Within the School of Nursing, applications to the MSN, Postgraduate, and DNP Programs are reviewed and acted upon by the Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC). Decisions by the GSAC are final and confidential. Applications for admission to the MSN, Postgraduate, and DNP Programs are evaluated on the basis of scholarship, writing ability, potential for success, and professionalism. Qualified students are admitted into a specified specialty track within the MSN, Postgraduate Certificate, and DNP Programs on a space available basis. Only complete applications from qualified students will be reviewed and considered by the GSAC. Qualified applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission.
Approval of transfer credit is made on a course by course basis. Courses submitted for consideration must be of equivalent semester hours or sufficiently match expected learning outcomes required in the GU-SON program. Candidates may transfer up to a maximum of 3 graduate nursing courses for up to 12 semester hours (sh) of graduate course work completed within 5 years prior to admission (see exceptions below) at another nationally accredited program with a grade of “B” or above. Any deficits in s.h. of transfer credit must be completed to earn the required number of s.h. for completion of the designated program of study (POS). Students may add designated courses from the DNP and NE certificate POS to earn the required number of s.h. (see listing on Petition for Transfer Credit form).
Special conditions and exceptions to course completion time-limits:
The Petition for Transfer Credit form and a detailed syllabus is submitted at the time of application to the program. Petitions for Transfer Credit are reviewed by The Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC) for all students accepted into the graduate nursing program. Decisions regarding acceptance of transfer credit are finalized at the time of acceptance and communicated to students in the offer of admission notification letter.
At the time of application for admission to a graduate nursing program, submit the following to songraduateprograms@graceland.edu for consideration of transfer credit:
Detailed syllabus (catalog listing is not sufficient for review) for each previously requested course that includes the following:
GSAC will review submitted materials upon candidate acceptance and document approval/denial on the petition form. The Graduate Programs Office (GPO) will notify, in writing, the student and the Registrar of courses approved for transfer credit. Decisions regarding acceptance of transfer credit are communicated to students in the offer of admission notification letter. The Program of Study and Completion Plan will be updated by the Registrar and the Program Consultant.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program expands the focus of nursing, using as its foundation the basic baccalaureate nursing program. The program’s goals are directed toward educating the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The FNP concentration focuses on preparing nurses to perform in the expanded APN role as primary care providers for individuals, groups and communities across the life-span. The AGACNP concentration focuses on preparing nurses to perform in the expanded APN role caring for adult & gerontology populations in acute and chronic care settings. The PMHNP concentration focuses on preparing nurses to perform in the expanded APN role working across the lifespan with pediatric to geriatric patients providing mental health care and substance abuse treatment in all types of healthcare settings. The student’s area of concentration incorporates a blend of theory and research with an emphasis on guided practice in relevant practice areas. Areas of concentration (FNP; AGACNP; PMHNP) are noted on the transcript.
The MSN curricula are primarily provided via the internet. Programs are designed to provide working RNs the opportunity to pursue graduate work through the completion of a combination of online cohort courses and faculty and preceptor-guided practicums in the student’s local community. All students are required to attend one focus session on Graceland’s Independence campus during the course of the program.
Postgraduate Certificate programs are available to nurses who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN; MN). Each specialty track presents a theoretical base specific to the selected area. The theoretical base is accompanied by clinical or practical experience which allows the student to apply the theory to specialized professional practice. All students are required to attend one focus session on Graceland’s Independence campus during the course of the program. Students admitted to a Postgraduate Certificate program are not matriculated for a graduate degree. A certificate is awarded upon completion.
To qualify for graduation, each degree condidate must have:
Core Courses (13 s.h. required for all specialty tracks)
MSN Specialty Track: Family Nurse Practitioner (25 s.h.)
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Provides a foundational knowledge of the multifaceted role of the Advanced Practice Nurse in the primary care setting; addressing selected advanced practice procedures diagnostic test interpretation and analysis of the APN as a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory face-face focus session on the Independence Campus. Prerequisite: NURS5143 (Prerequisite must be taken no more than 2 terms in advance of lab course.), Corequisite: NURS5193 (FNP).
Examines the common, acute, and chronic health problems occurring in infancy through adolescence using a body-system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies specific to acute and common problems in children will be emphasized. Nursing strategies to enhance, maintain and restore health will be emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Examines common acute and chronic health problems occurring in adults using a body-systems approach, and incorporates the physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, intellectual and cultural aspects of the individual when planning care. Students will utilize and integrate advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory to formulate differential diagnoses based on appropriate patient history and physical examination in order to create holistic treatment plans. Strategies used to enhance, maintain and restore health will be emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5440.
Focuses on a holistic approach to health care from infancy through adolescence incorporating the principles of well child care, health promotion, and disease prevention including the concepts of growth and development, and screening procedures. Emphasizes advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies specific to acute and common problems in children. Stresses clinical interventions to enhance, maintain, and restore health in context of family and community environments. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. This course requires 180 clinical hours and a minimum of 180 pediatric patients. Documentation and the care is to be entered into the nurse practitioner tracking system. In addition, all clinical hours must be completed within the United States and its territories. All hours must be with pediatric patients ages birth-18 and include well visits, acute, and chronic care. No specialty hours will be allowed in this practicum. Pre or Corequisite: NURS5200, Prerequisites: NURS5194, NURS6800.
Focuses on a holistic approach to health care of the adult in diverse settings incorporating the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and primary health care concepts. Culturally sensitive care will be provided/coordinated using an interdisciplinary approach and with patient/family involvement. Information from other core courses will be used to integrate research, theory, and Evidence Based Practice (EBP) into management of adults in the context of their family and community environment. Emphasis is placed on advanced pathophysiology, physical assessment, diagnostic strategies, and culturally sensitive treatment plans specific to chronic/acute health problems in adults across the life span. Emphasis is also placed on independent practice management skills. Leadership roles will be assumed to help develop health care policies that impact patient/health outcomes. This requires understanding of organization design/structure and resources allocated to provide accessible, affordable, and quality health care to diverse populations at all levels, community, state, federal, and national. Pre or Corequisite: NURS6200, Prerequisite: NURS6800.
Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.
Capstone course of the family nurse practitioner program requiring independent clinical management of acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. This care will be coordinated with an interdisciplinary approach in addition to patient and family decision making while meeting the needs of multicultural groups. Patient education and treatment plans will incorporate health promotion and disease prevention. Student will be required to use knowledge obtained from previous core courses as they integrate research/theory into improving advanced nursing practice. This course will prepare student in assuming advanced leadership roles within healthcare teams and the community to improve health outcomes. It requires the understanding of organizational structure and resources to deliver care. Synthesis of practice management skills pertaining to economics, reimbursement for services, policy development, and management will be emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS6740 and NURS6760.
This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Provides a foundational knowledge of the multifaceted role of the Advanced Practice Nurse in the primary care setting; addressing selected advanced practice procedures diagnostic test interpretation and analysis of the APN as a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory face-face focus session on the Independence Campus. Prerequisite: NURS5143 (Prerequisite must be taken no more than 2 terms in advance of lab course.), Corequisite: NURS5193 (FNP).
Examines the common, acute, and chronic health problems occurring in infancy through adolescence using a body-system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies specific to acute and common problems in children will be emphasized. Nursing strategies to enhance, maintain and restore health will be emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Examines common acute and chronic health problems occurring in adults using a body-systems approach, and incorporates the physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, intellectual and cultural aspects of the individual when planning care. Students will utilize and integrate advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory to formulate differential diagnoses based on appropriate patient history and physical examination in order to create holistic treatment plans. Strategies used to enhance, maintain and restore health will be emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5440.
Focuses on a holistic approach to health care from infancy through adolescence incorporating the principles of well child care, health promotion, and disease prevention including the concepts of growth and development, and screening procedures. Emphasizes advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies specific to acute and common problems in children. Stresses clinical interventions to enhance, maintain, and restore health in context of family and community environments. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. This course requires 180 clinical hours and a minimum of 180 pediatric patients. Documentation and the care is to be entered into the nurse practitioner tracking system. In addition, all clinical hours must be completed within the United States and its territories. All hours must be with pediatric patients ages birth-18 and include well visits, acute, and chronic care. No specialty hours will be allowed in this practicum. Pre or Corequisite: NURS5200, Prerequisites: NURS5194, NURS6800.
Focuses on a holistic approach to health care of the adult in diverse settings incorporating the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and primary health care concepts. Culturally sensitive care will be provided/coordinated using an interdisciplinary approach and with patient/family involvement. Information from other core courses will be used to integrate research, theory, and Evidence Based Practice (EBP) into management of adults in the context of their family and community environment. Emphasis is placed on advanced pathophysiology, physical assessment, diagnostic strategies, and culturally sensitive treatment plans specific to chronic/acute health problems in adults across the life span. Emphasis is also placed on independent practice management skills. Leadership roles will be assumed to help develop health care policies that impact patient/health outcomes. This requires understanding of organization design/structure and resources allocated to provide accessible, affordable, and quality health care to diverse populations at all levels, community, state, federal, and national. Pre or Corequisite: NURS6200, Prerequisite: NURS6800.
Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.
Capstone course of the family nurse practitioner program requiring independent clinical management of acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. This care will be coordinated with an interdisciplinary approach in addition to patient and family decision making while meeting the needs of multicultural groups. Patient education and treatment plans will incorporate health promotion and disease prevention. Student will be required to use knowledge obtained from previous core courses as they integrate research/theory into improving advanced nursing practice. This course will prepare student in assuming advanced leadership roles within healthcare teams and the community to improve health outcomes. It requires the understanding of organizational structure and resources to deliver care. Synthesis of practice management skills pertaining to economics, reimbursement for services, policy development, and management will be emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS6740 and NURS6760.
This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.
Core Courses (13 s.h. required for all specialty tracks)
MSN Specialty Track: Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (28 s.h.)
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Focuses on skill development in diagnostic and treatment modalities utilized in acute & critical care settings. Content includes fluid replacement, hemodynamic monitoring, defibrillation, ventilation. Analysis of relevant laboratory data and interpretation of radiographs and ECGs. Laboratory practice will include procedures such as suturing, intubation, line insertion. Pre-requisites: NURS5440, NURS5100.
Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory, face-to-face focus session (24 hours competency skills lab) held at the Independence Campus during Week 6. Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: NURS5192.
Focuses on comprehensive care of adult-gerontology (AG) populations. Examines common acute and chronic health problems using a body system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies, and evidence based-practice specific to common acute and chronic conditions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.
Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and orthopedic/mobility disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5270.
NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II 3 s.h. Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of neurologic, hematology/oncology, GI/GU and rheumatic disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5280.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of chronic health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactic/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5280, Corequisite: NURS5290.
Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of acute health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactice/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5450.
Focuses on integration, application and development in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Comprehensive management of acute and chronic health problems is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (300 practice hours) 1 didactic/4 clinical) Prerequisites: NURS5460.
Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.
This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Focuses on skill development in diagnostic and treatment modalities utilized in acute & critical care settings. Content includes fluid replacement, hemodynamic monitoring, defibrillation, ventilation. Analysis of relevant laboratory data and interpretation of radiographs and ECGs. Laboratory practice will include procedures such as suturing, intubation, line insertion. Pre-requisites: NURS5440, NURS5100.
Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory, face-to-face focus session (24 hours competency skills lab) held at the Independence Campus during Week 6. Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: NURS5192.
Focuses on comprehensive care of adult-gerontology (AG) populations. Examines common acute and chronic health problems using a body system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies, and evidence based-practice specific to common acute and chronic conditions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.
Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and orthopedic/mobility disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5270.
NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II 3 s.h. Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of neurologic, hematology/oncology, GI/GU and rheumatic disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5280.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of chronic health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactic/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5280, Corequisite: NURS5290.
Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of acute health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactice/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5450.
Focuses on integration, application and development in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Comprehensive management of acute and chronic health problems is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (300 practice hours) 1 didactic/4 clinical) Prerequisites: NURS5460.
Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.
This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.
Core Courses (13 s.h. required for all specialty tracks)
MSN Specialty Track: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (28 s.h.)
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Understanding medical and mental health conditions impacting the patient across the lifespan with student performance of regular physical and mental health assessment. This course occurs prior to the start of the Practicum I course and includes a mandatory face to face focus session on the Independence, Missouri campus.
This course is designed to introduce theories and techniques used in counseling and psychotherapy for patients across the lifespan. It also examines the guiding principles and ethics of counseling and psychotherapy. Techniques of counseling are introduced and explored based on a wide range of theories, environments, and varying multi-cultural populations. Students will demonstrate skills learned in the didactic portion of the course while in a clinical setting in their own community, completing 150 hours of practicum experiences. Following completion of the course, students will have foundational understanding and clinical experiences of commonly utilized theories and psychotherapeutic techniques.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Knowledge and understanding of the role of the PMHNP in various practice settings. Collaboration, leadership, cultural, and spiritual competence in specific mental health population groups will be addressed. The clients’ bill of rights, informed consent, treatment options, client confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance will be covered. The role of the PMHNP including therapeutic alliance, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and assessment will be addressed. Common psychiatric illnesses will be identified and treatment explored.
Advance pharmacology concepts focusing on mental health illnesses and clinical management of various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Competence in identification of psychiatric medication contraindications, interactions, adverse effects, side effects, heritability conditions, and gene to drug interactions will be emphasized.
Knowledge learned from previous courses provide the foundation of knowledge to focus on differential diagnosis and interventions for complex care of adult and geriatric patients with mental health symptoms and/or conditions. Complementary and alternative treatments will be explored. Clinical interviewing skills, health promotion, and disease prevention, mental health screening tools, psychiatric emergencies, and suicidal/homicidal ideations with risk assessment will be covered with information on how to screen, recognize, treat, and referral for various mental health conditions will be covered. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Knowledge and understanding of differential diagnoses along with treatment options to meet the needs of the pediatric patient and family. Interventions, screening, health promotion, prevention, psychiatric emergencies, and behavioral conditions for complex care of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age with a focus on mental health psychiatric symptoms and mental health conditions are covered. Evidence-based treatment on the appropriate screening tools, medications, and recommended family and developmental theories that can be used in practice. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Focus on PMHNP in clinical practice learning to collaborate with the mental health preceptor and course instructor. Education on clinical interviewing and assessment, utilizing therapeutic mental health models and theories in practice, incorporation of mental health screening tools to assist in identification of mental health disorders. Utilizing recovery and resilience promotion, psychoeducation and therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, analyzing laboratory tests with appropriate interpretation using evidence-based practice for diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions and medical conditions occurring simultaneously. Pre-requisite: NURS5664
Assessment and clinical interviewing of patients and family, developing differential diagnosis selection, and final diagnosis selection based on evidence-based treatment guidelines and presenting conditions. Medication treatment with knowledge of side effects, adverse effects, screening tools, and evaluation of emergency situations. Interpretation of diagnostic lab tests and students will provide education on treatment recommendations based on results identified to the patient as indicated with preceptor supervision. Pre-requisite: NURS5665
Building upon previous practicum experiences, the PMHNP student will continue clinical assessment and clinical interviewing of patients utilizing theories and therapy options learned while developing independence in making the best clinical decisions for the patient. Age appropriate clinical assessments, treatment recommendations, and conduction of appropriate therapy based treatments promoting education and efforts to reduce negative stigma related to mental health conditions with the goal to promote improved quality of life and daily functioning for the patient and family. Pre-requisites: NURS6841, NURS6842
This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Understanding medical and mental health conditions impacting the patient across the lifespan with student performance of regular physical and mental health assessment. This course occurs prior to the start of the Practicum I course and includes a mandatory face to face focus session on the Independence, Missouri campus.
This course is designed to introduce theories and techniques used in counseling and psychotherapy for patients across the lifespan. It also examines the guiding principles and ethics of counseling and psychotherapy. Techniques of counseling are introduced and explored based on a wide range of theories, environments, and varying multi-cultural populations. Students will demonstrate skills learned in the didactic portion of the course while in a clinical setting in their own community, completing 150 hours of practicum experiences. Following completion of the course, students will have foundational understanding and clinical experiences of commonly utilized theories and psychotherapeutic techniques.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Knowledge and understanding of the role of the PMHNP in various practice settings. Collaboration, leadership, cultural, and spiritual competence in specific mental health population groups will be addressed. The clients’ bill of rights, informed consent, treatment options, client confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance will be covered. The role of the PMHNP including therapeutic alliance, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and assessment will be addressed. Common psychiatric illnesses will be identified and treatment explored.
Advance pharmacology concepts focusing on mental health illnesses and clinical management of various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Competence in identification of psychiatric medication contraindications, interactions, adverse effects, side effects, heritability conditions, and gene to drug interactions will be emphasized.
Knowledge learned from previous courses provide the foundation of knowledge to focus on differential diagnosis and interventions for complex care of adult and geriatric patients with mental health symptoms and/or conditions. Complementary and alternative treatments will be explored. Clinical interviewing skills, health promotion, and disease prevention, mental health screening tools, psychiatric emergencies, and suicidal/homicidal ideations with risk assessment will be covered with information on how to screen, recognize, treat, and referral for various mental health conditions will be covered. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Knowledge and understanding of differential diagnoses along with treatment options to meet the needs of the pediatric patient and family. Interventions, screening, health promotion, prevention, psychiatric emergencies, and behavioral conditions for complex care of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age with a focus on mental health psychiatric symptoms and mental health conditions are covered. Evidence-based treatment on the appropriate screening tools, medications, and recommended family and developmental theories that can be used in practice. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Focus on PMHNP in clinical practice learning to collaborate with the mental health preceptor and course instructor. Education on clinical interviewing and assessment, utilizing therapeutic mental health models and theories in practice, incorporation of mental health screening tools to assist in identification of mental health disorders. Utilizing recovery and resilience promotion, psychoeducation and therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, analyzing laboratory tests with appropriate interpretation using evidence-based practice for diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions and medical conditions occurring simultaneously. Pre-requisite: NURS5664
Assessment and clinical interviewing of patients and family, developing differential diagnosis selection, and final diagnosis selection based on evidence-based treatment guidelines and presenting conditions. Medication treatment with knowledge of side effects, adverse effects, screening tools, and evaluation of emergency situations. Interpretation of diagnostic lab tests and students will provide education on treatment recommendations based on results identified to the patient as indicated with preceptor supervision. Pre-requisite: NURS5665
Building upon previous practicum experiences, the PMHNP student will continue clinical assessment and clinical interviewing of patients utilizing theories and therapy options learned while developing independence in making the best clinical decisions for the patient. Age appropriate clinical assessments, treatment recommendations, and conduction of appropriate therapy based treatments promoting education and efforts to reduce negative stigma related to mental health conditions with the goal to promote improved quality of life and daily functioning for the patient and family. Pre-requisites: NURS6841, NURS6842
This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.
Successful completion of following three courses (passed with grade B or better) warrant completion of Certificate in Leadership.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Focuses on information systems technology, its applications within healthcare settings, and the value of technology for managing healthcare data. Some covered content includes information technologies and applications used in healthcare for various purposes including clinical decision support, transferring expert knowledge, and for collecting and managing healthcare data. Current and emerging technologies are introduced, as well as other topics such as policy, ethical and legal issues relevant to health information technology (health IT). The value and impact of health IT implementation is covered, and students learn about technology and outcomes evaluation. They are also introduced to the role of various stakeholders in health IT planning, design, implementation, management and use. Students will acquire the skills necessary to accurately use information systems and technology and to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research.
Focuses on leadership theories and principles and innovative leadership strategies for the DNP Concepts covered include transformational leadership, measurement of outcomes, data driven decision-making, organizational culture and climate, communication skills, professional accountability, change theory, and the business realities of healthcare leadership. Students will develop and or refine leadership skills as they progress through the course in order to enhance the quality of nursing and healthcare delivery systems.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Focuses on information systems technology, its applications within healthcare settings, and the value of technology for managing healthcare data. Some covered content includes information technologies and applications used in healthcare for various purposes including clinical decision support, transferring expert knowledge, and for collecting and managing healthcare data. Current and emerging technologies are introduced, as well as other topics such as policy, ethical and legal issues relevant to health information technology (health IT). The value and impact of health IT implementation is covered, and students learn about technology and outcomes evaluation. They are also introduced to the role of various stakeholders in health IT planning, design, implementation, management and use. Students will acquire the skills necessary to accurately use information systems and technology and to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research.
Focuses on leadership theories and principles and innovative leadership strategies for the DNP Concepts covered include transformational leadership, measurement of outcomes, data driven decision-making, organizational culture and climate, communication skills, professional accountability, change theory, and the business realities of healthcare leadership. Students will develop and or refine leadership skills as they progress through the course in order to enhance the quality of nursing and healthcare delivery systems.
Successful completion of following three courses warrant completion of Certificate in Rural Health.
This course provides the foundations of rural public health. It focuses on defining, examining, and understanding rural public health for the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the history, policies, and public health systems within the rural healthcare setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to evaluate community needs, ethical issues, and barriers to health. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
This course focuses on assessing, analyzing, and developing advanced nurse roles within the rural healthcare system. Emphasis will be placed on creating innovative strategies framed in theory for health promotions within the rural setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles. This course encourages leadership roles and strongly emphasizes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the value of teamwork and cooperation in improving healthcare outcomes. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics, and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance healthcare outcomes that focus on a population. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
This course provides the foundations of rural public health. It focuses on defining, examining, and understanding rural public health for the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the history, policies, and public health systems within the rural healthcare setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to evaluate community needs, ethical issues, and barriers to health. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
This course focuses on assessing, analyzing, and developing advanced nurse roles within the rural healthcare system. Emphasis will be placed on creating innovative strategies framed in theory for health promotions within the rural setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles. This course encourages leadership roles and strongly emphasizes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the value of teamwork and cooperation in improving healthcare outcomes. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics, and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance healthcare outcomes that focus on a population. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Non-degree seeking students, who hold current licenses to practice as Registered Nurses in the U.S.A. and its territories, may be enrolled as visiting students in the following graduate nursing courses on a space available basis. A maximum of two courses taken as a visiting (non-degree seeking) student may be applied toward the degree or certificate requirements.
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Focuses on how human learning occurs, factors that influence learning, and use of teaching strategies based on learning theories. Emphasis is based on the application of theoretical principles, instructional methods, and research findings that support improved student learning.
Focuses on academic assessment, measurement, testing, and evaluation in nursing education and preparation of nurse educators for carrying out these activities as part of their role. Learning principles, qualities of effective measurement instruments, construction and use of teacher-made tests, use of standardized tests, test interpretation, and assessment of higher level cognitive skills and learning will be examined. The differences between instructional assessment, curriculum-based measurement, criterion-referenced and norm-referenced testing, clinical performance evaluation, and the social, ethical and legal ramifications of testing are integral components of this course.
Focuses on the principles of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on curriculum organizing frameworks, goals and outcomes, planning, design, and implementation strategies, evaluation, and revision. Students will construct a mini-curriculum and evaluate curriculum systematic evaluation plans as part of the requirements for this course.
This course provides a foundation for the development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice role. The content provides a broader interdisciplinary view of historical, theoretical, and political avenues of the Doctorate in Nursing Practice. It also includes health care policy advocates and macrosystems, ethics, and professional development for DNPs today, tomorrow, and into the next generation. In addition, it helps the DNP student with framing their doctoral identity and practice. Includes 12 clock hours of field experiences counted toward the post-BSN supervised practice hour requirement for the DNP degree.
Focuses on the fundamental principles of health policy and the impact of the political process for health care in the United States and around the globe. The course will prepare students to accept multifaceted leadership positions and expand the role of specialty practice nurses in the development, delivery, and monitoring of health care. This course addresses the distinctive intricacies of health care policies that influence care in the U.S. and globally. It is designed to assist the student in developing the skills necessary to critically analyze health care policies and to recognize how they can be influenced by investors or special interest groups. These policies are examined from a governmental and organizational viewpoint. Includes 8 clock hours of field experiences counted toward the post-BSN supervised practice hour requirement for the DNP degree.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Focuses on the application of research methods and evidence-based research findings to improve patient outcomes. Transformational research approaches and evidence–based practice processes will be applied. Student will develop skills for advanced competency in searching and critically evaluating literature to determine the best evidence for clinical practice. Further emphasis is placed on the application of basic and advanced statistical methods and analysis of data used in research for evidence-based practice and clinical decision making.
Focuses on the steps and processes for comprehensive and systematic management of an evidence-based scholarly practice project designed to remediate an identified practice phenomenon. The framework will address analysis of a practice setting, identification and description of the phenomenon of interest, the PICO question, systematic review of the literature, and an outline for the project proposal. Emphasis will be placed on the resources and skills needed for successful management of a scholarly practice project. Includes 100 supervised practice hours directly related to project management in an advanced practice setting. Prerequisite: NURS8200, Corequisite: NURS8950.
Focuses on information systems technology, its applications within healthcare settings, and the value of technology for managing healthcare data. Some covered content includes information technologies and applications used in healthcare for various purposes including clinical decision support, transferring expert knowledge, and for collecting and managing healthcare data. Current and emerging technologies are introduced, as well as other topics such as policy, ethical and legal issues relevant to health information technology (health IT). The value and impact of health IT implementation is covered, and students learn about technology and outcomes evaluation. They are also introduced to the role of various stakeholders in health IT planning, design, implementation, management and use. Students will acquire the skills necessary to accurately use information systems and technology and to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research.
Focuses on leadership theories and principles and innovative leadership strategies for the DNP Concepts covered include transformational leadership, measurement of outcomes, data driven decision-making, organizational culture and climate, communication skills, professional accountability, change theory, and the business realities of healthcare leadership. Students will develop and or refine leadership skills as they progress through the course in order to enhance the quality of nursing and healthcare delivery systems.
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Focuses on how human learning occurs, factors that influence learning, and use of teaching strategies based on learning theories. Emphasis is based on the application of theoretical principles, instructional methods, and research findings that support improved student learning.
Focuses on academic assessment, measurement, testing, and evaluation in nursing education and preparation of nurse educators for carrying out these activities as part of their role. Learning principles, qualities of effective measurement instruments, construction and use of teacher-made tests, use of standardized tests, test interpretation, and assessment of higher level cognitive skills and learning will be examined. The differences between instructional assessment, curriculum-based measurement, criterion-referenced and norm-referenced testing, clinical performance evaluation, and the social, ethical and legal ramifications of testing are integral components of this course.
Focuses on the principles of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on curriculum organizing frameworks, goals and outcomes, planning, design, and implementation strategies, evaluation, and revision. Students will construct a mini-curriculum and evaluate curriculum systematic evaluation plans as part of the requirements for this course.
This course provides a foundation for the development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice role. The content provides a broader interdisciplinary view of historical, theoretical, and political avenues of the Doctorate in Nursing Practice. It also includes health care policy advocates and macrosystems, ethics, and professional development for DNPs today, tomorrow, and into the next generation. In addition, it helps the DNP student with framing their doctoral identity and practice. Includes 12 clock hours of field experiences counted toward the post-BSN supervised practice hour requirement for the DNP degree.
Focuses on the fundamental principles of health policy and the impact of the political process for health care in the United States and around the globe. The course will prepare students to accept multifaceted leadership positions and expand the role of specialty practice nurses in the development, delivery, and monitoring of health care. This course addresses the distinctive intricacies of health care policies that influence care in the U.S. and globally. It is designed to assist the student in developing the skills necessary to critically analyze health care policies and to recognize how they can be influenced by investors or special interest groups. These policies are examined from a governmental and organizational viewpoint. Includes 8 clock hours of field experiences counted toward the post-BSN supervised practice hour requirement for the DNP degree.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Focuses on the application of research methods and evidence-based research findings to improve patient outcomes. Transformational research approaches and evidence–based practice processes will be applied. Student will develop skills for advanced competency in searching and critically evaluating literature to determine the best evidence for clinical practice. Further emphasis is placed on the application of basic and advanced statistical methods and analysis of data used in research for evidence-based practice and clinical decision making.
Focuses on the steps and processes for comprehensive and systematic management of an evidence-based scholarly practice project designed to remediate an identified practice phenomenon. The framework will address analysis of a practice setting, identification and description of the phenomenon of interest, the PICO question, systematic review of the literature, and an outline for the project proposal. Emphasis will be placed on the resources and skills needed for successful management of a scholarly practice project. Includes 100 supervised practice hours directly related to project management in an advanced practice setting. Prerequisite: NURS8200, Corequisite: NURS8950.
Focuses on information systems technology, its applications within healthcare settings, and the value of technology for managing healthcare data. Some covered content includes information technologies and applications used in healthcare for various purposes including clinical decision support, transferring expert knowledge, and for collecting and managing healthcare data. Current and emerging technologies are introduced, as well as other topics such as policy, ethical and legal issues relevant to health information technology (health IT). The value and impact of health IT implementation is covered, and students learn about technology and outcomes evaluation. They are also introduced to the role of various stakeholders in health IT planning, design, implementation, management and use. Students will acquire the skills necessary to accurately use information systems and technology and to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research.
Focuses on leadership theories and principles and innovative leadership strategies for the DNP Concepts covered include transformational leadership, measurement of outcomes, data driven decision-making, organizational culture and climate, communication skills, professional accountability, change theory, and the business realities of healthcare leadership. Students will develop and or refine leadership skills as they progress through the course in order to enhance the quality of nursing and healthcare delivery systems.
Academic policies are summarized in the Graduate Student Handbook (GSH) which can be viewed here. This handbook is updated on a regular basis. Refer to the online version for the most current information. Students will be notified when major revisions are posted. Academic policies are available to enrolled students via links posted on the My Graceland School of Nursing Resources page.
