Nursing

nursing.creighton.edu

Dean: Jessica Clark, DNP, RN
Senior Associate Dean for Academics: Mary Kunes-Connell, PhD, RN
 

Graduate Study in Nursing

Creighton University College of Nursing offers graduate degree programs leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The College offers an APRN post-graduate certificate program for nurses who have previously earned a graduate degree as a nurse practitioner, midwife, certified nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist and want to pursue certification within another population focus. The College also offers a post-graduate certificate in nursing education. 

Emphasis is placed on preparing graduates with advanced role knowledge and practice competencies to meet the demands of a complex and dynamic health care environment. Graduate study in nursing integrates the best evidence from nursing and other disciplines; natural, social and political sciences, communication sciences, and ethics. Creighton University's fully accredited graduate nursing programs assist the professional nurse to respond to challenges in nursing practice and in the health care system and assume ethical leadership in meeting quality, cost-effective outcomes by providing and managing innovative services to clients. Intensive study focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in health promotion, prevention, restoration, maintenance, and care management to achieve optimum outcomes for individuals, families, communities, populations, and systems across the continuum of care. The program affords opportunities for interprofessional collaboration to address key aspects of resource utilization, outcome improvements and ethical decision making in the health care delivery system.

The master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Creighton University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org

Courses

NUR 561. Definitions of Health - Implications for Care: Austria, Hungary and the United States. 3 credits. SU

NUR 561 explores different understandings of health and how these influence perceptions of care and policies pertaining to public health and health care. Students will compare and contrast their own understandings, perceptions, and knowledge about health care and public health in the U.S. with those of diverse groups encountered during a two-week program in Austria and Hungary, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore innovative thoughts and approaches for public health and health care in the United States. P: Junior or Senior standing.

NUR 571. Aligning Efforts for Health: Collaborative Models in West Africa. 3 credits. SU

This course provides students with a theoretical basis and foundation for participation in a Faculty Led Program Abroad related to collaborative practice and community engagement in West Africa. Students will explore their understanding of sustainable approaches to global health initiatives that impact healthcare delivery and access in West Africa. Topics include sustainable global partnerships, clean water resources, common health metrics for measurement of health and disease, cultural approaches to health, environmental health, and health care access. The course culminates with a ten-day immersion experience in Western Africa. During this trip student will interact with West Africa hospital administrators, physicians, nurses, students, educators, patients, families, and community leaders to gain insight on the challenges of and required knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for collaborative and sustainable global partnerships. Student will be expected to compare and contrast their previous understanding of healthcare systems and public health initiatives to experiences in West Africa. Knowledge gained will be applied to their own future collaborative practice and community engagement. P: To participate in this course, students are required to be working toward a health professions major.

NUR 607. Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for Advanced Nursing Practice. 3 credits. FA, SP

In NUR 607, students and faculty examine the pharmacological effects and clinical uses of specific drug groups related to the care and management of neonatal, pediatric, adult and older adult patients in primary and acute care settings. Pharmacological principles, mechanisms of action, associated drug interactions, incompatibilities, side effects, contraindications, and patient education aspects of drug therapy are discussed. Problems inherent in drug therapy of specific patient populations, such as ethnic groups, neonates, children, pregnant or lactating women, and older adults, are emphasized. CO: Admission to the MSN/DNP program or permission of instructor.

NUR 615. Advanced Neonatal Assessment. 2 credits. SP

NUR 615 incorporates knowledge of neonatal physiology and pathophysiology to expand the assessment skills of advanced practice nursing students. The course includes perinatal history taking, physical assessment and examination techniques, gestational age assessment, APGAR scoring, developmental and behavioral assessment, and cultural/social family evaluation. P: NUR 607 and NUR 650.

NUR 618. Population-Based Health Care for Advanced Practice Nursing. 3 credits. SU

In NUR 618, primary care nurse practitioner students will extend their practice to incorporate the principles of population-based delivery of health care. This approach to health care is fundamentally based on a partnership between primary care providers and communities and the ethic of service. Population-based health care provides accessible, coordinated, continuous-over-time, comprehensive, and accountable services to a population. Students are provided opportunities to bridge and unite clinical skills and public health and to apply knowledge of epidemiology, health assessment, health promotion, cultural competence and interprofessional care to practice. P: NUR 684.

NUR 633. General Neonatal Management. 3 credits. SU

NUR 633 provides the student with knowledge of general management principles in the newborn nursery, convalescent nursery and upon discharge from the NICU. Course content includes nutrition, pain management, thermoregulation, resuscitation, transitional care, discharge planning, developmental follow-up, the grief process, and general infant care to age 2 years. P: NUR 615 and NUR 687; P or CO: NUR 685; CO: NUR 743.

NUR 643. Management of High Risk Neonate I. 4 credits. FA

NUR 643 provides the student with didactic content in common high risk maternal/fetal conditions, neonatal cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hematological, neurological, dermatological and infectious disorders. Content includes the management of the more common neonatal diseases. P: NUR 633; CO: NUR 644; P or CO: NUR 686 and NUR 692.

NUR 644. Practicum II: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. 2 credits. FA

NUR 644 is a preceptor-supervised course designed to continue the development of the neonatal nurse practitioner by focusing on providing care to a group of stable infants in a Level III NICU. The experience provides the student with exposure to the more common high risk maternal/fetal conditions, neonatal cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hematological, neurological, dermatological, genetic and infectious disorders as well as palliative care, development care and bereavement issues. Prior to enrollment in this course students, in conjunction with their advisors, must secure approved preceptors. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 743; CO: NUR 643.

NUR 650. Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan. 3 credits. FA, SP

NUR 650 is designed to provide students with an understanding of the relationship between normal physiologic functioning and pathophysiologic phenomena and clinical manifestations of human responses to actual or potential health alterations across the lifespan, from neonate through the older adult. This base serves as one of the primary components for clinical assessment, decision-making, and care management. The following elements are integrated into the course: health states, critical thinking, professional communication, evidence-based practice, scientific integrity and ethical decision-making, genetics/genomics, and age and development.

NUR 652. Advanced Neonatal Pathophysiology. 1 credit. FA, SP

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the relationship between normal embryology and fetal development and normal physiologic functioning with the pathophysiologic phenomena that can occur in the fetus and neonate. A relationship between the pathophysiologic occurrence and the consequential clinical manifestations is explored. This base serves as one of the primary components for clinical assessment, decision-making, and management of neonatal disorders. Students will work independently under the guidance of the faculty. This course is designated for those students who have taken an adult or lifespan advanced pathophysiology course, but need the required neonatal content provided to Creighton students.

NUR 660. Pathway to Success for Role Support Courses. 1 credit. FA, SP, SU

NUR 660 supports improving students' understanding of critical concepts and skills through content review and application in preparation for resuming specialty and role practicum courses. The curriculum will cover advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, medical management, and a competency simulation evaluation to provide hands-on experience and reinforce classroom learning. The course ensures content mastery before progression. This course aims to provide a structured approach to remediating clinical deficiencies, improving critical thinking, and ensuring competence in delivering high-quality patient care.

NUR 664. Well Child Care Management. 1 credit. SU

NUR 664 is designed for family and pediatric dual track nurse practitioner students with a focus on the well child from birth through adolescence. Special attention is given to health maintenance care of the high risk infant in the primary care setting. P: NUR 694 and NUR 687; CO: NUR 665 (Peds) or NUR 741 (Family); P or CO: NUR 685.

NUR 665. Practicum I: Care of the Well Child. 2 credits. SU

NUR 665 is the first preceptor-supervised practice course for advanced practice nursing (APN) students, initiating their progression from novice to competent advanced practice nurses within the pediatric dual track program. Building on the knowledge and skills gained in their baccalaureate programs and previous graduate courses, students focus on developing advanced clinical competencies. In clinical settings, students collaborate with preceptors who provide guidance and feedback in the areas of history-taking, physical assessment, and diagnostic reasoning in the care of the well child. Requires 150 direct clinical hours. CO: NUR 664.

NUR 683. Statistics and Data Analysis for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice. 3 credits. FA, SP

NUR 683 focuses on descriptive and inferential statistics used in health care and foundational to the empirical "evidence" supporting evidence-based practice. Students will develop skills for evaluating published empirical research in nursing and related health care disciplines. Emphasis is on identifying the appropriate research design, statistical tests, and results interpretation given a specific practice based question. The course focuses on an applied perspective, with examples presented through discussion of material from the text book, material from actual studies, and critiques of selected articles from peer-reviewed journals. P: Successful completion of an Undergraduate statistics course.

NUR 684. Epidemiology. 3 credits. SP, SU

NUR 684 explores principles and methods of epidemiology as they are applied in advanced clinical practice with groups, communities, and populations. Infectious and noninfectious disease models are examined. Emphasis is placed on the application of epidemiological methods to questions related to individual, aggregate, community, and population health. This course highlights the interface between epidemiology, clinical practice, and public policies influencing health. P: Successful completion of an Undergraduate statistics course.

NUR 685. Exploring Evidence for Improving Outcomes. 3 credits. SP, SU

In NUR 685 students build on knowledge and skills needed for evidenced- based practice (EBP) that were developed in baccalaureate programs. Students are introduced to theoretical frameworks and their relationship in developing evidence for practice. Students explore strategies and models for EBP, along with methods for motivating and implementing change. Students identify a clinical practice or system problem, critically evaluate relevant research literature, and synthesize various sources of evidence to address the identified problem. Ethics of research, quality improvement projects, and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in both research and practice are also explored. P: NUR 683, MHE 600.

NUR 686. Evaluative Methods for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice. 3 credits. FA, SU

NUR 686 focuses on the translation of scientific knowledge into complex clinical interventions and the evaluation of outcomes of evidence-based practice changes. Emphasis is placed on research designs and methods aimed at outcomes evaluation. Students utilize data management methods to evaluate outcomes. P: NUR 685 or admission into the post-masters to DNP program.

NUR 687. Care Management and Outcomes Improvement. 3 credits. FA, SP

NUR 687 focuses on advanced nursing roles, patient-centered approaches to care, and improving outcomes using a care management process model. Theoretical formulations underlying relationship-based care, evidenced-based practice, quality improvement, and risk management are examined. Emphasis is placed on clinical quality and safety, and ethical and cultural issues related to care for specialized populations in unique clinical situations.

NUR 689. Organizations As Complex Adaptive Systems. 3 credits. SP

NUR 689 examines the complexity of diverse healthcare systems at the micro and macro levels. Using productive inquiry, students explore innovative infrastructures and processes that support the delivery of health care. Concepts, principles, and processes of complexity science, organization theory, management theory, and strategic planning are the main foci of this course. Students analyze the impact of accelerated change on their micro-systems and address the status quo, complacency, and standards of care within their respective practice environments. P: NUR 687 & NUR 692.

NUR 692. Financial Organization of U.S. Healthcare. 2 credits. FA, SU

NUR 692 is designed to provide a foundation in areas of accounting principles, financial planning and control, and use of a financial statement for decision-making and fiscal management. Specific content and issues related to healthcare financing and reimbursement and compliance for U.S. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers will be reviewed and differentiated from other selected countries.

NUR 694. Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan. 3 credits. SP

NUR 694 prepares students to develop a comprehensive database, including physical, gestational, developmental, behavioral, cultural/social, and family assessment using clinical techniques and appropriate diagnostic tests. Students are also introduced to the diagnostic reasoning process for the purpose of establishing differential diagnoses. The knowledge, skills, and abilities learned provide a foundation for development as advanced generalists or as advanced practice nurses in primary and/or acute settings as they begin to diagnose acute, chronic, and episodic health problems or responses to health problems for individuals and families. The course includes 60 hours of laboratory experience. P: NUR 607, NUR 650. P or CO: NUR 756 for Family and Adult Gerontology Acute Care tracks.

NUR 702. Management of the High Risk Neonate II. 3 credits. SP

NUR 702 is a continuation of didactic content designed to provide students with an in-depth study of many neonatal conditions, including genetic and chromosome abnormalities and immunological, endocrine/metabolic, renal, genital, musculoskeletal, hepatic, and EENT disorders. Special emphasis is placed on the extremely low birth weight infant and ethical/legal considerations. The course provides an overview of the management strategies and diagnostic techniques used in the assessment and care of some of the more complex neonatal diseases, the care of the fragile child and primary care and management of infants and children 0-2 years. P: NUR 643; CO: NUR 753 or NUR 855:D (Neonatal track).

NUR 703. Psychiatric Mental Health across the Lifespan I. 4 credits. SU

NUR 703 is designed to provide the fundamentals needed for PMHNP students to apply the diagnostic reasoning process contained in, and associated with, the Diagnostic and Statistical (DSM) Manual. This course emphasizes methods in the practice of psychiatry in caring for individuals with mental health disorders which include; conducting a psychiatric interview, developing awareness to the neurological components that underpin common mental health disorders, developing an understanding in treatment including, pharmacology, therapy and non-pharmacological strategies. Faculty and students discuss common presenting psychiatric disorders seen in the general population. The structured diagnostic interview, physical examinations, diagnostic and laboratory tests, and alternative diagnostic tests, such as the psychological examination, are discussed as methods to assess symptoms and determine corresponding psychiatric diagnosis. Through selected clinical scenarios, students are provided with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skill in the diagnostic reasoning process. P: NUR 687 and NUR 694. Co: NUR 744. P or Co: NUR 685.

NUR 704. Health Care Policy and Law. 2 credits. SP, SU

NUR 704 addresses the legal, policy, political, and regulatory aspects of health care. Topical concepts include health policy from agenda setting through implementation to policy evaluation. Legal and regulatory concepts include the U.S. legal system, contracts, torts, negligence, corporate management, institutional liability, institutional taxation, antitrust laws, healthcare fraud and abuse, organizational admission and discharge, emergency care, treatment consent, medical records, regulation, among other issues. This course provides a foundational framework for assuming a leadership role in designing, influencing, and/or implementing policies to address critical health care issues.

NUR 714. Primary Care of Adult-Gerontology. 3 credits. SU

NUR 714 provides a theoretical and practical base for students to diagnose and manage common and uncomplicated acute episodic and chronic health conditions of adults that are managed predominantly in primary care settings. Content includes management strategies from the domains of nursing, medical, and pharmacological therapeutics, and emphasizes direct care to patients. Students will have opportunities to obtain advanced knowledge and clinical skill in performing common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to the role of the nurse practitioner. The student is expected to apply the concepts and theories discussed in class to the care of adult patients in concurrent and subsequent clinical practicum courses. P: NUR 687 and NUR 694; CO: NUR 741; P or CO: NUR 685.

NUR 718. Advanced Adult - Gerontology Acute Care Nursing I. 4 credits. SU

NUR 718 provides a theoretical base for Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students to diagnose and manage health problems of adults and older adults in a variety of settings including primary and acute care. Content includes management strategies from the domains of nursing and pharmacology and emphasizes direct care to patients with health problems in selected organ systems. Students are expected to apply the concepts and theories discussed in class to the care of adult patients across the lifespan in subsequent clinical courses. P: NUR 687, NUR 694. CO: NUR 739. P or CO: NUR 685.

NUR 720. Primary Care of Adult-Gerontology II. 3 credits. FA

NUR 720 is designed to provide a theoretical and practical base for students to diagnose and manage more complicated acute episodic and chronic health problems of adults across the lifespan that present predominantly in primary care settings. Content includes management strategies from the domains of nursing, medical, and pharmacological therapeutics, and emphasizes direct care to patients with health problems in selected body systems. The student is expected to apply the concepts and theories discussed in class to the care of adult patients across the lifespan in concurrent and subsequent clinical practicum courses. P: NUR 714; CO: NUR 721. P or CO: NUR 692.

NUR 721. Practicum II: Family Nurse Practitioner. 2 credits. FA

NUR 721 allows students to continue the development of the family nurse practitioner role by providing health care services to patients across the lifespan in primary care settings. This course emphasizes further development of clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills and the diagnosis and treatment of common and more complicated acute episodic and chronic health problems of adults, pregnant women and children. Students will have opportunities to further advance knowledge and clinical skills in performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to the role of the nurse practitioner. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 741; CO: NUR 720 and NUR 722.

NUR 722. Child Care Management. 2 credits. FA

NUR 722 provides a theoretical and practical base for students to diagnose and manage common and uncomplicated acute episodic and chronic health problems of infants and children that are managed predominantly in primary care settings. Content includes management strategies from the domains of nursing, medical and pharmacological therapeutics. Students are expected to apply the concepts and theories explored in coursework to the care of pediatric patients in concurrent and subsequent clinical practicum courses. P: NUR 664; CO: NUR 721 (Family) or NUR 734 (Peds); P or CO: NUR 692.

NUR 726. Certificate Practicum: Family Nurse Practitioner. 3 credits. SP

NUR 726 is the final preceptor-supervised practicum course in the Post-Graduate Certificate Program in which students are immersed in the advanced practice nursing role as a family nurse practitioner. Students will develop competency in diagnosing and treating a full range of common acute and chronic health problems encountered across the lifespan and treated predominately in primary care settings. This practicum requires 225 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 720, NUR 721 and NUR 722; CO: NUR 731.

NUR 731. Primary Care of Adult-Gerontology III. 2 credits. SP

NUR 731 will focus on issues especially pertinent to the older adult. Students will develop knowledge and skills that will allow them to assess, diagnose, and clinically manage older adults as they respond to acute and chronic health problems. NUR 731 will also focus on syndromes unique to the older adult. P: NUR 720 NUR 722; CO: NUR 726 (Family Post Grad Certificate) or NUR 855 (BSN to DNP).

NUR 733. Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan II. 4 credits. FA

NUR 733 provides PMHNP students with an introduction to the neurosciences and the role the specialty plays in the understanding of the genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and psychopharmacotherapeutic treatment of behavioral health disorders with emphasis on specialty populations. This course provides PMH-NP students with content on population-specific current counseling, psychotherapy, and psycho-educational models with special emphasis on specialty populations. Various therapeutic approaches for use in specialty populations, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, parent management training, contingency management and, psychodynamic/psychoanalytic psychotherapy, are highlighted in this course. Building on principles in the advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology courses, NUR 733 emphasizes relationships between neurobiology, symptomatology, and the implications for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for populations across the lifespan suffering from mental disorders. P: NUR 703; Co: NUR 735; P or CO: NUR 692.

NUR 734. Practicum II: Primary Care Pediatrics II. 2 credits. FA

NUR 734 is the second preceptor-supervised practice course for advanced practice nursing (APN) students in which they progress along the trajectory from novice to competent advanced practice nurses within the pediatric dual track nurse practitioner program. The emphasis is on further development of clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills, as well as diagnosing and treating common acute and chronic health conditions in children within in the primary care setting. Students work with preceptors who provide guidance and feedback in the diagnosis and management of these children. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 665; CO: NUR 722.

NUR 735. Practicum II: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 2 credits. FA

NUR 735 provides PMHNP students with skills necessary to identify specific psychiatric syndromes in the clinical setting. Emphasis will be placed on assessment practices and psychopharmacology decision making for patients across the lifespan. Students will build on their knowledge related to differential diagnoses/syndromes emphasizing child/adolescent populations as well as neurological disorders. Elements of interprofessional practice will be integrated into practicum experiences. Practicum experiences will include, the general psychiatric patient experiences and child/adolescent populations. This practicum course requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 744. CO: NUR 733.

NUR 737. Care of the Pediatric Patient in the Urgent/Emergency Setting. 2 credits. SP

NUR 737 provides a theoretical and practical base for students to diagnose and manage pediatric patients in the urgent/emergency care settings. Content includes a system’s approach for common pediatric disorders presenting in the emergency/urgent care setting. Clinical decision making skills involved in assessing, triaging, diagnosing, and managing these patients are addressed. P: NUR 722; CO: NUR 740.

NUR 739. Practicum I: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. 2 credits. SU

NUR 739 is designed to allow students to develop competency in advanced health assessment and to begin the development of the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner role by providing health care services to adolescents through older adults in a primary care setting. The course emphasizes the development of advanced physical assessment skills, recognition of pertinent physical assessment findings and application of diagnostic reasoning skills to design and implement evidence-based treatment plans for common and uncomplicated acute, episodic, and chronic health problems of adolescents through older adults in the primary care setting. The student develops knowledge on integrating health promotion and disease prevention into management plans. Students will have opportunities to obtain advanced knowledge and clinical skill in performing common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to the role of the nurse practitioner. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: 2000 hours of direct patient care; CO: NUR 718.

NUR 740. Practicum III: Pediatric Acute and Primary Care in the Urgent/Emergency Care Setting. 2 credits. SP

NUR 740 is the third preceptor-supervised practice course for pediatric advanced practice students in which they further their role development by providing healthcare services to pediatric patients in the urgent/emergency care settings. The emphasis of this course is on the development of assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills in the assessment, triaging and management of pediatric patients in the urgent/emergency care settings. This practicum course requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 734; CO: NUR 737, NUR 899.

NUR 741. Practicum I: Family Nurse Practitioner. 2 credits. SU

NUR 741 is designed to allow students to begin the development of the family nurse practitioner role by providing health care services to individuals across the lifespan in primary care settings. The course emphasizes the development of clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills to design and implement evidence-based treatment plans for common and uncomplicated acute, episodic, and chronic health problems of children, pregnant women, adults, and older adults in the primary care setting. Students will have the opportunity to obtain advanced knowledge and clinical skill in performing common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to the role of the nurse practitioner. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: 2000 hours of direct patient care experience; CO: NUR 714, NUR 664.

NUR 742. Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan III. 4 credits. SP

NUR 742 is designed as the final didactic course for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students. Students continue to engage in the role of the advanced practice nurse consistent with the competencies of advanced nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on expanding opportunities that are available for advance practice nurses that have not yet been experienced or adequately explored. Also, students will hone their skills of combining both psychotherapeutic techniques with psychiatric medication management for both acute and chronic psychiatric patient populations in preparation for their certification exam. P: NUR 733; CO: NUR 774 or NUR 855.

NUR 743. Practicum I: Neonatal Assessment and Management. 2 credits. SU

NUR 743 is a preceptor-supervised practicum course designed to begin development of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) role by providing care to infants in the delivery room, transition nursery, intermediate care nursery, and diagnostic procedures in the intensive care nursery. The student applies knowledge of pathophysiology, neonatal assessment, emergency stabilization, radiological evaluation, laboratory interpretation, and diagnostic reasoning to the care of normal and low-risk neonates in the NICU. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: 4000 hours of direct patient care in a Level III or Level IV NICU. CO: NUR 633, NUR 751.

NUR 744. Psychiatric Mental Health across the Lifespan Practicum I. 2 credits. SU

NUR 744 will focus on developing advanced competencies in the assessment of health status of patients that are encountered in the psychiatric mental health setting. The course is designed to provide the PMHNP students the opportunity to collaborate with preceptors to conduct comprehensive physical and mental health assessments, synthesize data from multiple sources, and determine an appropriate differential diagnosis for patients experiencing psychiatric disorders. Clinical Experiences will aim to incorporate introductory level psychiatric experiences including psychiatric patients in outpatient and/or inpatient clinical settings. In collaboration with their preceptor, students will begin to develop an advanced knowledge base regarding scope of practice, differential diagnoses, clinical skills, assessment tools/practices, medication management practices and therapeutic treatment modalities. The course will also explore dynamics of the specific psychiatric nurse practitioner roles, role expectations, and cultural implications. This practicum course requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: 2000 hours of direct patient care experience. CO: NUR 703.

NUR 746. Advanced Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing II. 4 credits. FA

NUR 746 provides a theoretical and practical base for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students to diagnose and manage health problems of adults and older adults in a variety of settings including acute and critical care. Content includes management strategies from the domains of nursing, medicine, and pharmacology, and emphasizes direct care to patients with health problems in selected organ systems. P: NUR 718; CO: NUR 749; P or CO: NUR 692.

NUR 747. Advanced Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III. 2 credits. SP

NUR 747 provides a theoretical and practical base for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students to diagnose and manage health problems of adults and older adults in a variety of settings including primary, acute, and critical care. Content includes management strategies from the domains of nursing, medicine, and pharmacology, and emphasizes direct care to patients with health problems in selected organ systems. Building on prior knowledge, skills, and attitudes, students are expected to apply the concepts and theories discussed in class to the care of adults and older adults. P: NUR 746; CO: NUR 750 or NUR 855.

NUR 749. Practicum II:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. 2 credits. FA

NUR 749 is designed to allow students to continue the development of the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner role by providing health care services to adolescents through older adults in acute care settings. The course emphasizes further development of clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based treatment plans for common and more complicated acute, episodic, and chronic health problems of adolescents, adults, and older adults in the acute care setting. Students will have opportunities to further advance knowledge and clinical skill in performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to the role of the nurse practitioner. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 739; CO: NUR 746.

NUR 750. Certificate Practicum: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. 5 credits. SP

NUR 750 is the final preceptor supervised practicum course for students in the post-graduate certificate program in which they are immersed in the advanced practice nursing role as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. Students will develop competency in the diagnosis and management of common and chronic health problems of young, middle age, and older adults who present and are treated predominantly in acute and critical care settings. This practicum requires 375 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 749. CO: NUR 747.

NUR 751. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. 1 credit. SU

NUR 751 provides students with opportunities to obtain advanced knowledge and clinical skills in diagnostics and therapeutic procedures related to the role of the neonatal nurse practitioner in the NICU. This course requires 60 lab hours. P: NUR 615. CO: NUR 743.

NUR 752. Embryology and Genetics of the Developing Newborn. 2 credits. SP, SU

NUR 752 is designed to prepare neonatal advanced practice nurses to use embryology, genetics, and developmental concepts when assessing neonatal and pediatric patients with a variety of healthcare conditions.

NUR 753. Certificate Practicum: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. 5 credits. SP

NUR 753 is the final preceptor-supervised practicum course for neonatal practitioner (NNP) students in the post-graduate certificate program in which students are immersed in their advanced practice nursing role. The course allows students to complete the trajectory from novice to competent advanced practice nurse by providing care to a group of critically-ill infants in the Level III or Level IV NICU. The emphasis of the course is on developing competence in diagnosing and treating a full range of common and complex disorders seen in the neonatal population. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 644; CO: NUR 702.

NUR 756. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in the Gerontological Population. 2 credits. SP

NUR 756 prepares the student to utilize health promotion and health protection principles in the delivery of care to the older adult and their families, and caregivers. Demographic trends and stereotypes, as well as biological and psychological theories of aging are explored. Quality of life issues through the utilization of health promotion strategies are a focus combined with prevention strategies for age specific diseases and syndromes. Cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and age sensitive issues are addressed. Collaborative strategies to improve outcomes using evidence-based protocols with multi-disciplinary personnel are emphasized.

NUR 762. Principles of Teaching & Learning. 3 credits. SP

This course provides the novice educator with foundational knowledge of teaching and learning theories, principles, and strategies. Students in this course will formulate desired learning outcomes and identify pedagogical strategies for diverse learners in both academic and clinical care delivery settings. P: Program Admission or Instructor Consent.

NUR 763. Educational Assessment & Evaluation Strategies. 3 credits. SU

NUR 763 presents key concepts for assessing and evaluating learning outcomes and teaching effectiveness at the learner, course, and program levels. Students will explore and develop various strategies for assessment, engage in data analysis, and analyze legal and ethical considerations related to assessment. P: NUR 762 or Instructor Consent.

NUR 764. Innovations in Curriculum Design, Program Assessment, & Accreditation. 3 credits. FA

Students in NUR 764 will gain an understanding of the various factors influencing nursing education and curriculum development. Emphasis will be placed on innovative curricular designs to meet the evolving needs of diverse learners. Students will also apply knowledge of assessment and evaluation to explore the role of accreditation standards in education and in healthcare. P: NUR 763 or Instructor Consent.

NUR 766. Nurse Educator Role Transition. 1 credit. SP

NUR 766 is a seminar component required for reflection, inquiry, and synthesis of the nurse educator role. Students will reflect on their professional development as they begin their transition from nurse clinician to nurse educator. P: NUR 769; P or CO: NUR 764.

NUR 767. Nursing Educator Capstone Seminar. 1 credit. FA

NUR 767, students will integrate elements of the evidence-based decision-making process with systematic review of the scientific literature. Students identify a problem of importance in academia or clinical education, search and critically appraise the literature related to the identified problem and its resolution, and propose an evidence-based approach for addressing the problem and improving outcomes. P: NUR 685, NUR 762, NUR 763. CO: NUR 686, NUR 764.

NUR 768. Nurse Educator Practicum. 3 credits. SP

NUR 768 allows students in the Nurse Educator Certificate Program to engage in activities that meet the core competencies for academic nurse educators. Under the supervision of an experienced educator-preceptor, students will complete a teaching practicum in which they will assess learning needs, design and implement appropriate pedagogical strategies and perform formative and summative assessments for a cohort of learners. Students will produce a scholarly paper in which they synthesize the literature related to a chosen pedagogical strategy and propose a plan to implement and assess the strategy. P: NUR 762, NUR 763, NUR 764, and 2000 hours of direct patient care experience; P or CO: NUR 766.

NUR 769. Nurse Educator Practicum I: Clinical Focus. 1 credit. SU

In NUR 769, students will apply advanced nursing theory to improve the care of a selected population of interest. Students will integrate knowledge of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment into care management of a selected population to achieve defined health outcomes. The practicum emphasizes social determinants of health and care management strategies and their impact on individual and population health outcomes. Students will identify an area of scholarly inquiry in collaboration with faculty and preceptors. 1 credit hour; 75 practicum hours. P: NUR 687, NUR 694, NUR 762 and 2000 hours of direct patient care experience. CO: NUR 763 or IC.

NUR 774. Certificate Practicum: Psychiatric Mental Health across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner. 5 credits. SP

Residency: NUR 774 is the final preceptor-supervised practicum course in the post-graduate certificate program in which students are immersed in the full scope of the advanced practice nursing role as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students will develop competency in diagnosing and treatment of a full range of common acute and chronic psychiatric mental-health problems of adult, older adults, pregnant women and children/adolescents who present and are treated predominantly in psychiatric-mental health settings. This practicum course requires 375 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 735; CO: NUR 742.

NUR 776. Practicum: Complex System Leadership. 2 credits. SU

NUR 776 is designed to provide practicum experiences to increase the breadth of understanding of the competencies required of the leadership role and shifting to a new paradigm of leading in complex times. Through productive inquiry and organizational assessment, student examine the structures, processes, and outcomes important in the delivery of patient care. Students begin to identify the impact of accelerated change on the micro system. This course requires 150 practicum hours. P: NUR 689. P or CO: NUR 685.

NUR 777. Practicum: Resource Management. 2 credits. FA

NUR 777 is designed to provide practicum experiences in the application of leadership competencies associated with relationship building, human resource management, and human resource leadership skills. Students apply effective communication and relationship management skills for influencing organizational behaviors. Federal and state regulations are reviewed and assessed for their impact on organizational performance, clinical outcomes, risk, and safety. Students evaluate individual, group, and team performance within their organizations, and develop strategic strategies for creating and sustaining a culture where quality and safety are paramount. Systems thinking skills are utilized as an approach to analyze structures, processes, and outcomes. This course requires 150 practicum hours. P: NCR 603-795 Elective Course; CO: NUR 787.

NUR 778. Strategic Systems Leadership. 3 credits. SP

NUR 778 students develop leadership principles utilizing competencies necessary for strategic leadership in health care systems. Students examine clinical microsystems influence on patient safety, satisfaction and improving performance. Clinical microsystems will be assessed utilizing microsystems analysis, cost indicators, strategic operational planning, healthcare finance and performance improvement metrics. Systems analysis will be completed utilizing various systems archetypes. P: NUR 787; CO: NUR 779.

NUR 779. Practicum: Leading and Improving Quality. 2 credits. SP

NUR 779 students practice within their specialty role and apply principles of information monitoring and benchmarking analysis to lead process improvement of delivery models and work design to improve meso and macro systems, safety, quality, and outcomes. Visionary thinking is encouraged on issues that impact the macrosystem by developing new delivery models to improve quality through innovative work design, systems improvement and analyzing benchmarking data. This course requires 150 practicum hours. P: NUR 777; CO: NUR 778; NUR 899 or NUR 900.

NUR 780. Practicum: Quantum Executive Leadership. 2 credits. SU

NUR 780 students compose skills of leading healthcare organizations in constant motion and change. Students practice transformational leadership by synthesis of evidence, identification of patterns, and adaption and outcomes analysis. Students formulate strategies to influence policy and improve structure, process, and outcomes in macrosystem leadership by incorporating relational and whole systems thinking. This course requires 150 practicum hours. P: NUR 779; CO: NUR 888 and NUR 899 or NUR 900.

NUR 781. Nursing Administration and Leadership Innovations Seminar. 2 credits. FA

NUR 781 students advance competence of specialized knowledge and skills in macrosystems leadership through career path development and implementing roles in the leadership of innovative care delivery systems. Students integrate reflective practice to address population health ethical dilemmas and global leadership trends in resolving complex healthcare issues. P: NUR 888; CO: NUR 782.

NUR 782. Practicum: Macrosystems Innovations. 3 credits. FA

NUR 782 students practice within their specialty role as they continue to develop competence in macrosystems leadership including: disruptive innovation, forming medical staff relationships, academic relationships, representing nursing to governing bodies, evaluating community healthcare needs, diversity, and ethics through involvement in the broader community. This course requires 225 practicum hours. P: NUR 780; CO: NUR 781 and NUR 899 or NUR 900.

NUR 783. MSN Scholarly Project Seminar. 1 credit. FA

In NUR 783 students will integrate elements of the evidence-based decision-making process with systematic review of the scientific literature. Students identify a problem of importance, in healthcare leadership search and critically appraise the literature related to the identified problem and its resolution and propose an evidence-based approach for addressing the problem and improving outcomes. P: NUR 776; P or CO: NUR 686; NUR 777.

NUR 784. Nurse Manager Residency. 3 credits. SP

NUR 784 is designed to engage students in activities that meet the core competencies for nurse managers. Under the supervision of an experienced manager, students will demonstrate skill, knowledge, and abilities in the advanced nursing leader role. Students will complete and disseminate their scholarly project to stakeholders and the wider nursing community. This course requires 225 practicum hours. P: All required Research and Theory Core, Leadership and Policy Core, Role Support and Specialty Role courses.

NUR 787. Organizational Transformation. 3 credits. FA

In NUR 787, students focus on maximizing the human resource potential within the organization. Students analyze the factors commonly associated with healthy work environments, and explore the impact of interprofessional collaboration and other evidenced-based management practices on professional nursing practice, performance, clinical outcomes, risk, and safety. Students examine ethical, legal, and regulatory policies and issues in human resource management. P: NUR 689; P or CO: NUR 686; CO: NUR 777.

NUR 795. Directed Independent Study. 1-6 credits. FA, SP, SU

Independent project on a topic designed by the student with approval of the adviser and program chair. P: Instructor consent.

NUR 796. Directed Independent Study:. 1-6 credits. FA, SP, SU

Independent project on a topic designed by the student with approval of the adviser and program chair. This course is graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. P: Instructor consent.

NUR 798. Nurse Educator Residency. 3 credits. SP

The Residency allows students to engage in activities that meet the core competencies for academic nurse educators. Under the supervision of an experienced educator-preceptor, students will complete a teaching practicum in which they will assess learning needs, design and implement appropriate pedagogical strategies and perform formative and summative assessments for a cohort of learners. Students will complete and disseminate their scholarly project to stakeholders and the wider nursing community. This practicum requires 225 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 764, NUR 769; P or CO: NUR 766.

NUR 810. Care of the Acute and Chronically Ill Child. 4 credits. SU

NUR 810 is designed to provide students with didactic content in common pediatric problems seen in the acute care setting as well as care and coordination of the chronically ill child. Content covers common pediatric disorders in the neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, & hematological systems. Clinical decision making skills involved in the assessment of patients and the planning and implementing of therapeutic interventions associated with various disorders are addressed as well as concepts surrounding care of the medically fragile child. P: NUR 737; CO: NUR 812.

NUR 812. Practicum IV: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. 2 credits. SU

NUR 812 is the fourth preceptor-supervised practicum course for advanced practice nursing students. The course allows students to further their role in providing health care to pediatric patients and their families in the acute care setting. The emphasis is on further developing clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills in the management of common pediatric illnesses seen in the acute care setting. This practicum course requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 740; CO: NUR 810, NUR 899.

NUR 814. Care of the Critically Ill Child. 3 credits. FA

NUR 814 builds on previous coursework by further strengthening the foundation for advanced clinical management of acutely ill children. This course focuses on applying the care management process to selected high acuity pediatric conditions in the critical care setting. Selected issues related to high acuity pediatric conditions in the critical care setting. Key issues related to high-acuity disorders, including the management of compromised respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular systems, are explored. Students are prepared for triage, assessment and stabilization of deteriorating patients in the critical care environment, with an emphasis on pharmacologic management, basic ventilator management, and other therapeutic interventions. The course emphasizes a deep understanding of human physiology, the pathophysiology of disease states, and the scientific rationale behind management strategies. P: NUR 810; CO: NUR 816.

NUR 816. Practicum V: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner II. 3 credits. FA

NUR 816 is the fifth preceptor-supervised practicum course for advanced practice nursing students, focusing on the continued development of the pediatric acute care nurse practitioner role in treating pediatric patients and their families in acute and critical care settings. This course emphasizes advanced clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based management of common and more complex pediatric conditions with increasing acuity. This practicum course requires 225 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 812; CO: NUR 814, NUR 899.

NUR 855. DNP Practicum III. 2 credits. SP

Practicum III is the third practicum course for students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in which students continue to develop competencies in their role specialty. The emphasis of the course is on developing competence in their role specialty. Students will register for one of the following specialty sections: Section B: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care; Section C: Family; Section D: Neonatal; Section E: Psychiatric Mental Health. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. P: NUR 644 (Neonatal); or NUR 721 (Family); or NUR 735 (Psychiatric Mental Health); or NUR 749 (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care). CO: NUR 899 and NUR 702 (Neonatal); or NUR 899 and NUR 731 (Family); or NUR 899 and NUR 742 (Psychiatric-Mental Health); or NUR 899 and NUR 747 (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care).

NUR 856. DNP Practicum IV. 2 credits. SU

NUR 856 is the fourth supervised practicum course designed for students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in which students continue to develop competence in their role specialty. As students practice within their role specialty, they apply principles of epidemiology and concepts and theories related to health care policy and law within the health care setting and the profession. This practicum requires 150 direct clinical hours. Students will register for one of the following specialty sections: Section B: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care track; Section C: Family track; Section D: Neonatal track; Section E: Psychiatric Mental Health track. P: NUR 684, NUR 704, NUR 731 and NUR 855 (Family track); or NUR 747 (Adult Gerontology Acute Care track); or NUR 702 and NUR 855 (Neonatal track); or NUR 742 (Psychiatric Mental Health track). CO: NUR 899.

NUR 857. DNP Practicum V. 3 credits. FA

NUR 857 is the fifth practicum course for students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in which students continue to develop competence in their role specialty. As students develop competence in their role specialty, they apply principles of systems, conflict resolution, and group process facilitation while implementing a scholarly project. This practicum requires 225 direct clinical hours. Students will register for one of the following specialty sections: Section B: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care track; Section C: Family track; Section D: Neonatal track; Section E: Psychiatric Mental Health track. P: NUR 856; CO: NUR 899. P or CO: All required NCR credits.

NUR 888. Executive Leadership. 3 credits. SU

NUR 888 focuses on the nurse leader's role in maximizing organization strategic performance through ethical leadership and empowered collaboration. Students engage in analytic and dialectic approaches to address challenges to organizational availability and issues influencing organizational performance, such as uncompensated care, competition, consumerism, capital needs associated with technology innovations, and facility renovation and expansion. Students formulate policies and plans for ensuring the development and availability of appropriate resources to support the mission, strategic initiatives and quality goals of the practice environment and comply with regulatory and national standards. P: NUR 778, and NUR 899 or NUR 900 or Instructor consent; CO: NUR 780.

NUR 899. DNP Scholarly Project Seminar. 1 credit. FA, SP, SU

NUR 899 is designed to document a synthesis of the student's educational experiences, growth and knowledge and expertise in an area of nursing practice. Students choose a project that allows them to collaborate with scholars from nursing and other disciplines to design, manage, and evaluate clinical practices and organization systems. This project serves as a foundation for future scholarly practice. PLEASE NOTE: The student completes a minimum of 3 credit hours in NUR 899, during which he or she develops the Scholarly Project. NUR 899 is taken in 1 hour increments. Once a student has enrolled in the first hour of NUR 899, the student must continue to enroll in a minimum of one credit hour of NUR 899 until all prerequisites for the Residency Course have been met. Requirements for Satisfactory completion of each NUR 899 credit will be identified in the syllabus. This course is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. P: NUR 686; CO: Practicum Courses in Role Specialty.

NUR 900. DNP Scholarly Project. 1-4 credits. FA, SP, SU

NUR 900 is designed to provide post-graduate DNP students with an opportunity to build upon the research, leadership, policy, and role support courses. The practicum will serve as a venue for the post-graduate DNP student to design their scholarly project by collaborating with stakeholders within multiple microsystems or a macrosystem; creating and fostering relationships within professional and lay groups; identifying policy implications for multiple microsystems or a macrosystem; applying principles of negotiation, systems design, and conflict management in planning the implementation of their scholarly project. NUR 900 is taken in 2-4 hour increments. Once a student has enrolled in six credits of NUR 900, the student must continue to enroll in a minimum of one credit hour if the prerequisites for the residency course have not been met. This course is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. P or CO: NUR 686; Admission as a post graduate DNP student.

NUR 901. Residency: Advanced Practice Nurse. 2-4 credits. FA, SP, SU

NUR 901 is the final practicum course for post graduate advanced practice nursing students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program in which they continue the development of their current role and/or specialty. Students engage in the role of the advanced practice nurse consistent with competencies of their doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Under the direction of the faculty/project advisor, students complete the process of implementing, evaluating, and disseminating their scholarship project and specify implications for practice, research, policy, and education. P: All required Research and Theory Core, Leadership and Policy Core, Role Support, and Role Specialty Courses; Committee approval of DNP Scholarly Project Proposal. Instructor Permission required.

NUR 902. DNP Residency. 5 credits. FA, SP, SU

NUR 902, a role immersion course, is the final practicum course for students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in which they continue the development of their role specialty. As fully as possible, students engage in their role specialty consistent with role specialty essential competencies and the essential competencies of doctoral education. This residency course requires 375 clinical hours: 175 are direct clinical hours/200 are indirect clinical hours. Students complete the process of implementing, evaluating, and disseminating a scholarly project and specify implications for practice, research, policy and education. Students will register for one of the following specialty sections: Section A: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care track; Section B: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care track; Section C: Family track; Section D: Neonatal track; Section E: Psychiatric Mental health track; Section F: Pediatric Dual track. P: Successful completion of all required Research/Theory Core, Leadership/Policy Core, Role Support and Role Specialty courses. Instructor permission required.

NUR 903. Residency: Nursing Administration and Leadership. 2-4 credits. FA, SP, SU

NUR 903 is a role immersion course and is the final practicum experience for nursing administration and leadership students. As fully as possible, students engage in the role of the nurse executive consistent with the end of program competencies. Students implement and evaluate the outcomes of their practice improvement project and specify implications for practice, research, policy, and education. The results of the project will be disseminated. This course requires 150-300 practicum hours. P: All required Research and Theory Core, Leadership and Policy Core, and Role Support Core courses and Instructor permission required.

Faculty

Professors: Amy A. Abbott, Amanda J. Kirkpatrick, Mary Kunes-Connell, Ann Laughlin, Meghan R. Potthoff, Maureen R. Tierney, Martha Todd

Professor Emeritus: Elizabeth Furlong, Edeth Kitchens, Joan M. Lappe, Winifred J. Pinch, Lorraine B. Rubarth, Catherine Todero, Mary Tracy

Associate Professors: Sara E. Banzhaf, Susan C. Connelly, Jacqueline Hanks, Lindsay M. Iverson, Jennifer L. Jessen, Shelly Luger, Lorraine M. Rusch

Associate Professor Emeritus: Linda L. Lazure, Catherine O'Keefe, Susan Tinley

Assistant Professors: Nancy Bredenkamp, Rebecca A. Davis, Theresa Jizba, Jocquelin Jones, Trina K. Walker

Assistant Professor Emeritus: Catherine A. Carrico

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Misty Schwartz