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MSN Core Courses
Statistical Analysis for Advanced Nursing Practice
NURS804
Three (3) Graduate Quarter Credit Hours
This course focuses on statistical analysis and interpretation for advanced nursing practice. A wide range of statistics will be explored along with the rationale and requirements for each statistical test. Computer assignments allow students the opportunity to enter data and interpret the results. The impact of statistical analysis and interpretation on advanced nursing practice is stressed.
Objectives:
- Identify the rationale and requirements for selection of statistical procedures in advanced nursing practice.
- Select statistical procedures to answer research questions related to health patterns in a variety of client systems.
- Interpret the results of data analysis from client systems in a variety of environmental contexts.
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis of current and potential uses of statistical analysis in advanced nursing practice.
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
NURS810
Three (3) Graduate Quarter Credit Hours
This course introduces the advanced practice nursing student to the concepts and frameworks of theories of family and culture throughout the lifespan. This includes growth and development throughout the lifespan with an emphasis on family interaction. Family structure and function will be investigated including family stressors, impediments, transitions, and coping mechanisms. Culture values regarding health and in health care will be explored emphasizing the effects of language, poverty, vulnerability, and customs.
Objectives:
- Identify developmental stages and theories and incorporate developmental frameworks in caring for individuals and families throughout the lifespan.
- Integrate knowledge of family, cultural, and vulnerable population theories in the approach, assessment, care, and health planning for a diverse client population.
- Identify vulnerable population vulnerable population to disease and healthcare due to physical, environmental, emotional, cultural, and/or socioeconomic barriers.
- Evaluate the impact of health and illness on the individual, family, and community in the context of life transitions.
- Advocate for health practices and policies that are sensitive to the needs of diverse groups of clients based on principles of cultural diversity, vulnerability, and family theory.
- Maintain an up-to-date perspective on the effects of family and cultural dynamics in a global world through the use of evidenced based practice.
Theoretical Basis for Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Health Planning
NURS807
Three (3) Graduate Quarter Credit Hours
This course is designed to build on theoretical perspectives and skills gained at the undergraduate level. Nursing and promotion/protection and disease prevention services for patients/populations that are healthy or have acute or chronic conditions, with consideration of age, developmental stage, family history, and ethnicity. These theories include principles of epidemiology, risk reduction, community/public health information demography, principles of teaching/learning and behavioral change.
Objectives:
- Explore and critique the theoretical perspectives related to the natural history of disease, risk reduction, and health promotion.
- Integrate principles of epidemiology and demography to recognize populations at risk, patterns of disease, and effectiveness of prevention and intervention.
- Evaluate the applicability of nursing and other scientific theories of motivation, learning, and behavior change in health promotion and risk reduction for individuals and populations.
- Incorporate self-efficacy, empowerment, and other psycho-social principles into planning for teaching health behavior change.
- Analyze environmental health problems affecting patients and develop plans based on community/public health assessment information.
- Develop health promotion and risk-reduction learning plans that are comprised of sequential, cumulative steps and that acknowledge relapse and the need for practice, reinforcement, and support and re-teaching when necessary.
- Evaluate communication theory as a basis for collaboration with health professionals, agencies, and community resources in health planning for patients/populations.
Health Care Policy, Organization, and Finance
NURS808
Three (3) Graduate Quarter Credit Hours
This course will assist the advanced practice student to develop knowledge about health care policy, organization, and finance from historical, sociocultural, political, economic, ethical, and legislative perspectives. The leadership role of the advanced practice nurse in influencing the process of health care policy formulation, implementation, and modification as it affects client systems, clinical practice, and health care delivery will be explored. The organizational structure and the reimbursement process in a variety of practice settings for advanced practice nurses will be examined.
Objectives:
- Examine the influence of the historical, political, legislative, sociocultural, and economic environments on health and social policy issues and problems.
- Analyze health services and health policy research relevant to health care delivery.
- Analyze health policy formulation, implementation, and modification to ascertain its effect on clinical practice, client systems, and health care delivery.
- Analyze organizational structure and reimbursement systems in the workplaces of advanced practice nurses.
- Examine the relationship between reimbursement systems and quality of care for individuals and populations.
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication.
Research for Advanced Nursing Practice
NURS805
Three (3) Graduate Quarter Credit Hours
This course is designed to build on the research concepts developed in the undergraduate program. The graduate student will develop knowledge and skills needed for the application of research findings to advance nursing practice and the beginning conduct of scholarly inquiry. The course will assist the graduate student to use evidence-based approaches to the management of patient and population health care. Quality improvement will be provided to assist students in evaluating outcomes of care. Ethical concerns and safety of human subjects in research will be highlighted.
Objectives:
- Critically evaluate and apply findings from research, incorporating an evidenced-based approach to clinical practice.
- Analyze data from information systems to monitor outcomes and quality.
- Apply principles of data analysis for quantitative and qualitative research designs.
- Understand the ethical and legal implications of information systems and research.
- Discuss the incorporation of research into the professional role of the advanced practice nurse.
NURS832
Two (2) Graduate Quarter Credit Hours
The Master’s Capstone represents a culmination experience designed to provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate a synthesis of knowledge, skills and experience developed throughout the program of study. The purpose of the capstone is to demonstrate the student’s ability to apply knowledge and practice skills developed during the Master’s program to advance the student’s advanced nursing practice and that of the discipline. Moreover, the capstone activity provides the opportunity to integrate scientific evidence and theory along with advanced practice in the student’s program.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and experience required of an advanced practice nurse.
- Exhibit critical thinking skills and effective communication skills in advanced nursing practice.
- Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in advanced nursing practice and the development of the discipline of nursing.
- Synthesize relevant research findings that have potential for enhancing nursing practice.
