NURS 701.  Advanced Health Assessment   (2).

Designed to assist students to refine history taking, psychosocial assessment and physical assessment skills. Focuses on assessment of individuals throughout the life span. Emphasis is placed on detailed health history taking, differentiation, interpretation and documentation of normal and abnormal findings. Course includes lecture, discussion, and integrated history-taking and physical assessment assignments. May be taken concurrently with or prior to NURS 702. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate nursing program.

NURS 702.  Advanced Health Assessment Laboratory   (1).

Companion course for NURS 701. Apply history-taking and assessment skills within a laboratory setting. Emphasizes differentiation, interpretation and documentation of normal and abnormal findings. Requires a complete history and physical examination of a client. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate nursing program. Pre- or corequisite(s): NURS 701 (NURS 702 must be taken within one year of completing NURS 701).

NURS 703.  Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice   (3).

Emphasizes the role of theory in developing knowledge-based advanced nursing practice. Relationships among theory, research and practice are addressed. The application of selected theories, models and frameworks to advanced practice nursing is discussed. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate nursing program.

NURS 715.  Advanced Nursing Practice Roles   (1).

Designed for the student preparing for advanced practice nursing. The historical development of the advanced practice role, as well as current and future professional and legal descriptions of advanced practice nursing roles is explored. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate nursing program.

NURS 720.  Human Lactation   (3-4).

For the student interested in supporting lactating people. This course focuses on the anatomical and physiological basis of lactation, support of the chest/breastfeeding dyad, and complex issues impacting successful initiation and duration of lactation. The course examines how history, policy, culture and diversity impact feeding decisions. Lactation as health promotion and disease prevention is addressed. Course content prepares the student for certification as a lactation counselor or consultant. Open to non-nursing majors and nondegree seeking students. Course includes diversity content. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate school.

NURS 723.  Foundations of Nursing Education   (3).

Assists the student to explore theoretical and practical aspects of curriculum development, and teaching of nursing in higher education and continuing education. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.

NURS 724.  Nursing Education Practicum   (1-3).

Students, under professional guidance, become directly involved in clinical and classroom teaching, curriculum development and participation in other faculty functions in higher education and continuing education, or patient education. A seminar and directed observation of a master teacher accompanies the field experience. Repeatable for a total of 6 credits hours. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent. Pre- or corequisite(s): NURS 723.

NURS 728.  Advanced Practice Technology and Skills   (3).

Focuses on application of clinical skills, advanced health assessment, and interpretation of technologies used in a variety of clinical settings. Students practice these skills in laboratory and clinical settings. Students practice history-taking and physical examination, with emphasis on differentiation, interpretation and documentation of normal and abnormal findings. A 40-hour precepted experience is included.

NURS 733.  Diabetes Mellitus Nursing   (3).

Exploration of clinical theories; identifies and studies appropriate nursing systems for clients with diabetes mellitus. Emphasizes attaining and maintaining optimal levels of functioning and the psychological adjustment of the client and family to a potentially devastating disease. Open to non-nursing majors.

NURS 757.  Teaching Strategies for Nursing Education   (3).

Analysis of teaching strategies for the nurse educator to accommodate the changing health care scene. Teaching methods, including technology appropriate for a variety of learners, and learning environments are discussed. Roles of the nurse educator across the scope of learning environments are investigated: nursing education, in-service and patients/clients/families. Current issues and trends influencing nursing education are explored. The course focuses on the use of research-based evidence to guide teaching strategies .May be taken by graduate nursing students or undergraduate nursing students with senior standing. Pre- or corequisite(s): NURS 723.

NURS 793.  Advanced Pathophysiology I   (4).

Explores in depth scientific knowledge base relevant to selected pathophysiological states confronted in advanced nursing practice. Provides the basis for the foundation of clinical decisions related to diagnostic tests and the initiation of therapeutic regimens. Age-specific and developmental alterations are correlated with clinical diagnosis and management. Application is made through age-appropriate examples and case studies. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate nursing program or instructor's consent.

NURS 795A.  Applied Drug Therapy I   (3).

Discusses the clinical application of specific categories of drugs commonly encountered in primary care settings. Explains the use of protocols, prescription writing, and the ethical/legal and economic issues surrounding the advanced nurse's role in prescribing and monitoring pharmacologic therapies in the ambulatory setting. Discusses factors such as age-appropriate content related to pharmacokinetics, dosages, expected outcomes and side effects of the drugs. Addresses first line versus second line drugs, alternate drugs, drug interactions, adjusting drug dosages, patient education and compliance issues related to drug therapy. Explores the nurse practitioner's role and responsibility related to data collection, problem identification and consultation with the physician. Application is made through age-appropriate case studies. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate nursing program and departmental consent.

NURS 795B.  Applied Drug Therapy II   (3).

Expands the clinical application of drug therapy in the primary care setting. Employs evidence-based medicine to determine the proper management of the various disease states discussed. Application is made through age appropriate case studies including complex patients. Prerequisite(s): NURS 795A, admission to graduate nursing program.

NURS 796.  Nursing Practicum in Special Settings   (1-6).

Opportunity for directed practice in various settings including clinical specialties, nursing administration, nursing education and consultation. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.

NURS 799.  Directed Readings in Nursing   (1-2).

Student engages in critical search of the literature in areas related to the profession and practice of nursing. Prerequisite(s): departmental consent.

NURS 801.  Health Policy   (3).

Provides an overview of policies that make up the U.S. health system, and the influence policy has on health care. Students focus on how to analyze health policies and develop advocacy strategies to influence policy. Course includes diversity content.

NURS 803.  FNP Primary Care I   (3).

Focuses on common health problems seen in individuals and families throughout the life span using a primary care focus. Emphasis on applications of research and theory-based interventions appropriate for management by advanced practice registered nurses. Emphasizes strategies and protocols to manage common problems in urban and rural patients, interventions to restore individual and family levels of pre-illness health, and positive behaviors. Prerequisite(s): NURS 728, and admission to the FNP specialization. Corequisite(s): NURS 804, 830, 838.

NURS 804.  FNP Primary Care Practicum I   (4).

Concentrated clinical practicum in a primary care setting that addresses individuals and families throughout the life span within the context of the community. Theory and research used in clinical settings. Health promotion, maintenance and prevention interventions emphasized. Prerequisite(s): NURS 728, admission to the FNP specialization. Corequisite(s): NURS 803, 830, 838.

NURS 806.  Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Outcomes of Care   (3).

Evidence-based practice is the integration of the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to facilitate clinical decision making. Focuses on identifying and evaluating evidence for its relevance in nursing practice. Prerequisite(s): admission to the graduate nursing program. Pre- or corequisite(s): NURS 703 or departmental consent.

NURS 812.  Nursing and Health Care Systems Administration Practicum   (2-6).

Practicum in a health care setting; students, under professional guidance, become directly involved in existing leadership, administrative and management systems. Types of experience may include roles in nursing service administration, nursing education, mid-level nursing administration/management, staff development, community health, or other related area as arranged. Repeatable for a total of 6 credit hours. (180 practice hours for 3 credit hours.) Pre- or corequisite(s): departmental consent or 24 hours of graduate work.

NURS 819.  Foundations of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing   (3).

Focuses on common mental health problems found in individuals and families throughout the life span. Emphasis on application of theory-based interventions appropriate for management of mental disorders by psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners. Prerequisite(s): all NP core courses, NURS 854 or departmental consent.

NURS 822.  Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Practicum I   (4).

Intensive clinical experience in which students plan, implement and evaluate nurse-therapist strategies with psychiatric patients across the life span. Emphasis is on the performance of individual psychotherapy as well as psychiatric assessment which includes interpretation of relevant data, differential diagnosis and development and implementation of treatment plans. Appropriate interventions to promote the therapeutic process are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): all NP core courses and NURS 854 or departmental consent. Corequisite(s): NURS 822L.

NURS 824.  Advanced Pathophysiology II   (2).

Analyzes the cellular and molecular pathophysiology and management of health problems through the life span. Emphasis is placed on the scientific underpinnings used to enhance clinical decision-making skills including differentiation of disease states. The major themes address normal physiology, pathophysiology, assessment and evaluation of disease states. Prerequisite(s): admission to DNP, completion of at least one clinical course in specialty area.

NURS 825.  Independent Study   (1-6).

Provides opportunity for the student to develop, in collaboration with a school faculty member, objectives and protocols for independent work related to the practice of nursing. Repeatable for credit up to 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate nursing program and departmental consent, NURS 703.

NURS 826.  Evidence-Based Nursing Project I   (2).

The course focus on evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives in healthcare. Critical appraisal of evidence is used to inform advanced nursing decision making. Prerequisite(s): NURS 806 or departmental consent.

NURS 826L.  DNP Project Lab I   (1).

Helps students develop an evidence-based project in their practice setting or community by working under the direction of a nursing faculty mentor. Students build off skills learned in NURS 826 to develop a literature review, needs assessment, problem identification and write the beginning of a project proposal. The course provides essential content to assist in developing the project proposal. Course includes diversity content. Prerequisite(s): NURS 899B. Corequisite(s): NURS 826.

NURS 828.  Evidence-Based Nursing Project II   (2).

Management of clinical data including data analysis techniques with spreadsheet and statistical manipulation. Students use existing data to determine health care outcomes and to evaluate delivery of care. Extensive computer use in laboratory setting with technical support. Computer literacy is expected. Prerequisite(s): NURS 826 or departmental consent.

NURS 828L.  DNP Project Lab II   (1).

Helps students develop an evidence-based project in their practice setting or community by working under the direction of a nursing faculty mentor. Students build off skills learned in NURS 828 to further develop a literature review, by adding conceptual framework, methodology, and prepare their proposal for IRB submission. The course provides essential content to assist in developing the project proposal. Course includes diversity content. Prerequisite(s): NURS 899B, NURS 826 and NURS 826L. Corequisite(s): NURS 828.

NURS 830.  FNP Management and Clinical Application I   (1).

Students engage in extensive clinical case discussion emphasizing pathophysiology principles and clinical management of primary care common health problems across the life span. Emphasis is on incorporation of theory and evidence-based practice in clinical decision making and problem solving while providing cost-effective care. Prerequisite(s): NURS 728 and admission to the FNP specialization. Corequisite(s): NURS 803, 804, 838.

NURS 838.  FNP Advanced Practice Role I   (1).

Focuses on the application of theoretical models of practice, FNP role, evidence-based nursing practice, outcomes of care, and practice issues. Case discussions emphasize the application of physiologic principles and clinical management of common health problems of primary care populations across the life span. Prerequisite(s): NURS 728 and admission to the FNP specialization. Corequisite(s): NURS 803, 804, 830.

NURS 840.  Pathophysiology and Management of Adult/Older Adult Acute Care Problems I   (3).

First of two courses that examines pathophysiology and management of acute, chronic and multisystem health problems in adult/older adult populations. Emphasizes the scientific underpinnings for clinical decision making and practice issues. Major themes address normal physiology, pathophysiology, age-related changes, assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute, critical, and exacerbation of chronic disease states. Health promotion and disease prevention are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): NURS 793 and admission to ACNP specialization.

NURS 842.  Transition to the ACNP Advanced Practice Role   (1).

Focuses on the application of theoretical models of practice, ACNP role, evidence-based nursing practice, outcomes of care, and practice issues. Case discussions emphasize the application of physiologic principles and clinical management of acute, critical and exacerbation of chronic health problems of adult/older adult populations. Corequisite(s): NURS 840, 874.

NURS 854.  Diagnosis and Management of Mental Disorders   (3).

Explores current diagnostic and psychopharmacological strategies in advanced psychiatric nursing practice. Emphasis is on diagnostic reasoning and the management of mental health problems across the life span. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the graduate nursing program and departmental consent.

NURS 856.  Transition to PMHNP Advanced Practice Role I   (1).

Focuses on the application of theoretical models used in practice, the role of the psychiatric/ mental health nurse practitioner, practice issues, and case scenario presentations with interactive discussions based on the use of established protocols and guidelines. Prerequisite(s): all core courses and NURS 854. Corequisite(s): NURS 819, 822.

NURS 859.  Psychopharmacology   (3).

Expands the clinical application of drug therapy in the psychiatric patient throughout the lifespan. Employs evidence-based medicine to determine the proper management of the various disease states discussed. Basic brain biology, brain disorders and psychopharmacology are reviewed as a basis for assessment and administration of psychopharmacologic medications and education of clients. Application is made through age appropriate case studies including complex patients.

NURS 871.  Leadership and Emerging Issues in Nursing   (3).

Covers key current topics for advanced nurses in leadership and direct care roles. Topics in technology, quality improvement, health professional roles, and other emerging areas of interest are discussed and analyzed as they relate to individual and population health and health outcomes. Prerequisite(s): admission to the MSN program or departmental consent.

NURS 872.  Clinical Focus Education Practicum   (2-6).

Advanced clinical nursing experience in which the student develops clinical expertise for a population of interest or a specific role. Experiences are designed to strengthen patient care delivery skills, system assessment and intervention. Repeatable for a total of 6 credit hours. Pre- or Corequisite(s): NURS 723.

NURS 874.  Adult/Older Adult ACNP Practicum I   (4).

A clinical experience that builds on pathophysiology and clinical management coursework, emphasizing evidence-based practice. Students participate in a medical rotation that is supervised by an ACNP or physician preceptor in the acute care setting. Emphasis is placed on physical assessment, interpretation of data, differential diagnosis, development and implementation of management plans, and performing relevant procedures with adult/older adult populations. Patient and family education, health promotion and prevention are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): NURS 728. Corequisite(s): 840, 842.

NURS 899.  Special Topics   (1-3).

An umbrella course created to explore a variety of subtopics differentiated by letter (e.g., 899A, 899B). Not all subtopics are offered each semester – see the course schedule for availability. Students enroll in the lettered courses with specific topics in the titles rather than in this root course. Prerequisite(s): admission to the DNP-postmaster's graduate nursing program.

NURS 899A.  Health Care System Policy and Politics Update   (1-3).

Provides an overview and update of U.S. health system policies and how they influence advanced practice nursing. Focuses on how to analyze health policies relevant to advanced practice nurses.

NURS 899B.  Introduction to Translational Research   (1-3).

Students begin to conceptualize the DNP scholarly project. Provides foundational knowledge of evaluating evidence-based practice. Students develop systematic inquiry about clinical phenomena, interventions and utilization of best research evidence to facilitate decision-making and translation of new knowledge into practice. Prerequisite(s): admission to the DNP graduate nursing program.

NURS 899C.  Management of Care Update   (1-3).

Provides a focused update of evidence-based practice for key national and global health issues and conditions.

NURS 901.  Organizational Systems and Leadership   (3).

Focuses on the application of theories of leadership and leadership development in changing and diverse health care organizations. Emphasis is on examining the impact of the art and science of leadership principles and practices on diverse health care organizations. Prerequisite(s): completion of one specialty practicum course or departmental consent.

NURS 902.  Population and Social Determinants of Health   (3).

Provides an analysis of major social variables that affect population health. Students examine health consequences of various social and economic factors. Emphasizes evidence-based practice strategies for populations. Prerequisite(s): completion of one specialty practicum course or departmental consent.

NURS 903.  FNP Primary Care II   (3).

Focuses on complex problems seen in individuals and families through the life span using a primary care focus. Stresses applications of current research and theory-based interventions appropriate for management by advanced practice registered nurses. Emphasizes strategies and protocols to manage complex patient problems in urban and rural patients, interventions to restore individual and family levels of pre-illness health, including secondary and tertiary prevention. Prerequisite(s): NURS 803, 804, 830, 838. Corequisite(s): NURS 904, 905, 906.

NURS 904.  FNP Primary Care Practicum II   (4).

Emphasizes assessment and management of health problems across the life span, based on knowledge of theory and research. Primary care clients with conditions affecting major body systems assessed and managed. Prerequisite(s): NURS 803, 804, 830, 838. Corequisite(s): NURS 903, 905, 906.

NURS 905.  FNP Management and Clinical Application II   (2).

Students engage in extensive discussion and application of the pathophysiology and management of primary care complex health problems in individuals across the life span. Emphasis is on the use of theory and evidence-based practice for clinical decision making and problem solving while providing cost effective care. Prerequisite(s): NURS 803, 804, 830, 838. Corequisite(s): NURS 903, 904, 906.

NURS 906.  Transition to FNP Advanced Practice Role II   (1).

Focuses on collaborative practice, outcomes of care, practice issues, and case discussion. Emphasis is on developing collaborative relationships with other health professionals. Case discussions emphasize the application of physiologic and clinical management of complex health problems in primary care. Prerequisite(s): NURS 803, 804, 830, 838. Corequisite(s): NURS 903, 904, 905.

NURS 907.  Primary Care of Women   (2).

Covers the diagnosis, management and treatment in the primary and reproductive health care of women throughout the lifespan from adolescence to beyond menopause. Course includes diversity content.

NURS 908.  Pediatric Primary Care   (2).

Covers the diagnosis, management and treatment in the primary health care of pediatric patients from birth to 18 years old. Common pediatric health conditions are discussed as well as a review of well child assessment, developmental milestones and genetic disorders. Course includes diversity content. Prerequisite(s): NURS 803 and NURS 903.

NURS 909.  Pathophysiology and Management of Adult/Older Adult Acute Care Problems II   (3).

The second of two courses that examine pathophysiology and management of acute, chronic and multisystem health problems in adult/older adult populations. Emphasis is placed on the scientific underpinnings for clinical decision making and practice issues. Major themes address normal physiology, pathophysiology, age-related changes, assessment, diagnosis and management of acute, critical and exacerbation of chronic disease states. Health promotion and disease prevention are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): NURS 793, 840. Corequisite(s): NURS 910, 911.

NURS 910.  Adult/Older Adult ACNP Practicum II   (4).

Advanced clinical experience that is a continuation of NURS 874. Students participate in medical and/or surgical rotations supervised by a nurse practitioner or physician preceptor in the acute care setting. Emphasis is placed on physical assessment, interpretation of data, differential diagnosis, development and implementation of management plans, and performing relevant procedures with adult/older adult populations. Patient and family education, health promotion and prevention are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): NURS 842, NURS 874. Corequisite(s): NURS 909, NURS 911.

NURS 911.  Transition to the ACNP Advanced Practice Role II   (1).

Focuses on collaborative practice, outcomes of care, practice issues and case discussion. Emphasis is placed on developing collaborative relationships with other health professionals. Case discussions emphasize the application of physiologic principles and clinical management of acute health problems of adult/older adult populations. Corequisite(s): NURS 909, 910.

NURS 912.  Management of Acute and Critical Problems of Adult/Older Adult Populations   (3).

Examines advanced nursing interventions focused on client stabilization and management of complications in the acutely and critically ill adult/older adult populations. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic reasoning and the management of the adult with complex health problems. Interventions focus on application of advanced practice nursing care to the restoration of health/well-being. Prerequisite(s): NURS 909, 910.

NURS 913.  Primary Care III   (3).

Covers the diagnosis, management and treatment of patients across the lifespan. Clinical decision making, health promotion and disease prevention are emphasized. This course builds on foundational primary care courses to evaluate more complex and acute conditions. Prerequisite(s): NURS 803 and NURS 903.

NURS 921.  Complex Issues in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing   (3).

Examines management of chronic and multisystem mental health issues across the life span. Focuses on complex mental health problems seen in individuals and families. Application of theory-based interventions appropriate for management by psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners emphasized. Health promotion and disease prevention emphasized. Prerequisite(s): NURS 819, 822, 856. Corequisite(s): NURS 922, 923.

NURS 922.  Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Practicum II   (4).

An intensive clinical experience in which students analyze group processes and initiate and evaluate therapeutic strategies with groups across the life span. Emphasis on the performance of group therapy as well as psychiatric assessment which includes interpretation of relevant data, differential diagnosis, and development and implementation of management plans. Appropriate interventions to promote the group process are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): NURS 819, 822, 856.

NURS 923.  Transition to PMHNP Advanced Practice Role II   (1).

Focuses on the critical analysis of therapeutic strategies used in the role of the psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner. Prerequisite(s): NURS 819, 822, 856.

NURS 924.  Advanced Pharmacotherapy for Advanced Practice Nursing   (3).

Updates the knowledge base for the advanced practice nurse for more informed prescribing for the complex patient throughout the life span. Presents pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, pharmacoeconomics and pharmacoethics as they apply in the clinical setting. Discusses drug development and the use of new drugs in the clinical setting. Facilitates clinical application of this knowledge through case studies, lectures and reviews of the latest medical literature. Prerequisite(s): admission to postmaster's DNP program or nationally certified APRN with program approval.

NURS 951.  Clinical Application and Role Transition   (3).

Students engage in extensive clinical case discussion emphasizing pathophysiology principles and clinical management of common health problems within the advance practice registered nurse role and specialization. Emphasis on incorporation of theory and evidence-based practice in clinical decision making, using ethical considerations and problem solving while providing cost-effective care. Role transition to practice is also discussed. Prerequisite(s): NURS 728, NURS 803 and NURS 903.

NURS 952.  Advanced Nursing Practice Preceptorship   (3).

Concentrated clinical practicum in the student's specialization health care setting that emphasizes the management of care for individuals. Students synthesize concepts and principles from previous classes and clinical experiences, applying theoretical and research content to acute, chronic, urgent and/or common health problems. Preceptorship is in a clinical agency appropriate to the student's clinical interests. Prerequisite(s): completion of all core and specialization courses in the NP option, departmental consent.

NURS 956.  Practice Management   (2).

Management and analysis of professional issues including business skills necessary for advanced nursing practice. Emphasizes business practices needed for advanced nursing practice including contract negotiation and strategies for outcomes evaluation. Prerequisite(s): completion of two specialty practicums or departmental consent.

NURS 959.  Evidence-Based Nursing Project III   (1-3).

Students continue to further develop their evidence-based project collaboratively with a graduate nursing faculty member. Students work with their clinical or community to implement their project into a practice setting and collect data. Prerequisite(s): NURS 899B, NURS 826 and NURS 828; or departmental consent.

NURS 960.  Residency   (2-6).

An extensive, advanced-level learning experience tailored for the student and mentored by at least one graduate nursing faculty member and one other graduate faculty member. The post-baccalaureate DNP student will take a portion of the residency hours (not to exceed 2 hours) as a clinical residency. The final residency hours allow the student to complete and disseminate the results of the project developed in NURS 959. At the end of the residency, the student submits a DNP portfolio including the evidenced-based project manuscript or abstract and other student-authored manuscripts, clinical innovations, critically analyzed case studies, documented advanced nursing practice, evidence of practice management and quality assurance principles, and other scholarly work. Repeatable for a minimum of 6 credit hours, until requirements are met. Prerequisite(s): NURS 952 or departmental consent; postmaster's DNP students must complete all other required courses prior to this course and must be nationally certified in their specialization.

NURS 962.  Evidence-Based Nursing Project IV   (1).

An extensive, advanced-level learning experience tailored for the student and mentored by at least one graduate nursing faculty member and one other graduate faculty member. The post-baccalaureate DNP student takes a portion of the project hours as a clinical residency to complete their DNP project. The final hours allow the student to complete and disseminate the results of the project developed in NURS 959. At the end of the course, the student submits a DNP portfolio including the evidenced-based project manuscript or abstract and other student-authored manuscripts, clinical innovations, critically analyzed case studies, documented advanced nursing practice, evidence of practice management and quality assurance principles, and other scholarly work. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite(s): NURS 959.