This course explores the development of nursing knowledge, theory and their relationship to nursing education, practice and research. A historical overview of concept and theory development in nursing and related disciplines is explored as well as the process of critiquing, evaluating, and utilizing nursing theories. Students will examine the relationship between the components of theory and the role that theory plays in research, practice and education. Projections for the future of theory development in nursing are also discussed.

This course focuses on emerging methodologies for the study of advanced nursing. Students will discuss evaluation, utilization and application of current research pertaining to nursing education and practice. The role of the nurse researcher in promoting evidence-based practice is emphasized. Processes for implementation and evaluation of evidence-based nursing practice are included.

Pre- or Corequisite: NURS 600.

This course explores the professional role of the masters prepared nurse in health care delivery, research, and education. Emphasis will be placed on common core skills necessary to improve patient health outcomes, advance nursing education and promote population health. National health care objectives will be used to target specific areas of interest. Ethical requirements related to the practice of advanced nursing will be appraised, with an emphasis on understanding how to promote health and prevent community based illnesses within appropriate ethical boundaries. The context of practicing within an interprofessional setting will be accentuated.

This course explores the determinants and distribution of health and illness and the application of statistical and epidemiological principles to advanced nursing practice and health care delivery. The natural history of common diseases and conditions and the relationship of disease states to levels of prevention are emphasized. Levels of prevention, screening tests, diagnostic tests, guideline uses, and evidence-based care are explored. Ethical and legal aspects of epidemiology as well as related health promotion, health protection, and disease prevention as a basis for clinical decision-making are examined.

This course focuses on the interrelationships of human biological systems, biochemical, genetic and cellular concepts, providing the framework for the study of advanced pathological concepts. Case studies illustrate theoretical concepts and assist in the application of theory to practice.

This course builds on prior knowledge of pathophysiology and human physiology. It provides the basis for pharmacotherapeutics and therapeutic management guidelines for treatment of select disease processes, drug information by classification, and principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Clinical application, adverse reactions and patient education implications are presented.

This course builds on the student's’ knowledge and skills of basic health assessment and provides a foundation for the advanced nurse to evaluate the health of individuals across the lifespan. Theory and research-based methodologies and skills will be incorporated to assist students in the comprehensive assessment of individuals, including advanced communication skills such as clinical interviewing and focused history taking; psychosocial and physical assessment, critical diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision making. Interpretation of data for the purpose of differentiating normal from abnormal findings as well as for recognition of potential and/or actual health problems will also be addressed. The course requires 30 laboratory hours.

This course includes didactic content to expand knowledge of procedures, skills and clinical reasoning related to acute and chronic health conditions in one of the following areas: pediatric, women’s health/maternity or adult health. Collaborative skills and the importance of interprofessional team development as well as the application of content to the nurse educator role are emphasized.

This course provides practicum opportunities for the clinical management of clients as well as the opportunity to expand knowledge of procedures, skills and clinical reasoning. Settings and populations are chosen according to the student specialty selection. Students work collaboratively with other nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide individualized health care to those in culturally and socio-economic diverse settings. (150 clinical hours)

Corequisite: NURS 615.

This course includes didactic content to expand knowledge of procedures and skills necessary for the role of the nursing professional development specialist.

Students take either NURS 615 or NURS 617

Students will explore healthcare informatics concepts, theories, legal and ethical implications, and applications within the healthcare environment and classroom. Critical issues affecting the development and implementation of information technologies (clinical, administrative and learning), knowledge management principles, and professional practice trends will be analyzed. Emerging information and communication technology in health care will be explored. The course will emphasize the health informatics resources to implement health care outcome improvement and support practice and administrative decision-making. Students will apply new knowledge, manage individual and aggregate level information, and assess the efficacy of patient care technology appropriate to their area of practice.

This course provides practicum opportunities in nursing professional development with the opportunity to expand knowledge of procedures and skills necessary for success in this nursing specialist role. Settings are chosen according to the student’s specialty selection. Students will work collaboratively with other nurses and other healthcare professionals to develop, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing professional development. This course requires 150 clinical hours.

Corequisite: NURS 617.

This course explores evidence-based assessment and evaluation practices and the use of a variety of tools and strategies, including information technology to assess and evaluate learning. Students will develop appropriate formative and summative assessment techniques that address intended learning outcomes and promote learning.

This course explores curriculum development and the appropriate evaluation models to assess curriculum design. Students will evaluate the influence of accreditation requirements on curriculum development and the accreditation evaluation process.

This course explores instructional frameworks, learning environments, including traditional and virtual classrooms as well as clinical environments, and student management and motivation techniques. Students will examine theories associated with optimizing the teaching experience and student outcomes, and gain an understanding of evidence-based teaching, learning, communication, and motivation strategies used for specific learning situations and student populations.

This practicum course is designed to combine practice and theory and provide an opportunity to apply knowledge and competencies acquired throughout the program of study to educational environments. It is a time intensive practicum in an educational setting of the student’s choice (160 clinical hours).