NUR 5110 Theoretical Foundations in Advanced Nursing Role Development (3 semester hours)
This course examines a wide range of theories from nursing and other disciplines. Grand theories, mid-range theories and conceptual frameworks are explored. Interrelationships among theory, practice and research as integral components of evidence-based practice are examined. Theory development and strategies for the evaluation and testing of theories in nursing, as well as other disciplines, are explored. How theory and research interact and impact nursing practice, education and leadership are investigated.
NUR 5120 Ethical Principles and Global Social Considerations (3 semester hours)
Social, cultural, political and economic forces influencing ethical decision-making are examined. Health-care policy, resource availability and ethical principles are used to evaluate health-care policy decisions. How these decisions are made, how they are influenced by social values and the impact theses decisions have on the global community are addressed. The advanced nurse role as counselor and advocate to consumers of health care where social, ethical and political issues affect communities, society and the nursing profession are also explored. Cultivation of global awareness in issues of health and social policy development is fostered.
NUR 5125 Health Care Policy and Financing (3 semester hours)
The purpose of this course is to advance the role of the nurse to influence health-care policy, quality improvement and financial decision-making to improve the quality of health-care delivery. Students examine the history and current state of health-care financing and policy development and how these factors influence access, quality of care and sustainability of the health-care system. The financial implications of health promotion and disease management are examined, from the perspectives of funding these endeavors and gaining long-term financial benefits through improved health and disease management in individuals, communities and populations. Students examine the dynamic relationships within an organization and ethical considerations required to make sound financial and policy decisions that will best serve individuals, families, groups and communities.
NUR 5130 Scientific Inquiry and Research (3 semester hours)
The purpose of this course is to advance the role of the nurse in the utilization of new knowledge through scholarly inquiry. The emphasis is on the research process and statistical analysis leading to the systematic evaluation and application of evidence-based nursing research. Research findings should be relevant and the foundation from which clinical and organizational decisions are made. The utilization of scientific evidence to improve nursing practice and ultimately patient outcomes is emphasized.
NUR 5140 Advanced Pathophysiologic and Pharmacologic Concepts (3 semester hours)
This course will provide the framework for the application and synthesis of advanced pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts to advance the professional role of the master's prepared nurse in the practice setting. The physical, social and psychological assessment of patients across the lifespan is addressed, and incorporates the cultural, genetic and developmental variations of individuals. A theoretical foundation in health promotion, illness prevention and health/function maintenance across the lifespan is developed. Integration of current evidence-based research is emphasized.
NUR 6150 Nursing Informatics (3 semester hours)
This course provides an overview of informatics and the theoretical foundation for information management within the health-care setting. The student examines the way data is managed in health-care environments and the influence of informatics technology on data management, clinical decision-making as well as nurse leader's role as a consumer and purchaser of information technology. The impact of automated data management through advances in information technology, health-care information systems and tele-health are explored.
NUR 6160 Practicum: Advanced Clinical Practice Role (4 semester hours) (135 hours). Includes 1 hour of seminar
The student selects a clinical experience that will expand his/her expertise in a chosen specialty area. The student focuses on the effective management of health and illness with a select population across the lifespan and care continuum to advance the development of the professional nursing role. Integration and application of theoretical knowledge for the advanced nursing practice role will be emphasized. Throughout the practicum the student attends a seminar where student experiences are discussed, examined, compared and contrasted.
NUR 6170 Leadership and Professional Role Development (3 semester hours)
This course provides the student with theoretical principles and skills to develop her/his professional leadership role within complex health-care systems. Transition into advanced nursing practice roles is facilitated. The nursing profession, advanced nursing practice roles, leadership responsibilities of nurses in advanced practice roles, the requirements for, and regulation of these roles are discussed. The importance of working effectively with interprofessional teams to deliver health care is emphasized. The professional expectation that the master's prepared nurse exert leadership not only within the profession but also in the health-care delivery system is critical to professional role development.
Role Concentration: Nurse Educator (Must be completed prior to enrolling in role concentration practicum)
NUR 6180 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Education (3 semester hours)
This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of teaching, learning, motivation and instruction. Students will develop an understanding of educational theories and their importance to the nurse educator. Principles and methodologies related to teaching, learning and instruction are examined. Current issues and trends in nursing education are explored.
NUR 6181 Curriculum Development and Assessment (3 semester hours)
This course introduces the student to the curriculum development and evaluation process. Selected theories, principles and techniques of curriculum development are explored. The relationship of nursing curriculum to the parent institution's mission and philosophy are analyzed. Issues of accreditation, standards of professional nursing practice, and legal/ethical issues are analyzed within the context of curriculum development and program evaluation.
Role Concentration: Nursing Management (Must be completed prior to enrolling in role concentration practicum)
NUR 6190 Application of Organizational Theory in Health Care (3 semester hours)
This course provides an overview of organizational theory applied to the operations of health-care organizations. Organizational and management theories and research are examined over time as they have evolved with business culture changes. Organizational mission, vision, values, objectives, culture, strategy and quality improvement programs are examined. Leadership, structure, power, influence and control are examined in detail. High-performance and high-reliability organizations are evaluated. Facilitators and barriers to organizational change are analyzed. Organizational culture is viewed as the primary driver of organizational performance, behavior, dynamics and management. The health-care industry's attempts to measure performance are discussed and critiqued.
NUR 6191 The Business of Healthcare and Human Resources Management (3 semester hours)
This course explores the core competencies required of nursing administrators in health-care organizations. Market assessment, identification of health needs, systems analysis and business plan development are discussed. Leadership and negotiation strategies necessary to facilitate health-care programming and implementation are addressed. Marketing and the sale of health-care services are also emphasized. Human resource management concepts and principles, strategies, and legal and ethical dimensions are analyzed with an emphasis on achieving high-performance organizations.
NUR 6210 Practicum: Role Concentration (4 semester hours) (135 hours) Includes 1 hour of seminar.
The graduate student will operationalize the theoretical principles and behavior norms within a specialty area of practice (leadership/management or education) by applying the theoretical framework to the development of an advanced practice role. The practicum facilitates the incorporation of the advanced nursing role into the graduate's professional practice. The student gains an appreciation for the ambiguity of the role and the fluidity of the role boundaries. This course includes a one-hour seminar during the practicum's duration.
NUR 6300 Master's Thesis or Research Project (3 semester hours)
All Master's of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) students are required to complete a scholarly activity that demonstrates the student's advanced level of knowledge and professional competence. Students may meet this requirement by completing either a master's project (alternative to a thesis) or a thesis.
Master's Project
The master's project is a scholarly piece of research, analysis and writing, which must be relevant to the discipline of nursing and the student's chosen practice area. The purpose of the activity is to foster an understanding and application of the scientific method as a basis for studying problems in advanced nursing roles. The paper should be analytic in nature and grounded in theory and research.
Master's Thesis
The thesis is an intensive scholarly experience for students who desire to formally conduct an in-depth research activity. A thesis is completed by one student under the supervision of a thesis advisor (or committee chair) and advisory committee.
