Graduate Course Descriptions
(courses subject to change)
NUR 200 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
This advanced health assessment course focuses on the adult population spanning from young to older adults. It is designed to offer a comprehensive review of obtaining a complete health history and the physical assessment skills required for this patient population. An emphasis is placed on the relationship between physical assessment and health behaviors in conjunction with epidemiological, cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of clients. Upon this foundation, the student will develop the necessary skills to assess and identify client problems and formulate appropriate & comprehensive plans of care. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 201 Theoretical/Conceptual Foundations of Nursing (3)
The course will offer an opportunity for graduate nursing students to explore the relationships between theory, research, practice, and the philosophical dimensions of nursing. There is a scholarly exploration of the theoretical and conceptual models that influence the discipline of nursing. A historical view of the nursing profession will be presented and analyzed. The student will choose a theoretical framework upon which to design the graduate project. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program or Bridge of ADN to MSN program and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 202 Issues, Ethics, and Roles in Professional Nursing (3) Online - or - Classroom
This course provides an opportunity for students to explore and analyze major health, federal and global issues that affect the nursing profession and its communities of interest. This seminar provides discussion regarding the economical, historical, social, political, ethical, and legal issues that require consideration and potential resolutions. In addition, students will discuss and analyze developing and advanced roles in nursing practice. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 203 Introduction to Graduate Studies (1)
This is an in-class, hybrid introduction for incoming graduate students in Nursing. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the content and relational knowledge expected of a successful graduate student. Content for the course include a greater awareness on program standards and objectives, graduate-level oral and written communication, locating, evaluating and citing scholarly resources, and purposes and use of portfolios. Prerequisites for ALL courses. This course can be taken concurrently during the student's first term.
NUR 204 Healthcare Policy (3)
This course focuses on developing the nurse’s role in the planning and analysis of health care policies and how those policies impact clinical practice and health care delivery. Concepts related to policymaking are included; specifically how to formulate a health care policy, how to affect the political process, and stakeholder involvement in policy decision-making and implementation. The content serves to develop an understanding and appreciation for increasing levels of public, governmental and third party participation in and scrutiny of the strategic direction of the health care system. Current mandated legislation and the effect on nursing with an emphasis on concepts of access, quality, ethics and cost containment will be the framework for course dialogue. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently). Equivalent to NUR 245.
NUR 206 Educational Theories, Principles, and Methods (2)
This course is designed to prepare students for the advanced professional role as nurse educators. The focus of this course is on the use of various teaching techniques and strategies to assist in the education of staff, students, health care professionals, clients and communities of interest. In the role of nursing educator, students will learn how to influence changes in how the client perceives health and his/her ability to seek information to reach optimal health. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 207A Healthcare Informatics and Technology (1.5)
This course provides an overview of nursing informatics and the appropriate use of emerging health care technologies. Knowledge and skills in patient care technology and the use of ethical data information management are critical in preparing nurses to coordinate and deliver quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Nurses must have competence in both information management systems and technology skills, which includes the use of patient care technologies such as computers, monitors, data gathering devices, and other technologies that support safe nursing practice and enhance care outcomes. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently). Equivalent to NUR 107A, 144A, and 244A.
NUR 207B Healthcare Informatics and Technology (1.5)
This second course in healthcare informatics and technologies provide the master's-educated nurse the knowledge and skills to integrate nursing, technology, and information sciences for the support of nursing practice. It will acquaint practicing nurses with the effective utilization of technology and its applications throughout all aspects of health delivery including the management and analysis of data to determine and improve patient care outcomes. The content and related learning activities presented in this course will include the impact of technology, including the electronic health record, as well as the ethical, legal and confidentiality considerations of its use will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently). Equivalent to NUR 107B, 144B, and 244B.
NUR 208 Curriculum Development (2)
This course is designed so that the graduate student can explore curriculum development. The course is geared toward an examination of philosophical bases for the development of curriculum. The students design and critique a model curriculum and include outcome criteria to evaluate educational goal attainment. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 201, 203 and 206.
NUR 210 RN Externship Course (2)
This course is developed for a newly licensed RN to strengthen his/her skills acquisition, develop professional role competence and facilitate the new RN's transition to practice. The course consists of seminar and practicum. Seminar topics include communication and teamwork, patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, informatics, and ethics. The practicum is done under the supervision of one-to-one preceptor, experiencing clinical analyses and judgments wile engaged in patient care in a select nursing area. The student is offered shift and unit preference as available. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program, NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 238 Advanced Concepts in Gerontology (3)
This theory course will cover specific topics related to the assessment and care of older adults across the health continuum from wellness to acute care. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies in both psychosocial and physical functioning will be addressed. Common geriatric conditions and syndromes will also be discussed along with evidence-based best practice protocols utilized in treatment. Management of these conditions by the advance practice nurse in the Adult-Gerontology CNS role will be emphasized to assist the graduate student to meet entry-level competencies. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program, NUR 200, 203, 246, 248.
NUR 239 Advanced Concepts in Adult Health (3)
Complex disease as well as health promotion topics which are relevant to the adult life span will be presented for in-depth discussion. A focused look at the related physiology, pathophysiology, current research & best management practices will be covered. This course is designed to emphasize the management of these conditions by the advanced practice nurse in the CNS role. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program, graduate standing and NUR 200, 203, 246, 248.
NUR 241 Marketing Management in Healthcare (3)
This course is designed to be an introduction to the broad concept of marketing mix for the future manager. The marketing mix (4 Ps) defines tactics in the areas of Product, Price, Promotion, and Place (distribution decisions). Students will progress through the topics of generic functions of business, the environments of business, market planning, information and segmentations. Consumer behavior, marketing ethics, marketing strategy, and developing a business plan with the emphasis on the healthcare industries will be covered in the class assignments. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program, graduate standing, and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 243 Theoretical Foundations of Community Health and Leadership in Nursing (1)
This is considered a graduate level transition course specifically designed for graduates from non-BSN nursing programs. This course constitutes an exploration of concepts and theories related to nursing leadership roles and the community health specialty. Discussion will surround the roles, responsibilities, ethics and legal aspects of managing and leading in nursing positions. A secondary portion of the class is an introduction to community health nursing based on the components and domains of the Clinical Prevention and Population Health recommendations. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program, graduate standing, and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 246 Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology (3)
This graduate level course covers general and advanced principles of physiology and pathophysiology that are applicable across the lifespan. In-depth examination of pathophysiologic mechanisms that are responsible for human illness and disease will be utilized as a framework for discussing common complex health problems encountered within major body systems. Alterations will be examined beginning at the cellular level with analysis of human responses to disease processes. Discussion of assessment, diagnosis and evidence-based management utilized in treatment of these health problems will be included. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 247 Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation (2)
Critical exploration of the foundations and ethical principles required of leaders. The course will focus on communication and relationship-building with emphasis on diversity, foundational thinking skills and systems thinking in practice and consultation as well as the opportunity for students to examine the process of professional transformation balanced with personal growth. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 248 Advanced Pharmacology (3)
This course is designed to prepare nurses for expert clinical practice using advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge of pharmacology applied in the clinical setting. The focus is on pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics including a discussion at the cellular response level. Content will provide the advanced practice nurse the competencies necessary to work with health care professionals, patients, and communities to improve clinical care in a cost-effective manner. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 249 Clinical Nurse Specialist Role (2)
This didactic course will provide the student with concepts related to the advanced practice role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Core competencies of the Adult-Gerontology CNS will serve as the foundation to discuss the CNS's role and influence in direct care, consultations, systems leadership, collaboration, coaching, research, ethical decision-making, moral agency, and advocacy. Strategies related to developing innovative intervention design and evaluation, creating a culture of quality, safety and change, utilizing advanced communication and informations technology ,as well as ways to promote professional and personal development will be covered. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program, graduate standing and NUR 200, 203, 206, 246, 248, and 290.
NUR 250A Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum (3)
This is the first course in the CNS practica series which will provide opportunities for the student to experience professional growth in advanced nursing practice as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist in order to promote the health and well-being of adults. Entry-level competencies and behaviors that are expected of graduates of master's and post-masters programs that prepare CNSs, identified by the National CNS Core Competency Task Force Executive Summary (2010), will be emphasized throughout the practica course series. The focus in this course will be on the competency areas of direct care and coaching. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 200, 201, 203, 206, 238, 246, 247, 248, 249, and 290.
NUR 250B Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum (3)
This course is the second in the CNS practica series which provides the student the opportunity to focus on the competency areas of research and ethical decision-making, moral agency and advocacy. These areas are identified as expected entry-level competencies and behaviors expected of graduates of master's and post-master's programs that prepare CNSs by the National CNS Core Competency Task Force Executive Summary (2010). It is expected that the student will be able to build on the knowledge and experience gained in the previous practicum course and continue to incorporate those advanced competencies and associated behaviors in direct care and coaching in addition to the emphasis of this course. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 200, 201, 203, 206, 238, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250A, and 290.
NUR 250C Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum (3)
This is the final course in the CNS practica series with emphasis on providing opportunities for the student to focus on the competency areas of consultation, collaboration and systems leadership. These areas are identified as expected entry-level competencies and behaviors expected of graduates of master's and post-master's programs that prepare CNSs by the National CNS Core Competency Task Force Executive Summary (2010). It is expected that the student will be able to build on the knowledge and experience gained in the previous two practica courses and continue to incorporate those advanced competencies and associated behaviors in direct care, coaching, researching, ethical decision-making, moral agency and advocacy in addition to the emphasis of this course. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 200, 201, 203, 206, 238, 239, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250AB, and 290.
NUR 252A Leadership and Administration Practicum (3)
This is the first course in the Leadership/Administration practica series for students in the nursing leadership/administration track. This course is designed to assist the student in gaining practical knowledge, skills, and experience regarding the nursing leadership role in a variety of settings by precepting with a practicing nurse leader/administrator. The seminar portion of the course provides the student an opportunity to debrief and problem-solve with course faculty and other students. Entry-level competencies and behaviors identified in the American Organization of Nurse Executives' Competencies (AONE, 2005) will be emphasized throughout the practica series. This practicum course will concentrate on the competency areas of communication and relationship-building, leadership, and professionalism. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 201, 203, 241, 247, 253 (may be taken concurrently), 254, and 290.
NUR 252B Leadership and Administration Practicum (3)
This is the second course in the Leadership/Administration practica series for students in the nursing leadership/administration track. This course is designed to assist the student in gaining practical knowledge, skills, and experience regarding the nursing leadership role in a variety of settings by precepting with a practicing nurse leader/administrator. The seminar portion of the course provides the student an opportunity to debrief and problem-solve with course faculty and other students. Entry-level competencies and behaviors identified in the American Organization of Nurse Executives' Competencies (AONE, 2005) will be emphasized throughout the practica series. It is expected that the student will be able to build on the knowledge, skills, and experience gained in the previous practicum course. This practicum course will concentrate on the competency areas of knowledge of the healthcare environment and business skills. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 201, 203, 241, 247, 253, 254, 256 (may be taken concurrently), and 290.
NUR 253 Organizational Management in Healthcare (3)
The student will gain knowledge in management theories and styles and be able to analyze management and leadership components that have useful application in the workplace. The process of communication and cultural diversity and its application in the professional work environment will be studied to prepare the student for management positions. Aspects of organizational structures, human resources, ethics, quality management, quality improvement methods, decision making methods and critical thinking will be examined so that the student begins to develop a foundation for use in their professional career. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 254 Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations (3)
Course is designed for the graduate student in the leadership/administration track. This course will introduce the student to finance within the healthcare environment, including the budget development process, revenue sources, variable and fixed expenses. In addition, financial terms, ratios and uses will be covered so that the student develops the ability to read and understand financial reports, create variance reports and communicate effectively with the finance department. Portions of the classroom discussion will focus on health care reform and its financial impact on the health care delivery system. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 256 Organizational Change and Strategic Planning for Healthcare (3)
This course will present the concepts of organizational change, the principles and foundations of strategic planning, the components of the strategic planning process and utilizing strategic planning as an effective tool in managing an organizational change. Completion of this course will enable students to identify the differences between critical thinking and strategic thinking, the similarities between the strategic planning process and the nursing process, and prepare and assist them in developing a strategic plan in an administrative role. The course is designed to include key strategies used in the development of a strategic plan, including a SWOT analysis (Strengths; Weaknesses; Opportunities; and Threats). Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 290 Nursing Research and Methodologies (3)
This course constitutes an in-depth exploration of the research process and strategies. Discussion will surround both quantitative as well as qualitative designs. The course also provides an opportunity for students to prepare the first three chapters of their project proposal. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of a mathematical statistics course or research course, NUR 201 and NUR 203.
NUR 294 Evaluation and Testing (2)
This course will present concepts of assessment, measurement, testing, and evaluation in nursing education. The students will be prepared to utilize this knowledge in the role of the nurse educator. The course is designed to include strategies used to develop test items, clinical evaluation, evaluation of clinical performance, as well as social/legal/ethical issues associated with assessment and testing. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 201, 203, 206, and 208.
NUR 295 Educator Practicum (agency setting) (3)
This course is designed to provide teaching experiences for students with staff/patient educators. The experience will provide an opportunity to participate in the development or revision of education plans. Students will design a learning opportunity and will include a course description, learning objectives, and methods of evaluating both the learners and the education offering. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 200, 201, 203, 206, 208, 246, 248, 290, 294 and 298.
NUR 296 Thesis Project Seminar (3)
The student will assess the need for the nursing project, design and implement it and finally evaluate its effectiveness. The project needs to be aimed at solving a practical or clinical problem, or meeting an educational or administrative need in a service or academic setting. The project may include a nursing intervention program, a change project or an educational program that is designed in the form of a class, instructional module, computer program, videotape, or nursing education evaluation tool. A written report describing the project is the final assignment in this course. The project must first be approved by the course faculty. This seminar will provide the student with the opportunity to meet with the faculty throughout the semester to discuss the progress of the graduate project and to obtain guidance from the course faculty member. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 201, 203 and 290.
NUR 297 Educator Practicum (college setting) (3)
The course will provide students with experiences to prepare them as academic educators of pre-licensure RN students in a college-level nursing program. The student will choose an educational setting in which to prepare coursework and assist with the evaluation process while being supervised by a master faculty member. Students will immerse themselves in the role as an academic educator through participation in the varied aspects of a college environment. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program and graduate standing. Successful completion of NUR 200, 201, 203, 206, 208,246, 248, 290, 294 (may be taken concurrently) and 298.
NUR 298 Nurse Educator Role (1)
This course will introduce the student to the Nurse Educator role in a variety of settings. This will include academic setting, staff development, nurse counselor, and clinical nurse educator. Certification standards by the NLN and ANA will be a primary focus of the course. Prerequisites: Admission into the MSN Program, graduate standing and NUR 203 (may be taken concurrently).
NUR 299 Independent Study (1-3)
The faculty and student determine the focus of the independent study. The study may center on a problem of interest and/or desire to acquire a greater understanding of certain concepts/processes. This may involve but not limited to directed readings, assignments, projects, and research. Prerequisite: Admission into the MSN program and graduate standing. Consent of instructor, approval of faculty advisor, and program director.