NUR 230   Foundations of Professional Nursing 5 credits

Students are introduced to the role of the professional nurse with emphasis on the Christian ethic of social justice. Students examine the historical and theoretical foundations of professional nursing practice. Fundamental nursing concepts and the nursing process are introduced. Students build knowledge essential for the provision of holistic nursing care for diverse individuals with an emphasis on the older adult including health promotion and the cultural influence on health. The use of information technology to support safe patient care is explored. A course focus is development of accountable and ethical decision-making. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: Admission to Nursing Program, Co-requisites, NUR231, NUR233, and NUR241)

NUR 231   Foundations of Professional Nursing Lab 3 credits

This lab course focuses on creating a solid foundation for nursing care of the adult. Emphasis is placed on caring for diverse populations. Holistic, evidence-based health assessment is introduced with inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and documentation of assessment with normal and abnormal findings of the diverse adult and aging adult populations. Basic nursing concepts of safe patient handling and client assistance with activities of daily living are reviewed and reinforced. (Prerequisites: Admission to Nursing Program, Co-requisites, NUR233, NUR241, and NUR230)

NUR 232   Nursing Approach to Nutritional Foundations 2 credits

This course is an introduction to the nurse’s role in promoting optimal health through nutrition and supplementation. Focus is placed on wellness from a personal and public health perspective, increasing health literacy, and alternative nutritive methods. Using an interprofessional perspective, the learners analyze the role of nutrition in different cultural contexts, ensuring optimal nutrition across the lifespan. Students will analyze the use of technology to support wellness and health goals. This course includes classroom instruction and service learning. (Prerequisites: Admission to Nursing Program)

NUR 233   Applied Pathophysiology in Nursing 3 credits

This course addresses the disordered physiological processes associated with disease and health alterations in adults and aging adults. Using active learning strategies, students identify risk factors for and clinical manifestations of alterations in body systems. (Prerequisites: Admission to Nursing Program, Co-requisites NUR230, NUR231, and NUR241)

NUR 234   Pathophysiology in Nursing 3 credits

This course addresses the pathophysiology of health, illness, and disease in the adult lifespan. Using active learning strategies, students will identify health risk factors, clinical manifestations, and explore symptom assessment. (Prerequisite: BIO315; Co-requisites: BIO300 and BIO316).

NUR 235   Fundamentals of Professional Nursing 5 credits

This course introduces the student to the role of the professional nurse in the context of its historical foundations, professional ethics, and the Christian value of social justice. The nursing process is introduced, as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions for patients experiencing alterations in basic health functions. This course includes clinical experience and simulation. (Prerequisites: Admission to the Nursing Program, NUR234; Co-requisites: NUR236, NUR238, and NUR244).

NUR 236   Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Lab 2 credits

This lab course focuses on creating a solid foundation for nursing care of the adult with an emphasis on the geriatric patient. Students apply the skills learned in the theory component of this course. Emphasis is placed on the introduction and documentation of skills necessary to maintain wellness and promote the health of diverse adult and geriatric populations. Basic nursing concepts of safe patient handling and assistance with activities of daily living are introduced and reinforced. (Prerequisite: NUR234; Co-requisites: NUR235, NUR238, and NUR244).

NUR 238   Pharmacology in Nursing 3 credits

This course examines the role of the nurse in comprehensive care of patients that require pharmacological therapy, including the awareness of integrative therapies. Medication administration content focuses on patient rights, safety, and methods of medication administration across the lifespan. Information technology including the electronic health record are utilized to support safe medication administration. This course includes classroom instruction, simulation, and skills lab. (Prerequisite: NUR234; Co-requisites: NUR235, NUR236, and NUR244).

NUR 241   Pharmacology in Nursing 4 credits

This course examines the role of the nurse in comprehensive care of individuals that require pharmacological therapy, including the use of integrative therapies. Medication administration content focuses on client rights, safety, and methods of medication administration across the lifespan. Information technologies including the electronic health record are utilized to support safe medication administration. This course includes classroom instruction, simulation, and skills lab. (Prerequisites: Admission to Nursing Program, Co-requisites NUR233, NUR230, and NUR231)

NUR 242   Nursing Care of the Adult I 6 credits

Utilizing evidence-based practice (including effective use of resources such as databases incorporated into professional practice), students apply theoretical knowledge, scientific principles, and the teaching/learning processes to patient care while working with the interprofessional team to promote health for the adult and aging adult. The role of the nurse as provider and coordinator of care in planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based care is emphasized. The course emphasizes principles essential for further developing technical nursing skills. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, simulation, and skills lab. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 230, NUR 231, NUR 233, NUR 241, co-requisite: NUR232)

NUR 243   Health Assessment Lab 1 credit

This lab course provides the students with the knowledge and clinical assessment skill necessary to perform and document a comprehensive health assessment utilizing the skills of history taking, inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Normal assessment findings, variations from normal findings, and cultural assessment differences are reviewed. This lab enables students to practice and refine interprofessional and therapeutic communication as part of acquisition of assessment skills. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in NUR 231, NUR 233)

NUR 244   Health Promotion and Assessment 3 credits

This course introduces the student to the role of the professional nurse with a focus on health assessment and health promotion in adult and geriatric patients. Techniques of interviewing, history-taking, physical assessment, and documentation are developed. The evaluation of assessment findings are explored and methods for communicating findings demonstrated. Using a multitude of activities, students explore how to promote optimal patient health and maximize quality of life through health promotion coaching strategies and education. The use of simulation and skills lab enable the student to synthesize and apply the knowledge of assessment and health promotion to the care of patients. This course includes classroom instruction and skills lab. (Prerequisite: NUR234; Co-requisites: NUR235, NUR236, and NUR238).

NUR 330   Ethics & Decision Making in Nursing Practice 4 credits

This course examines the fundamental ethical theories, principles, Christian virtues, and models of decision-making designed, to support the complex issues nurses face today. At the completion of this course students will have a greater understanding of the ethical principles applied to nursing practice and health care delivery settings. Basic ethical principles relating to research with human subjects will be explored. The Christian ethic of social justice is explored with the emphasis upon reducing health disparities. Students will begin to develop a personal model of decision making that is consistent with core personal values, legal and regulatory requirements, standards of care and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

NUR 331   Evidence Based Practice 3 credits

This course provides tools for understanding how research in nursing improves patient outcomes and the health of populations. Topics include research design and methodologies, ethical guidelines, beginning research writing and the role of the nurse as a collaborator in research. The student acquires the skills needed to utilize databases to search for and identify scientific resources, synthesizing data to determine best practice in the care of individuals, families, and populations. This course includes classroom instruction. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 240, NUR 241, NUR 242)

NUR 332   Nursing Care of the Adult I 7 credits

This course introduces students to medical-surgical nursing and focuses on promoting and providing safe, holistic, patient-focused care to adults experiencing acute and chronic alterations in health. Utilizing evidence-based practice, students apply theoretical knowledge, scientific principles, and nursing skills while working with inter-professional teams to promote optimal health outcomes. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, simulation, and skills lab. (Prerequisites: NUR235, NUR236, NUR238, and NUR244; Co-requisites: NUR334 and NUR338).

NUR 334   Nutritional Foundations & Clinical Application 2 credits

This course is an introduction to the nurse’s role in promoting optimal health through nutrition and supplementation. Focus is placed on wellness and health promotion from a personal and public health perspective, increasing health literacy, and alternative nutritive methods. Using an interprofessional perspective, the learners analyze the role of nutrition in different cultural contexts, ensuring optimal nutrition across the lifespan. Students will analyze the use of technology to support wellness and health goals. This course includes classroom instruction and service learning. (Prerequisites: NUR235, NUR236, NUR238, and NUR244; Co-requisites: NUR332 and NUR338).

NUR 338   Behavioral Health Nursing 4 credits

Students apply evidence-based practice in the care and management of individuals experiencing alterations in mental health. Students investigate implications of living with an altered pattern of behavior, thought, or mood. The impact of these alterations on the family and community are also discussed. The professional values of the nurse are explored through study of ethical issues and the therapeutic use of self in establishing nurse-patient relationships. The course emphasizes analysis of coping mechanisms and other treatment modalities along with the nurse’s role in interprofessional collaboration. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: NUR235, NUR236, NUR238, and NUR244; Co-requisites: NUR332 and NUR334).

NUR 341   Palliative and End of Life Care 3 credits

This course examines complex issues unique to end of life, such as life support and patient self-determination. Emphasis is placed on holistic patient care, focusing on the role of the nurse in advocating and caring for the physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of the patient and their family at the end of life. Additionally the role of the palliative interventions for patients with chronic illness and alterations in comfort is explored. The role of the hospice nurse and care of the dying patient is examined. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 240, NUR 241, NUR 242)

NUR 342   Nursing Care of the Adult II 6 credits

This course expands upon Nursing Care in Adult I with a focus on the etiology of alterations in body systems, clinical manifestations of health alterations, and management of holistic nursing care for chronic abnormalities of the adult population, and advanced technical skills. Students synthesize data and prioritize care for multiple complex adult and aging adults, making adaptations to plans of care based on the nursing process. Students expand their nursing role as effective communicators and collaborators on interprofessional healthcare teams, emphasizing continuity and quality of care with concepts of care coordination and health informatics. The course expands upon the role of the nurse as teacher and advocate for individuals’ well-being as well as the legal and ethical professional values of the nurse. Students use self-reflection and self-evaluation processes to enhance their growth in professional roles. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, simulation, and skills lab.

NUR 344   Nursing Care of the Adult II 6 credits

This course expands upon Nursing Care of Adult I with a focus on promoting and providing safe, holistic, and patient-focused care to adults experiencing acute and chronic alterations in health. Students will synthesize data and prioritize care for multiple, complex adult patients, adapting the plans of care based on evaluation of outcomes. Students expand their role as effective communicators and collaborators in interprofessional healthcare teams, emphasizing continuity and quality of care with concepts of case management and health informatics. The course further explores the role of the nurse as teacher and advocate for patient well-being, as well as the legal and ethical professional values of the nurse. Students use self-reflective and self-evaluative processes to enhance their growth in professional roles. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, simulation, and a skills lab. (Prerequisites: NUR332, NUR334, and NUR338; Co-requisites: NUR346 and NUR353).

NUR 345   Professional Practice and Role Development in Nursing 4 credits

This course explores the historical, current, and future outlook of nursing practice. Students will critically examine the current and emerging trends for the nurse's role in health care delivery. Professional accountability is emphasized through reinforcement of the profession’s Code of Ethics for Nurses and the Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, and Nursing's Social Policy Statement. Emphasis will be placed on how social policy may influence nursing practice and healthcare delivery. Nursing theory is introduced. Students will draft a personal philosophy of nursing, to include his/her beliefs regarding the four major concepts of nursing (nurse, client, health, and environment) and their interface to the interprofessional team, and the evolving context of healthcare.

NUR 346   Aging, Chronicity, and Palliative Care 3 credits

This course explores the challenges and opportunities associated with chronic illness and aging. Students will examine theories and models of care for aging individuals, the chronically ill, and their families, communities, and the broader population. Students will also appraise the role of palliative interventions in the care of the dying patient and end of life care. (Prerequisites: NUR332, NUR334, and NUR338; Co-requisites: NUR344 and NUR353).

NUR 350   Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family 4 credits

Utilizing the nursing process, this course prepares the student to meet the developmental, biological and psychosocial health and illness needs of the childbearing family within the context of family-centered care. Students analyze theories, concepts, research, issues and trends as well as genetic and environmental factors that affect the health of the childbearing family. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in COM 309, PSY 230, NUR 331, NUR 341, NUR 342)

NUR 351   Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family 4 credits

Utilizing the nursing process, this course prepares the student to meet the developmental, biological and psychosocial health and illness needs of the childrearing family within the context of family-centered care. Students analyze theories, concepts, research, issues and trends as well as genetic and environmental factors that affect the health of the childrearing family. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in PSY 230, COM 309, NUR 331, NUR 341, NUR 342)

NUR 352   Behavioral Health in Nursing 4 credits

Students apply evidence-based practice in the care and management of individuals experiencing alterations in mental health. Students investigate implications of living with an altered pattern of behavior, thought, or mood. The impact of these alterations on the family and community are also discussed. The professional values of the nurse are explored through study of ethical issues and the therapeutic use of self in establishing nurse-client relationships. The course emphasizes analysis of coping mechanisms and other treatment modalities along with the nurse’s role in interprofessional collaboration. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in PSY 230, COM 309, NUR 331, NUR 341, NUR 342)

NUR 353   Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family 4 credits

NUR353 Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family (4 credits total: 3 credits theory, 1 credit clinical) Utilizing the nursing process, this course prepares the student to meet the developmental, biological, and psychosocial health and illness needs of the childbearing family within the context of family-centered care. Students analyze theories, concepts, research, issues and trends as well as genetic and environmental factors that affect the health of the childbearing family. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: NUR332, NUR334, and NUR338; Co-requisites: NUR344 and NUR346).

NUR 360   Transcultural Nursing & Advanced Health Assessment 4 credits

The content of this course is designed to advance skills in health assessment, including physical, behavioral, psychological, spiritual, family history, socioeconomic, and environmental, and will further broaden and advance the student’s knowledge of human diversity and global awareness. Frameworks that support culturally aware care will be analyzed. The student will gain understanding of specific cultural phenomena and apply knowledge of the phenomena to assessment and intervention techniques to diverse groups. The student will further explore ethnocentrism and reflect on his/her own biases, prejudices, and stereotypes and the impact they may have on providing culturally competent care that supports Christian acts of service and justice.

NUR 375   Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice 4 credits

This course provides a basis for analysis and application of current nursing qualitative and quantitative research to the practice of nursing. The research process is examined and utilized to provide a foundation for students to critically examine published research articles and guidelines. Barriers to integrating evidence to practice will be analyzed with potential solutions explored within the course.

NUR 400   Leadership and Management in Nursing 4 credits

This course is focused on development of leadership and management skills necessary for effective nursing practice. Theories of leadership and management are introduced, and management roles and functions reviewed. An overview of finance and healthcare reimbursement will be provided along with nursing’s contribution to organizational finance explored. Collaboration and communication with interdisciplinary teams will be analyzed, and students will practice strategies for negotiation and conflict resolution. The role of the nurse within micro and macro systems of healthcare organizations will be explored. The purpose of the mission, vision, philosophy and values in relation to organizational structure and nursing’s role will be examined. The contributions of nursing and the nurse leader in creating and supporting a culture of safety and caring will be analyzed. Quality improvement models and structure, process, and outcome measures are explored with a focus on patient safety principles and care standards.

NUR 430   Nursing Informatics 4 credits

This course introduces students to healthcare information systems and basic informatics concepts. The impact of technology to safeguard nursing practice and patient outcomes will be examined. Emphasis is placed on the management of information, knowledge, and technology to support efficiency, encourage effective communication, enhance the quality and safety of patient care, and ensure accurate documentation and revenue capture. Efficiency and accuracy of data collection for regulatory purposes will be explored via extracted or abstracted methods. The use of data to influence changes in clinical practice aimed at the improvement of patient outcomes will be examined. Students will explore informatics concepts and continuous improvement models to support improved workflow and efficiency, encourage effective communication, drive decision support, and ensure accurate documentation. Resource stewardship and patient safety considerations will guide students throughout the course.

NUR 431   Nursing Introduction to Evidence Based Practice 3 credits

This course provides tools for understanding how evidence-based practice in nursing using research techniques and strategies improves patient outcomes and the health of populations. Topics include research design and methodologies, ethical guidelines, how to translate research into practice, and beginning research writing and the role of the nurse as a collaborator in research and evidence-based practice. The student acquires the skills needed to use databases to search for and identify scientific resources, and to synthesize data to determine best practice in the care of individuals, families, and populations. (Prerequisites: NUR344, NUR346, and NUR353; Co-requisites NUR453, NUR464, and NUR465).

NUR 445   Introduction to Care Coordination & Case Management 4 credits

This course will compare health reform goals and the role of care coordination and case management in supporting improved quality and safety of care for individuals and populations, and controlling cost through the efficient and effective use of resources that mitigates fragmentation of communication of health information and delivery of services. The nurse’s role in patient-centered care coordination is explored with emphasis on care transitions and care coordination models for the different levels of care. Risk stratification tools will be examined with contrast to the public health prevention levels. Formulation of a collaborative, personalized, and proactive care plan to address the client’s needs and health risks based on their prevention level of risk will be explored. Ongoing evaluation methods with measurable outcomes will be identified with discussion of care plan revision based on the outcomes.

NUR 453   Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family 4 credits

Utilizing the nursing process, this course prepares the student to meet the developmental, biological, and psychosocial health and illness needs of the childrearing family within the context of family-centered care. Students analyze theories, concepts, research, issues and trends as well as genetic and environmental factors that affect the health of the childrearing family. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: PSY230, NUR344, NUR346, and NUR353; Co-requisites: NUR431, NUR464, and NUR465).

NUR 460   Population Health Nursing 4 credits

This course focuses on the role of the nurse providing population focused nursing care supporting clinical prevention and health promotion. The history of community health will be reviewed and contrasted with the current roles in community health nursing. Concepts of health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, social determinants of health, environmental health, and emergency/disaster preparedness are explored. Health policy will be analyzed within and outside the United States as to its impact on health disparities, health, and the healthcare experience. The unique cultural makeup of a community will be assessed with application to delivery of a population-focused intervention. A practice experience designed to meet the requirements for the Minnesota Board of Nursing Public Health Nursing Registration is included, which involves completion of a community health assessment.

NUR 461   Leadership and Management in Nursing 5 credits

This synthesis course focuses on nursing leadership and professional role development. Students consider principles of management, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, and group process skills as they evaluate the role of the nurse as a designer, manager, and coordinator of interprofessional care. The course addresses methods to evaluate and improve the quality of nursing care and analyze cost-effective healthcare delivery systems. Students are required to complete and present a quality improvement project as part of their clinical experience. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 350, NUR 351, NUR 352)

NUR 463   Care of the Complex Patient 3 credits

Students synthesize knowledge and apply evidence-based practice in the care and management of patients with multiple complex health conditions. As accountable decision makers, students correlate patient assessment with pathophysiology and evaluate responses to interventions for patients requiring intensive nursing and medical care. Students further develop the roles of educator, collaborator, leader, and advocate to care for patients and families across the continuum of care. This course includes classroom instruction and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 350, NUR 351, NUR 352)

NUR 464   Leadership and Management in Nursing 3 credits

This course will explore the role of nurse as leader and manager in the context of contemporary issues within health care. The focus will be on leadership skills, knowledge, and creativity to promote and manage safe, holistic patient-centered care for diverse individuals, families, groups, and populations across the lifespan within contemporary, complex and multifunctional health care delivery systems. (Prerequisites: NUR344, NUR346, and NUR353; Co-requisites: NUR431, NUR453, and NUR465).

NUR 465   Care of the Complex Patient 2 credits

Students synthesize knowledge and apply evidence-based practice in the care and management of patients with multiple complex health conditions. As accountable decision makers, students correlate patient assessment with pathophysiology and evaluate responses to interventions for patients requiring intensive nursing and medical care. Students further develop the roles of educator, collaborator, leader, and advocate to care for patients and families across the continuum of care. This course includes classroom instruction, lab including simulation. (Prerequisites: NUR344, NUR346, and NUR353; Co-requisites: NUR431, NUR453, and NUR464).

NUR 470   Community and Public Health 4 credits

Concepts of health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, environmental health, urban and rural healthcare, health disparities, and community needs assessment, social determinants of health, health theories, and emergency/disaster preparedness are explored and related to the Christian ethic of social justice. Students explore the role of the nurse as a change agent in influencing public health policy, and the nurse’s role in the prevention of disease. The course includes a clinical experience designed to meet the requirements for the Minnesota Board of Nursing Public Health Nursing Registration, which involves completion of a community health assessment. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 461, NUR 463)

NUR 471   Transition to Professional Nursing 6 credits

This capstone course prepares students for entry into professional nursing practice as a lifelong learner. Utilizing self-reflection, students will identify goals that demonstrate responsibility for continued personal and professional development. Students complete an internship experience focused on transition to practice. As part of processing the accumulation of baccalaureate nursing knowledge, NCLEX-RN exam preparedness is also a course focus. This course includes classroom instruction and clinical experiences. (Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in NUR 461, NUR 463)

NUR 472   Population Health 4 credits

This course focuses on the role of the nurse providing population focused nursing care supporting clinical prevention and health promotion. Concepts of health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, social determinants of health, environmental health and emergency/disaster preparedness are explored. Students explore the role of the nurse as a change agent in influencing public health policy. The course includes a clinical experience designed to meet the requirements for the Minnesota Board of Nursing Public Health Nursing Registration, which involves completion of a community health assessment. This course includes classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and simulation. (Prerequisites: NUR431, NUR453, NUR464, NUR465, and COM309; Co-requisite: NUR473).

NUR 473   Transition into Professional Nursing 5 credits

This capstone course prepares students for entry into professional nursing practice as a lifelong learner. Utilizing self-reflection, students will identify goals that demonstrate responsibility for continued personal and professional development. Students complete an internship experience focused on transition to practice. As part of processing the accumulation of baccalaureate nursing knowledge, NCLEX-RN exam preparedness is also a course focus. This course includes classroom instruction and clinical experiences. (Prerequisites: NUR431, NUR453, NUR464, NUR465, and COM309; Co-requisite: NUR472).

NUR 475   Nursing Capstone 4 credits

This capstone course emphasizes reflective practice and integration of learning obtained during student’s liberal arts and fundamental nursing course journey. An e-professional portfolio will be created and compiled by each student. The specific Action Plan for a population-focused health promotion activity, created during the NUR 460 Population Health course will be completed as the practice experience during this course. In addition, principles of health teaching for populations will be explored and a Teaching Module created for a specific health topic that demonstrates the application of these principles.

NUR 498   Nursing Practicum 1-12 credits

The goal of the Nursing Practicum is to advance student nursing skills and knowledge. This practicum places students in a setting where the student learns to apply entry-level and more advanced competencies, focusing on enhanced preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam.

NUR 600   Foundations: The Art, Science, and Ethics of Graduate Nursing Practice 3 credits

This course will focus on the art and science of nursing for graduate nursing practice in formal and informal leadership roles. Students will reflect on their professional calling and affirm their moral compass including examining potential vulnerabilities that may challenge one’s integrity. Students will explore ethical theories and principles from a nursing leader perspective, analyze contextual factors contributing to ethical dilemmas in the healthcare environment, synthesize, and apply course concepts through the application of ethical decision-making models within the Christian context.

NUR 610   Integration of Epidemiology and Clinical Prevention to Improve Health with Practicum Application 3 credits

This course focuses on basic principles of epidemiology, which includes the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specific populations. Using concepts from biostatistics, students will analyze population data to inform and design population health interventions that advocate for social justice and health equity. The course includes a 35-hour practicum, which focuses on the application of epidemiologic concepts and biostatistical principles. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 600)

NUR 620   Translating Evidence into Practice 4 credits

This course focuses on the evidence base for practice decisions and will prepare students to evaluate the strength of the evidence from a statistical and a clinical significance perspective. Students will perform a literature review and a critical appraisal of evidence which will entail a critique of the study framework, research methods, data collection process, and the method of analysis. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 610)

NUR 630   Organizational and Systems Leadership with Practicum Application 4 credits

This course will develop an understanding of the organization of healthcare delivery systems along with the impact of factors that influence healthcare. Students will explore systems theory, change theory, and complexity science in healthcare. Students will examine how leaders develop themselves and others to create an alignment that engages change in addressing the future needs of healthcare. This course includes a 35-hour practicum designed to facilitate the application of course content and will serve as the foundation for the final Capstone experience. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 620)

NUR 640   Leading Healthcare Systems and Quality Improvement with Practicum Application 4 credits

This course will examine current principles and practices for healthcare quality including quality improvement methodologies and evaluation of success based on structural, process and outcomes measures. Students will examine how leaders strategically create and influence organizational outcomes with a focus on a culture of safety thru a balanced lens of cost, quality and experience. This course includes a 35-hour practicum designed to facilitate the application of course content and will serve as the foundation for the final Capstone experience. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 630)

NUR 650   Information Systems and Technologies to Improve Health Outcomes with Practicum Application 4 credits

Students will investigate the integration of evidence-based practice with organizational science and informatics while examining the role of the nurse leader to inform health information systems and technology to improve health outcomes. Students will also gain essential knowledge of informatics content to be prepared to address stakeholders and to advocate for effective and efficient health information systems and technology that supports improved health outcomes. Students will explore topics such as healthcare technologies such as telehealth and apps that promote wellness. The course includes a 35-hour practicum, which focuses on the application of use of information systems in healthcare.(Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 640)

NUR 660   Leading Care Coordination and Promoting Collaboration to Improve Health Outcomes 3 credits

Students will explore interprofessional considerations and communication strategies that facilitate care coordination across the healthcare continuum with a focus on care transitions. Students will propose ideas for a model of care design and explore outcome measures around quality, cost, and experience for identified individuals and populations. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 650)

NUR 670   Finance, Economics and Resource Management in Healthcare 3 credits

Students will investigate the role of human resource management from an operation manager’s perspective. Students will examine labor issues in nursing including recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction. The course emphasizes business and economic principles and practices, including budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, and marketing. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 660)

NUR 680   Nurse as a Leader: Advocacy and Policy with Practicum Application 4 credits

This course explores the impact of policy on health care delivery from an institutional, local, state and federal level. Students learn about the policy making process and apply their learning by analyzing, implementing, and evaluating policy using multiple measures (i.e., ethics, economic, social justice). This course includes a 35-hour practicum designed to facilitate the application of course content and will serve as the foundation for the final Capstone experience.(Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 670)

NUR 690   Capstone Synthesis Practicum 4 credits

This capstone course includes a culmination deliverable that demonstrates the synthesis of program content, validates the student preparedness for a nurse leader role, and acts as a summative evaluation of the end of program student learning outcomes. This course includes a 140-hour practicum. (Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B in NUR 680)