Course Descriptions
Core Nursing Courses
15 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
Corequisite: NURS 502
NURS 502 ADVANCED NURSING RESEARCH
This course analyzes the role of research in the development of nursing’s body of knowledge. Students will obtain the skills necessary to understand research and utilize evidence based practice in making clinical decisions. The course is designed to guide graduate nurses to articulate relevant clinical-based questions, perform a review of the literature to identify relevant evidence, evaluate the quality of research on which the evidence is based, and discuss the application of the evidence in clinical practice to improve quality of care. The course culminates with the students’ proposal of a Master’s evidence based practice project with supporting evidence that show gaps in the literature and practice applications to improve quality of care. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Prerequisite: an Undergraduate-level statistics course
Corequisite: NURS 501
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
Prerequisites: NURS 505 and NURS 532
Corequisite: NURS 531 and NURS 531C
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
Prerequisites: NURS 504 and NURS 530
Corequisite: NURS 532
NURS 506 ADVANCED NURSING RESEARCH II
This course is the second research course that will facilitate the students Master’s evidence based practice project completion. The course provides students with practical information, various exercises on how to apply research and resources for successful manuscript preparation. The project will be presented in a conference in a poster and oral presentation format at the College’s Research and Scholarship event as well as at the students organization of practice. This course further develops skills for scholarly writing including familiarity with professional journals and conferences, utilization of electronic resources for literature searches and citation management, writing process and organizational skills, and academic integrity. At the completion of the course the students are prepared for a lifelong approach to integrating scholarship into clinical practice. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: NURS 501 and NURS 502
Corequisite: NURS 530
Support Courses
NURS 530 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
This course is designed to investigate concepts and processes related to health care across the lifespan. Common pathophysiologic 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: NURS 501 and NURS 502
Corequisite: NURS 504
NURS 531 ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT/PRACTICUM AND NURS 531C Health Assessment Lab
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 1-hour lab per week plus 60 practicum hours
Prerequisites: NURS 505 and NURS 532
Corequisites: NURS 531C and NURS 506
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: NURS 504 and NURS 530
Corequisite: NURS 505
Family Nurse Practitioner Courses
NURS 650 ADVANCED PRACTICE THEORY I
This course will explore the diagnosis and management of frequently occurring common health problems manifested in primary care. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies essential in providing holistic primary care to young, middle-aged, older adults, and elderly populations from underserved areas will be addressed. Assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute episodic illnesses and chronic health conditions are emphasized. Aspects of epidemiology and differential diagnosis are addressed across the lifespan. Emphasis will be given to conditions that affect the skin, the eye, nose and throat, and the respiratory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems, as well as psychiatric disorders.
3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 531 and NURS 531C
Corequisite: NURS 651
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 and elderly population. In a variety of ambulatory settings, the student will implement comprehensive skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of wellness, and acute and chronic 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: NURS 531 and NURS 531C
Corequisite: NURS 650
NURS 652 ADVANCED PRACTICE THEORY II
This course will explore the diagnosis and management of frequently occurring common health problems manifested in primary care. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies essential in providing holistic primary care to young, middle-aged, older adults, and elderly populations from underserved areas will be addressed. Assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute episodic illnesses and chronic health conditions are emphasized. Aspects of epidemiology and differential diagnosis are addressed across the lifespan. Emphasis will be given to conditions that affect the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, renal, endocrine, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems as well as hematopoietic, and immune disorders. Teaching strategies essential in coordinating care for patients across the lifespan with a focus on common urgent problems, palliative care, and pain management. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 650 and NURS 651
Corequisite: NURS 653
NURS 653 ADVANCED PRACTICUM/SEMINAR II
This course will emphasize implementation of theory-based nursing management strategies to promote, restore, and maintain health in young, middle age, and older adults and elderly population. In a variety of ambulatory settings, the student will implement comprehensive skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of wellness, and acute and chronic 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: NURS 650 and NURS 651
Corequisite: NURS 652
NURS 656 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER THEORY III
This course will explore the diagnosis and management of episodic, chronic, and developmental alterations of pediatrics patients. Strategies essential to the treatment and coordination of care of the pediatric population will be addressed. Further issues affecting families will be explored. (3 credits)
3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: NURS 652 and NURS 653
Corequisite: NURS 656
NURS 657 FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER PRACTICUM/SEMINAR III
This course will emphasize implementation of theory-based managed strategies for 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 pediatric client population. (3 credits)
1-hour seminar per week plus 180 practicum hours in pediatrics
Prerequisites: NURS 652 and NURS 653
Corequisite: NURS 656
Supplemental 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