Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

NU 304 Health Assessment (3 credit hours)

This course teaches the student to assess the health status of clients of any age in any setting. Students incorporate knowledge attained in the prerequisite courses, Introductory and Developmental Psychology, Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology. The student learns verbal and non-verbal communication techniques used in obtaining a health history and the written communication techniques used in documenting the health assessment. Students acquire the basic psychomotor skills of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation necessary when performing a physical examination. The effects of age, gender, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and adaptation are identified.

NU 403 Evidence for Nursing Practice (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on the translation of current evidence into nursing practice, including the identification of practice issues, appraisal and integration of evidence, and the evaluation of outcomes (AACN, 2008). Students develop the skills necessary for understanding, evaluating, and applying evidence in transforming nursing practice. Activities include in-depth study of the research process as it relates to the critique and evaluation of research, the synthesis of nursing research in the development of a review of the literature, and the dissemination of research findings.

NU 404 Concepts and Challenges in Professional Practice (3 credit hours)

This is an introductory course to explore the role of the professional nurse in the ever-changing health care system with a view to empowering and solidifying that role. Students explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in professional nursing including but not limited to advances in nursing practice and role development, the increased use of technology in practice, ethics, and legal issues in practice, concepts critical to leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and systems thinking, and the increasing role of theory and research in advancing the profession and providing quality, safe patient care. Activities include values clarification, portfolio development, seminar leadership, group activities, and/or online discussions.

NU 510 Community-Based Nursing (6 credit hours)

The role of the professional nurse in the primary level of health care is explored. Using client models, students implement the nursing process and adaptation model to plan therapeutic nursing interventions for individuals, families, and groups in a variety of community settings. In addition, the course will focus on community assessment, communication, critical thinking and decision-making skills, teaching, epidemiology, research utilization, group process, and other strategies used in community health. Students will develop competence in a clinical practice setting.

Note: There is a 60-hour clinical component, so you must be RN-licensed.

Prerequisites: NU 304 and NU 403

NU 601 Nursing Theory (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on the historical development of theory from the perspective of nursing science. Nursing theory and its relationship to research and evidenced-based nursing practice, as well as approaches to theory construction are explored. Students will analyze selected concepts, the building blocks of theories. Students will critique specific nursing theories in relation to their own belief systems, examining the concepts of the major paradigms within the discipline of nursing as well as other human science disciplines. Early "grand nursing theories" and "mid-range nursing theories" more recently developed will be evaluated. Emphasis will be on understanding individual nursing theories and borrowed theories from other disciplines and their application to nursing practice, nursing research, nursing leadership, and nursing education.

NU 605 Concepts in Nurse Leadership (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on issues of leadership role development in professional nursing. Using role theory, students will explore concepts of role mastery, congruence, and conflict as well as the role of nursing leadership in the broader organizational context. Emphasis in NU 605 is on the analysis of leadership and related theories as these apply to the individual practice of the nurse leader.

NU 606 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)

This course will provide an in-depth study of the concepts of the science of pathology for graduate nursing students. It will cover the physiological causes and development of diseases; functional and secondary changes they cause; and their course, complications, and appropriate treatments. Specific examples of disease states throughout the lifespan will be evaluated. The course will treat all levels of pathology from molecular to cellular, tissue, organ, and organ systems, emphasizing the role of homeostasis and the ensuing disturbances, which lead to disease conditions.

NU 629 Health Promotion - Disease Prevention (3 credit hours)

This course will address health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan. The focus will be in developing, evaluating, and educating populations on preventative health care behaviors. Populations served, including vulnerable populations, will be discussed in relation to how advanced practice nurses shape the development of community-based care and population-based systems delivery programs. Students will analyze the impact of social, cultural, ecological, and systems of care delivery factors on health care disparities across population groups. Emphasis is on application of sociocultural, nursing theories, and methods to analyze health care phenomena as an advanced practice nurse.

NU 631 The Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice (3 credit hours)

The Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice course will explore the conceptual, theoretical, and ethical foundations of nursing. The course will focus on the research process and application of evidence to nursing practice. During this course students identify a practice problem according to its relevance to the professional practice of nursing or advanced clinical practice. The primary focus of this course is on understanding research methods as they pertain to evidence-based practice. During the course students will complete an evidence-based practice proposal.

HP 609 Health Policy, Politics and Perspectives (3 credit hours)

This course examines U.S. health care policy and the political challenges related to delivery, cost, quality, and access to care. The course is in seminar format which allows students to observe the policy-making process and the role of government and private stakeholders in the financing and delivery of services through a field experience attending health policy-related events and meetings.

NU 623 Regulatory Issues: Nurse Leadership (3 credit hours)

Utilizing current nursing research, evidence-based practice, and evolving health care trends, students will complete a field work experience in the area of administration/leadership in a healthcare setting or professional organization. The students will analyze examples of current issues relating to the health care delivery 440 systems that impact on nursing practice.

Note: This course includes a practice component of 40 hours.

NU 641 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (3 credit hours)

This course is required for students in the Nurse Practitioner Advanced Graduate Program. Course content addresses pharmacological interventions for disease categories and expands the foundation in pharmacotherapeutics necessary for nurse practitioners in clinical practice. This course is designed to prepare students for the role of prescriber based on national guidelines and evidence-based practice.

NU 650 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credit hours)

The Advanced Health Assessment course is developed for the nurse practitioner student. Students incorporate, apply and adapt assessment skills appropriate to all ages in a primary care setting. Using critical thinking skills, students analyze assessment data toward differential diagnosis and determine the need for additional assessment information such as laboratory data, specialty referral, and diagnostic testing. Students are required to apply history and physical assessment skills on a weekly basis. Written communication of the weekly history and physical examination as well as data analysis and problem list development are required. The effects of age, gender, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, locus of control, lifestyle, and risk factors are considered in developing a baseline for therapeutic nursing intervention by the nurse in advanced practice.

Note: This course requires completion of 64 clinical hours.

NU 668 Roles and Issues in APN (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the advanced practice nurse. Professional licensure, credentialing, and requirements for prescriptive privileges are addressed. In a hybrid format, course content focuses on legal and ethical standards of care and professional competencies for entry into advanced practice in the primary care setting. The course includes current and projected trends in primary practice as they affect nurses in advanced practice.

NU 655 Acute and Critical Care Pharmacology (3 credit hours)

The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth background in acute and critical care pharmacotherapy for the adult-geriatric patient. This course will address the pharmacology and appropriate clinical use of agents used in the treatment of selected acute disorders found in acutely/critically ill patients. Recent advances in pharmacotherapy, personalized management strategies, and controversial issues will be included and emphasized.

NU 664F Clinical Concentration Course: Acute and Critical Care of the Adult-Gerontology Client I (8 credit hours)

This is the first of two concentration courses that integrate concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It will foster development of skills in assessment, problem identification, decision-making, and clinical management of the adult-geriatric client, in the acute care/critical care setting, utilizing critical thinking. Discussions on health promotion, policy, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the adult-gerontology population in the acute care/critical care setting are included.

NU 664F-X Clinical Concentration Seminar: Acute and Critical Care of the Adult-Gerontology Client I (300 clinical hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 664F is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 665F Clinical Concentration Course: Acute and Critical Care of the Adult-Gerontology Client II (8 credit hours)

This is the second of two concentration courses that integrate concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It will foster development of skills in assessment, problem identification, decision-making, and clinical management of the acute and critical care adult-geriatric client through use of critical thinking. Discussions on health promotion, policy, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the adult-gerontology population in the acute care and critical care setting are included.

NU 665F-X Clinical Concentration Seminar: Acute and Critical Care of the Adult-Gerontology Client II (300 clinical hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 665F is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

HP 626 Political, Financial and Social Issues in Gerontology (3 credit hours)

This course addresses social, political, and economic factors that impact the aging experience. Sociological, political, and economic theory will be incorporated as a form of understanding resource allocation, priorities, and cultural considerations. The impact of these factors on healthy aging related to income, housing, health care, employment, and policy will be described. (This course can be taken as an elective by undergraduate or graduate students.)

NU 664E Clinical Concentration Course – Adult Gerontology Primary Care I (8 credit hours)

This is the first of two courses in primary care of the adult-gerontology client. This course integrates concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It fosters development of skills in assessment, problem identification in decision making, and clinical management of the adult-gerontology client through the life cycle. Discussions focus on health promotion, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the adult-gerontology system.

NU 664E-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care I (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 664E is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 665E Clinical Concentration Course – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care II (8 credit hours)

This course continues to integrate concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It will foster development of skills in assessment, problems, decision making, and clinical management of families through the life cycle. Discussions on health promotion, policy, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the family system are included.

NU 665E-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care II (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 665E is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 664B Clinical Concentration Course – Primary Care of the Family I (8 credit hours)

This course integrates concepts from the concurrent courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It will foster development of skills in decision making and clinical management of families through the life cycle. Discussions will focus on issues of health, policy, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the family system.

NU 664B-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Primary Care of the Family I (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 664B is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 665B Clinical Concentration Course – Primary Care of the Family II (8 credit hours)

This is the second course in primary care of the family. This course continues the development of skills in decision making and clinical management of families through the life cycle.

NU 665B-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Primary Care of the Family II (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 665B is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 635 Complementary Therapy (3 credit hours)

This course provides an objective introductory perspective on the newly emerging field of Complementary/Alternative Modalities (CAM). It examines the traditional, biomedical, and nursing theoretical bases for CAM. It critically examines available research and offers empirical evidence that will allow the nurse to act as a teacher and advocate for the client, as well as to assume a leadership and management role on the interdisciplinary team. While the course explores a range of modalities and systems, it focuses in-depth on those clearly within the domain of nursing practice.

NU 661 Care of the Childbearing Woman (3 credit hours)

This course integrates concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It fosters development of skills in assessment, problem identification in decision making, and clinical management of obstetrical clients through the childbearing process. Discussions focus on health promotion, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the obstetrical client. Classroom learning is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences associated with NU 664A/B/D or NU 665 A/B/D.

NU 643 Advanced Psychopharmacology (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills in the safe and effective use of medication for psychiatric mental health problems in populations across the lifespan. The curriculum integrates knowledge from previous courses such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment and complements the Psychiatric Mental Health curriculum. Course content addresses psychopharmacological interventions for disease categories and expands the foundation in pyschopharmacotherapeutics necessary for nurse practitioners in clinical practice. This course is designed to prepare students for the role of prescriber based on national guidelines and evidence-based practice.

Prerequisite: NU 641

NU 670 Teaching/Learning for Nurse Educators (3 credit hours)

This course provides an overview of various components involved in the dynamic of teaching/learning: philosophy, educational psychology, curriculum, methodology, evaluation, and assessment. Emphasis is placed on the development of the nurse educator as a reflective practitioner. Students will discuss social, ethical, legal, and professional issues related to current and future student populations. Classroom learning is applied in a practicum experience of 24 hours.

HP 626 Social, Political, and Economic Perspectives in Gerontology (3 credit hours)

This course addresses social, political, and economic factors that impact the aging experience. Sociological, political, and economic theory will be incorporated as a form of understanding resource allocation, priorities, and cultural considerations. The impact of these factors on healthy aging related to income, housing, health care, employment, and policy will be described. (This course can be taken as an elective by undergraduate or graduate students.)

NU 664A Clinical Concentration Course – Primary Care of the Child I (8 credit hours)

This course integrates concepts from concurrent courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It will foster development of skills in decision making and clinical management of children. Discussions will focus on issues of health, policy, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the pediatric client.

NU 664A-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Primary Care of the Child I (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning of NU-664A is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 665A Clinical Concentration Course – Primary Care of the Child II (8 credit hours)

This is the second course in primary care of the child. This course continues the development of skills in decision-making and clinical management of children.

NU 665A-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Primary Care of the Child II (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 665A is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 635 Complementary Therapy (3 credit hours)

This course provides an objective introductory perspective on the newly emerging field of Complementary/Alternative Modalities (CAM). It examines the traditional, biomedical, and nursing theoretical bases for CAM. It critically examines available research and offers empirical evidence that will allow the nurse to act as a teacher and advocate for the client, as well as to assume a leadership and management role on the interdisciplinary team. While the course explores a range of modalities and systems, it focuses in-depth on those clearly within the domain of nursing practice.

NU 661 Care of the Childbearing Woman (3 credit hours)

This course integrates concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It fosters development of skills in assessment, problem identification in decision making, and clinical management of obstetrical clients through the childbearing process. Discussions focus on health promotion, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the obstetrical client. Classroom learning is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences associated with NU 664A/B/D or NU 665 A/B/D.

NU 643 Advanced Psychopharmacology (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills in the safe and effective use of medication for psychiatric mental health problems in populations across the lifespan. The curriculum integrates knowledge from previous courses such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment and complements the Psychiatric Mental Health curriculum. Course content addresses psychopharmacological interventions for disease categories and expands the foundation in pyschopharmacotherapeutics necessary for nurse practitioners in clinical practice. This course is designed to prepare students for the role of prescriber based on national guidelines and evidence-based practice.

Prerequisite: NU 641

NU 670 Teaching/Learning for Nurse Educators (3 credit hours)

This course provides an overview of various components involved in the dynamic of teaching/learning: philosophy, educational psychology, curriculum, methodology, evaluation, and assessment. Emphasis is placed on the development of the nurse educator as a reflective practitioner. Students will discuss social, ethical, legal, and professional issues related to current and future student populations. Classroom learning is applied in a practicum experience of 24 hours.

NU 646 Theory and Practice of Contemporary Psychotherapies (3 credit hours)

The focus of this course is on theories and methods used by the advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse as broadly applied across treatment settings. Students will explore theory and techniques associated with various therapeutic models with regard to theoretical underpinnings, therapeutic action, techniques, relationship between therapist and patient, and application to different diagnostic populations and family systems. Students will gain learning experiences that promote satisfactory assimilation of mental health and mental illness concepts in their delivery of advanced practice nursing across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice and treatment guidelines utilizing a range of theoretical and conceptual models for conducting psychotherapy and supporting recovery. Selected psychotherapeutic theories will be studied and application made where possible in practicum placements, seminar discussions, and classroom settings.

NU 643 Advanced Psychopharmacology (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills in the safe and effective use of medication for psychiatric mental health problems in populations across the lifespan. The curriculum integrates knowledge from previous courses such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment and complements the Psychiatric Mental Health curriculum. Course content addresses psychopharmacological interventions for disease categories and expands the foundation in pyschopharmacotherapeutics necessary for nurse practitioners in clinical practice. This course is designed to prepare students for the role of prescriber based on national guidelines and evidence-based practice.

Prerequisite: NU 641

NU 664C Clinical Concentration Course – Primary Care of the Psychiatric Mental Health Client I (8 credit hours)

The focus of this course is developing knowledge and skill in the assessment and diagnosis of psychiatric mental health problems in the populations across the lifespan. The curriculum also integrates knowledge from previous courses such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment. Psychiatric nurse practitioner students utilize many theoretical sources in the development of their practical skills and draw from neurophysiology, neuropsychology, family systems, and biopsychosocial approaches.

NU 664C-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Primary Care of the Psychiatric Mental Health Client I (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning of special populations such as the elderly and the chronic mentally ill are emphasized and applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 665C Clinical Concentration Course – Primary Care of the Psychiatric Mental Health Client II (8 credit hours)

Nurse practitioner students will continue to develop knowledge and skill in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health problems in adults. In-depth study of geriatric mental health problems, such as mood disorders, dementia, and delirium, will prepare students to work with this complex population upon graduation.

NU 665C-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Primary Care of the Psychiatric Mental Health Client II (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 665C is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 661 Care of the Childbearing Woman (3 credit hours)

This course integrates concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It fosters development of skills in assessment, problem identification in decision-making and clinical management of obstetrical clients through the childbearing process. Discussions focus on health promotion, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to the obstetrical client. Classroom learning is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences associated with NU 664A/B/D or NU 665 A/B/D.

NU 664D Clinical Concentration Course – Primary Care of the Woman I (8 credit hours)

This course integrates concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It fosters development of skills in assessment, problem identification in decision-making and clinical management of women's health issues. Discussions focus on health promotion, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to women's health.

NU 664D-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Primary Care of the Woman I (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 664D is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.

NU 665D Clinical Concentration Course – Primary Care of the Woman II (8 credit hours)

This course is the second of two concentration courses focusing on developing knowledge and skill in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the adult population with a special focus on health care for adolescent females and women. This course integrates concepts from courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with nursing theory, process, and research. It fosters development of skills in assessment, problems, decision making, and clinical management of women's health issues. Discussions focus on health promotion, disease prevention, recognition, and management of acute and chronic conditions, organizational issues, access to care, and advanced professional practice as they relate to caring for patients in primary care settings.

NU 665D-X Clinical Concentration Seminar – Primary Care of the Woman II (300 Clinical Hours)

Classroom learning from course NU 665D is applied in supervised clinical preceptorship experiences of 300 hours.