NU 501 Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice 4 credits
This course encourages the registered nurse to broaden their perspectives of the roles of the professional nurse and explore historical and contemporary nursing concepts. Elements of nursing research and evidence-based practice will be discussed.
NU 502 Community and Population Health Nursing 4 credits 75 clinical hrs
The purpose of this course is to examine nursing care that is provided in a variety of settings and discuss the health care needs of diverse populations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the elements of interprofessional collaboration. Health care systems, delivery models and policy and regulations are discussed.
NU 505 Leadership for Advanced Nursing 3 credits
This course examines the professional role of Advanced Practice Nurses with emphasis on educational preparation, leadership roles, and leadership development. Conflict management and communication, as it relates to leadership, is analyzed. Leadership theories are examined and applied to practice. Quality improvement and safety principles are explored.
NU 520 Advanced Practice Nursing Roles and Advocacy in Health Care 3 credits
This course examines the advanced practice nurse’s role and scope of practice in health care. Students analyze aspects of health care financing and quality and safety. Advanced nursing practice and its impact on health care policy and advocacy is emphasized. Ethical, legal, and regulatory issues are evaluated.
NU 530 Population Health 3 credits
This course explores the theoretical foundation of population health, principles of environmental health, and global and US healthcare trends. Students examine the impact of health promotion, and disease prevention among individuals, communities, and populations. An emphasis is placed on health disparities, social determinants of health, and health equity across diverse populations. Students explore the role of the advanced practice nurse in interprofessional partnerships for population health.
NU 535 Evidence-Based Practice I: Finding and Appraising Evidence 3 credits
This course is designed to equip graduate nursing students with evidence-based practice skills and competencies. Students learn a systematic, scholarly process to define practice problems and answer clinical questions using informatics and healthcare technologies.
NU 536 Evidence Based Practice II: Applying Evidence for Practice Change 3 credits
This course is designed to equip graduate nursing students with the skills needed to advance the scholarship of nursing to translate current evidence into practice to improve patient care. The course is focused on applying research outcomes within the practice setting to resolve practice problems, which is known as implementation or improvement science. The course introduces concepts and processes to prepare the student to take a leadership role to integrate best evidence into practice and to serve as a role model and mentor for evidence-based decision making. At the end of the course, students will be prepared to disseminate a proposal for an evidence-based practice change to peers and faculty.
Prerequisite: NU535
NU 541 Health Care Informatics 3 credits
This course provides foundational knowledge about nursing informatics principles and technologies that are used to deliver and enhance patient care. Students analyze how informatics is used in administration, education, research, and at the point of care. Legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements related to informatics are examined.
NU 550 Advanced Health Assessment 3 credits 75 clinical hrs
This course is a framework for systematic and holistic health assessment of individuals across the lifespan. Students learn advanced techniques and diagnostic testing to apply in the laboratory and clinical settings. Students differentiate actual and potential health problems using assessment data and relevant diagnostic findings. Emphasis is placed on the development of clinical judgement skills related to assessment of common health problems and health maintenance.
NU 560 Advanced Physiology & Disease States 3 credits
This course provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness across the lifespan. Assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and interventions specific to selected health problems are explored to begin development of advanced nursing practice clinical judgement for pathophysiologic causes and treatments of given disease processes.
NU 570 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits
This course focuses on clinical judgement in the application of pharmacological agents (prescription and over the counter) commonly used in primary care settings for individuals across the lifespan, with diverse backgrounds. The pharmacological/therapeutic categories of drugs are reviewed. Selected drugs within categories are compared and contrasted with respect to indications, efficacy, adverse effects, monitoring parameters, administration, common drug- drug interaction and cost. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based pharmacological guidelines and prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners.
NU 581 Psychopharmacology and Neuropathophysiology 4 credits
This course provides advanced practice nursing students with knowledge of essential neuropathophysiology and psychopharmcotherapeutics of common mental health disorders across the lifespan. Course content includes neural structure and function in symptom presentation and disease progression of select serious mental health disorders. Students examine medications used for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of mental health disorders.
Prerequisites: NU570 Advanced Pharmacology
NU 585 Mental Health Enrichment for the Advanced Practice Nurse 1 credit
This course provides advanced practice nursing students with knowledge of essential neuropathophysiology and psychopharmcotherapeutics of common mental health disorders across the lifespan. Students will apply content to complete a detailed mental health assessment, formulate a diagnosis (based on DSM guidelines), and apply treatment principles to their practice setting. Students examine medications used for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of mental health disorders.
Prerequisites: NU 550, NU 560, NU 570 May be taken co-requisite with one of these courses if the other two are completed.
NU 596 Graduate Seminar 1 credit
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to graduate-level study. All of the proposed content will help prepare the student for the academic writing and presentation requirements in future graduate courses. Specifically, this course covers (a) the basics of identifying an evidence-based practice problem in nursing and the types of evidence for addressing those problems, (b) correct use of American Psychological Association (APA) editorial style in academic writing and presentations, (c) literature research and appropriate use of literature in academic writing, and (d) avoiding plagiarism.
NU 600 Family Nursing: Adult & Older Adult 3 credits
This course is designed to educate the primary care nurse practitioner in the care of the adult and older adult clients in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis is placed on obtaining the appropriate history, physical assessment, and diagnostic testing. Students analyze the differential diagnoses, select and interpret diagnostic testing, determine diagnoses, and formulate a treatment plan based on evidence-based guidelines. Medical consultation, referrals and follow-up are discussed.
Prerequisites: NU 550, NU 560 and NU 570
NU 600C Family Nursing I 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide the Family Nurse Practitioner student with experiential learning opportunities to care for patients across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Under the supervision of expert faculty and guidance of approved preceptor(s) students assess, diagnose, and treat health care conditions, as well as evaluate the patient’s response to the care plan. This course prepares individuals for development and application of the advanced family practice nursing role.
Prerequisites: NU 550, NU 560, NU 570
Co-Requisite: NU 600
NU 605 Primary Care of Women and Children 3 credits
This course focuses on family nursing issues related to management of health needs of women, adolescents and children. Emphasis is on growth and development, health promotion/ protection, and management of common illnesses in these special populations. Appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are explored in relationship to the diagnosis, age, culture, and lifestyle of the patient and current evidence based practice. Students are educated regarding the appropriateness of medical consultation, referral and follow-up.
Prerequisites: NU 600/NU 600C, and either ACLS certification OR completion of NetLearning EKG Module
NU 605C Family Nursing II 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide the Family Nurse Practitioner student with experiential learning opportunities to care for patients across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Under the supervision of expert faculty and guidance of approved preceptor(s) students assess, diagnose, and treat health care conditions, as well as evaluate the patient’s response to the care plan. This course prepares individuals for development and application of the advanced family practice nursing role.
Prerequisites: NU 600/NU 600C
Co-Requisite: NU 605
NU 610 Complex Care of the Family 3 credits
This content focuses on the care of the patient with complex medical problems or comorbidities as well as care of patients with complex family or environmental situations. Attention is on long-term management of less common medical conditions, chronic illnesses, and social/ethical issues with emphasis on engaging family and community support and understanding the needs of special populations and disabilities.
Prerequisites: NU 605/NU 605C
NU 610C Family Nursing III 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide the Family Nurse Practitioner student with experiential learning opportunities to care for patients across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Under the supervision of expert faculty and guidance of approved preceptor(s) students assess, diagnose, and treat health care conditions, as well as evaluate the patient’s response to the care plan. This course prepares individuals for development and application of the advanced family practice nursing role.
Prerequisites: NU 605/NU 605C
Co-Requisite: NU 610
NU 612C Clinical Enrichment 1 credit 75 clinical hrs
In this clinical course, the advanced practice nursing student has the opportunity to choose the area(s) of nursing practice for further experience related to the population specific NP track.
Prerequisites: NU 600/NU 600C, NU 670/NU 670C, NU 691/NU 691C or NU 615/NU 615C.
NU 615 Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I 2 credits
This course focuses on the scope of practice of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students use clinical judgement in the assessment and diagnosis of common mental health disorders across the lifespan. The course emphasizes person-centered care to develop evidence-based treatment plans.
Prerequisites: NU 581, NU 550, NU 560, and NU 570
NU 615C Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide experiential learning in a variety of mental health care settings under the supervision of expert faculty and mental health professionals. This course prepares individuals for development and application of the advanced practice psychiatric nursing role. Students integrate evidence-based practice and apply clinical judgement in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders across the lifespan. Clinical work focuses on the application of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for the treatment and self-care management of mental health disorders.
Pre- or Co-Requisites: NU 581, NU 550, NU 560, NU 570
Co-Requisite: NU 615
NU 620 Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II 2 credits
This course builds upon the knowledge learned in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I. Students will expand the use of assessment and diagnostic skills to develop evidence-based treatment plans across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on culturally sensitive patient-centered care.
Prerequisites: NU 615 and NU 615C
NU 620C Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide experiential learning in a variety of mental health care settings under the supervision of expert faculty and mental health professionals. This course prepares individuals for development and application of the advanced practice psychiatric nursing role. Students integrate evidence-based practice and apply clinical judgement in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders across the lifespan. Clinical work focuses on the application of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for the treatment and self-care management of mental health disorders.
Prerequisites: NU 615 and NU 615C
Co-Requisite: NU 620
NU 625 Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III 2 credits
This course builds on content from Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I and II. The course integrates evidence-based practice for the care of complex mental health disorders and medical co-morbidities in the psychiatric setting. Emphasis is on patient-centered care of special populations across the lifespan. This course will further prepare the student for transition into advanced clinical practice.
Prerequisites: NU 620/NU 620C
NU 625C Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide experiential learning in a variety of mental health care settings under the supervision of expert faculty and mental health professionals. This course prepares individuals for development and application of the advanced practice psychiatric nursing role. Students integrate evidence-based practice and apply clinical judgement in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders across the lifespan. Clinical work focuses on the application of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions for the treatment and self-care management of mental health disorders.
Prerequisites: NU 620/NU 620C
Pre- or Co-Requisite: NU 625
NU 651 Leadership I: Role/Organization Theory/Change 2 credits
The purpose of this course is to guide the MSN student in learning to manage and lead individuals and groups within health service organizations. Components of effective leadership will be examined. Students will be guided in a self-assessment of personal values and leadership style. The course includes a comprehensive analysis of leadership theories, principles of management and organizational behavior. Content also includes discussion of change, decision-making, motivation and team building, interpersonal group behavior, and communication
NU 651C Leadership I Clinical 1 credit 75 clinical hrs
The purpose of this course is to guide the MSN student in learning to manage and lead individuals and groups within health service organizations. Concepts and principles learned in the NU 651 theory course will be applied in the clinical setting. Clinical opportunities will be provided to integrate the advanced nursing role of leader/manager.
Pre or Co-Requisite: NU 651
NU 653 Leadership III: Quality/Safety/Regulatory 2 credits
This course discusses issues related to quality, safety and regulation of health care organizations. The responsibility of those in advanced nursing roles to promote and support initiatives that provide safe experiences for patients, families and communities is explored.
NU 653C Leadership III Clinical 1 credit 75 clinical hrs
Concepts and principles learned in the NU 653 theory course will be applied in the clinical setting. Clinical opportunities will be provided to integrate the advanced nursing role of leader/manager with an emphasis on quality, safety and regulatory aspects of care within health care organizations.
Pre-or Co-Requisite: NU 653
NU 655 Leadership and Human Resource Management 3 credits
This course focuses on advanced nursing roles to develop competencies for managing diverse teams in complex systems, monitoring, and measuring organizational performance, and allocating financial and human resources. Ethical and legal principles and implications are also addressed.
NU 670 Adult Gerontology Acute Care 3 credits
This course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner while providing patient-centered care to the late adolescent to older adult. Health promotion, documentation, and protocols for hospital admission for acute care patients are included. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and critical analysis of evidence-based practice interventions relevant to the management of the care of critically ill patients experiencing episodic illness, exacerbation of chronic illness, or terminal illness of various systems.
Prerequisites: NU 550, NU 560 and NU 570
NU 670C Adult Gerontology Acute Care I Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner student the opportunity to apply advanced, specialized evidence-based knowledge and therapeutic interventions to care for patients experiencing acute or chronic illness from late adolescent to older adult. Under the supervision of expert faculty and guidance of an approved preceptor the students assess, diagnose, and treat patients through all phases of hospitalization, specialty, and clinic care.
Prerequisites: NU 550, NU 560 and NU 570;
Co or Prerequisite: NU 670
NU 675 Adult Gerontology Acute Care II 3 credits
This course builds on Adult Gerontology Acute Care I to expand on knowledge of system-based illnesses while providing patient-centered care to the late adolescent to older adult. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of clinical diagnostics and evidence-based, advanced practice nursing interventions consistent with the AGACNP role to assess and manage complex acute and chronic health conditions. Care of the critically ill patient experiencing episodic illness or exacerbation of chronic illness of various systems will be addressed.
Prerequisites: NU 670/NU 670C
NU 675C Adult Gerontology: Acute Care II Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner student the opportunity to apply advanced, specialized evidence-based knowledge and therapeutic interventions to care for patients experiencing acute or chronic illness from late adolescent to older adult. Under the supervision of expert faculty and guidance of an approved preceptor the students assess, diagnose, and treat patients through all phases of hospitalization, specialty, and clinic care.
Prerequisites: NU 670/NU 670C;
Co-requisite: NU 675
NU 680 Adult Gerontology Acute Care III 3 credits
This course builds on Adult Gerontology Acute Care I and II to expand on the knowledge of systems-based illness while providing care for the late adolescent to older adult on acute care settings. Culturally sensitive and diseases specific to special populations will be examined. Care of the critically ill patient experiencing episodic illness, exacerbation of chronic illness, or terminal illness of various systems will be addressed. Additionally, a focus will be placed on concepts related to quality, systems-based care, and professionalism.
Prerequisites: NU 675/NU 675C
NU 680C Adult Gerontology Acute Care III Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
This clinical course is designed to provide the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner student the opportunity to apply advanced, specialized evidence-based knowledge and therapeutic interventions to care for patients experiencing acute or chronic illness from late adolescent to older adult. Under the supervision of expert faculty and guidance of an approved preceptor the students assess, diagnose, and treat patients through all phases of hospitalization, specialty, and clinic care.
Prerequisites: NU 675/NU 675C
Co-requisite: NU 680
NU 691 Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I 3 credits
This course focuses on growth and development of infants, toddlers and adolescents. Emphasis is on health promotion, diagnosis, and management of common illnesses in pediatric practice. Research and theory are used to identify strategies that are integral to advanced nursing practice for promotion of health and prevention of illness. Students use critical thinking processes to make differential diagnoses and to plan and implement therapeutic regimens including psychopharmacology. The course emphasizes collaboration among patient, family, other health care disciplines for health maintenance and development. (Hybrid course offering)
Prerequisites: NU 550, NU 560 and NU 570
NU 691C Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
The purpose of this course is to guide the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP) student in learning to actively provide care for the pediatric patient in the primary care setting. This provides the student with the opportunity to observe, assess, and diagnose children from birth to 18 years of age with emphasis on health promotion, growth and development, and disease prevention. Application of principles learned in the NU691 theory course to the clinical setting.
Pre/Co-Requisite: NU 550, 560, 570 and concurrent or prerequisite NU 691.
NU 692 Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner II 3 credits
This course focuses on the theoretical basis for decision-making, clinical judgment and procedural skills needed to provide care for children across the pediatric lifespan with complex acute, critical and chronic illnesses. Research and theory are used to identify strategies that are integral to advanced nursing practice to restore health, prevent complications, provide stabilization of illness, and/or palliative care. Emphasis is on recognition and management of emerging health crises. Part 2 of a 3-part series. (Hybrid course offering)
Prerequisites: NU 691 & NU 691C
NU 692C Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner II Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
The purpose of this course is to guide the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner MSN student in actively providing care for the acutely ill pediatric patient through all phases of specialty clinic care. Students use critical thinking processes to make differential diagnoses and to plan and implement therapeutic regimens. Under the supervision and guidance of an approved preceptor the student will assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic conditions, as well as evaluate the patient's response to the plan of care.
Pre/Co-Requisite: NU 691, NU 691C Concurrent or prerequisite NU 692
NU 693 Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner III 3 credits
This course focuses on the theoretical basis for decision-making, clinical judgment and procedural skills needed to provide care for children across the pediatric lifespan with complex acute, critical and chronic illnesses. Research and theory are used to identify strategies that are integral to advanced nursing practice to restore health, prevent complications, provide stabilization of illness, and/or palliative care. Emphasis is on recognition and management of the critically ill child. Part 3 of a 3-part series. (Hybrid course offering)
Prerequisites: NU 692 & NU 692C
NU693C Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner III Clinical 2 credits 150 clinical hrs
The purpose of this course is to guide the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner MSN student in actively providing care for the acutely ill pediatric patient through all phases of hospitalization. Under the supervision and guidance of an approved preceptor the student will assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic conditions, as well as evaluate the patient's response to the plan of care.
Pre/Co-Requisite: NU 692, NU 692C Concurrent or prerequisite NU 693
NU 720 Quality Outcomes for Organizations & Systems 3 credits
This course is designed to evaluate and improve processes of care and outcomes of care across organizations and systems. Current and past Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) models are explored, including facilitators and barriers, and advantages and disadvantages. A major focus is use of objective data to determine improvements that are needed and to evaluate success of change efforts. Students will apply CQI methods/approaches to improve patient outcomes, use tools to evaluate data and indicators, and apply the concept of the learning organization, all to assure quality outcomes and patient safety related to a potential DNP scholarly project.
NU 731 Epidemiology and Biostatistics 3 credits
This course focuses on epidemiological concepts and principles for advanced practice nursing. Social determinants of health are analyzed in the context of social epidemiology. Students examine research designs and interpret statistics to support evidence-based practice and influence health policy.
NU 741 Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice I 3 credits
This course is designed to prepare students to develop professional competencies to lead an evidence-based initiative to improve healthcare outcomes and quality of care. Students will use an Evidence-Based practice model to guide them through defining a practice problem. The course is focused on searching and appraising the literature and other evidence for rigor and applicability to the clinical problem to improve outcomes. The value of team building is examined as it relates to leadership, interprofessional and intra-professional collaboration, and communication in the development and adoption of an evidence-based innovation.
Prerequisite: NU 535 and Concurrent or Prerequisite: NU 731
NU 742 Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice II 3 credits
This course is designed to prepare the DNP student with the knowledge and skills to plan the implementation and evaluation components of an evidence-based practice initiative in a healthcare system. Quality improvement frameworks and theories will be examined and applied in planning for the practice change. The use of relevant data to substantiate the practice problem and evaluate expected outcomes will be highlighted, as will the application of financial principles in budget planning. Ethical considerations will be explored. This course is the second DNP-level didactic course in support of the DNP Scholarly Project.
Prerequisite: NU 741
NU 743 Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice III 1 credit
This course is designed to prepare the DNP student with the knowledge and skills to plan for completion and dissemination of an evidence-based practice initiative. Students will reflect on leading change in a health system. Written and verbal communication skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: NU 742
NU 750 Leadership and Collaboration 3 credits
This course prepares students for a leadership role in healthcare. It analyzes leadership attributes and styles and encourages students to reflect on their own leadership qualities. There is a focus on leadership skills such as conflict management, effective communication, leading diverse workforces and collaboration within a team. The course also addresses organizational needs and challenges students to consider leadership from an organizational perspective.
NU 800 DNP Clinical Scholarship Intensive 1 credit 100 contact hours
This course is designed to facilitate the planning, development, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of a scholarly project that demonstrates doctoral-level clinical scholarship. Students will apply systems-level knowledge and skills in completion of the scholarly project as a foundation for future practice scholarship. An emphasis will be placed on leadership, collaboration and the evaluation of outcomes to guide practice.
Co-Requisites: Students must be enrolled and complete this course at least 4 times. Enrollment in this course will continue until the DNP scholarly project is successfully defended. Students are only allowed to be enrolled in one section of NU 800 at a time.
NU801 DNP Clinical Enrichment 1 credit
The student will identify scholarly activities based on areas of interest. Each student will complete clinical hours that integrate and synthesize knowledge of the DNP graduate program outcomes. The completion of the required number of DNP hours will provide the opportunity to further develop the student's knowledge related to the professional role of a doctorally prepared advanced practice leader (Enrolled in the course until completion of 600 of the 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours required of the DNP degree).
NU 805 Educational Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 credits
This course focuses on preparing advanced practice nursing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate in a variety of settings. An emphasis will be placed on the foundational principles of teaching and learning, learner needs and characteristics, instructional strategies, curriculum development and evaluation of learning outcomes. Current issues and trends in health care will be explored in relation to their impact on the education of diverse populations.
NU 811 Financial Concepts for Systems Management 3 credits
The course provides the foundation for understanding healthcare financing at the micro and macro level. Students will develop a working knowledge of concepts related to economics, business, reimbursement and the impact of public and private financing. The emphasis of the course will be on the development of knowledge and skills necessary to promote and sustain the financial viability of healthcare systems and to plan for achieving cost-effective, quality healthcare outcomes.