Course Descriptions
Core Nursing Courses
Twelve credits provide core knowledge essential to advanced nursing practice.
NURS 501 ADVANCED NURSING THEORY
This core course critiques selected nursing theories and health related concepts involved in advanced nursing practice. These theories and concepts are derived from the social sciences, psychology, and family and humanistic literature. Concept development will be analyzed in relation to specific areas of students’ interests. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Pre- or Co-requisites: Undergraduate courses in nursing research and elementary statistics.
NURS 502 ADVANCED NURSING RESEARCH
Quantitative and qualitative research are examined and evaluated. A major component of this course is the development of a research proposal. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Prerequisite: NURS 501 Advanced Nursing Theory
NURS 504 DYNAMICS OF NURSING LEADERSHIP
This course is an in-depth study of leadership theories and issues in managed health care. The history of nursing, its culture, and current social, political, and legislative trends are studied for their implications in nursing leadership. Students apply concepts from selected theories in the development of a philosophy of leadership. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Pre- or Co-requisite: NURS 501 Advanced Nursing Theory
NURS 505 ETHICAL AND POLICY ISSUES IN HEALTH CARE
This course provides an in-depth study of major ethical issues affecting the nursing care of individuals, families, and communities. Ethical frameworks are analyzed for decision-making in relation to selected nursing theories, standards of nursing care, and health care policies. Relationships between ethical decision-making and the implementation of professional practice are explored. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Pre- or Co-requisite: NURS 501 Advanced Nursing Theory
Support Courses
NURS 530 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
This is the second of two courses designed to investigate concepts and processes related to the health care of children, adults and the elderly. Common path physiologic processes are discussed in conjunction with recent research. Pathophysiology is examined for its use in implementing a nursing plan of care at the advanced practice level. This course focuses on disease processes encountered in the primary care setting (3 credits).
Prerequisites: Completion of NURS 501 Advanced Nursing Theory, NURS 502 Advanced Nursing Research, NURS 504 Dynamics of Nursing Leadership, NURS 505 Ethical and Policy Issues in Health Care
Cannot take Pathophysiology, Pharmacophisiology, or Health Assessment at the same time.
NURS 531 ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT/PRACTICUM
Emphasis is on theory and practice in biobehavioral and psychobehavioral assessment strategies essential for case management of the adult seeking primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Skill development includes obtaining and recording a comprehensive database and demonstrates advanced clinical judgment in the assessment of individuals. Preceptor experiences assist the student in synthesizing the components of the health history and physical assessment. (3 credits)
2-hour lecture followed by 2-hour lab per week plus 60 practicum hours
Prerequisites: Undergraduate health assessment course, successful completion of the Health Assessment Placement Examination
Cannot take Pathophysiology, Pharmacophisiology, or Health Assessment at the same time.
NURS 532 ADVANCED PHARMACOPHYSIOLOGY
The principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of major drug groups are examined. Emphasis is placed on the application of drug therapy in the management of common health problems in adults and aged. Legal consideration for prescription writing will be incorporated. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: Completion of NURS 501 Advanced Nursing Theory, NURS 502 Advanced Nursing Research, NURS 504 Dynamics of Nursing Leadership, NURS 505 Ethical and Policy Issues in Health Care
Cannot take Pathophysiology, Pharmacophisiology, or Health Assessment at the same time.
Family Nurse Practitioner Courses
NURS 600 CONTINUOUS CLINICAL PRACTICUM
Nurse Practitioners must register for the course in order to fulfill 600 clinical hours required for graduation. The students will continue to refine their skills in comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and nursing management of health care. Clinical sites may include an ambulatory facility, community health center, acute care and/or a long term facility that provides care in the specialty care of interest. (0 credits)
A clinical fee will be charged upon registration
NURS 650 ADVANCED PRACTICE THEORY I
This course will explore the diagnosis and nursing management of frequently occurring common health problems manifested in primary care. Emphasis will be given to episodic conditions that affect the skin, the eye, nose and throat, and the respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems, as well as affective disorders common in young, middle-aged, and older adults. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies essential in providing holistic primary care to adult populations from undeserved areas will be addressed. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: Core nursing courses, NURS 530 Advanced Pathophysiology, NURS 531 Advanced Health Assessment/Practicum, NURS 532 Advanced Pharmacophysiology
Co-requisite: NURS 651 Advanced Practicum/Seminar I
NURS 651 ADVANCED PRACTICUM/SEMINAR I
This course will emphasize implementation of theory-based nursing management strategies to promote, restore, and maintain health in young, middle age, and older adults. In a variety of ambulatory settings, the student will implement comprehensive skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of wellness and common health problems. The seminar will focus on the collaborative role of the nurse practitioner in providing care to patients. (3 credits)
1-hour seminar per week plus 180 practicum hours
Prerequisites: Core Nursing courses, NURS 530 Advanced Pathophysiology, NURS 531 Advanced Health Assessment/Practicum, NURS 532 Advanced Pharmacophysiology
Co-requisite: NURS 650 Advanced Practice Theory I
NURS 652 ADVANCED PRACTICE THEORY II
This course will explore the management of chronicity in the adult population. Exacerbations of chronic conditions with multisystem alterations will be discussed. Emphasis will be given to the chronic illnesses that affect the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems. Teaching strategies essential in coordinating care for adult individuals within the context of the family will be addressed (3 credits).
3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 650 Advanced Practice Theory I, NURS 651 Advanced Practicum/Seminar I
Co-requisite: NURS 653 Advanced Practicum/Seminar II
NURS 653 ADVANCED PRACTICUM/SEMINAR II
This course will implement theory-based management strategies to treat chronic health problems. In a variety of clinical settings or in specialty clinics, the student will implement strategies which support clients and their caregivers. The seminar will focus on the relevance and competence of the nurse practitioner in providing primary care. (3 credits)
1-hour seminar per week plus 180 practicum hours
Prerequisites: NURS 650 Advanced Practice Theory I, NURS 651 Advanced Practicum/Seminar I
Co-requisite: NURS 652 Advanced Practice Theory II
NURS 656 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER THEORY III
This course will explore the diagnosis and management if episodic, chronic, and developmental alterations of women and children. Strategies essential to the treatment and coordination of care of the pediatric population will be addressed. Further issues affecting families will be explored. This course is for FNP students only. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 652 Advanced Practice Theory II , NURS 653 Advanced Practicum/Seminar II
Co-requisite: NURS 657 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum/Seminar III
NURS 657 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PRACTICUM/SEMINAR III
This course will emphasize implementation of theory-based managed strategies for women and children with episodic, developmental, and chronic health problems. In a variety of clinical settings, the student will implement management, preventive, and health-promoting strategies, which support clients, families, the community, and their care-givers. The seminar will focus on issues pertaining to the client population. This course is for FNP students only. (3 credits)
1-hour seminar per week plus 90 practicum hours in pediatrics and 90 practicum hours in women’s health
Prerequisites: NURS 652 Advanced Practice Theory II , NURS 653 Advanced Practicum/Seminar II
Co-requisite: NURS 656 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory III
Master’s Project Component
NURS 700 MASTER’S PROJECT ADVISEMENT
This synthesis course is designed to refine and implement a Master’s Degree project. The project is based on a specific area of interest that has been identified in previous graduate courses. Students may complete research (qualitative or quantitative), teaching or other projects
that are consistent with the terminal objectives of the program. Students’ support and guidance for the duration of their project. (1-3 credits)
Students must complete 3 credits of Master’s Project Advisement
NURS 701 CONTINUOUS MASTER’S PROJECT ADVISEMENT
This course is designed to provide students with continuous advisement in the event that the student has not completed the Master’s Project within three semesters (or three credit hours). This course does not carry credit, however, will be billed to the student in the amount equivalent to one credit (0 credits).