especially those from vulnerable and under-served populations. Students evaluate significant health problems which represent the leading causes of mortality and morbidity for adults in the United States. Nursing interventions for adults with these problems are evaluated from the Clinical Nurse Specialist's caring perspective and from the service
orientations of culturally competent health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, and health restoration. The National Association for Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) practice and education standards are emphasized. (Under revision)

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Online

NUR 622 - Psychopharmacology

This course provides advanced knowledge of the neurophysiological processes, risks, benefits, and outcomes of the use of psychotropic drugs in mental health practice. Scientific foundations and best practices for the clinical application of medication in treating mental disorders across the lifespan are discussed. Pharmacotherapy for promoting health and treating clinical disorders in the advanced practice nursing role is discussed in the context of the legal and professional guidelines for prescribing. Students synthesize knowledge of drug therapy and metabolism and the use of genetic assays in the selection of pharmacological agents in clinical prescribing.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: NUR617: Advanced Pharmacology; NUR 618: Advanced Pathophysiology

NUR 625 - Field Study in Adult Health and Illness I

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 (CNS). 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 250 hours of clinical practicum.

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: NUR 616, Core

Corequisites: NUR 621

NUR 626 - Field Study in Adult Gerontology Health and Illness II

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 practice and education standards of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) are integrated. This course requires 250 hours of clinical practicum.

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: NUR 625

Corequisites: NUR 621

NUR 627 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role 1 Course

This foundational course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to meet the needs of clients across the lifespan, with focus on vulnerable populations. Legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice are reviewed. The course also introduces basic competencies in therapeutic communication and conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments on clients from diverse cultures and across age groups. Students will draw upon diagnostic criteria outlined in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5).

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core and Advanced Core

Corequisites: NUR 657: Clinical Practicum Role I

NUR 628 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role 2 Course

This course focuses on treatment models for prevention, intervention, and psychoeducation for selected acute and chronic psychiatric conditions of clients across the lifespan. Students review legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice, with special attention to vulnerable populations. The needs of clients with co-occurring psychiatric and physical disorders and neurocognitive disorders are also addressed.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core and Advanced Core; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Role I; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Field Study I

Corequisites: NUR 658: Clinical Practicum Role II

NUR 629 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role 3 Course

This course focuses on family level interventions, group therapy, and crisis intervention. Approaches also incorporate evidence-based complementary and alternative healthcare interventions. Examination of the consultation liaison role, the benefits and challenges to interprofessional practice, and the collaborative functions of the PMHNP in integrated medical practice are included. Issues related to independent professional practice are also addressed.

Number of Credits: 2

When Offered: Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core and Advanced Core: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Role I and II; Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Field Study I and II

Corequisites: NUR 659: Field Study Role III

NUR 631 - Clinical Outcomes Management

This course addresses clinical decision-making, management of patient care, evidence-based practice, and outcomes management. Students participate in the process of developing best practice guidelines for promoting, maintaining, and restoring health. Quality assurance, safety and risk reduction will be examined. Students begin to develop a leadership portfolio.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Online

NUR 633 - Care Environment Management

This course investigates knowledge of complex health care systems including health care delivery models, financing, organization of health care systems, legislation affecting health care, and the role of professional nursing organizations in the health care environment. Students analyze the role of the CNL in health care systems.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Online

NUR 634 - Field Study in Clinical Nurse Leadership

This course provides students the opportunity to participate in a leadership practicum with a mentor from a practice setting. Students complete their leadership portfolio that includes a capstone project demonstrating implementation of the leadership skills they have developed during their course of study.

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Online

NUR 640 - Nursing Management/Administration I: The Content and Context of Nursing Administration

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.

Number of Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Core, MBA Foundation, MBA Executive Perspectives, and acceptance into the MBA program.

Corequisites: NUR 645

NUR 641 - Nursing Management/Administration II

The emphasis of this course is on the role of the nurse administrator in developing and managing human resources within the health care delivery system. Theories and principles related to the development of an organizational climate that fosters staff satisfaction and productivity are explored. The Magnet Program is discussed and reviewed. Principles of personnel administration, employee relations, legal guidelines and collective bargaining are examined throughout the course.

Number of Credits: 3

NUR 645 - Field Study in Nursing Management/Administration I

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.

Number of Credits: 4

Prerequisites: MBA Core, MBA Foundation, MBA Executive Perspectives

Corequisites: NUR 640

NUR 646 - Field Study in Nursing Management/Administration II

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 underserved. This course requires 125 hours of clinical practicum.

Required MBA courses are previously listed and described elsewhere in this catalog.

Number of Credits: 4

Prerequisites: NUR 645

NUR 650 - Public Health Nursing I

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.

Number of Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Core, NUR 635, NUR 637

Corequisites: NUR 655

NUR 651 - Public Health Nursing II

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.

Number of Credits: 3

Prerequisites: NUR 650, NUR 655

Corequisites: NUR 656

NUR 655 - Field Study in Public Health Nursing I

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.

Number of Credits: 4

Prerequisites: NUR 635, NUR 637, HCA 731, or MBA 610

Corequisites: NUR 650

NUR 656 - Field Study in Public Health Nursing II

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.

Number of Credits: 4

Prerequisites: NUR 650, NUR 655

Corequisites: NUR 651

NUR 657 - Field Study: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role 1

This course focuses on clinical practice with clients with mental health conditions in accordance with the role expectations and scope of practice of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse. Students apply principles of legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice by conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments on clients from diverse cultures and across age groups. Students utilize appropriate assessment tools and protocols to develop primary and differential diagnoses according to the diagnostic criteria outlined in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5).

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Fall

How Offered: Online

NUR 658 - Field Study: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role 2

Students provide care to clients with mental health conditions according to the role expectations and scope of practice of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse. Students practice in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice in conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments on clients from diverse cultures and across age groups. The course focuses on development of skills in psychotherapeutic intervention, including pharmacological and alternative and complementary health therapies. The needs of clients with co-occurring psychiatric and physical disorders and neurocognitive disorders are also addressed.

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Spring

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core and Advanced Core; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Role I; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Field Study I

Corequisites: NUR 628: Clinical Practicum Role II

NUR 659 - Field Study: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role 3

Students will provide care to clients with mental health conditions according to the role expectations and scope of practice of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse. Students will practice in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice in conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments on clients from diverse cultures and across age groups. Students demonstrate competence in psychotherapeutic intervention, including pharmacological and alternative and complementary health therapies. The needs of clients with co-occurring psychiatric and physical disorders and neurocognitive disorders are also addressed.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core and Advanced Core; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Role and II; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Field Study I and II

Corequisites: NUR 629: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Role III

NUR 660 - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care I

This course focuses on the primary care health concerns of diverse young adults, adults, and older adults and facilitates student development in the nurse practitioner role. Using national health-care guidelines and professional standards, students assess health behaviors, plan and implement culturally appropriate and evidence-based practice strategies for health promotion and disease prevention, and evaluate health outcomes. Health maintenance and health restoration are explored in light of contemporary health-care environments, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations. Patient education and counseling techniques relevant to advanced nursing practice are emphasized.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core, NUR 616, NUR 617, NUR 618

Corequisites: NUR 665

NUR 661 - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care II

This course focuses on theories, principles, and processes necessary to diagnose and manage primary care health problems of young adults, adults, and older adults. Evidence-based practice standards and professional ethics are emphasized as students acquire knowledge necessary to evaluate and manage diverse patient populations with complex primary care health needs ranging from acuity to chronicity, including palliative and end-of-life care. Students explore health risks and behaviors, health promotion strategies, disease prevention, and health restoration in the context of contemporary health-care environments. Legal, ethical, financial, and cultural concepts related to advanced-practice nursing and professional credentialing are integrated. Patient education and counseling techniques relevant to the advanced-practice nursing role are addressed.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: NUR 660

Corequisites: NUR 666 or NUR 667

NUR 663 - Primary Care of Women

This course presents the principles of primary care, emphasizing health promotion, and disease prevention for both the pregnant and non- pregnant woman. Pathophysiologic alterations will be addressed as well as developmental stages, family, cultural, and societal influences. Primary care management of common health problems of adult women will be discussed. Students will develop increased clinical reasoning skills with the goal of managing the female patient in the ambulatory care setting.

Number of Credits: 2

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: NUR 616, 617, 618, 660, 665

Corequisites: NUR 668

NUR 664 - Primary Care of Children

This course presents the principles of primary care, emphasizing health promotion, and disease prevention for the child from birth to adolescence. Pathophysiologic alterations will be addressed as well as developmental stages, family, cultural, and societal influences. Primary care management of common health problems of children will be discussed. Students will develop increased clinical reasoning skills with the goal of managing the pediatric patient in the ambulatory care setting.

Number of Credits: 2

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

NUR 665 - Field Study: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care I

This seminar course focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective primary care to young adults, adults, and older adults. Seminars focus on the application of physiologic, pharmacologic, and psychosocial principles in the professional 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. Course assignments focus on the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness. (256 preceptored clinical hours)

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

Corequisites: NUR 660

NUR 666 - Field Study in Primary Care of Adults II

This course allows students to further develop and refine necessary skills for the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. Students build on competencies achieved in NUR 665 and continue to integrate evidence from advanced practice nursing and related disciplines in classroom and clinical activities to prepare for the role of the nurse practitioner. Students apply knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to provide safe and effective health care in the delivery of primary care. (256 peceptored clinical hours).

Number of Credits: 4

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core, NUR 616, NUR 617, NUR 618, NUR 665

Corequisites: NUR 661

NUR 667 - Field Study: Adult Gerontology Primary Care II for the FNP Student

This course allows students to further develop and refine necessary skills for the family nurse practitioner. Students build on competencies achieved in NUR 665 and continue to integrate evidence from advanced-practice nursing and related disciplines in classroom and clinical activities to prepare for the role of the nurse practitioner. Students apply knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to provide safe and effective health care in the delivery of primary care. (128 peceptored clinical hours).

Number of Credits: 2

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

Prerequisites: Core, NUR 616, NUR 617, NUR 618, NUR 665

Corequisites: NUR 661

NUR 668 - Field Study in Primary Care of Women

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 with the pregnant and non pregnant woman through integration of theory and principles of nursing and other related fields and supervised 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 within diverse primary care settings. Student presentations develop the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness and management of pregnant and non pregnant women.

Number of Credits: 2

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

NUR 669 - FNP Field Study II

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 with the pediatric client through integration of theory and principles of nursing and other related fields and supervised 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 within diverse primary care settings. Student presentations develop the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness and management of pediatric client.

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online

NUR 709 - Nursing Research for Evidence Based Practice

Students examine nursing research as applied to the profession’s clinical nursing problems by examining the major parts, processes, and principles of quality investigations. They critique studies on a clinical problem and compare research designs, purposes, and methods. The fit of data analysis approaches with research questions and methods is also evaluated.

Restrictions: For MSN and CRNA students only

Number of Credits: 3

When Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

How Offered: Online