NU 502. Health Policy, Social Issues, and Theory. (3 Credits)

The analysis of the development of health care policy and the political, ethical, and financial factors that influence the challenges and opportunities in current nursing practice. One of the course’s major foci is on assessment of community health care systems and the impact that various legal, governmental, and fiscal factors have on these systems. Students will examine current social issues and their effect on the health care arena. Students will explore, apply, and utilize nursing theory to promote and improve health. This course is a pre-requisite for NU 605, NU 606 and NU 616.

Course Fees: $100

NU 503. Advanced Nursing Theory. (3 Credits)

The exploration of the nature of knowledge and theory through the study of selected nursing theories, as well as the study of theories in other disciplines. The focus of this course is to apply and utilize theory to promote the understanding of information for improving health. Theoretical foundations of advanced nursing practice are examined including the evolution of nursing knowledge by examining theoretical structures from other disciplines. Students will critique selected theories for their applicability to nursing practice and nursing knowledge development.

Course Fees: $100

NU 508. Advanced Health Assessment. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the skills of assessment necessary for the master’s prepared nurse and builds upon baccalaureate and professional practice knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and physical assessment and history-taking knowledge and skills. The major focus of this course is to ensure that the student has the ability to perform a high quality and problem-specific psychosocial, developmental, and cultural health history and review of systems with a head-to-toe comprehensive physical exam. Virtual clinical experiences and discussion forums will be used to demonstrate an understanding of establishing patient-centered databases and communicating that information in oral and written form. A grade of "B" or better is required in this course.

Course Fees: $100

NU 509. Diversity, Ethics, Health Promotion and Informatics in Patient-Centered Care. (3 Credits)

Students will identify and analyze how diverse socio-cultural beliefs and value systems impact health practices and health care. An assessment and analysis of selected health promotion and patient-centered care strategies in diverse populations will be undertaken. Students will examine ethics and ethical decision-making and their influence on health promotion and patient-centered care. Students will utilize nursing informatics to improve the health of populations, communities, families, and individuals. This course is a pre-requisite for NU 605, NU 606, and NU 616.

Course Fees: $100

NU 602. Advanced Role Development. (3 Credits)

A study of the functions and activities of various roles in professional nursing practice. This course focuses on advocacy as a responsibility of the leadership role as well as the use of collaboration as a tool for building interdisciplinary relationships. The course also highlights the role of the nurse in project management. Prerequisite: admission to College of Nursing and Allied Health Graduate Studies.

Course Fees: $100

NU 605. Curriculum Development in Collegiate Nursing Programs. (3 Credits)

This course explores the nature of curriculum development in nursing instructional programs based on educational theories, and principles. It focuses on the relationships among philosophy, goals, and outcomes for various academic programs in nursing education and the design of teaching and learning strategies for their implementation and evaluation. Factors influencing curriculum, student, faculty, and administrator roles are explored. Prerequisites: NU 502, NU 509.

Course Fees: $100

NU 606. Evaluation in Collegiate Nursing Programs. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on assessment, testing, measurement, and evaluation of nursing in the classroom, clinical, and online educational setting. Students will examine ways to construct test blueprints, develop higher level test items, and then perform test analysis. Evaluation of clinical concepts, social, ethical, and legal issues, written assignments, and program assessments are additional focuses of this course. Prerequisites: NU 502, NU 509.

Course Fees: $100

NU 607. Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology. (3 Credits)

This course is focused on pathological conditions that are frequently encountered in primary care conditions across the life span, as well as in special populations. The focus is on principles, theories, and research related to physiological and pathophysiological system alterations. In this online course, students are expected to have a sound foundational knowledge regarding physical assessment, anatomy, physiology, and basic pathophysiology as obtained through undergraduate coursework and hands-on experience. A passing grade of "B" or better must be earned in this course.

Course Fees: $100

NU 608. Business Concepts for Nurses. (3 Credits)

The course is designed for nurse leaders and focuses on economics and finance of health care systems. Using real-world examples drawn from hospitals, home care agencies, and long term care facilities, the student will study forecasting, budgeting and everyday financial management responsibilities. The analysis of health care economics will be explored in the context of describing the economic dimensions of health care while explaining and evaluating a number of health care issues.

Course Fees: $100

NU 609. Statistical Concepts for Nurses. (3 Credits)

This course addresses quantitative methods and statistics with applications to nursing and health care. Topics include descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, sampling, hypothesis testing, probability distributions, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance.

Course Fees: $100

NU 610. Teaching the Health Care Consumer: Clinical Practicum. (6 Credits)

A clinical course that assesses the learning needs of a selected health care population. Students will use these assessed learning needs to plan, implement, and evaluate culturally, age-appropriate teaching plans. The focus of this course is to prepare the nurse to expand the knowledge base of health care consumers - individuals, groups, and communities - in areas of health. The clinical portion of this course consists of a 120-hour preceptorship with a graduate prepared nurse educator or a nurse practitioner who provides direct care education to patients.

Course Fees: $100

NU 611. Teaching the Health Care Provider: Clinical Practicum. (6 Credits)

A clinical course in which the learning needs of health care providers are assessed in higher education. Students design, implement and evaluate courses of study and curricula based on assessed learning needs. These activities will enhance the teaching and learning activities of health care providers. Various teaching-learning theories and evidence based practices will be explored. The clinical portion of this course consists of a 120-hour preceptorship with a nurse educator preceptor in a higher education institution. The student is to select a clinical area of concentration (e.g. Adult Health, Pediatrics, etc.). The clinical areas must be the same as in NU 610. Prerequisite or corequisite: NU 605.

Course Fees: $100

NU 612. The Nurse Manager. (6 Credits)

A clinical course that focuses on the identification of management problems in an organizational environment and the development, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes based on scientific evidence. Emphasis is on advanced nursing leadership and influences including political, legal, social, cultural, ethical, and economic forces within the health care system. Students will analyze various types of organizational and management styles. A clinical preceptorship (120-hours) with a nursing middle manager and the use of selected management/leadership theories are integral parts of this course.

Course Fees: $100

NU 613. The Nurse Executive. (6 Credits)

A clinical course that builds on concepts in NU 612. Students participate in an executive-level internship with a nursing administrator/executive preceptor using a theorybased management/leadership style (90-hours). Problem-solving methods are demonstrated using actions that are legally, ethically, and culturally appropriate and that exhibit advanced management/leadership competencies. Prerequisite: NU 612.

Course Fees: $100

NU 614. Advanced Pharmacology for Nurses. (3 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to examine groups of medications by the patient's clinical problem(s) or issues, thereby emphasizing the clinical application of the information presented. Initially, basic pharmacology principles will be reviewed, followed by a focus on treatment of patients with common diseases and disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, infections, and so forth. Pharmacological treatment implications for patients from specific populations, including pediatrics, women, men, and the elderly, will also be presented. A passing grade of "B" or better must be earned in this course.

Course Fees: $100

NU 615. Evidenced Based Practice and Nursing Scholarship. (3 Credits)

A concentrated study of the examination and utilization of the research process in furthering the body of knowledge in nursing to improve health outcomes for patients. The course focuses on problem identification and the use of appropriate research methodology to solve problems in the health care system. Evaluation and critique of various types of research are done and research findings are applied to achieve evidence based nursing practice. The steps of a theoretically-based research proposal are examined. Prerequisite: admission to College of Nursing Graduate Studies.

Course Fees: $100

NU 616. Teaching the Health Care Consumer and Provider. (3 Credits)

An online didactic course in which principles of teaching and learning are explored. Learning needs of selected health care populations and future and current health care providers are assessed. Students will use these assessed learning needs to plan, implement, and evaluate teaching plans. Students also analyze, design, implement and evaluate courses of study using information and communication technologies. Transitioning to the role of the nurse educator in academe, teaching-learning theories, and evidence-based teaching practices and evaluation methods will be examined. Prerequisites: NU 502, NU 509.

Course Fees: $100

NU 617. Leadership and Management in Nursing. (3 Credits)

An online didactic course that explores leadership and management principles in a variety of healthcare settings. Various types of organizational and management styles will be evaluated. The course will explore the processes and principles of leading in the healthcare world. Students will also evaluate methods to improve the quality and safety of healthcare delivery, currently and in the future.

Course Fees: $100

NU 618. Quality Improvement in Nursing. (3 Credits)

A didactic course that examines healthcare quality improvement (QI) to prepare nurses to engage in QI in healthcare settings and to develop leadership in improving care for all settings and populations. The course begins with an overview of current healthcare quality, to include but not limited to current national efforts toward quality care and health informatics technology. Students are introduced to the need for applying the change process to QI, engaging patients and families, and the QI planning process. Nurse leaders are needed in the healthcare environment to improve care through monitoring, measuring, analyzing, and developing strategies to prevent QI problems and errors and/or to respond to those concerns.

Course Fees: $100

NU 640. Introduction to Family Nurse Practitioner. (3 Credits)

The focus of this course is to introduce the nurse practitioner student to the nurse practitioner role. Family Nurse Practitioner students will become familiar with the dynamics of the provider-patient relationship, the complex components of the nurse practitioner education, and the many facets of the professional role. Students will also be introduced to the concept of differential diagnosis. The required on-campus intensive will take place during this course. Prerequisites: NU 508, NU 607, NU 614.

Course Fees: $100

NU 641. Family Nurse Practitioner I. (4 Credits)

The focus of this course is on advanced care of adults along the wellness-illness continuum. In the clinical course family nurse practitioner students will diagnose and treat adult patients with undifferentiated symptoms as well as those with established diagnoses. Family nurse practitioner students will be providing initial, ongoing, and comprehensive care, which includes taking comprehensive histories, providing physical examinations and other health assessment and screening activities, and diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with acute and chronic illnesses and diseases. Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting laboratory and imaging studies; prescribing medication and durable medical equipment; and making appropriate referrals for patients are skills that will be demonstrated by the family nurse practitioner student. Growth and development, health promotion, disease prevention, health education, cultural and environmental variables are integrated throughout. Prerequisites: NU 640.

Course Fees: $100

NU 642. Family Nurse Practitioner II. (4 Credits)

The focus of this course is on advanced care of adults along the wellness-illness continuum. In this clinical course family nurse practitioner students will diagnose and treat adult patients with undifferentiated symptoms as well as those with established diagnoses. Family nurse practitioner students will be providing initial, ongoing, and comprehensive care, which includes taking comprehensive histories, providing physical examinations and other health assessment and screening activities, and diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with acute and chronic illnesses and diseases. Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting laboratory and imaging studies: prescribing medication and durable medical equipment: and making appropriate referrals for patients are skills that will be demonstrated by the family nurse practitioner student. Growth and development, health promotion, disease prevention, health education, cultural and environmental variables are integrated throughout. Prerequisites: NU 640, NU 641.

Course Fees: $100

NU 643. Family Nurse Practitioner III. (4 Credits)

The focus of this course is on advanced care of adults along the wellness-illness continuum. In this clinical course family nurse practitioner students will diagnose and treat adult patients with undifferentiated symptoms as well as those with established diagnoses. Family nurse practitioner students will be providing initial, ongoing, and comprehensive care, which includes taking comprehensive histories, providing physical examinations and other health assessment and screening activities, and diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with acute and chronic illnesses and diseases. Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting laboratory and imaging studies; prescribing medication and durable medical equipment; and making appropriate referrals for patients are skills that will be demonstrated by the family nurse practitioner student. Growth and development, health promotion, disease prevention, health education, cultural and environmental variables are integrated throughout. Prerequisites: NU 640, NU 641, NU 642.

Course Fees: $100

NU 644. Family Nurse Practitioner IV. (4 Credits)

The focus of this course is on advanced care of females along the wellness-illness continuum. In this clinical course family nurse practitioner students will diagnose and treat female patients with undifferentiated symptoms as well as those with established diagnoses. Family nurse practitioner students will be providing initial, ongoing, and comprehensive care, which includes taking comprehensive histories, providing physical examinations and other health assessment and screening activities, and diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with acute and chronic illnesses and diseases. Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting laboratory and imaging studies; prescribing medication and durable medical equipment; and making appropriate referrals for patients are skills that will be demonstrated by the family nurse practitioner student. Growth and development, health promotion, disease prevention, health education, cultural and environmental variables are integrated throughout. Prerequisites: NU 640, NU 641, NU 642, NU 643.

Course Fees: $100

NU 645. Family Nurse Practitioner V. (4 Credits)

In this advanced practice clinical course the student will be introduced to essential concepts and practical knowledge for diagnosis and management of the health and illness of the pediatric patient. The aim of this course is on health promotion, treatment strategies, and disease prevention in infants, children, and adolescents. This course will emphasize the use of evidence-based practices in the delivery of safe and effective care of pediatric patients. The required on-campus intensive will take place during this course. Prerequisites: NU 640, NU 641, NU 642, NU 643, NU 644.

Course Fees: $100

NU 650. Introduction to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. (3 Credits)

The focus of this course is to introduce the nurse practitioner student to the nurse practitioner role. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students will become familiar with the dynamics of the provider-patient relationship, the complex components of the nurse practitioner education, and the many facets of the professional role. Students will also be introduced to the concept of differential diagnosis. The required on-campus intensive will take place during this course.

Course Fees: $100

NU 651. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I. (4 Credits)

This is a foundational course and practicum for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner student. Students will be introduced to theoretical content and clinical practice guidelines for assessing, diagnosing, and intervening in dysfunctional coping patterns and psychiatric disorders of individuals across the lifespan. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) will be used as the basis for diagnostic nomenclature across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment of mental health disorders. Clinical practicum provides students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in supervised clinical experiences. Students will complete a total of 100 clinical hours with an approved site and preceptor. Prerequisites: NU 508, NU 607, NU 614, NU 650.

Course Fees: $100

NU 652. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) II. (4 Credits)

PMHNP II will build on the foundational course and practicum for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across the life span. This course presents advanced concepts in neuroscience and the clinical management of targeted psychiatric symptoms, related to the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. The course incorporates current scientific knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry, and its application to clinical problems seen in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based pharmacological treatment of mental health disorders. Clinical practicum provides students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in supervised clinical experiences. Students will complete a total of 100 clinical hours with an approved site and preceptor. Prerequisites: NU 508, NU 607, NU 614, NU 650, NU 651.

Course Fees: $100

NU 653. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) III. (4 Credits)

PMHNP III continues to build on the role of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across the life span. Continuation of advanced concepts in neuroscience and incorporating current scientific knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry, and its application to clinical problems seen in a variety of settings. Emphasis will be placed on the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment of mental health disorders. Clinical practicum provides students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in supervised clinical experiences. Students will complete a total of 100 clinical hours with an approved site and preceptor. Prerequisites: NU 508, NU 607, NU 614, NU 650, NU 651, NU 652.

Course Fees: $100

NU 654. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) IV. (4 Credits)

PMHNP IV builds on previous course reasoning courses by refining the student's ability to identify and apply theoretical content and clinical practice guidelines for assessing, diagnosing, and intervening in the dysfunctional coping patterns and psychiatric disorders of individuals and families across the lifespan. In addition to expanding on clinical aspects of the PMHNP role, the course introduces professional aspects of the PMHNP role in the healthcare delivery system and a variety of conceptual models and therapies related to the practice of individual psychotherapy and family therapy. Models of personality development and family dynamics provide a theoretical basis for understanding the development of psychopathology and selection of appropriate therapeutic strategies. Clinical practicum provides students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in supervised clinical experiences. Students will complete a total of 100 clinical hours with an approved site and preceptor. Prerequisites: NU 508, NU 607, NU 614, NU 650, NU 651, NU 652, NU 653.

Course Fees: $100

NU 655. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) V. (4 Credits)

PMHNP V builds on previous courses in the PMHNP track and prepares the student for practice. This course presents advanced concepts for refining the student's ability to identify and apply theoretical content and clinical practice guidelines for assessing, diagnosing, and intervening in the dysfunctional coping patterns and psychiatric disorders of individuals and families, and groups across the lifespan. In addition to expanding on clinical aspects of the PMHNP role, the course introduces professional aspects of the PMHNP role in the healthcare delivery system and a variety of conceptual models and therapies related to the practice of group therapy. Clinical practicum provides students the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in supervised clinical experiences. Students will complete a total of 100 clinical hours with an approved site and preceptor. The required on-campus intensive will take place during this course. Prerequisites: NU 508, NU 607, NU 614, NU 650, NU 651, NU 652, NU 653, NU 654.

Course Fees: $100

NU 680. Evidenced-based Practice and Teaching/Learning Practicum I. (4 Credits)

This practicum experience is designed to integrate theory and evidence-based teaching practices in the academic setting. Learners select an experienced nurse educator preceptor in the academic setting where they will have opportunities to participate in all phases of the teaching role, including classroom and clinical instruction in an area of specialization, and to experiment with different teaching materials, teaching strategies, and evaluation methods. The practicum area of specialization will be the same for Practicum I and II. Translating research into evidence-based teaching practice is the goal. In Practicum I and Practicum II, students will utilize new knowledge to create and evaluate one (1) evidence-based project that addresses an identified learning need in a selected clinical area of specialization. Prerequisite or Corequisite: NU 605 and NU 606 and NU 616.

Course Fees: $100

NU 681. Evidence-based Practice and Teaching/Learning Practicum II. (4 Credits)

This practicum experience is designed to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate advanced nursing care and use evidence-based practices to strengthen patient care delivery skills. Learners select an experienced advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) preceptor in an area of specialization, who will provide opportunities and guidance in delivering direct client and family services in a setting of their choice (i.e. acute and critical care, long term care, home health, or community-based settings). The practicum area of specialization will be the same for Practicum I and II (i.e. family health, adult health, women’s health, or pediatric health). Synthesizing translational processes to improve practice and associated health outcomes for patient aggregates is the goal. In Practicum I and Practicum II, students will utilize new knowledge to create and evaluate one (1) evidence-based project that addresses an identified learning need in a selected clinical area of specialization. Prerequisite or Corequisite: NU 508, NU 607, NU 614 with a minimum grade of B.

Course Fees: $100

NU 682. Evidenced-based Practice and Leadership Practicum I. (4 Credits)

This practicum experience is designed to integrate theory and evidence-based leadership and management practices into the healthcare setting. Learners select an experienced mid-level nurse manager or leader in the healthcare setting. Learners should select a nurse leader or manager preceptor where they will have exposure to all aspects of the role, including but not limited to writing policy and procedure, staffing, budgeting, purchasing, role-modeling, staff interaction, problem identification with resolution, conflict management, participation in interdisciplinary meetings, etc. Learners will translate current research into evidence-based practice. In Practicum I and Practicum II, students will utilize new knowledge to create and evaluate one quality improvement project that addresses an identified need within the clinical setting. The clinical area for Practicum I is mid-level leadership and management and for Practicum II the clinical area is upper management and leadership. Prerequisites OR Corequisites: NU 608 and NU 617 or NU 618.

Course Fees: $100

NU 683. Evidence-based Practice and Leadership Practicum II. (4 Credits)

This practicum experience is designed to integrate theory and evidence-based leadership and management practices into the healthcare setting. Learners select an experienced upper-level nurse manager or leader in the healthcare setting. Learners should select a nurse leader or manager preceptor where they will have exposure to all aspects of the role, including but not limited to budgeting, large scale staffing, financial planning, policy and procedure, accreditation, interdisciplinary team meetings and planning, etc. Learners will translate current research into evidence-based practice. In Practicum I and Practicum II, students will utilize new knowledge to create and evaluate one quality improvement project that addresses an identified need within the clinical setting. The clinical area for Practicum I is mid-level leadership and management and for Practicum II the clinical area is upper management and leadership. Prerequisites OR Corequisites: NU 608 and NU 617 and NU 618.

Course Fees: $100

NU 698. Independent Study. (1-3 Credits)

Guided Independent Study or Research in an area related to nursing education or leadership. Prerequisite: Approval of Program Director.

Course Fees: $100

NU 699. Capstone Project. (3 Credits)

The purpose of the Capstone Project is to provide an opportunity for students to develop and evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses a problem, issue, or concern in professional practice or nursing education while integrating and synthesizing concepts from the MSN curriculum. This course provides an opportunity for students to apply the program core competencies of patient-centered care, safety, quality improvement and teamwork and collaboration, utilization of evidence based practice, and informatics. Students identify a problem amenable to research-based intervention; search literature; propose a solution; and develop a plan to implement the solution, and evaluate its potential outcome(s). Problems Teaching/Learning. For those in Teaching-Learning option, the clinical focus will be in a specific area of nursing practice. This clinical area must be the same as in NU 610 and NU 611. Students making satisfactory progress but who do not complete the project in one semester will receive an S grade but will receive no credit hours. Student must reregister for the course in the following semester in order to complete the project. Upon successful completion of the project, students will earn the P grade and receive three credit hours. Students may reregister for the course one time only. Grading is P (Pass) or F (Fail). Prerequisite: satisfactory completion of 30 hours in the MSN program.

Course Fees: $100

NU 700. Data Management and Health Analysis. (3 Credits)

Learners develop a knowledge base to understand, collect, manage, and measure clinical data. Areas explored include data collection and management processes, levels of measurement, basic statistics, and measurement for improvement in order to effectively utilize clinical data. Exercises may utilize analytical tools and statistical software. The required on-campus intensive will take place during this course. (Spring)

Course Fees: $100

NU 702. Health Care Informatics. (3 Credits)

Learners are provided with the foundation for information systems and their use in patient care and health systems. Students develop the skills needed to manage individual and aggregate data. Students will use information systems/technology to evaluate programs of care, outcomes of care, and care systems related to industry standards, and ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.

Course Fees: $100

NU 704. Writing for Dissemination. (3 Credits)

Learners are prepared to successfully disseminate information in the form of submitted proposals and/or published articles. Students gain scholarly and practical knowledge related to writing and submitting proposals and manuscripts. The publishing process, as well as techniques for writing clear and concise manuscripts, is explored including ethical issues involving the preparation, submission, and publication process. This course may include practicum hours. (Summer)

Course Fees: $100

NU 706. Evidence-Based Practice Design and Translation. (3 Credits)

In this course, learners will develop a skill set related to translating research into practice, the evaluation of practice, and the improvement of health care outcomes. Students will examine evidence to guide improvements in practice and outcomes of care. Literature review focuses on appraising the literature for clinical applicability and gaps. Ethical considerations are also examined. Research may be applied to the DNP project. This course may include practicum hours. (Spring)

Course Fees: $100

NU 708. Epidemiology. (3 Credits)

In this course, learners will develop a skill set related to translating research into practice, the evaluation of practice, and the improvement of health care outcomes. Students will examine evidence to guide improvements in practice and outcomes of care. Literature review focuses on appraising the literature for clinical applicability and gaps. Ethical considerations are also examined. Research may be applied to the DNP project. This course may include practicum hours. (Spring)

Course Fees: $100

NU 720. Scientific Underpinnings. (3 Credits)

This course is a base for applying science into advanced nursing practice and includes philosophical, historical, and ethical foundations. Theories and concepts help to guide nursing practice and determine the significance of health and health care delivery. Students will learn to use theory and conceptual models to guide doctoral level scholarship. This course may include practicum hours. (Fall)

Course Fees: $100

NU 722. Health Policy and Politics. (3 Credits)

This course evaluates the health policy process, critique of healthcare reform legislation, and the role of government in the regulation of healthcare. Learner will evaluate the roles of state and federal agencies in health policy change and discuss ways advanced practice nurses can influence health policy. Topics include but are not limited to the process for health policy development, critique of current healthcare reform legislation, and the role of government in the regulation of healthcare. This course may include practicum hours.

Course Fees: $100

NU 724. Health Disparities. (3 Credits)

The learner will evaluate health disparity and diversity as a result of economics, class structure, cultural background, and social stigmas. The learner will analyze the impact of local, national, and international social issues on health care delivery. The leaner will examine social issues for the development of appropriate clinical guidelines and policy for organizations, groups, and patients. Health care models will be analyzed for accuracy and appropriateness. This course may include practicum hours. (Fall)

Course Fees: $100

NU 726. Patient Outcomes and Sustainable Change. (3 Credits)

Learners will develop effective strategies to ensure safe and quality health care for populations and patients. Learners will evaluate health care outcomes, engage in the inquiry of the state of health care delivery, sustainable change, ethical principles, and patient-centered care. (Fall)

Course Fees: $100

NU 728. Leadership. (3 Credits)

In this course, learners develop skills that are critical for independent and interdisciplinary practice to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs. Content includes a focus on organizational and systems leadership, communication, leadership and collaboration skills, and negotiation skills. (Spring)

Course Fees: $100

NU 730. Leadership and Innovation in Population Health. (3 Credits)

Learners will explore theories of leadership and models of change in healthcare. Learners will gain a systems perspective that is used to analyze the leadership and management needs of healthcare organizations and the effect on healthcare delivery. Emphasis will be placed on developing leaders that are capable of leading innovation and change in healthcare. (Fall)

Course Fees: $100

NU 732. Finance and Policy for Healthcare Delivery. (3 Credits)

Learners will examine the leadership skills needed for health evaluation and service delivery with a focus on policy development and healthcare financing. The learner will gain the knowledge needed to develop, implement, and evaluate policies, programs, and finance structures that are needed to support innovative methods to decrease rates of disease and illness and to increase wellness to improve population health. (Fall)

Course Fees: $100

NU 734. Population Health I. (3 Credits)

The purpose of this DNP course for the student is to explore the multifaceted issues pertaining to population health, elimination of health disparities, and health promotion in local and regional populations across the lifespan. This course may include practicum hours. Prerequisite: NU 708. (Fall)

Course Fees: $100

NU 736. Population Health II. (3 Credits)

The purpose of this DNP course for the student is to explore the multifaceted issues pertaining to population health, elimination of health disparities, and health promotion in national and global populations across the lifespan. This course may include practicum hours. Prerequisites: NU 708, NU 734 . (Spring)

Course Fees: $100

NU 740. Transformational Teaching Learning Resources, Strategies, and Evaluation I. (3 Credits)

In this course, students will execute strategies and interventions that will improve the condition of which nursing care or self-care may occur for individuals or family groups. Students will produce evidenced-based interventions that directly impact individuals and family groups using transformational strategies and evaluation methods. This course may include practicum hours. (Fall)

Course Fees: $100

NU 742. Transformational Teaching Learning Resources, Strategies, and Evaluation II. (3 Credits)

In this course, students will execute strategies and interventions that will improve the condition in which nursing care or self-care may occur for populations or aggregates. Students will produce evidenced-based interventions that directly impact populations using transformational strategies and evaluation methods. This course may include practicum hours. Prerequisite: NU 740. (Spring)

Course Fees: $100

NU 750. Role of Technology and Simulation in Population Health. (3 Credits)

Learners will discuss the use of web-based tools and online technologies that can be utilized in population health. Best practices will be utilized, including the methodology behind the use of simulation for education and training for healthcare providers. This course may include practicum hours. (Spring)

Course Fees: $100

NU 752. Advanced Nursing Simulation. (3 Credits)

In this course, the learner will tailor advanced simulations to their specific population of interest. Topics will focus on how the DNP-prepared clinician can use advanced simulation techniques to improve knowledge transference to a community of learners and/or aggregates. This course may include practicum hours. Prerequisite: NU 750. (Summer)

Course Fees: $100

NU 800. DNP I: Project Identification. (1 Credit)

The DNP project is introduced and the focus is on the initial identification and development of the DNP synthesis project. Students in the advanced practice track will develop a project related to improvement of nursing practice or patient outcomes in a specialized area of practice. Students in the population health track will explore the role of a population health leader and may begin conducting an assessment of the chosen population, community, and/or organization to determine where evidence-based leadership activities are needed. This course requires identification of a feasible idea, synthesis of evidenced-based literature, selection of project chair and committee, and initiation of an e-portfolio. This course may include practicum hours. Prerequisite or Corequisite: NU 704. (Summer)

Course Fees: $100

NU 802. DNP II: Project Development. (2 Credits)

During this course, the learner will develop the methodology for the evidenced-based DNP synthesis project. The project should have a systems-level impact and be focused on improving nursing practice or patient outcomes. Learners will choose the setting for application of their DNP project. Learners explore the impact of ethical, safe, and effective patient and organizational outcomes and begin to translate evidence into practice. At course completion, the DNP synthesis project will be defended. Project will need to obtain Institutional Review Board and human subjects’ approval. This course may include practicum hours. Prerequisites: NU 704, NU 800 . (Fall)

Course Fees: $100

NU 804. DNP III: Project Implementation. (3 Credits)

Learners will implement the DNP synthesis project. The project will have a systems-level impact for improving nursing practice or patient outcomes. The project requires integration of knowledge from theory, evidence-based nursing practice, physiologic and pathophysiologic foundations, ethical and legal principles and healthcare systems. Additionally, it involves the development of data for analysis. This course may include practicum hours. Prerequisites: NU 704, NU 800, NU 802. (Spring)

Course Fees: $100

NU 806. DNP IV: Project Evaluation. (3 Credits)

The learner places emphasis on the evaluation, synthesis, and critique of the DNP synthesis project. The project outcomes should support quality clinical or organizational practices. This course concludes with the final paper and presentation to the chosen DNP committee, faculty, and peers. Additionally, the e-portfolio should show reflection and evaluation of achievement of the DNP competencies. This course may include practicum hours. The required on-campus intensive will take place during this course. Prerequisites: NU 704, NU 800, NU 802, NU 804. (Summer)

Course Fees: $100

NU 900. Advanced Experiential Clinical. (1-3 Credits)

Guided Independent study or research in an area related to advanced practice nursing, population health, and/or education leadership. This course may include practicum hours. Prerequisite: Approval of Program Director.

Course Fees: $100