Nursing (NURS)
Online Prerequisite: (Research Met (NURS 225 or 226) with a score of 3 and Stats Met (MATH 201) with a score of 3) or (BSN Met with a score of 3 and Stats Met (MATH 201) with a score of 3)
This course expands upon research knowledge acquired at the baccalaureate level and focuses on in-depth study of the research process, theory-based research, data collection and analysis methods, and application of nursing and related research findings to nursing practice. The importance of evidence-based practice is emphasized. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are examined.
Offered: Online
This course examines policy decisions and related issues that shape the organization, financing, and implementation of health care services and delivery systems. Ethical, social, and political issues that affect the provision of health care, nursing services, communities, and society are critically analyzed. Dynamics related to the roles and influences of health care providers and consumers, government, and law are discussed. Advanced nursing practice and its impact on policy decision making and health care is emphasized.
Offered: Online
Emphasis is placed on the critique, evaluation, and utilization of nursing and other relevant theories that apply to advanced nursing practice and a comprehensive approach to care. Professional role development, interdisciplinary relationships, and issues relevant to advanced practice are studied.
Offered: Online
This course focuses on health behaviors of diverse populations and critical analysis of various theories of health promotion and clinical prevention. Health behaviors of different cultures and age groups are addressed, relevant nursing research on health promotion and clinical prevention are discussed, and new areas for nursing research are identified. Emphasis is placed on the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and environmental factors that impact health status. The importance of providing appropriate, individualized health care that is sensitive to the ethnic, racial, gender and age differences within and across diverse populations is stressed and the role of the advanced practice nurse is emphasized.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: (Research Met (NURS 225 or 226) with a score of 3 and Community Met (NURS 440) with a score of 3 and Ldr Management Met (NURS 490) with a score of 3 and Pop. Hlth Met (NURS445 or 446) with a score of 3 and Nrs Management Met (NURS 491) with a score of 3 and NURS 505 and NURS 506) or (BSN Met with a score of 3 and NURS 505 and NURS 506)
The course will expand the student’s knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics, which includes the cellular response level, for the management of individuals in the acute care and primary care setting. Broad categories of pharmacologic agents are examined. Skills to assess, diagnose, and manage a client’s common health problems in a safe, high quality, cost-effective manner are emphasized.
Registration Restrictions: BSN, RN, or RN with bachelor's degree in another discipline
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: (BSN Met with a score of 3 and Hlth Asmnt Met (NURS210 or211) with a score of 3) or (Hlth Asmnt Met (NURS210 or211) with a score of 3 and Research Met (NURS 225 or 226) with a score of 3 and Community Met (NURS 440) with a score of 3 and Ldr Management Met (NURS 490) with a score of 3 and Pop. Hlth Met (NURS445 or 446) with a score of 3 and Nrs Management Met (NURS 491) with a score of 3)
This course focuses on comprehensive physical assessment which includes in-depth health history, physical and psychological signs and symptoms, developmental stages, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial and cultural characteristics of the individual, family, and community as client. Enhancement of communication and observational skills are emphasized along with the development of sensitive and refined interviewing techniques. Students must obtain a master's prepared nurse preceptor who will proctor their final exam which is a comprehensive head-to-toe physical assessment.
Registration Restrictions: BSN, RN, or RN with bachelor degree in another discipline
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: BSN Met with a score of 3 or (Research Met (NURS 225 or 226) with a score of 3 and Community Met (NURS 440) with a score of 3 and Ldr Management Met (NURS 490) with a score of 3 and Pop. Hlth Met (NURS445 or 446) with a score of 3 and Nrs Management Met (NURS 491) with a score of 3) or (EXSC 510 and EXSC 525)
System-focused content addresses the normal physiologic and pathologic mechanisms of disease that serve as the foundation for advanced clinical assessment, decision-making, and management. Physiologic changes are compared and contrasted over the life span and developmental physiology, normal etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of commonly found/observed altered health states and responses to illness and treatment modalities are examined.
Registration Restrictions: BSN, RN or Non-BSN degree, RN and NURS 225, 440, 445, 490 and 491; or EXSC 510 and 525
Offered: Online
This course focuses on advanced nursing skills and assessment related to common developmental, health, and illness changes of adults. The effects of acute illness on the individual and family are also analyzed. In addition, pharmacological, nutritional, and psychosocial management options are examined. Role development as a clinical nurse specialist is discussed. With the assistance of faculty and selected preceptors students design practicums tailored to their individual preferences, professional goals, and objectives for future practice as clinical nurse specialists. Students who choose to focus on teaching based on advanced practice knowledge and expertise within the acute care specialty are guided to integrate specific goals and objectives congruent with the role of nurse educator into their practicums. A clinical contract is developed and established with an approved MSN preceptor; and clinical practicum hours are initiated.
Effective pain management for clients suffering from acute or chronic pain is imperative for promoting optimal plans of care. Students examine key theories and evidence-based literature supporting pain science while applying knowledge from foundational documents related to pain management. Through pain theory analysis, discussion, and other courses assignments, students will examine common biases and misconceptions surrounding pain management and review pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options for effective management of pain.
Offered: Online
The focus of this course is to explore the multifaceted role of caring for the patient who has reached the end of life. Particular attention is given to providing sufficient knowledge to assure that the student will be prepared to facilitate the patient's comfort and quality of life. Other areas include ethical / legal issues, cultural perspectives on death and dying, grief, and death. Course content emphasizes the respectful treatment of the entire individual and the delivery of care with the love of Christ. (Elective course)
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: (NURS 501 and BSN Met with a score of 3 and Hlth Asmnt Met (NURS210 or211) with a score of 3) or (NURS 501 and Hlth Asmnt Met (NURS210 or211) with a score of 3 and Research Met (NURS 225 or 226) with a score of 3 and Community Met (NURS 440) with a score of 3 and Ldr Management Met (NURS 490) with a score of 3 and Pop. Hlth Met (NURS445 or 446) with a score of 3 and Nrs Management Met (NURS 491) with a score of 3)
This course prepares students for the rapidly evolving world of health care by addressing topics affecting practice and issues facing future nurse leaders and educators. Changing reimbursement models and their effect on nursing practice will be discussed. Topics related to technology such as tele-health and nursing informatics will be examined. Quality improvement, patient safety, and other topics relevant to contemporary nursing will be explored.
Offered: Online
This course will allow students to explore the concepts that support a sound approach to managing performance. Performance management is a proactive and ongoing process which strives to align individual, unit, and/or team performance with the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the organization. When organizational goals are established, performance metrics are created along with a methodical measurement process that will support analysis of performance. Performance management also implies that leaders are managing their individual staff through relationship and rapport building, investment in the ongoing growth of employees, goal setting, motivating and rewarding staff, and giving feedback at regular intervals.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: NURS 521
The course focuses on financial and resource management for the nurse leader. The course provides students the skills and knowledge to perform a variety of functions related to financial and resource management including budgetary functions such as operating, expense, revenue, capital, and performance budgets, planning, controlling, management of costs associated with staff/skill mix, and cost analysis. Key concepts such as strategic management, reimbursement and payor mix, forecasting economic and marketing factors are explored for decision making. Students will be required to perform financial and budgeting operations and spread sheet analysis using Microsoft® Excel.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: NURS 523
This course is designed for students who desire to develop skills in the areas of leadership and management who plan to utilize their selected area of advanced practice and knowledge as nurse leaders within healthcare organizations. Students will investigate content areas that will build knowledge and expertise in working with systems theories, high performing work teams, information systems, change theories and theories of organizational behavior. Leadership styles and innovations styles will be explored.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSN program
Offered: Online
Effective pain management is essential to holistic nursing care and improved patient outcomes. Evidence-based practice of pain science allows nurses with advanced pain management knowledge to be leaders and advocates for effective pain management. Through putting aside personal assumptions and biases, students will learn how to assess for pain, apply pain science, and intervene with appropriate care actions across the life span for the diverse populations.
Offered: Online
This course will cover various formative and summative evaluation strategies for assessment of student learning outcomes in the classroom, clinical, and laboratory settings. Attention will be given to social/legal/ethical issues, students with disabilities, and cultural diversity.
Offered: Online
Provides the student with clinical opportunities to apply theories and community health models of care to families and community groups. Emphasis is on the development of the advanced practice role of clinical nurse specialist. Economic, ethical, and political issues relevant to health care delivery to multicultural populations within a variety of community settings are examined. Theoretical and evidence-based practice, collaboration, and current health care climate are addressed. Clinical practicum hours continue.
This course provides the student advanced health assessment skills within a selected population. Biopsychosocial, cultural, spiritual, physical, ethical concepts, and systems theory will be integrated into managing advanced health care needs of the client. Students will apply the nursing process and focus on improving patient outcomes. The theoretical framework for simulation design for nursing education, the nursing process, collaborative learning and guided reflection will be explored to create student-centered educational experiences for attainment of clinical skills and critical thinking. An educational site affiliation agreement with a student selected approved facility is secured and a practicum contract is developed and established with an approved nurse educator preceptor prior to enrollment in this course; advanced clinical application practicum hours are initiated in NURS 617. Students must meet all pre-practicum requirements prior to enrollment in NURS 617; refer to Graduate Nursing Handbook for pre-practicum requirements.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the MSN program
Offered: Online
This course provides students with a variety of teaching strategies and evaluative approaches designed to promote a productive and effective learning environment. Selected teaching learning theories are examined and applied to the role of nurse educator and nursing education practice. Students establish nurse education practicum goals and objectives and are required to obtain a nurse educator preceptor. Practicum hours involve practical observational and hands-on experiences in both the clinical and classroom environments. An educational site affiliation agreement with a student selected approved facility is secured and a practicum contract is developed and established with an approved nurse educator preceptor prior to enrollment in this course; practicum hours are initiated in NURS 618. Students must meet all pre-practicum requirements prior to enrollment in NURS 618; refer to Graduate Nursing Handbook for pre-practicum requirements.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: NURS 618
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and requisite skill set needed to effectively design, develop, implement, and evaluate nursing education focused curricula. Current trends in nursing education and accreditation are discussed; philosophies, conceptual frameworks, development of learning goals and objectives are examined and applied. Practicum hours continue.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: NURS 619
This course is designed for students who elect to utilize their selected area of advanced practice knowledge and related practicum experiences by serving as nurse educators. Students are guided to continue working with preceptors to fulfill clinical and educational objectives that were developed and initiated in NURS 618. A research project that leads to the writing of a scholarly paper suitable for publication is required.
Note: Students admitted in the program prior to Fall 2012, follow the prior Nurse Education track and the course/practicum hours for those students is 6 hours.
Offered: Online
This is the capstone course for the Pain Science Certificate Program. The course provides the opportunity to apply various aspects of pain science gleaned from previous pain management courses. Application includes an assessment of organizational readiness to commit to a well- developed pain program within a healthcare organization. Current policies are evaluated to determine if they support the ANA Pain Management Scope and Standards of Practice and provide the infrastructure supporting quality pain management across care settings from acute care to community. Pain principles are applied using case studies which serve as the basis to critique current practices and develop strategies to promote effective pain management. The biblical worldview is integrated into the plan of care thus seeking excellence in the implementation of pain science into the practice setting.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: NURS 500 and NURS 501 and NURS 502 and NURS 503 and NURS 521 and NURS 523 and BUSI 610
The practicum course will provide the student an opportunity to explore the role of the nurse administrator within today's health care organizations. Students will examine organizational structure, management theory, professional ethics, and policy, legal and ethical and regulatory issues as a foundation to create a culture of excellence, quality and safety. Students will examine decision making and the role of the nurse administrator within the context of political and power structures, the practice, institutional and physical environments of the organization and external factors. An educational site affiliation agreement with a student selected approved facility is secured and a practicum contract is developed and established with an approved nurse leader preceptor prior to enrollment in this course; nursing administration/leadership practicum hours are initiated in NURS 623. Students must meet all pre-practicum requirements prior to enrollment in NURS 623; refer to Graduate Nursing Handbook for pre-practicum requirements.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to MSN program
Offered: Online
This practicum course will provide students with an opportunity to apply theories of leadership and use of self to develop the leadership and managements skills required of the nurse leader. Students will obtain knowledge, skills and abilities to lead and manage a diverse workforce in a complex healthcare environment. Particular emphasis will be on team building, managing conflict, expanding opportunities for effective communication and dealing with change. The role of the leader as a transforming influence will be integrated into the practicum experience that fosters a vision for developing innovations that support positive patient and organizational outcomes.
Offered: Online
This practicum course will provide the student an opportunity to apply legal, regulatory and ethical considerations in the management of resources. Management of human resources will include topics such as relationship management, staff development, professional performance appraisals, motivation, personnel policies and procedures. Principles of financial, material, and technological resource management will be utilized through collaborative learning opportunities.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: NURS 625
This practicum course provides students an opportunity to demonstrate competencies in key elements of the Nurse Administrator role and apply the advanced practice role to a variety of professional practice settings. Students will integrate standards of professional nursing performance, ethical, legal and regulatory compliance to practice during a capstone project and experience.
Offered: Online
This course will focus on health policy issues at the local, regional and state level. Emphasis will be placed on developing the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to conceptualize and evaluate health care policy proposals within a well-developed ethical framework that reflects the contrast between the Judeo-Christian worldview and secular humanism. Students will be exposed to the process, institutions, and actors engaged in the process of creation, advocacy, development, enactment and implementation of health care policy.
Offered: Online
The Health Policy Leadership II practicum is designed to provide the student already employed in a healthcare organization with exposure to executive management, leadership, and policy- making processes and activities.
Offered: Online
The Health Policy Leadership III practicum is designed to provide the student already employed in a healthcare organization with exposure to the policy- making processes and activities within the local and/or state levels.
Offered: Online
This capstone course will provide the graduate student with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of the nursing informatics field (ANA, 2015) through identification of a problem, issue, or need in professional practice. A community assessment will be performed to identify the problem, issue or need at hand. Through consultation with their professor, the graduate student will then create an evidence-based project, to address this area of need through synthesis of advanced knowledge and skills, resulting in a nursing informatics deliverable as a means to foster improved outcomes.
Offered: Online
This practicum course is designed to engage the practicing nurse in community health nursing with the goal of promoting and preserving the health of populations. This course recognizes that community health practice is responsible to the community as client with services provided to individuals, families and groups to promote health and prevent disease. Students will apply knowledge and skills regarding comprehensive community assessment and diagnosis, evidenced-based nursing theory and community practice models, analysis of population data, and priority setting. Emphasis is placed on biblical worldview, culturally relevant care and interdisciplinary teamwork. Clinical opportunities within the community setting are initiated.
Offered: Online
This practicum course is designed to build on practicum experiences from NURS 631 and expand the practicing RN's engagement within the community setting by considering community concepts and addressing the social determinants of health; with the goal of promoting and preserving the health of populations. RN's will apply knowledge and skills from nursing practice, nursing courses, and public health sciences to broaden their understanding of caring for a community's health.
Offered: Online
This course completes community health practicum experience that continues to build on community focus to include community based management, formulates community goals and objectives, concentrating on evidence-based program planning while expanding population-oriented preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative models of care.
Offered: Online
This informatics course will provide graduate students the opportunity to design, appraise and modify data sets using data mining software. Management of data will be supported by nursing informatics framework to meet the scope and standards of practice for Nursing Informatics (ANA, 2015). Knowledge discovery through the data mining process will be applied to the final capstone project.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: NURS 635
This capstone course will provide the graduate student with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of the nursing informatics field (ANA, 2022) through identification of a problem, issue, or need in professional practice. A community assessment will be performed to identify the problem, issue or need at hand. Through consultation with their professor, the graduate student will then create an evidence-based project, to address this area of need through synthesis of advanced knowledge and skills, resulting in a nursing informatics deliverable as a means to foster improved outcomes.
Offered: Online
This capstone course is designed for health/wellness majors who are in the last semester of their Health Services graduate degree program. With guidance from the course professor, students will develop a health-oriented educational program, based on current research.
Note: Students must be in the final semester of their Health Services degree program.
Offered: Online