Master of Science in Nursing Program Courses

NRSG 600 FOUNDATIONS OF SCHOLARLY WRITING 1 Credit Hour

In this course, students will build upon their composition and writing skills from their undergraduate program to develop a graduate level of scholarly writing. Emphasis will be on scholarly writing style utilizing evidence, grammar, punctuation, and basic writing skills. This course will also improve students' knowledge of responsibility and ethical access and use of information. 1 didactic credit.

Typically Offered: FALL/SPR

NRSG 602 FOUNDATIONS OF QUALITY, SAFETY, INFORMATICS AND FINANCE 4 Credit Hours

Explores the theoretical foundations and application of quality improvement methods and strategies including technologies, informatics, and financial/business planning needed to increase organizational effectiveness. Focuses on measurement and accountability in health care delivery systems through the examination and analysis of data, structures, processes and outcomes. Appraises the socioeconomic impact of the delivery of health care and design practices that enhance value, access, cost-effectiveness, quality and safety. Prepares students to lead and practice in organizations that advance high reliability principles, patient safety, inter-professional teamwork, and continuous learning. 4 didactic credits.

Typically Offered: SUM/FALL

NRSG 605 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 4 Credit Hours

This course provides students with an understanding of pathophysiology that will support clinical decision making about diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. The course comprises two parts. In the first part, the etiologic mechanisms of diseases, such as cellular injury, inflammation,, healing, genetics, oncogenesis are discussed. In the second part, students apply the etiologic mechanisms to each body system by examining common diseases states. Each week clinical scenarios depicting cases that students are likely to encounter in their clinical placements and practice are discussed in class. 4 didactic credits

Prerequisite:  Course in undergraduate pathophysiology or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 805.

Typically Offered: FALL/SPR

NRSG 606 APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES 3 Credit Hours

The Applied Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses course provides the graduate nursing student advanced clinical pharmacological management skills in delivering health care to consumers. The course addresses selected pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of medications recommended or prescribed in primary and other health care settings, principles of appropriate medication selection and consumer monitoring, and prescriptive authority responsibilities. Case studies to incorporate theoretical knowledge with clinical situations are used to stimulate critical thinking skills. The course provides the student with information specific to all age groups, encompassing a life span approach. Emphasis is consistently placed on protection of life from the unborn to the aged. 3 didactic credits.

Prerequisite:  Undergraduate pharmacology course or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 806.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 607 ADVANCED ASSESSMENT AND CLINICAL REASONING ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN 3 Credit Hours

The purpose of this course is to increase knowledge and expertise for the acquisition of advanced clinical skills in assessing and maintaining the health of individuals across the life span. Independent modules, classroom presentations, clinical lab, and simulation will provide opportunities for students to develop advanced practice skills in history taking, physical examinations, and clinical reasoning. 3 credits (1 didactic/2 lab).

Prerequisite:  Undergraduate health assessment course or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 807.

Typically Offered: SUMMER

NRSG 620 ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP) I 3 Credit Hours

This course will provide the student with clinical experiences to apply the course objectives in the clinical setting. 3 clinical credits.

Corequisite: NRSG 626

Cross List: NRSG 820.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 626 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE HEALTH PROBLEMS I 3 Credit Hours

This theoretical course develops the knowledge and skills necessary for nurse practitioners to care for adults and older adults with acute, critical and complex chronic physical and mental illnesses including late adolescents and frail older adults across the lifespan. 3 didactic credits

Prerequisite:  NRSG 622, NRSG 631

Corequisite: NRSG 620

Cross List: NRSG 826

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 628 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP) III 3 Credit Hours

This course will provide an opportunity for a final clinical practicum to implement advanced practice nursing roles to meet the objectives of the adult-gerontology program. This final clinical practicum provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate a synthesis of their adult-gerontology clinical competencies in preparation for their future practice as adult-gerontology acute care (NP). 3 clinical credits.

Prerequisite:  NRSG 635, NRSG 624

Cross List: NRSG 828.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 634 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ADULT-GERONTOLOGY NURSING 1-6 Credit Hours

Independent study of selected clinical problems in the area of Adult-Gerontology Nursing. 1-6 credits.

Cross List: NRSG 834.

Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU

NRSG 610 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE CLINICAL NURSE LEADER 2 Credit Hours

This course provides students with an understanding of pathophysiology that will support clinical decision making about diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. The course is comprised of two sections. In part 1, the etiologic mechanisms of diseases, such as cellular injury, inflammation, healing, genetics, oncogenesis are discussed. Each week clinical scenarios depicting cases that students are likely to encounter in their clinical placements and practice are discussed in synchronous class sessions. In part 2, students will apply the etiologic mechanisms to selected body systems by examining selected disease states, and independently completing two written assignments via asynchronous participation. 2 didactic credits

Prerequisite:  Undergraduate pathophysiology course or permission of instructor

Cross List: NRSG 810

Typically Offered: FALL

NRSG 619 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICUM II 3 Credit Hours

This course will provide clinical experiences to apply learning from the corequisite didactic course. 3 clinical credits.

Corequisite: NRSG 625

Cross List: NRSG 819.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 625 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE II 3 Credit Hours

This is the second of four sequential courses. The emphasis is on preparing the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner to provide comprehensive, chronic, continuous, coordinated care in a long-term relationship with adolescents, adults and older adults. The course will use theoretical frameworks and evidence-based strategies to guide learning about chronic care of adults. Also, this course focuses on management and documentation of selected health problems: cardiovascular, pulmonary, anemia, genomes, renal/urology, and urinary and fecal incontinence. 3 didactic credits

Prerequisite:  NRSG 621

Corequisite: NRSG 619

Cross List: NRSG 825

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 627 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICUM IV 4 Credit Hours

This course will provide clinical experiences to apply learning from the corequisite didactic course. 4 clinical credits

Corequisite: NRSG 632

Cross List: NRSG 827.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 632 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE IV 1 Credit Hour

This is the final course of four sequential courses. The course focuses on the role of the adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner in palliative care. Emphasis is placed on management and documentation of frailty, end-of-life, advanced care planning, maintenance of function, comfort measures, and behavioral disturbance management. 1 didactic credit

Prerequisite:  NRSG 629

Corequisite: NRSG 627

Cross List: NRSG 832

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 634 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ADULT-GERONTOLOGY NURSING 1-6 Credit Hours

Independent study of selected clinical problems in the area of Adult-Gerontology Nursing. 1-6 credits.

Cross List: NRSG 834.

Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU

NRSG 639 PRIMARY HEALTH CARE OF OLDER FAMILIES 3-6 Credit Hours

Knowledge and skills for providing primary health care to middle-aged and older families. Focus is on the risk management and care of acute and chronic illnesses. 3-6 credits (3 didactic/0-3 lab).

Prerequisite:  NRSG 637 or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 839.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 640 ADVANCED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE OF FAMILIES 1-5 Credit Hours

Comprehensive primary health care is provided to individuals and families across the lifespan. 1-5 credits (1-5 clinical).

Prerequisite:  NRSG 637, NRSG 638, NRSG 639 or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 840.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 648 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE NURSING 1-6 Credit Hours

Provides opportunity to explore selected topics or clinical problems related to advanced practice in primary health care nursing in depth. Either independent study involving readings developed in consultation with instructor, or seminar for which topics will vary depending upon the objectives identified by student and faculty. 1-6 didactic credits.

Prerequisite:  Permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 848.

Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU

NRSG 651 HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS AND POLICY 3 Credit Hours

Evaluation of health care systems and their effect on the health of populations. Emphasis will be on systems theory/thinking, health policy and strategies and the coalition building process to influence systems. 3 credits (1.5 didactic/1.5 clinical).

Cross List: NRSG 851.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 653 ANALYZING ISSUES IN NURSING ADMINISTRATION 3 Credit Hours

This course is designed to provide didactic content and practicum experience using a learning community consisting of students, faculty and experienced nurse managers in health care leadership roles. Emphasis is on analyzing personal, professional and organizational leadership philosophies/practices. Key issues explored include legal and ethical considerations, regulatory issues, risk management concerns, and integrating leadership, management, human resources, and administrative skills into the professional nursing administration practice role. (1 didactic/2 clinical)

Cross List: NRSG 853.

Typically Offered: SUMMER

NRSG 654 INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH INFORMATICS 3 Credit Hours

An introduction to the analysis and evaluation of information needs and information systems in communities and health care organizations. Informatics knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for clinical, administrative, and technical decision making will be emphasized. Clinical, financial, policy, legal, technical and ethical issues concerning healthcare informatics will be discussed. (3 didactic credits)

Cross List: NRSG 854.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 657 PRACTICUM IN MANAGING AND EVALUATING IN HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS 5 Credit Hours

Seminar and clinical management and evaluation experiences in a health care organization. Emphasis is on developing leadership, management and evaluation skills, enhancing personal effectiveness, and integrating knowledge into the practice role of a nursing administration specialist. 5 credits (2 didactic/3 clinical).

Prerequisite:  NRSG 656 or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 857.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 659 SPECIAL TOPICS IN NURSING ADMINISTRATION 1-6 Credit Hours

Independent study course exploring selected topics or clinical problems related to Nursing Administration advanced practice. Seminar or clinical practicum format. Topics will vary. 1-6 credits.

Prerequisite:  Permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 859.

Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU

NRSG 663 ADVANCED PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING WITH ADULTS 2-4 Credit Hours

The advanced nursing role in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of psychiatric mental health problems in adulthood at the individual, family, and community levels. 2 or 4 credits (2 didactic/0 or 2 lab).

Prerequisite:  NRSG 662, NRSG 665.

Cross List: NRSG 863.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 672 PRIMARY CARE OF CHILDREN II: ACUTE HEALTH PROBLEMS 2-5 Credit Hours

The focus of this course is the advanced practice nursing management of selected acute health care problems as these affect children within the context of their families. The managed care includes monitoring the status of the acute condition, the presence of episodes of common pediatric problems and normal developmental issues and concerns. The clinical experiences will be in selected acute care and community based child health care settings. Research will be evaluated for utilization to monitor and ensure quality child health management. 2-5 credits (2 didactic/0-3 clinical).

Prerequisite:  NRSG 605 or permission of instructor or.

Corequisite: NRSG 605 or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 872.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 673 PRIMARY CARE OF CHILDREN III: CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS 2-6 Credit Hours

The focus of this course is the advanced practice nursing management of selected chronic health care problems as these affect children within the context of their families. The managed care includes monitoring the status of the chronic condition, the presence of acute episodes of common child health problems and normal developmental issues and concerns. Content and clinical experiences will emphasize assessment, diagnosis, prescribed therapies, and management of children over time with stable chronic health care problems. The clinical experiences will be in selected chronic care and primary care child health settings. Research will be evaluated for utilization to monitor and ensure quality child health management. 2-6 credits (2 didactic/0-4 hours clinical).

Prerequisite:  NRSG 672 or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 873.

Typically Offered: FALL

NRSG 677 ADVANCED PRACTICE WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE II 3 Credit Hours

The focus of this course is on the role of the advanced practice nurse in acute health issues in women and the management of deviations from normal gynecology and low-risk obstetrics. This course will emphasize comprehensive assessment and management of disease processes and treatment of deviations from normal in both acute and community-based settings.

Prerequisite:  NRSG 605, NRSG 606, NRSG 607 or permission of instructor.

Corequisite: NRSG 679

Cross List: NRSG 877.

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 691B DESIGNING AND EVALUATING LEARNER-CENTERED CURRICULA 3 Credit Hours

An analysis and understanding of pedagogical philosophies and assumptions associated with adult learning and nursing education from the basis for curricular and course development, implementation and evaluation. Attention will be given to the impact of current and future external and internal forces on the development of curriculum, course content, and teaching/learning strategies. Students will explore best practices and research based strategies to create an active learning environment and support various learning styles that enhance student retention and learning success for a diverse multicultural student population. 3 didactic credits.

Prerequisite:  Admission to the Professional Graduate Nursing Program or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 891B

Typically Offered: SPRING

NRSG 691 TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR THE CLASSROOM 3 Credit Hours

Effective classroom teaching and learning strategies foster sound clinical judgment, safe clinical practice and professional role development. In this course, students will develop theoretically based teaching and learning strategies focused on individual learner needs with the context of the classroom environment. Special attention will be given to the interplay between different learning environments, learner needs and learner evaluation. Through reflective strategies, students will examine nursing behaviors that promote professional role development. 3 didactic credits.

Prerequisite:  Admission to the Professional Graduate Nursing Program or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 891

Typically Offered: FALL

NRSG 692 TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES IN CLINICAL AND SIMULATION 3 Credit Hours

Effective clinical teaching/learning strategies foster sound clinical judgment, safe clinical practice and professional role development. In this course, students will develop theoretically based teaching/earning strategies focused on individual learner needs with the context of the clinical and simulation learning environment. Special attention will be given to the interplay between different learning environments, learner needs and learner evaluation. Through reflective strategies, students will examine nursing behaviors that promote professional role development. 3 didactic credits.

Prerequisite:  Admission to the Professional Graduate Nursing Program or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 892

Typically Offered: FALL

NRSG 693 USING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES 3 Credit Hours

Technology offers numerous opportunities to enhance diverse teaching/learning strategies. Using theories of education, students will discuss and evaluate how the use of technology influences teaching, learning, and evaluation strategies. Students will explore a variety of technologies and their applicability to learning goals, active learning strategies, and different learning environments such as clinical sites and learning resource centers. Students will evaluate how teacher and learner roles are influenced with the use of technology. 3 didactic credits.

Prerequisite:  NRSG 691, NRSG 692 or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 893.

Typically Offered: SUMMER

NRSG 694 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EDUCATOR ROLE: PRACTICUM 3 Credit Hours

Various components of the educator role are implemented under the guidance of a preceptor in an educational setting. Opportunities are provided to utilize teaching and learning strategies, educational research findings, and evaluation methods with diverse students. Professional issues such as continuous quality improvement, health care quality and safety, scholarship of teaching, and multicultural workforce needs will be incorporated into accompanying modules. 3 clinical credits.

Prerequisite:  NRSG 691, NRSG 692, NRSG 693 or permission of instructor.

Cross List: NRSG 894.

Typically Offered: FALL/SP/SU