Graduate School Of Nursing Course Descriptions
Graduate Entry Pathway Courses
NG510 Concepts in Professional Nursing
This course introduces students to the basic concepts that are the foundation of professional nursing practice. Course content includes role and practice issues in professional nursing and health care: the health care continuum; the bio-psychosocial model of health; health prevention and promotion; legal, regulatory and ethical issues; critical thinking and evidence-based practice; practice guidelines and informatics; principles of teaching/learning; theories of the nurse-patient relationship; and the role of the professional nurse. 2 credits Corequisites: NG511, NG513, and NG516A and B.
NG511 Biomedical Sciences I Biomedical Sciences I
is the first of two courses providing a review of human biochemistry, pathophysiology and pharmacology essential for nursing practice. This course focuses on the changes that occur in the human body when normal structure and/or function are altered by common conditions arising from the natural aging process, injury and disability, and when pharmacological interventions are implemented. 5 credits Corequisites: NG510, NG513, and NG516A and B.
NG512 Biomedical Sciences II Biomedical Sciences II
is the second of two courses providing a review of human biochemistry, pathophysiology, pharmacology and nutrition essential for nursing practice. This course focuses on the changes that occur in the human body when normal structure and/or function are altered by common conditions arising from the natural aging process, disease, injury and disability, and when pharmacological and nutritional interventions are implemented. 3 credits Prerequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513, NG516A/B. Corequisites: NG514, NG517A and B, and NG518A and B.
NG513 Health Assessment and Skills I
This laboratory course is the first of two that focus on the competencies of technical clinical skills and health assessment necessary to provide safe, quality, patient-centered professional nursing care.2 credits Corequisites: NG510, NG511, and NG516A and B.
NG514 Health Assessment and Skills II
This laboratory course is the second of two courses that focus on the competencies of technical clinical skills and health assessment necessary to provide safe, quality, patient-centered professional nursing care. 1 credit Prerequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513, and NG516A and B. Corequisites: NG512, NG517A and B, and NG518A and B.
NG516A Nursing I: Care of Persons with Acute and Chronic Conditions
This is the classroom component of NG516B.This course introduces students to the values, knowledge and competencies that are the foundation of safe, skilled, professional and patient-centered nursing care for adults with acute and chronic medical-surgical conditions. The classroom component focuses on the expected presentation, process, and outcomes of selected health conditions in the adult population. 5 credits Corequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513 and NG516B.
NG516B Nursing I: Clinical Care of Persons with Acute and Chronic Conditions
This is the clinical component of NG516A. Students will use critical thinking and effective communication skills to deliver safe, competent, professional and patient-centered nursing care to adults with acute and chronic medical-surgical conditions. Working with clinical faculty and other nursing colleagues, students will assess client needs and develop, implement and evaluate a plan of nursing care to meet expected client-centered outcomes. 5 credits Corequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513 and NG516A.
NG517A Nursing II: Care of Persons with Acute and Chronic Conditions
This course continues the introduction of core concepts of acute and chronic conditions. Emphasis will be on providing nursing care to individuals and families experiencing selected acute and chronic psychiatric and medical-surgical conditions. The impact of acute and chronic illness on adult developmental stages and transitions will be examined. Corequisites: NG514, NG517B, and NG518A and B.
NG517B Nursing II: Clinical Care of Persons with Acute and Chronic Conditions
This course is the clinical component of NG517A and continues the focus of NG516B on the provision of client-centered nursing care to individuals and families in hospital- and community-based settings who are experiencing selected acute and chronic psychiatric and medical-surgical conditions.3 credits Prerequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513, and NG516A and B. Corequisites: NG514, NG517A, and NG518A and B.
NG518A Nursing III: Care of the Childbearing and Child Rearing Family
This is the classroom component of NG518B. The course presents the values, knowledge and competencies that are the foundation of safe, skilled, professional and patient-centered nursing care of families experiencing normative childbearing and child rearing, and for children experiencing acute and chronic conditions. Emphasis is on all stages of pregnancy, and the experience of hospitalization and adaptation to chronic conditions for children. Life transitions related to childbearing and child rearing experiences will be analyzed. 5 credits Prerequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513, and NG516A and B. Corequisites: NG514, NG517A and B, and NG518B.
NG518B Nursing III: Clinical Care of the Childbearing and Child Rearing Family
This course is the clinical component of NG518A. In this course, students will use critical thinking to make evidence-based clinical judgments for, and develop effective communication skills with, families experiencing normative childbearing and child rearing, and with children experiencing acute and chronic conditions. Working with nursing colleagues and other members of the interdisciplinary team, students will prioritize and provide nursing care in hospital settings. 3 credits Prerequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513, and NG516A and B. Corequisites: NG514, NG517A and B, NG518A.
NG519A Nursing IV: Clinical Capstone: Leadership and Management
This course focuses on the professional role of the nurse as a collaborator, leader and provider of care with nursing colleagues and other members of the inter-professional health care team, and within the context of complex health care systems 3 credits Prerequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513, and NG516A and B. Corequisites: NG514, NG517A and B, NG518A and B, and NG519B.
NG519B Nursing IV: Clinical Capstone: Clinical Internship
This clinical course focuses on the professional role of the nurse as a provider of care as part of the interprofessional health care team. Working one-on-one with a nurse preceptor approved by GSN nursing faculty, and with guidance from GSN nursing faculty, students integrate the values, knowledge and competencies of professional nursing into their practice as a manager and provider of safe, competent, patient-centered nursing care, and as a nursing colleague and member of an interprofessional health care team. 7 credits Prerequisites: NG510, NG511, NG513, and NG516A and B. Corequisites: NG514, NG517A and B, NG518A and B, and NG519A.
NG522 Transition to Professional Practice II
This course is designed to coincide with students’ entry into their first practice role following licensure as a registered nurse. Students will evaluate their professional growth as clinicians and discuss issues related to professional and advanced practice nursing that arise in their practice and in the classroom. 2 credits Prerequisites: Completion of GEP Year One Corequisites: NG604, NG603B and NG614.
Master of Science Program Courses
Core Courses
N/NG603A Societal Forces for Advanced Practice Nursing
This course explores the dynamic issues and societal forces that require leadership for comprehensive assessment, program planning and evaluation in health care and advanced practice nursing. Among these issues are licensure, credentialing, legislative and regulatory processes, ethics, economics, politics, health policy, technological advancement and socio-cultural factors influencing advanced practice nursing and health outcomes. 3 credits
N/NG603B Interprofessional Population Health Community Practicum Seminar
This Population health Community Service Learning Practicum and Seminar is a continuation of content and community initiatives started in 603 A Societal Forces Influencing Graduate Nursing Education and Practice. Students will continue to integrate the determinants of health of individuals and populations into the graduate level roles for which they are being prepared. Equipped with an understanding of the regulations of and the authority for graduate nursing practice (licensure, scope of practice, accreditation, certification, credentialing, and education), coupled with interprofessional opportunities and foundational knowledge of the dynamics of the US health care system, health care financing and the ethical distribution of scarce resources, they will complete a comprehensive assessment, intervention and evaluation of programming with a medically underserved, vulnerable, and/or high-risk community promoting the federal Healthy People 2020 goals and objectives.2 credits Prerequisite: N/NG603A.
NG 603C Interprofessional Population Health Clerkship: Caring for Populations within their Communities - Practicum and Seminar
This two-week population health immersion introduces small teams of medical and graduate nursing students to the application of public health concepts to populations/communities as a unit of care. Student groups will work with academic and community faculty of a variety of disciplines to assess populations and communities as units of care to identify available and needed resources for the population of focus and advocate for at-risk populations to improve health outcomes.
N/NG 604 Translating & Integrating Scholarship into Practice
This is a core course for the preparation of masters prepared nurses so they can learn to critically examine and seek evidence for practice, ethically translate current evidence and identify gaps in knowledge. This course will provide the masters prepared nurse with beginning theoretical and research-related knowledge (qualitative and quantitative) to challenge current practices, procedures and policies and critique published empirical evidence.
N/NG 704 Principles of Epidemiology
This course will provide studentswith concrete skills to understand and critique the medical literature, an important component of evidence based medicine. Students will learn about various types of epidemiology study designs including their potential strengths and weaknesses. Using these skills, students will evaluate articles from the medicalliterature in a small group setting and will also critique an article from the medical literature. In addition, students will be introduced to the use of data in hospital quality improvement projects. 3 credits
N/NG719 Genetics, Genomics, & Pharmacogenomics
This course provides masters with an introduction to fundamentals of Genetics, and Genomics, including Pharmacogenomics. Basic concepts and principles of genetics and genomics will be covered in these lectures including course assignments involving quizzes and case studies. This course will also discuss integration of the basic concepts to enhance understanding, knowledge, application and utilization of these principles in clinical settings for education and practice. Perspectives on ethical, legal, and socioeconomic issues for advanced practice nurses will also be addressed. Implications regarding personalized medicine and direct to consumer testing in regards to patient care and practice will be discussed. 3 credits.
Advanced Practice Core Courses
N/NG613 Advanced Pathophysiology
The focus of this course is on the interrelation of human systems and the effect that illness in one body system has on the functions of the whole person. Concepts related to clinical physiology and research literature related to pathophysiology of various body systems are examined. Pertinent literature related to nursing interventions associated with improved physiological status is analyzed.
3 credits
N/NG614 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
This course is designed to meet the needs of the advanced practice nurse prescriber in the primary and acute care setting, building upon previous and/or concurrent acquired knowledge from nursing, pathophysiology and other sciences. The development of clinical decision-making skills essential to safe and effective pharmacologic intervention is the focal point of the course. 3 credits
N/NG615A Advanced Health Assessment
This course further develops and integrates the health assessment competencies of interviewing, performing and documenting comprehensive and episodic health histories and physical examinations. Students will identify common symptoms, identify risk factors, incorporate appropriate health promotion and disease prevention strategies, formulate differential diagnoses and begin treatment plans for common acute and chronic illnesses. Critical thinking and clinical decision making is presented within the context of case studies and the comprehensive analysis of patient data and plan formulation. This is the theoretical didactic portion of advanced health assessment and forms a foundation of advanced clinical practice. 3 credits Corequisite: N/NG615B.
N/NG615B Advanced Health Assessment Practicum
This practicum assesses the student’s integration of techniques in physical examination through lab practice, performance exams and utilization of standardized patients. The integration of all didactic and performance components, including clinical decision‑making skills, are demonstrated through successful role playing, case study analysis and an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). 1 credit Corequisite: N/NG615A.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse
Practitioner Courses
N/NG630A Advanced Nursing Science: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Theory I
This course is the first of two advanced nursing science theoretical courses for the preparation of the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. The focus of this course is on the development and refinement of the critical thinking skills necessary to achieve the APN domain and core competencies of the advanced practice nurse. Grounded in theory and evidence-based research, this course enhances the student’s knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention and management strategies needed to care for the adult-older adult patient and family experiencing acute, episodic, and selected chronic health problems in the ambulatory and community settings. 6 credits Corequisite: N/NG630B.
N/NG630B Advanced Nursing Science: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-Clinical Practicum I
This course is the first of two advanced nursing science clinical courses for the preparation of the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. The focus is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal and diagnostic skills needed by the advanced practice nurse in ambulatory and community settings. The course enhances the student’s ability to apply theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research to the care of adult-older adult patients with acute and chronic health problems. The student implements the role activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and professional role interaction.4 credits Corequisite: N/NG630A
N/NG631A Advanced Nursing Science: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Theory II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science theoretical courses for the preparation of the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. The focus is on the refinement and synthesis of critical thinking skills used by the advanced practice nurse to articulate advanced practice nursing domain and core competencies. Grounded in theory and evidence-based practice, the course enhances the student’s knowledge and ability to analyze and manage the comprehensive care of the adult-older adult patient and family in ambulatory or community settings, and the professional and environmental issues influencing the health and care of the adult-older adult patient and the role of the advanced practice nurse. 6 credits Prerequisites: N/NG630A and B. Corequisite: N/NG 631B.
N/NG631B Advanced Nursing Science: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science clinical courses for the preparation of the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. The focus is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal and diagnostic skills needed by the advanced practice nurse to provide best practices in ambulatory and community settings. Clinical activities assist students to translate and integrate theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research into the assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems for adult-older adult patients and families in ambulatory and community settings. The student implements activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and professional role interaction.3 credits Prerequisites: N/NG630A and B. Corequisite: N/NG631A.
Adult-Gerontology Acute/Critical Care Nurse
Practitioner Courses
N/NG640A Advanced Nursing Science: Adult-Gerontology Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Theory I
This course is the first of two advanced nursing science theoretical courses for the preparation of the adult-gerontology acute/critical care nurse practitioner. The focus of this course is on the development and refinement of the critical thinking skills necessary to achieve the APN domain and core competencies of the advanced practice nurse. Grounded in theory and evidence-based research, the course enhances the student’s knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention and management strategies needed to care for the patient and family experiencing acute and chronic health problems in hospital settings.6 credits Corequisite: N/NG640B.
N/NG640B Advanced Nursing Science: Adult-Gerontology Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum I
This course is the first of two advanced nursing science clinical courses for the preparation of the adult-gerontology acute/critical care nurse practitioner. The focus is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal and diagnostic skills needed by the advanced practice nurse to provide best practices in hospital settings. Clinical activities assist students to translate and integrate theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research into the assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems for adult-older adult patients and families in hospital settings. The student implements activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and professional role interaction.4 credits Corequisite: N/NG640A.
N/NG641A Advanced Nursing Science: Adult-Gerontology Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Theory II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science theoretical courses for the preparation of the adult-gerontology acute/critical care nurse practitioner. The focus is on the refinement and synthesis of critical thinking skills used by the advanced practice nurse to provide advanced practice nursing domain and core competencies. Grounded in theory and evidence-based practice, the course enhances the student’s knowledge and ability to analyze and manage the comprehensive care of the patient and family in hospital settings, and the professional and environmental issues influencing the health and care of the patient and the role of the advanced practice nurse. 6 credits Prerequisites: N/NG640A and 640B. Corequisite: N/NG641B.
N/NG641B Advanced Nursing Science: Adult-Gerontology Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science clinical courses for the preparation of the adult-gerontology acute/critical care nurse practitioner. The focus is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal and diagnostic skills needed by the advanced practice nurse to provide best practices in hospital settings. Clinical activities assist students to translate and integrate theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research into the assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems for adult-older adult patients and families in hospital settings. The student implements activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and professional role interaction. 3 credits N/NG640A and 640B. Corequisite: N/NG641A.
Family Primary Care Nurse
Practitioner Courses
NG660A Advanced Nursing Science: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Theory I
This course is the first of two advanced nursing science theoretical courses for the preparation of the family primary care nurse practitioner. The focus of this course is on the development and refinement of the critical thinking skills necessary to achieve the direct care and core competencies of the advanced practice nurse. Grounded in theory and evidence-based research, this course enhances the student’s knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention and management strategies needed to care for patients and their families experiencing acute, episodic and selected chronic health problems in ambulatory and community settings 6 credits Corequisite: NG6660B.
NG660B Advanced Nursing Science: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum I
This course is the first of two advanced nursing science clinical courses for the preparation of the family primary care nurse practitioner with the practice doctorate. The focus is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal and diagnostic skills needed by the advanced practice nurse with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in ambulatory and community settings. The course enhances the student’s ability to apply theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research to the care of patients with acute and chronic health problems across the life span. The student implements the role activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and professional role interaction. 3 credits Corequisites: N/NG660A.
NG661A Advanced Nursing Science: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Theory II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science theoretical courses for the preparation of the family primary care nurse practitioner. The focus is on the refinement and synthesis of critical thinking skills used by the advanced practice nurse to provide advanced practice nursing direct care and core competencies. Grounded in theory and evidence-based practice, the course enhances the student’s knowledge and ability to analyze and manage the comprehensive care of patients of all ages and the family in ambulatory community settings, and the professional and environmental issues influencing the health and care of the patient and the role of the advanced practice nurse. 6 credits Corequisite: N/NG661B Prerequisites: N/NG660A and B.
NG661B Advanced Nursing Science: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science clinical courses for the preparation of the family primary care nurse practitioner. The focus is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal and diagnostic skills needed by the advanced practice nurse to provide best practices in ambulatory and community settings of children and adults. Clinical activities assist students to translate and integrate theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research into his/her assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems for patients and families in ambulatory and community settings. The student implements activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and professional role interaction. 3 credits Prerequisites: N/NG660A and B.
N/NG590 Human Physiology
This is a review course on basic principles of physiology that cover the functions of the human body with emphasis on the nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal and reproductive systems. The course will provide a broad view of the current knowledge on how the human body works and is intended for students in the fields of nursing and other allied health fields. 3 credits
N/NG681 Advanced Practice Cardiovascular Nursing I
This course explores the theories of health promotion and disease management pertinent to cardiovascular nursing. It is intended to prepare advanced practice nurses to provide care to cardiovascular patients across health care settings. Health promotion strategies for high-risk cardiovascular patients are explored. Predisposing risk factors along with current treatment modalities for cardiovascular disease are discussed. 3 credits
N/NG682 Advanced Practice Cardiovascular Nursing II
The focus of this course is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal needed by the advanced practice nurse to effectively provide education and to manage adults with cardiovascular diseases. Risk factor identification and health promotion strategies incorporating the patient’s physiological and psychological responses to cardiovascular health problems and treatments are analyzed through clinical examples. Evidence-based research and the standards of care are synthesized to promote continuity of care throughout the cardiovascular patient’s trajectory of illness. 3 credits Prerequisites: N/NG681 or permission of instructor.
N/NG685 Living with Chronic Disease and Terminal Illness
Chronic or life-threatening illnesses, including the issues related to loss, grief, and palliative care, are a substantial portion of the nursing care and clinical practice that is provided in pediatric, adult, or geriatric populations. This course will explore the physical, psychological, social, ethical, and spiritual and existential issues raised by the prospect of long-term, disabling, life-shortening illnesses as well as death and bereavement. The focus of the course is on the psychological, behavioral as well as the social aspects of chronic or terminal illness. It will equip the participants with the necessary understanding and skills to develop supportive advanced practice nursing care for this patient population. 3 credits
N/NG686 Advanced Practice Oncology Nursing
This course will focus on cancer care knowledge, decision making and practices for advanced practice nurses caring for cancer patients in ambulatory, hospital and community settings. The course will examine cancer epidemiology, prevention, detection, treatment and professional practice. 3 credits
N/NG691 Contemporary Issues in Women’s Health
This elective graduate nursing course provides the advanced practice nursing student with a theoretical foundation to provide evidence-based care to women and will focus on a variety of issues specific to their health care. Specific concerns of women across the lifespan and the effects of culture and environment on women’s health are analyzed. Gender-based health issues and disparities and the role of the advanced practice nurse in dealing with these issues are examined. 3 credits
N/NG699 Independent/Directed Study
This course is open to all graduate students. Plans for study must be submitted in advance of registration on a form obtained from the Graduate School of Nursing. The student must meet with a faculty member to establish goals and objectives outlining the independent/directed study; the number of credits given for the study will then be determined. The student may take more than one independent study course, but no more than nine credit hours may be applied toward the degree. 1-3 credits Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
N702 Research and Theory for the Doctor of Nursing Practice
This course expands students’ understanding of theory and research within the context of advanced clinical practice. The student will explore philosophy, theory, and qualitative and quantitative methods used to develop evidence for clinical practice. The course enables graduates to serve as leaders in synthesizing clinical nursing knowledge and translating research findings into practice within complex health care settings and community-based organizations. 3 credits
N704 Principles of Epidemiology.
This course will provide studentswith concrete skills to understand and critique the medical literature, an important component of evidence based medicine. Students will learn about various types of epidemiology study designs including their potential strengths and weaknesses. Using these skills, students will evaluate articles from the medicalliterature in a small group setting and will also critique an article from the medical literature. In addition, students will be introduced to the use of data in hospital quality improvement projects. 3 credits
N705 Trends Influencing the Doctor of Nursing Practice
This course explores the trends influencing the role of the DNP in hospitals and community-based settings. The student will develop strategies to address these challenges that are grounded in evidence-based practice. The course enables graduates to serve as leaders in synthesizing clinical nursing knowledge and translating research findings into practice within complex health care settings and community-based organizations. 3 credits Prerequisite: N702.
N706 Health Policy for Health Care Professionals
This course enhances students’ understanding of health policy and analysis of health care issues within the context of advanced nursing and interprofessional practice. This knowledge is critical for leaders in nursing and other disciplines so they can contribute to the development and evaluation of health policies. The course will examine and critically analyze the health care system in the U.S. It will emphasize the major issues and trends which are the subject of intense public concern and government interest. Students will analyze health policy frameworks and apply them to professional, economic, political and social health care issues. This course will enable graduates to serve as leaders in analyzing the impact of health policies on patients, populations, and health care systems. 3 credits
N707 Biomedical Informatics
This course offers an overview of the field of biomedical informatics. Concepts from computer and information science are combined with current issues in research, training and clinical practice. The course will provide a broad overview of electronic health records, decision support systems, standards, security and confidentiality, evidence-based practice, information retrieval, bioinformatics, applied nursing informatics, public health informatics, imaging informatics, and consumer health informatics. 3 credits
N708 Organizational Systems and Health Care Financing
This course expands the student’s understanding of systems theory and health care economics. The student will explore current global, technological, socioeconomic and organizational factors that have an impact on the delivery of high quality health care. The course expands upon expert clinical knowledge and enables students to engage with other interprofessional team members in developing and evaluating contemporary approaches to clinical practice within health care organizations. 4 credits
N709 DNP Capstone Project Prospectus
This course focuses on the refinement of the DNP Capstone Project Prospectus for the preparation of the advanced practice nurse with the practice doctorate. This course will include the integration of research findings into an advanced practice nursing plan to improve patient- and/or system-focused outcomes in an organization. The student integrates information from the DNP core and elective courses to formulate a prospectus that demonstrates the translation of research into evidence-based practice. 2 credits Prerequisites: Completion of DNP Year One courses or concurrent enrollment in N708.
N722 Quality and Patient Safety: Competencies, Strategies and Methodologies for the Advanced Practice Nurse
This course focuses on core quality and safety competencies for the advanced practice nurse. Contemporary performance improvement methodologies, the utility of large public data sets, and the concept of reporting transparency will be discussed. Strategies to improve the quality of care and patients outcomes within the health care environment are explored. The role and requisite competencies of the DNP in leading innovative quality and patient safety initiatives will be addressed. 3 credits
N723 Quality and Patient Safety in Health Care Organizations
This course prepares the advanced practice nurse with the DNP with the knowledge, theory and organizational science concepts necessary to design and evaluate performance improvement in health care organizations related to quality and safety.
3 credits
N770 Doctor of Nursing Practice Residency I
This course is the first of two advanced nursing science residency courses for the preparation of advanced practice nurses with the practice doctorate. The focus is on development and refinement of the leadership skills needed by the advanced practice nurse. The course enhances the student’s ability to apply theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research to the care of the increasingly complex patients to improve practice and health care delivery. The student implements the role activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and professional interaction. 3 credits Prerequisites: Completion of DNP Year One courses and concurrent enrollment in N722.
N771 Doctor of Nursing Practice Residency II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science residency courses for the preparation of advanced practice nurses with the practice doctorate. The focus is on the refinement and synthesis of the leadership skills needed by these advanced practice nurses. This course enhances the student’s ability to translate evidence-based research and clinical scholarship to decrease risk and improve health care outcomes for patients. The student implements the role activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, communication and professional interaction. 3 credits Prerequisites: Completion of DNP Year One courses, N770 and concurrent enrollment in N772.
N772 Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Project I
This course requires the development of a scholarly capstone project for the preparation of advanced practice nurses with the practice doctorate. The focus is on the identification and implementation of a specific activity that uses evidence to improve patient-focused organizational outcomes. The scholarly capstone project integrates knowledge from the DNP core and track courses, electives and clinical residency experience in the formulation of a capstone project that demonstrates advanced practice nursing leadership at the practice doctorate level. 2 credits Prerequisites: Completion of DNP Year One courses and concurrent enrollment in N770.
N773 Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Project II
This course requires the completion of a scholarly capstone project for the preparation of advanced practice nurses with the practice doctorate. The focus is on the completion of a specific activity that uses evidence to improve patient-focused organizational outcomes. This scholarly capstone project is derived from the DNP track courses and electives including clinical residency experiences. The scholarly capstone project demonstrates the student’s attainment of the program outcomes and provides evidence of the student’s knowledge and expertise as an advanced practice nurse at the practice doctorate level. 2 credits Prerequisites: Completion of DNP Year One courses, N772 and concurrent enrollment in N771.
N795 Independent/Directed Study
This course is open to DNP students. The goal of independent study is to complement the DNP student’s program in a way that helps him/her develop additional knowledge and skills as an advanced practice nurse with a practice doctorate. Plans for study must be submitted in advance of registration on the Independent Study Advance Registration form obtained from the Graduate School of Nursing. The student must meet with the faculty member of record to establish written goals, objectives and evaluation criteria for the independent study. Upon establishing the goals and objectives, the number of credits will be determined by the faculty member in consultation with the DNP program director. The student may take more than one independent study, but no more than six credit hours may be applied toward the DNP degree. 1 to 6 credits, by arrangement with the faculty.
N815 Statistical Analysis of Data
This course provides the student with an introduction to inferential statistics. Emphasis is placed on practical application, rather than mathematical theory. Topics discussed include t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), repeated measures ANOVA and mixed ANOVA, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), correlations and scatter plots and regression analyses. 3 credits
DNP Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Courses
NG 760A Advanced Nursing Science for the DNP: Family Primary Care Theory I
This course is the first of two advanced nursing science theoretical courses for the preparation of the family primary care nurse practitioner with the practice doctorate. The focus of this course is on the development and refinement of the critical thinking skills necessary to achieve the domain, core competencies, and essentials of the advanced practice nurse with the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). Grounded in theory and evidence-based research, the course enhances the student’s knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention and management strategies needed to care for the patient and family experiencing acute and chronic health problems in ambulatory and community settings 6 credits Graduate Core Courses, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment Corequisite NG760B.
NG 760B Advanced Nursing Science for the DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum I
This course is the second of three advanced nursing science clinical courses for the preparation of the family primary care nurse practitioner with the practice doctorate. The focus is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal and diagnostic skills needed by the advanced practice nurse with the Doctorate of Nursing practice (DNP) in ambulatory and community settings. The course enhances the student’s ability to apply theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research to the care of patients with acute and chronic health problems. The student implements the role activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic interventions, communication and professional role interaction. 3 credits. Graduate Core Courses, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment. Corequisite NG 760A.
NG 761A Advanced Nursing Science for the DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Primary Care of the Family with Children II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science theoretical courses for the preparation of the family primary care nurse practitioner with the practice doctorate. The focus of this course is on the development and refinement of the critical thinking skills necessary to achieve the domain, core competencies, and essentials of the advanced practice nurse with the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). Grounded in theory and evidence-based research, the course enhances the student’s knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention and management strategies needed to care for the patient and family experiencing acute and chronic health problems in ambulatory and community settings 6 credits. Prequisites Gradu-ate Core Courses, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment,NG760A/B Corequisite NG761B
NG 761B Advanced Nursing Science for the DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Practicum II
This course is the second of two advanced nursing science clinical courses for the preparation of the family primary care nurse practitioner with the practice doctorate. The focus is on the development and refinement of the clinical appraisal and diagnostic skills needed by the advanced practice nurse with the Doctorate of Nursing practice (DNP) in ambulatory and community settings. The course enhances the student’s ability to apply theories, standards of practice and evidence-based research to the care of patients with acute and chronic health problems. The student implements the role activities of the advanced practice nurse through critical thinking, therapeutic interventions, communication and professional role interaction. 3 credits Graduate Core Courses, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment. NG760A/B. Corequisite NG 761A.
Research and Theory for the Doctor of Nursing Practice
N800 History and Philosophy of Nursing Science
This course is designed to prepare students to systematically analyze epistemological, ontological and metatheoretical perspectives in the philosophy of science, while also considering the implications for scientific inquiry, theory development, and knowledge development in nursing. 3 credits Prerequisites: PhD program matriculation or permission of instructor.
N801 Qualitative Research Methods
The focus of this course is on the use of qualitative research methods to build substantive knowledge in nursing. Issues in qualitative research are identified and discussed, and critical analysis of traditional and emerging designs debated. Selected qualitative research designs are presented and the philosophical underpinnings and specific data collection and analysis methods associated with each design are identified, discussed, compared, contrasted, and analyzed. Research from nursing and other fields is critiqued. Experiential learning methods and techniques include design, preparation and presentation of a research project. 3 credits Prerequisites: PhD program matriculation or permission of instructor.
N802 Quantitative Research Methods
This course provides students with an advanced study of research designs and methods used in quantitative nursing research. Analysis of quantitative methods that are currently used in biomedical, behavioral, social and nursing sciences are explored. 3 credits Prerequisites: N800 and N801, or permission of instructor.
N803 Emerging Nursing Theories
This course is focused on the critical analysis of nursing frameworks, models
and theories for practice, research and education. Emphasis is on theory development and analysis with application of criteria for developing theory in nursing science. 3 credits Prerequisites: N800 and N801, or permission of instructor.
N804 Measurement and Instrumentation in Clinical Research
This is an advanced, graduate-level course that focuses on measurement theory and the processes of instrument evaluation, refinement and development. This course explores the use of quantitative and qualitative procedures to measure clinically important variables. In addition, emphasis is posited upon the interaction of conceptual, methodological, cultural and pragmatic considerations that are essential to understand when measuring variables among clinical populations. 3 credits Prerequisites: N801 and N802, or permission of instructor.
N805 State of the Discipline
This course explores nursing phenomena and strategies as conceptualized in current nursing research. Emphasis is on the extent and nature of potential synthesis of knowledge across traditional boundaries. To effectively advance knowledge and improve nursing practice, it is essential to be at the forefront of the current state of substantive knowledge in the discipline. The intent of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to analyze and synthesize selected aspects of this knowledge, particularly as it informs their individual research interests. 3 credits Prerequisites: N800, N801, N802 and N803, or permission of instructor.
N808 Critical Health Policy Issues Seminar
This seminar provides students with advanced knowledge for health policy analysis and appraisal of critical health care issues that is essential to the leadership of nurse researchers, educators and advanced practitioners whose roles require participation in policy development and advocacy. Specifically, students evaluate common frameworks for policy analysis and apply these frameworks to a range of prominent, contemporary health care issues within social, political and economic contexts to develop and advocate for policy recommendations based on evidence and reasoned argument. 3 credits Prerequisites: N800, N801, N802, N803 and N805, or permission of instructor.
N809 Dissertation Seminar
The purpose of the dissertation seminar is to assist students who have completed their course work and passed the comprehensive examination to sustain momentum in the completion of their dissertation proposal. The seminar provides regular, organized opportunities for students to present dissertation proposal work in progress to peers and faculty mentors. This seminar is designed to augment (not replace) the one-to-one advising that each student receives from his/her dissertation advisor. Dissertation seminar is designed to run concurrently with N899 dissertation advisement. A minimum of two semesters of dissertation seminar is required. Participation beyond two semesters is required for all students until proposal completion. 0 credits Prerequisite: Must pass the comprehensive examination.
N810 Doctoral Practicum
This is an advanced graduate level course which provides students with a mentored practicum experience in at least one of five key areas: research, leadership, education, scientific integrity, scholarship and team science. The practicum experience is highly individualized and designed to develop expertise in a selected area of PhD scholarship. 1 credit.
N811 Advanced Methods in Intervention Research
This elective course focuses on the advanced methods used in the development, refinement and testing of interventions used in clinical research. Content will include strategies used to develop a new intervention or adaptation of an existing intervention such as qualitative or survey approaches; use of theory in framing the intervention; commonly used designs; methodological challenges to consider to avoid threats to internal validity; sampling and power analysis considerations; pilot testing your intervention; treatment fidelity; measurement issues; analysis plan, budget, and ethical considerations. 3 credits Prerequisites: N800, N801, N802 and N803. or permission of instructor.
N812 Health Literacy in Research and Practice
This course focuses on examining and analyzing the concept of health literacy, with an emphasis on the relationship of health literacy to one’s ability to manage and optimize their health. The association of health literacy to health disparities and health outcomes will be explored. Challenges in conducting health literacy research and challenges inherent in providing quality care to those with limited health literacy will be examined. Evidence based individual and organizational approaches to mitigate the effects of limited health literacy will be addressed. 3 credit course open to all gradu-ate students.
N813 PhD Grant & Proposal Writing
This course emphasizes a synthesis of the course content in the PhD program through development of a formal grant proposal. N8XX will explore the elements of grant writing, proposal development and ethical considerations related to human subjects' research. Students will be guided in the development of an individual grant proposal eligible for submission to a funding sponsor.N814 Genomics for Clinical Practice & Research
This course provides the foundation to use genetics and genomic concepts in advanced practice and clinical research. The principles of human and molecular genetics including variations, patterns of inheritance, and multifactorial inheritance will be discussed. Gene action and expression, cytogenetics, the Human Genome Project, genetics terminology, and basic principles of laboratory methods used in genetics and genomics will be examined. The evolving principles of epigenetics, nutrigenomics, and pharmacogenomics in patient care and research will be explored with attention given to the associated ethical, legal, and social implications. Inherited and acquired health conditions will be used to illustrate the impact of genetics and genomics on nursing practice and on opportunities for research.
N815 Statistical Analysis of Data
This course provides the student with an introduction to inferential statistics. Emphasis is placed on practical application, rather than mathematical theory. Topics include t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), repeated measures ANOVA and mixed ANOVA, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), correlations and scatter plots and regression analyses. 3 credits
N890 Advanced Statistics
This course builds on N815 Statistical Analysis of Data to provide in-depth instruction on practical applications of multivariate data analysis, focusing on statistical issues and techniques that students are likely to encounter in their research. Topics include pre-analysis data screening, assessment of model fit for analysis of variance and covariance (ANOVA/ANCOVA) and linear regression, model selection techniques, repeated measures ANOVA, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and logistic regression. 3 credits Prerequisites: N815 or permission of instructor.
N895 Independent/Directed Study
This course is open to PhD students. The goal of independent study is to complement the PhD student’s program in a way that helps him/her develop additional knowledge and skills that could not be reasonably gained with a traditional course offering. Plans for study must be submitted in advance of registration on the Independent Study Advance Registration form obtained from the Graduate School of Nursing. The student must meet with the faculty member of record to establish written goals, objectives and evaluation criteria for the independent study. Upon establishing the goals and objectives, the number of credits will be determined by the faculty member in consultation with the PhD program director. The student may take more than one independent study, but no more than nine credit hours may be applied toward the PhD degree. 1 to 3 credits Prerequisite: Agreement with course faculty.
N899 Dissertation Credits
Students are required to take a minimum of 18 dissertation credits. Most students elect to take three to six credits per semester for one to two years until completion of the dissertation. This component of the PhD program requires students to work independently on a research study in close collaboration with their dissertation advisor and committee members. N809 Dissertation Seminar is taken concurrently with dissertation credits until the oral defense of the dissertation proposal is completed. Prerequisites: completion of all required and elective PhD coursework, and passing the comprehensive examination.
provides students with an advanced study of research designs and methods used in quantitative nursing research. Analysis of quantitative methods that are currently used in biomedical, behavioral, social and nursing sciences are explored.