Master of Science in Nursing

MN 501: ADVANCED NURSING ROLES (5 Credits)

This course explores skills and strategies essential to successful advanced nursing role implementation, as well as graduate program completion. Analysis of existing and emerging roles provides a foundation for selection of an individual advanced role specialization and an individual career development plan.

MN 502: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ADVANCED NURSING (5 Credits)

This course explores the evolution of nursing theory and its contribution to advanced nursing science. There is an emphasis on the historical and philosophical foundation of theory development and its impact on nursing practice. Conceptual models are explored relative to nursing adminis­tration, education, and practice.

MN 503: ADVANCED STATISTICS FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES (5 Credits)

This course explores the application of statistical methods in research related to nursing and the health professions and serves as a foundation for research and evidence-based practice. The purpose, assumptions, selection, and interpretation of selected statistical procedures will be explored. Techniques include exploratory, descriptive, comparative, correlational, and inferential statistics. Parametric and nonparametric techniques are presented. Statistical methods in selected research studies will be critiqued.

MN 504: INQUIRY AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (5 Credits)

This course focuses on using an evidence-based approach to provide high-quality health care, initiate change, and improve nursing practice by nurses in advanced roles. The focus is on assessing current and relevant research for delineating issues, translating research, developing competencies in analysis and evaluation of relevant research, practice innovations, and evidence-based practice. Qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry are explored.

MN 505: HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION IN A DIVERSE COMMUNITY (5 Credits)

This course incorporates theoretical and empirical concepts related to health beliefs, health promotion, and risk reduction of diverse populations. Principles from the Healthy People 2010 initiative, epidemiology, biostatistics, and cultural competence guide comparisons of groups and inference development. Strategies and benefits of health promotion interventions are emphasized.

MN 506: ETHICAL AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (5 Credits)

This course introduces major ethical theories and provides an opportunity to analyze the ethical principles underlying nursing administration, education, informatics, and advanced practice health care. Students examine selected concepts, principles, and cases involving ethics and law within a framework of critical decision making for advanced nursing roles.

MN 507: HEALTH POLICY, FINANCING, AND ORGANIZATION OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS (5 Credits)

This course provides students with an understanding of health care policy formation and evaluation, facilitated by opportunities to investigate public policy and politics. The organization and delivery of health care is explored, including financial aspects of health care systems and pertinent issues in the relationship between policy and health care system change. Specific focus is placed on the leadership role of the nurse in current system dilemmas and issues.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES (30 Credits)

MN 512: LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY, AND BEHAVIOR (5 Credits)

This course exposes students to organizational theory and behavior and competencies essential for successful leadership and management roles in a global health care delivery system. There is emphasis on self-analysis and strategies for best practice to effectively implement key leadership and management concepts in dynamic health care environments.

MN 513: HEALTH CARE FINANCE, STRATEGIC PLANNING, AND BUDGETING (5 Credits)

This course examines macro- and microeconomics in profit and nonprofit health care organizations for nonfinancial managers. An analysis of decision making and strategic planning focuses the nursing leader toward plans that effectively promote success in dynamic health care environments. Conceptual and descriptive approaches are utilized to provide an overview of current practices and notable advances in strategic management. A budget is created within a case study model, allowing analysis of potential and actual budget variations.

MN 514: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

This course presents a managerial overview of various aspects of personnel management in a fiscally responsible environment. Activities are designed to familiarize students with recruiting, training, and retaining the best employees; ensuring high performance; and conforming practices to various regulations. Exercises designed to develop ability in personnel policy development and implementation are offered.

MN 515: INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—ADMINISTRATIVE AND ADVANCED PRACTICE PRIORITIES (5 Credits)

This course focuses on the strategic application of information technology in health care organizations by administrative and advanced practice nursing leaders. Students will explain the role of executive-level practitioner management in planning and operationalizing technologies to enhance health care technology data efficiency; evaluate the challenges of virtualization management models and the requirements for innovative and effective alternatives in health care reform; and critique the legal and ethical oversight responsibilities of the executive nurse when engaging and managing a comprehensive, systematic electronic medical record project.

MN 520: NURSE ADMINISTRATOR PRACTICUM (5 Credits)

This course is the first of two practicum courses. This course will provide the student with a mentored learning experience in the content area and site selected by the student and approved by the Practicum Coordinator. The student will also begin an evidence-based project proposal that is to be completed in MN 600: Evidence-Based Practice Project.

MN 600: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECT (5 Credits)

Students who have successfully completed the core and specialization courses have a theoretical base in nursing, evidence-based decision making, health policy, finance, and organization of the health care delivery system. Students also have a theoretical base in advanced practice issues, ethics, health promotion and disease prevention, and biostatistics. In this capstone course, students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by working with a mentor to identify a problem in the student’s concentration area amenable to an evidence-based solution showing mastery of the program outcomes. Students integrate diverse content areas and submit an evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses the identified problem.

MN 530: CRITICAL CONCEPTS AND COMPETENCIES FOR THE INFORMATICS NURSE SPECIALIST (5 Credits)

This course introduces students to the field of health care informatics and information and communication technology. The theories, models, frameworks, and competencies that shape informatics are explored. The course provides content on informatics terminology and the system life cycle. Specific focus is placed on Internet technologies, hardware and software applications, and networked environments.

MN 531: INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES (5 Credits)

This course will explore the technology that prepares the nurse informatics specialist to develop innovative teaching strategies based on sound pedagogical principles. Students are introduced to conferencing tools, mind mapping, virtual worlds, interactive games, and simulations. The use of voice, videos, animation, and graphics are covered. The student will explore databases and guidelines used to support evidence-based research and other research tools.

MN 532: INTEGRATION OF INFORMATICS INTO THE HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT (5 Credits)

This course further develops the nurse informatics specialist's knowledge and skills necessary to integrate technology, communication devices, and information systems into the health care setting. The student will explore the nurse's role related to the application of information system solutions.

MN 533: HEALTH SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT (5 Credits)

This course explores the role of a nurse leader in strategic information technology system planning and administration with an analysis of the role of project management. Legal and ethical policies and procedures that ensure privacy and confidentiality will be evaluated. Regulatory and accreditation issues will be analyzed. The course will prepare the student to be a leader in planning, implementation, and evaluation of information systems in health care. The emphasis will be on analysis of project management.

MN 534: NURSE INFORMATICS SPECIALIST PRACTICUM (5 Credits)

This practicum (200 hours), which will take place between this course and the evidence-based proposal course, allows students the opportunity to apply concepts of nursing informatics in a health care setting selected by the student and approved by course faculty. Students will work closely with a mentor and contract to work on agency-designated projects. Students begin an evidence-based project proposal that is to be completed in MN 600: Evidence-Based Practice Project.

MN 600: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECT (5 Credits)

Students who have successfully completed the core and specialization courses have a theoretical base in nursing, evidence-based decision making, health policy, finance, and organization of the health care delivery system. Students also have a theoretical base in advanced practice issues, ethics, health promotion and disease prevention, and biostatistics. In this capstone course, students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by working with a mentor to identify a problem in the student’s concentration area amenable to an evidence-based solution showing mastery of the program outcomes. Students integrate diverse content areas and submit an evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses the identified problem.

MN 501: ADVANCED NURSING ROLES (5 Credits)

This course explores skills and strategies essential to successful advanced nursing role implementation, as well as graduate program completion. Analysis of existing and emerging roles provides a foundation for selection of an individual advanced role specialization and an individual career development plan.

MN 502: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ADVANCED NURSING (5 Credits)

This course explores the evolution of nursing theory and its contribution to advanced nursing science. There is an emphasis on the historical and philosophical foundation of theory development and its impact on nursing practice. Conceptual models are explored relative to nursing adminis­tration, education, and practice.

MN 503: ADVANCED STATISTICS FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES (5 Credits)

This course explores the application of statistical methods in research related to nursing and the health professions and serves as a foundation for research and evidence-based practice. The purpose, assumptions, selection, and interpretation of selected statistical procedures will be explored. Techniques include exploratory, descriptive, comparative, correlational, and inferential statistics. Parametric and nonparametric techniques are presented. Statistical methods in selected research studies will be critiqued.

MN 504: INQUIRY AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (5 Credits)

This course focuses on using an evidence-based approach to provide high-quality health care, initiate change, and improve nursing practice by nurses in advanced roles. The focus is on assessing current and relevant research for delineating issues, translating research, developing competencies in analysis and evaluation of relevant research, practice innovations, and evidence-based practice. Qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry are explored.

MN 505: HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION IN A DIVERSE COMMUNITY (5 Credits)

This course incorporates theoretical and empirical concepts related to health beliefs, health promotion, and risk reduction of diverse populations. Principles from the Healthy People 2010 initiative, epidemiology, biostatistics, and cultural competence guide comparisons of groups and inference development. Strategies and benefits of health promotion interventions are emphasized.

MN 506: ETHICAL AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (5 Credits)

This course introduces major ethical theories and provides an opportunity to analyze the ethical principles underlying nursing administration, education, informatics, and advanced practice health care. Students examine selected concepts, principles, and cases involving ethics and law within a framework of critical decision making for advanced nursing roles.

MN 507: HEALTH POLICY, FINANCING, AND ORGANIZATION OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS (5 Credits)

This course provides students with an understanding of health care policy formation and evaluation, facilitated by opportunities to investigate public policy and politics. The organization and delivery of health care is explored, including financial aspects of health care systems and pertinent issues in the relationship between policy and health care system change. Specific focus is placed on the leadership role of the nurse in current system dilemmas and issues.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES (55 Credits)

MN 550: ROLE OF THE NURSE PRACTITIONER IN PRIMARY CARE (5 Credits)

This course prepares the registered nurse to transition into advanced nursing practice by examining the role of the advanced practice nurse within the context of the United States health care delivery system. Students will discuss the scope and standard of practice for advanced practice nurses. Students will investigate the regulatory, legal, and legislative issues affecting the advanced practice nurse role.

MN 551: ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (5 Credits)

This course integrates knowledge of advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the life span and the clinical implications for the advanced practice nurse. Function and dysfunction of organ systems are analyzed from the cellular level through the integrated organ level. Students will examine the pathophysiological factors that influence the incidence and manifestations of acute, episodic, and chronic diseases in populations across the life span. Disease processes and symptom management approaches are investigated utilizing an evidence-based approach.

MN 552: ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT (5 Credits)

This course provides the student with the skills and knowledge to conduct a focused and comprehensive health history, and a functional, physical, and psychosocial assessment. Relationships between assessment findings and underlying physiology and pathophysiology to the healthy and unhealthy client are investigated. Clinical judgment and clinical reasoning skills are used in establishing differential diagnoses. Students will learn to address variables such as age, culture, ethnicity, and developmental stages into their differential diagnosis and evaluation and management plans.

MN 553: ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (5 Credits)

This course integrates advanced knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and genomics across the life span and prepares the advanced practice nurse to prescribe pharmacotherapeutics safely and effectively. Students will apply client history and physical examination findings, together with laboratory and imaging studies, in the evidence-based selection of the correct prescriptive and nonprescriptive medications for therapy. Students will examine ethical, legal, regulatory, and cost-effective prescribing practices of the advanced practice nurse. Communication plans for the interdisciplinary team, clients, and/or families for both prescriptive and nonprescriptive drug therapies will be created.

MN 554: PRIMARY CARE ACROSS THE ADULT AGE CONTINUUM I (5 Credits)

This first course in a series of three examines the range of illnesses and conditions experienced by clients and presented to the advanced practice nurse in primary care settings. Students will develop a consistent approach to the evaluation and management of illnesses and conditions frequently encountered. Content builds upon previous diagnostic knowledge and clinical reasoning skills in the development of differential diagnosis and appropriate diagnostic workups. Age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based plans of care are created. The course explores health promotion and health maintenance approaches and strategies that incorporate individual health beliefs and practices intended to encourage the client’s participation and adherence.

MN 555: PRIMARY CARE ACROSS THE ADULT AGE CONTINUUM II (5 Credits)

This second course in a series of three examines the range of illnesses and conditions experienced by clients and presented to the advanced practice nurse in primary care settings. Illustration of a consistent approach to the evaluation and management of these illnesses and conditions are emphasized. Students expand their diagnostic and clinical reasoning and differential diagnoses abilities through continued application of new and previously acquired knowledge and skills in caring for clients who present acute, episodic, and chronic illness and conditions. Students can determine the diagnostic workup with greater ease based on the differential diagnoses formulated. Students formulate evidence-based management plans that address clients’ health beliefs, developmental and family life cycle stages, health promotion, and health maintenance behaviors.

MN 556: PRIMARY CARE ACROSS THE ADULT AGE CONTINUUM III (5 Credits)

This final course in a series of three integrates the evaluation and management plans of clients who present an acute, episodic, or chronic state of illness to the advanced practice nurse. Generating an inclusive differential diagnosis reflecting clinical reasoning from a cost-effective diagnostic workup is highlighted. Designing age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based plans of care based on sound diagnostic reasoning and clinical judgment is emphasized. Conditions considered to be office emergencies and the evaluation and management strategies specifically designed to treat or stabilize them are evaluated. Strategies used to support and promote individual, family, and community health promotion and health maintenance activities are explored.

MN 560: ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE CLINICAL I (5 Credits)

This clinical course focuses on the student applying interviewing and physical examination techniques to obtain accurate historical and physical data. Students apply clinical reasoning to the formulation of differential diagnoses and evaluation and management of acute episodic and chronic diseases across the adult age continuum. Students will have the opportunity to implement the role of the nurse practitioner with adults in a family and community context. Students are expected to assess and manage common acute episodic and chronic health illnesses and conditions in consultation with their clinical preceptor. Initiation of health promotion and health maintenance activities with individuals and groups is stressed.

MN 561: ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE CLINICAL II (5 Credits)

This course provides the student with opportunities to refine interview and physical examination techniques. Students will develop a comprehensive list of differential diagnoses and order cost-effective diagnostic and laboratory tests for the client’s symptoms and diseases. Applying diagnostic reasoning and clinical judgment, students will develop and evaluate individualized management plans that consider the numerous factors affecting client adherence to prescribed treatment plans such as health beliefs and cultural practices.

MN 599: ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE CLINICAL III (5 Credits)

This final clinical course provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the role of the primary care nurse practitioner. Applying the principles of clinical judgment and diagnostic reasoning to the evaluation and management of clients with acute episodic and chronic illness, the nurse practitioner student will practice more independent decision-making skills while using the preceptor as a clinical resource. Students will explore the impact of regulatory, legislative, and legal factors on the implementation of the nurse practitioner role in primary care. Students will develop a stronger identity as an advanced practice nurse as they implement all aspects of the role, such as provider and educator, and demonstrate a commitment to ensuring quality of care through consultation, collaboration, continuing education, certification, and self-reflection. The student may also begin an evidence-based project proposal that is to be completed in MN 600: Evidence-Based Practice Project.

MN 600: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECT (5 Credits)

Students who have successfully completed the core and specialization courses have a theoretical base in nursing, evidence-based decision making, health policy, finance, and organization of the health care delivery system. Students also have a theoretical base in advanced practice issues, ethics, health promotion and disease prevention, and biostatistics. In this capstone course, students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by working with a mentor to identify a problem in the student’s concentration area amenable to an evidence-based solution showing mastery of the program outcomes. Students integrate diverse content areas and submit an evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses the identified problem.

MN 501: ADVANCED NURSING ROLES (5 Credits)

This course explores skills and strategies essential to successful advanced nursing role implementation, as well as graduate program completion. Analysis of existing and emerging roles provides a foundation for selection of an individual advanced role specialization and an individual career development plan.

MN 502: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ADVANCED NURSING (5 Credits)

This course explores the evolution of nursing theory and its contribution to advanced nursing science. There is an emphasis on the historical and philosophical foundation of theory development and its impact on nursing practice. Conceptual models are explored relative to nursing adminis­tration, education, and practice.

MN 503: ADVANCED STATISTICS FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES (5 Credits)

This course explores the application of statistical methods in research related to nursing and the health professions and serves as a foundation for research and evidence-based practice. The purpose, assumptions, selection, and interpretation of selected statistical procedures will be explored. Techniques include exploratory, descriptive, comparative, correlational, and inferential statistics. Parametric and nonparametric techniques are presented. Statistical methods in selected research studies will be critiqued.

MN 504: INQUIRY AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (5 Credits)

This course focuses on using an evidence-based approach to provide high-quality health care, initiate change, and improve nursing practice by nurses in advanced roles. The focus is on assessing current and relevant research for delineating issues, translating research, developing competencies in analysis and evaluation of relevant research, practice innovations, and evidence-based practice. Qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry are explored.

MN 505: HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION IN A DIVERSE COMMUNITY (5 Credits)

This course incorporates theoretical and empirical concepts related to health beliefs, health promotion, and risk reduction of diverse populations. Principles from the Healthy People 2010 initiative, epidemiology, biostatistics, and cultural competence guide comparisons of groups and inference development. Strategies and benefits of health promotion interventions are emphasized.

MN 506: ETHICAL AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (5 Credits)

This course introduces major ethical theories and provides an opportunity to analyze the ethical principles underlying nursing administration, education, informatics, and advanced practice health care. Students examine selected concepts, principles, and cases involving ethics and law within a framework of critical decision making for advanced nursing roles.

MN 507: HEALTH POLICY, FINANCING, AND ORGANIZATION OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS (5 Credits)

This course provides students with an understanding of health care policy formation and evaluation, facilitated by opportunities to investigate public policy and politics. The organization and delivery of health care is explored, including financial aspects of health care systems and pertinent issues in the relationship between policy and health care system change. Specific focus is placed on the leadership role of the nurse in current system dilemmas and issues.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES (65 Credits)

MN 550: ROLE OF THE NURSE PRACTITIONER IN PRIMARY CARE (5 Credits)

This course prepares the registered nurse to transition into advanced nursing practice by examining the role of the advanced practice nurse within the context of the United States health care delivery system. Students will discuss the scope and standard of practice for advanced practice nurses. Students will investigate the regulatory, legal, and legislative issues affecting the advanced practice nurse role.

MN 551: ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (5 Credits)

This course integrates knowledge of advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the life span and the clinical implications for the advanced practice nurse. Function and dysfunction of organ systems are analyzed from the cellular level through the integrated organ level. Students will examine the pathophysiological factors that influence the incidence and manifestations of acute, episodic, and chronic diseases in populations across the life span. Disease processes and symptom management approaches are investigated utilizing an evidence-based approach.

MN 552: ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT (5 Credits)

This course provides the student with the skills and knowledge to conduct a focused and comprehensive health history, and a functional, physical, and psychosocial assessment. Relationships between assessment findings and underlying physiology and pathophysiology to the healthy and unhealthy client are investigated. Clinical judgment and clinical reasoning skills are used in establishing differential diagnoses. Students will learn to address variables such as age, culture, ethnicity, and developmental stages into their differential diagnosis and evaluation and management plans.

MN 553: ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (5 Credits)

This course integrates advanced knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and genomics across the life span and prepares the advanced practice nurse to prescribe pharmacotherapeutics safely and effectively. Students will apply client history and physical examination findings, together with laboratory and imaging studies, in the evidence-based selection of the correct prescriptive and nonprescriptive medications for therapy. Students will examine ethical, legal, regulatory, and cost-effective prescribing practices of the advanced practice nurse. Communication plans for the interdisciplinary team, clients, and/or families for both prescriptive and nonprescriptive drug therapies will be created.

MN 554: PRIMARY CARE ACROSS THE ADULT AGE CONTINUUM I (5 Credits)

This first course in a series of three examines the range of illnesses and conditions experienced by clients and presented to the advanced practice nurse in primary care settings. Students will develop a consistent approach to the evaluation and management of illnesses and conditions frequently encountered. Content builds upon previous diagnostic knowledge and clinical reasoning skills in the development of differential diagnosis and appropriate diagnostic workups. Age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based plans of care are created. The course explores health promotion and health maintenance approaches and strategies that incorporate individual health beliefs and practices intended to encourage the client’s participation and adherence.

MN 555: PRIMARY CARE ACROSS THE ADULT AGE CONTINUUM II (5 Credits)

This second course in a series of three examines the range of illnesses and conditions experienced by clients and presented to the advanced practice nurse in primary care settings. Illustration of a consistent approach to the evaluation and management of these illnesses and conditions are emphasized. Students expand their diagnostic and clinical reasoning and differential diagnoses abilities through continued application of new and previously acquired knowledge and skills in caring for clients who present acute, episodic, and chronic illness and conditions. Students can determine the diagnostic workup with greater ease based on the differential diagnoses formulated. Students formulate evidence-based management plans that address clients’ health beliefs, developmental and family life cycle stages, health promotion, and health maintenance behaviors.

MN 556: PRIMARY CARE ACROSS THE ADULT AGE CONTINUUM III (5 Credits)

This final course in a series of three integrates the evaluation and management plans of clients who present an acute, episodic, or chronic state of illness to the advanced practice nurse. Generating an inclusive differential diagnosis reflecting clinical reasoning from a cost-effective diagnostic workup is highlighted. Designing age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based plans of care based on sound diagnostic reasoning and clinical judgment is emphasized. Conditions considered to be office emergencies and the evaluation and management strategies specifically designed to treat or stabilize them are evaluated. Strategies used to support and promote individual, family, and community health promotion and health maintenance activities are explored.

MN 557: PRIMARY CARE OF THE PEDIATRIC CLIENT (5 Credits)

This course uses a developmental framework to explore the evaluation and management of the most common health problems encountered by children from birth through early adolescence. Building on previously obtained knowledge and skills, the student develops new knowledge and applies concepts to assist children and families in managing acute episodic illness as well as stable chronic disease. Concepts of health promotion and health maintenance are integrated throughout the course.

MN 560: ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE CLINICAL I (5 Credits)

This clinical course focuses on the student applying interviewing and physical examination techniques to obtain accurate historical and physical data. Students apply clinical reasoning to the formulation of differential diagnoses and evaluation and management of acute episodic and chronic diseases across the adult age continuum. Students will have the opportunity to implement the role of the nurse practitioner with adults in a family and community context. Students are expected to assess and manage common acute episodic and chronic health illnesses and conditions in consultation with their clinical preceptor. Initiation of health promotion and health maintenance activities with individuals and groups is stressed.

MN 561: ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE CLINICAL II (5 Credits)

This course provides the student with opportunities to refine interview and physical examination techniques. Students will develop a comprehensive list of differential diagnoses and order cost-effective diagnostic and laboratory tests for the client’s symptoms and diseases. Applying diagnostic reasoning and clinical judgment, students will develop and evaluate individualized management plans that consider the numerous factors affecting client adherence to prescribed treatment plans such as health beliefs and cultural practices.

MN 562: ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE CLINICAL—PEDIATRICS (5 Credits)

This course provides the student with opportunities to apply advanced interviewing and examination techniques and utilize clinical judgment and diagnostic reasoning when evaluating and managing primary care health issues for children (0 to 12 years of age). Implementation of the role of the nurse practitioner with children and their families in the community occurs under the guidance of an experienced preceptor. The student initiates health promotion and health maintenance activities with pediatric clients and their families and/or caregivers. Collaborative, interdisciplinary practice is emphasized as students evaluate and manage the range of common illnesses and conditions in pediatric patients.

MN 599: ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE CLINICAL III (5 Credits)

This final clinical course provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the role of the primary care nurse practitioner. Applying the principles of clinical judgment and diagnostic reasoning to the evaluation and management of clients with acute episodic and chronic illness, the nurse practitioner student will practice more independent decision-making skills while using the preceptor as a clinical resource. Students will explore the impact of regulatory, legislative, and legal factors on the implementation of the nurse practitioner role in primary care. Students will develop a stronger identity as an advanced practice nurse as they implement all aspects of the role, such as provider and educator, and demonstrate a commitment to ensuring quality of care through consultation, collaboration, continuing education, certification, and self-reflection. The student may also begin an evidence-based project proposal that is to be completed in MN 600: Evidence-Based Practice Project.

MN 600: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECT (5 Credits)

Students who have successfully completed the core and specialization courses have a theoretical base in nursing, evidence-based decision making, health policy, finance, and organization of the health care delivery system. Students also have a theoretical base in advanced practice issues, ethics, health promotion and disease prevention, and biostatistics. In this capstone course, students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by working with a mentor to identify a problem in the student’s concentration area amenable to an evidence-based solution showing mastery of the program outcomes. Students integrate diverse content areas and submit an evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses the identified problem.

MN 501: ADVANCED NURSING ROLES (5 Credits)

This course explores skills and strategies essential to successful advanced nursing role implementation, as well as graduate program completion. Analysis of existing and emerging roles provides a foundation for selection of an individual advanced role specialization and an individual career development plan.

MN 502: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ADVANCED NURSING (5 Credits)

This course explores the evolution of nursing theory and its contribution to advanced nursing science. There is an emphasis on the historical and philosophical foundation of theory development and its impact on nursing practice. Conceptual models are explored relative to nursing adminis­tration, education, and practice.

MN 503: ADVANCED STATISTICS FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES (5 Credits)

This course explores the application of statistical methods in research related to nursing and the health professions and serves as a foundation for research and evidence-based practice. The purpose, assumptions, selection, and interpretation of selected statistical procedures will be explored. Techniques include exploratory, descriptive, comparative, correlational, and inferential statistics. Parametric and nonparametric techniques are presented. Statistical methods in selected research studies will be critiqued.

MN 504: INQUIRY AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (5 Credits)

This course focuses on using an evidence-based approach to provide high-quality health care, initiate change, and improve nursing practice by nurses in advanced roles. The focus is on assessing current and relevant research for delineating issues, translating research, developing competencies in analysis and evaluation of relevant research, practice innovations, and evidence-based practice. Qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry are explored.

MN 505: HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION IN A DIVERSE COMMUNITY (5 Credits)

This course incorporates theoretical and empirical concepts related to health beliefs, health promotion, and risk reduction of diverse populations. Principles from the Healthy People 2010 initiative, epidemiology, biostatistics, and cultural competence guide comparisons of groups and inference development. Strategies and benefits of health promotion interventions are emphasized.

MN 506: ETHICAL AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (5 Credits)

This course introduces major ethical theories and provides an opportunity to analyze the ethical principles underlying nursing administration, education, informatics, and advanced practice health care. Students examine selected concepts, principles, and cases involving ethics and law within a framework of critical decision making for advanced nursing roles.

MN 507: HEALTH POLICY, FINANCING, AND ORGANIZATION OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS (5 Credits)

This course provides students with an understanding of health care policy formation and evaluation, facilitated by opportunities to investigate public policy and politics. The organization and delivery of health care is explored, including financial aspects of health care systems and pertinent issues in the relationship between policy and health care system change. Specific focus is placed on the leadership role of the nurse in current system dilemmas and issues.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES (45 Credits)

MN 508: TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES (5 Credits)

This course examines theories and teaching/learning strategies relating to the development of effective educational experiences. Factors affecting the learning environment are explored in relation to staff development, patient education, and nursing education. Strategies for developing the educator role are included.

MN 509: CURRICULUM DESIGN (5 Credits)

This course emphasizes the foundations of curriculum design and the application of these foundations to the development of courses, groups of courses, and programs. Integration of nursing philosophy, conceptual framework, objectives for programs, and competencies/standards is also included. This course provides content and learning experiences that enable students to understand all phases of the curriculum development process.

MN 510: IMPLEMENTING TECHNOLOGY—ENHANCED LEARNING IN NURSING EDUCATION (5 Credits)

This course examines the use of selected technologies that are appropriate to the instruction and curriculum process. The course will provide an introduction to the applications of educational technologies including: educational hardware and software, multimedia, interactive media, and, appropriate Internet use in classroom, online, and distance settings. Ethical and legal issues related to technology and teaching will also be discussed.

MN 511: ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION (5 Credits)

This course explores the principles and practices involving evaluation methods integral to nursing education. Concepts related to assessment, measurement, and evaluation in nursing are developed and analyzed. The process of analysis and modification of educational programs is emphasized to promote compliance with relevant standards, criteria for evaluation, and accountability.

MN 519: NURSE EDUCATOR PRACTICUM (5 Credits)

This course is the first of two practicum courses. This course will provide the student with a mentored learning experience in the content area and site selected by the student and approved by the Practicum Coordinator. The student will also begin an evidence-based project proposal that is to be completed in MN 600: Evidence-Based Practice Project.

MN 551: ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (5 Credits)

This course integrates knowledge of advanced physiology and pathophysiology across the life span and the clinical implications for the advanced practice nurse. Function and dysfunction of organ systems are analyzed from the cellular level through the integrated organ level. Students will examine the pathophysiological factors that influence the incidence and manifestations of acute, episodic, and chronic diseases in populations across the life span. Disease processes and symptom management approaches are investigated utilizing an evidence-based approach.

MN 552: ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT (5 Credits)

This course provides the student with the skills and knowledge to conduct a focused and comprehensive health history, and a functional, physical, and psychosocial assessment. Relationships between assessment findings and underlying physiology and pathophysiology to the healthy and unhealthy client are investigated. Clinical judgment and clinical reasoning skills are used in establishing differential diagnoses. Students will learn to address variables such as age, culture, ethnicity, and developmental stages into their differential diagnosis and evaluation and management plans.

MN 553: ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (5 Credits)

This course integrates advanced knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and genomics across the life span and prepares the advanced practice nurse to prescribe pharmacotherapeutics safely and effectively. Students will apply client history and physical examination findings, together with laboratory and imaging studies, in the evidence-based selection of the correct prescriptive and nonprescriptive medications for therapy. Students will examine ethical, legal, regulatory, and cost-effective prescribing practices of the advanced practice nurse. Communication plans for the interdisciplinary team, clients, and/or families for both prescriptive and nonprescriptive drug therapies will be created.

MN 600: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECT (5 Credits)

Students who have successfully completed the core and specialization courses have a theoretical base in nursing, evidence-based decision making, health policy, finance, and organization of the health care delivery system. Students also have a theoretical base in advanced practice issues, ethics, health promotion and disease prevention, and biostatistics. In this capstone course, students demonstrate their depth of knowledge by working with a mentor to identify a problem in the student’s concentration area amenable to an evidence-based solution showing mastery of the program outcomes. Students integrate diverse content areas and submit an evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses the identified problem.