Director: Dr. Sharon Thompson, Ph.D., R.N., M.P.H.
INTRODUCTION
Upon completion of program requirements, students are awarded the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The program integrates nursing education, research, and clinical practice. Graduates are able to respond to challenges facing nursing and the health care system through advanced clinical practice and scientific inquiry.
The MSN degree is awarded to graduates who complete requirements for a specific advanced practice option in an identified area of nursing practice. Currently, students may select from Family Nurse Practitioner, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia or Nursing Administration.
Registered nurses who graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or with a Diploma in Nursing from a National League of Nursing (NLN) accredited nursing program and who demonstrate leadership potential are eligible for RN to MSN study. Students in the RN to MSN option complete undergraduate nursing requirements prior to selecting a concentration of study in the graduate nursing program.
OUTCOMES
At the conclusion of the program of study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Nursing, the graduate:
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM
Opportunities for part-time study are available to students in three of the four program options. Courses are scheduled three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer) and are offered in the evening to accommodate students who are working full-time.
NOTE: Course offerings in any graduate nursing option are contingent on sufficient enrollment.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Registered nurses who have a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing from an accredited program are eligible to apply for admission to graduate study. Applicants must:
NOTE: Specific MSN program options require additional admission criteria.
RESEARCH REQUIREMENT
Each graduate student in nursing is required to conduct a research study and submit a formal research report—a thesis—prior to graduation. This requirement includes nine credits of study—three credits of GNURS 650 Research Methods, three credits of GNURS 651 Research Seminar, and three credits of GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance. Students are guided through the process by a doctorally-prepared nursing faculty member. A student may need more than the 3 credits required for Thesis Guidance to complete their thesis. If additional credits are needed, the student will be directed to take GNURS 684 or GNURS 685 Independent Study credits.
THE CURRICULUM PLAN
The graduate nursing program requires students to complete from 42 to 48 credits. Credit requirements are specific to the advanced practice nursing option selected by the student. Regardless of the area of concentration, all students are required to complete six credits of core nursing knowledge courses—three credits of GNURS 525 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and three credits of GNURS 526 Role Theory and Professional Issues in Nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing Options
COURSE OF STUDY FOR FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER
The Family Nurse Practitioner option offers students a focus on development and
implementation of the nurse practitioner role with families in a rural setting.
Ethical dilemmas and legal issues resulting from the expanded role are
addressed. Primary care provider and leadership roles in community practice are
learned from a theoretical knowledge base in the classroom and a clinical
practice base in a variety of settings. Students learn needs assessment
approaches for a community-wide system of health care services.
Curriculum Requirements
The planned course
sequence that follows is for part-time study:
First Year
Fall Semester
3 GNURS 525 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
3 GNURS 590 Advanced Physical Assessment *
6 Credits
Spring Semester
3 GNURS 526 Role Theory and Professional Issues in
Nursing
3 GNURS 587 Advanced Pathophysiology 1 *
6 Credits
Second Year
Fall Semester
3 GNURS 650 Research Methods
3 GNURS 588 Advanced Pathophysiology 2 *
6 Credits
Spring Semester
3 GNURS 651 Research Seminar
3 GNURS 589 Pharmacotherapeutics *
6 Credits
Summer Session
3 GNURS 660 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 1 *
3 GNURS 663 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 1
*
1 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance
7 Credits
Third Year
Fall Semester
3 GNURS 661 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 2 *
4 GNURS 664 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 2
*
1 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance
8 Credits
Spring Semester
3 GNURS 662 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 3 *
5 GNURS 665 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 3
*
1 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance
9 Credits
Total Credits 48
* indicates courses required for a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
For students with an earned MSN, a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate may be
earned by taking the 33 didactic and clinical course credits indicated with an
asterisk. If the student has not completed a thesis, the research component will
be required. Certificate students are admitted on a space-available basis.
COURSE OF STUDY FOR MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
The Medical-Surgical Nursing Option offers students a focus on development of an
advanced practice nursing role meeting the needs of individuals, families, and
populations in a variety of practice settings. Students choose relevant concepts
to explore in depth with distinct populations of clients and use current
research findings, theory, and advanced practice skills to provide comprehensive
nursing care. A variety of clinical sites are available to students to ensure
they are able to meet the restoration and rehabilitative needs of clients. The
role course and practica in this option allow students to develop expertise as:
(1) a clinical nurse specialist, (2) an educator, or (3) an administrator.
Regardless of the specific role identified, an integral focus for students in
the Medical-Surgical Nursing option is leadership in the investigation of
factors that enhance health and quality of life for individuals, families, and
populations.
Curriculum Requirements
The planned course sequence that follows is for part-time study:
First Year
Fall Semester
3 GNURS 525 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
3 GNURS 590 Advanced Physical Assessment
3 GNURS 641 Advanced Nursing Concepts
9 Credits
Spring Semester
3 GNURS 526 Role Theory and Professional Issues in
Nursing
3 GNURS 587* Advanced Pathophysiology 1
3 GNURS 590 Advanced Nursing Strategies
9 Credits
Second Year
Fall Semester
3 GNURS 650 Research Methods
3 GNURS 588 Advanced Pathophysiology II
3 GNURS 643 Practicum in Medical-Surgical Nursing 1
9 Credits
Spring Semester
3 GNURS 651 Research Seminar
3 GNURS 644 Practicum in Medical-Surgical
Nursing 2
3 GNURS 634 Role Options in Medical-Surgical
Nursing
9 Credits
Summer Session
1 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance
Choose ONE of the following three Role Practicum Options:
3 GNURS 635 Role of the Nurse as Clinical
Nurse Specialist
3 GNURS 636 Role of the Nurse as Educator
3 GNURS 637 Role of the Nurse as
Administrator
4 Credits
Third Year
Fall Semester
1 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance
1 Credits
Spring Semester
1 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance
1 Credits
Total Credits 42
COURSE OF STUDY FOR NURSE ANESTHESIA
The Nurse Anesthesia option is designed to provide the professional nurse with
an in-depth concentration in clinical anesthesia and prepare graduates of the
program to assume the specialized role of nurse anesthetist. Students have the
opportunity to use research, collaborate, and contribute effectively to the
health care team’s efforts to provide optimal patient care. Upon completion of
the program, students will be eligible to take the examination of the Council on
Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. This graduate nursing option is a
cooperative program between Gannon University and Hamot Medical Center. Students
must attend full-time in this option.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Professional nurses who have a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in
Nursing from an accredited program are eligible to apply for admission. NOTE:
The Nurse Anesthesia program of study begins only in January. Applicants seeking admission to the Nurse Anesthesia option must:
Curriculum Requirements
This program of study can only be completed on a full-time basis.
| FIRST YEAR | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| 3 | GNURS 525 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing |
| 3 | GNURS 561 | Chemistry and Physics of Anesthesia * |
| 4 | GNURS 627 | Physiology for Anesthesia 1 |
| 3 | GNURS 630 | Foundations of Anesthesia Nursing 1* |
| 13 Credits | ||
| Summer Session | ||
| 0 | GNURS 617 | Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 1 * |
| 3 | GNURS 625 | Pharmacology for Anesthesia 1 * |
| 3 | GNURS 628 | Physiology for Anesthesia 2 * |
| 3 | GNURS 632 | Foundations of Anesthesia Nursing 2 * |
| 9 Credits | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| 0 | GNURS 618 | Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 2 * |
| 3 | GNURS 626 | Pharmacology for Anesthesia 2 * |
| 2 | GNURS 629 | Physiology for Anesthesia 3 * |
| 3 | GNURS 650 | Research Methods |
| 3 | GNURS 725 | Advanced Anesthesia Nursing 1 * |
| 11 Credits | ||
| SECOND YEAR | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| 3 | GNURS 526 | Role Theory and Professional Issues in Nursing |
| 0 | GNURS 619 | Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 3 * |
| 3 | GNURS 651 | Research Seminar |
| 3 | GNURS 726 | Advanced Anesthesia Nursing 2 * |
| 9 Credits | ||
| Summer Session | ||
| 0 | GNURS 717 | Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 4 * |
| 1 | GNURS 721 | Thesis Guidance 1 |
| 1 Credits | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| 0 | GNURS 718 | Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 5 * |
| 3 | GNURS 731 | Integrated Role Seminar * |
| 1 | GNURS 721 | Thesis Guidance |
| 4 Credits | ||
| THIRD YEAR | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| 0 | GNURS 719 | Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 6 * |
| 1 | GNURS 721 | Thesis Guidance |
| 1 Total | ||
Total Credits 48
* indicates courses required for a Nurse Anesthesia Certificate
The Nurse Anesthesia program and Certificate options are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Nurse Anesthesia Certificate
For students with an earned MSN, a Nurse Anesthesia Certificate may be earned by
taking the didactic and clinical courses indicated with an asterisk. If the
student has not previously completed a thesis, the research component will be
required. Certificate students must meet all admission eligibility requirements
and are admitted on a space-available basis only.
COURSE OF STUDY FOR NURSING ADMINISTRATION
Specialization in Nursing Administration focuses on the role the nurse executive
must assume to administer resources for the provision of nursing care delivery.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis and synthesis of advanced concepts from both
nursing and business—as well as systematic investigation of the concepts
underlying nursing and leadership roles in changing environments and complex
health care organizations.
The curriculum provides up-to-date information on today’s health care
environment and explores the implications of that environment for health care
organizations, individual nursing departments, and patient populations. The
curriculum prepares nurse executives to work effectively in leadership roles
within today’s health care practice arena.
Curriculum Requirements
The planned course sequence that follows is for part-time study:
| FIRST YEAR | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| 3 | GMBA 773 | Labor Management |
| 3 | GNURS 510 | Financial Dimensions of Health Care |
| 3 | GNURS 525 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing |
| 9 Credits | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| 3 | GNURS 526 | Role Theory and Professional Issues in Nursing |
| 3 | GNURS 675 | Nursing Administration Theory 1 |
| 3 | GNURS 677 | Nursing Administration Practicum 1 |
| 9 Credits | ||
| Summer Session | ||
| 3 | Elective | |
| 3 Credits | ||
* Students are to identify a course within the
University that will help them develop expertise in a specific
area. Elective credits can be from the School of Nursing, but may also be taken
from other Graduate
Programs within the University.
| SECOND YEAR | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| 3 | GNURS 676 | Nursing Administration Theory 2 |
| 3 | GNURS 678 | Nursing Administration Practicum 2 |
| 3 | GNURS 650 | Research Methods |
| 9 Credits | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| 3 | GNURS 651 | Research Seminar |
| 3 | GNURS 512 | Legal/Ethical Concerns in Health Care |
| 3 | GNURS 513 | Organizational Analysis of Health Care Administration |
| 9 Credits | ||
| Summer Session | ||
| 1 | GNURS 721 | Thesis Guidance |
| 1 Credits | ||
| THIRD YEAR | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| 1 | GNURS 721 | Thesis Guidance |
| 1 Credits | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| 1 | GNURS 721 | Thesis Guidance |
| 1 Credits | ||
Total Credits 42
GNURS 510 Financial Dimensions of Health Care
3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the program director. This
course is open to all graduate students.
This course examines the financial implications of health care. Content provides
an overview of health care business practices—including accounting, finance,
marketing, health policy, and reimbursement. This course prepares advanced
practice nurse managers and administrators to operate effectively in the
fiscally responsible environment required in the current health care practice
arena.
GNURS 512 Legal/Ethical Concerns in Health Care
3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the program director.
Health care practitioners—including nurses—are facing increased legal, moral,
and ethical dilemmas in daily professional practice. This course provides a
systematic examination of the legal basis for professional practice and examines
the practical application of the principles of law and ethics to health care
situations.
GNURS 513 Organizational Analysis of Health Care Administration
3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the program director.
This course provides a systematic examination of a specific conceptual model of
organizational management that is applicable to any organization in which health
care administrators function. This model was identified for examination because
it fosters analytic thinking, is applicable to any organization, and facilitates
integration of knowledge from many disciplines.
GNURS 515 Native American Peoples: State of the Nation’s Health
3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of the program director. This course
is open to all graduate students.
This course provides an opportunity to explore the state of Native American
health. Students explore historical, legal, socioeconomic, and cultural factors
that impact the current status of Native Americans. Students also explore their
own attitudes and beliefs regarding the Native American culture. Students are
guided to an understanding of these concepts through exposure to Native American
art, music, and literature, as well as interactions with Native Americans.
The issue of sovereignty and Native healing practices are central.
GNURS 525 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
3 credits
Core course.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the program director.
This course provides an overview of nursing theories and models. Course work
provides the student an opportunity to examine the development of concepts
applicable to nursing, as well as the explication and utilization of specific theories
in the delivery of nursing care. Emphasis is on theory construction and the role that theory
plays in providing the scientific basis for the practice of nursing. Offered
fall and spring semesters.
GNURS 526 Role Theory and Professional Issues in Nursing
3 credits
Core course.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of the program director.
GNURS 525 is Prerequisite or Corequisite to GNURS 526
This course deals with the examination of theories underlying the construction
and definition of roles in society, with emphasis on the acquisition and meaning
of advanced practice nursing roles. Professional issues and advanced practice
roles are examined for their interrelatedness within the health care system.
Emphasis is on role development, leadership, and research, and how these provide
the basis for planned change within the health care system and the nursing
profession. Offered spring semester.
GNURS 535 Fundamentals of Forensic Nursing
3 credits
Elective: Graduate standing or permission of the program director. This course
is open to all graduate students.
This course provides introductory knowledge and nursing strategies to better
meet the needs of individuals affected by forensic-related health care
situations. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes. Course content
explores the history and development of forensic nursing as a scientific
subspecialty of nursing, the forensic nursing process, and application of the
forensic nursing role. Forensic topics include sexual assault
management; death investigation; child death review; abuse and neglect
recognition and investigation; emergency department procedures; violence and
victimology; and injury identification and interpretation. The recognition,
collection, preservation, and documentation of forensic evidence is presented in
depth. How forensic nursing interfaces with the law and legal issues are
presented.
GNURS 561 Chemistry and Physics of Anesthesia
3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Nurse Anesthesia option.
Corequisites: GNURS 627 & GNURS 630
This course investigates the basic principles of chemistry and physics as they
relate to the clinical practice of anesthesia. Course content includes
mechanics, fluids, gases, electricity, electronics, and instruments as they
relate to the practice of anesthesia.
GNURS 583 Special Topics in Nursing
1 to 3 credits
Special topics enables faculty in the School of Nursing to offer seminars,
courses, or workshops in a specialized area of nursing. Requests for special
topic courses can be initiated by graduate nursing students to complete program
requirements.
GNURS 587 Advanced Pathophysiology 1
GNURS 588 Advanced Pathophysiology 2
3 credits each
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of the program director.
GNURS 587 is prerequisite to GNURS 588.
This two-course series is designed to provide didactic learning experiences that
enable students to incorporate advanced knowledge specific to normal aging
processes, physiology, and pathology of all major body systems into their
advanced practice nursing role. GNURS 587 offered spring semester; GNURS 588
offered fall semester.
GNURS 589 Pharmacotherapeutics
3 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 587
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the principles of pharmacology for registered nurses in an advanced practice role.
Course content identifies the clinical judgment necessary for identifying the appropriate drug, dose, route, frequency, duration of
treatment, and nursing interventions necessary when presented with patients experiencing particular symptoms or disease states.
In this decision-making process, patient factors such as age, renal function, hepatic function, concurrent disease states, and
current medications as well as pharmacologic factors such as pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and toxicity are identified.
GNURS 590 Advanced Physical Assessment
3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of the program director.
This course expands nursing physical assessment skills to the level of advanced
practice. Skills addressed include taking a health history, and physical,
psychological, cognitive, and social assessments. Physical assessment skills
span all age groups, but the focus in this course is on the adult. Advanced
inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation skills are taught and
practiced. Emphasis is on the application of knowledge specific to human
anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to physical assessment.
GNURS 617 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 1
0 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 630
The clinical Nurse Anesthesia curriculum is designed to allow the nurse
anesthetist student integrate didactic learning into the clinical practice of
anesthesia. Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 1 provides the foundation for clinical practice.
An appropriate orientation to clinical practice precedes the initial clinical
experience where basic anesthesia skills are learned and practiced.
GNURS 618 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 2
0 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 617
Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 2 builds on the basic skills learned in Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 1.
It provides the nurse anesthetist student the opportunity to improve their basic
anesthesia skills. Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 2 builds on the student’s basic anesthesia
knowledge and comprehension. The student demonstrates the use of didactic
knowledge learned in the classroom and skills learned in the clinical setting to
meet the perioperative needs of patients.
GNURS 619 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 3
0 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 618
Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 3 builds on the advanced skills learned in Anesthesia Clinical Practicum
2. It provides the nurse anesthetist student the opportunity to improve their
basic anesthesia skills. Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 3 builds on the student’s anesthesia
knowledge and comprehension. The student demonstrates the use of didactic
knowledge learned in the classroom and skills learned in the clinical setting to
meet the perioperative needs of a variety of patients. Students begin to take a
more active role in the decisionmaking process specific to the anesthesia needs
of their patients.
GNURS 625 Pharmacology for Anesthesia 1
3 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 561
This course is the first in a two-course series. It provides in-depth knowledge
specific to anesthesia pharmacology to nurse anesthetist students. Course
content includes the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthetic agents,
muscle relaxants, and local agents. Emphasis is on knowledge specific to the
uptake and distribution of anesthetics, as well as the metabolism, excretion,
and elimination of anesthetic drugs.
GNURS 626 Pharmacology for Anesthesia 2
3 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 625
This course is the second in a two-course series for nurse anesthetist students
specific to anesthesia pharmacology. Course content includes the
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the accessory drugs used in anesthesia
practice. Emphasis is on drugs affecting the autonomic system, the central
nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. The information presented in this
course is requisite knowledge for the effective clinical practice of anesthesia.
GNURS 627 Physiology for Anesthesia 1
4 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Nurse Anesthesia option.
Corequisites: GNURS 561 & GNURS 630
This course is the first in a three-course series for nurse anesthetist
students. Course content presents a detailed, systematic investigation of the
anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary system. Emphasis
is on the integration of this knowledge into planning, implementation, and
evaluation of care strategies for patients requiring anesthesia.
GNURS 628 Physiology for Anesthesia 2
3 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 627
This course is the second in a three-course series for nurse anesthetist
students. Course content presents a detailed, systematic investigation of the
anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the endocrine and renal systems,
including fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base physiology. Emphasis is on the
integration of this knowledge into planning, implementation, and evaluation of
care strategies for patients requiring anesthesia.
GNURS 629 Physiology for Anesthesia 3
2 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 628
This course is the third in a three-course series for nurse anesthetist
students. Course content presents a detailed, systematic investigation of the
anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the neuromuscular system. Emphasis
is on the integration of this knowledge into planning, implementation, and
evaluation of care strategies for patients requiring anesthesia.
GNURS 630 Foundations of Anesthesia Nursing 1
3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Nurse Anesthesia option.
Corequisites: GNURS 561 & GNURS 627
This course is the first in a two-course series. It provides nurse anesthesia
students with an introduction to the art and science of anesthesia. Course
content identifies basic concepts of anesthesia and introduces the student to
techniques and procedures specific to the practice of anesthesia. Reinforcement
of didactic principles is accomplished by practice sessions in a structured
laboratory setting.
GNURS 632 Foundations of Anesthesia Nursing 2
3 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 630
This course is the second in a two-course series for nurse anesthesia students.
Course content includes progressive, guided instruction in the clinical
anesthesia management of patients undergoing obstetrical, pediatric, orthopedic,
and urologic surgery. Inpatient, outpatient, and trauma settings are included.
Legal aspects of the practice of anesthesia are addressed. Reinforcement of
didactic principles continues.
GNURS 634 Role Options in Medical-Surgical Nursing
3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Medical-Surgical Nursing option. GNURS 525
This course provides didactic content specific to the three major role options
available to graduate nursing students enrolled in the medical-surgical nursing
option. Course content presents concepts specific to the required knowledge and
focus necessary to be an effective (1) clinical nurse specialist, (2) educator,
or
(3) administrator. Students self-identify which role they wish to pursue and use
their decision to focus on a clinical practica option to meet their professional
goals.
GNURS 635 Role of the Nurse as Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum
3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the Medical-Surgical Nursing option. GNURS 634
This is one of three practicum options for the medical-surgical nursing student
[only one practicum is required]. The focus is on incorporating the clinical
nurse specialist role into the provision of patient care. The student
self-identifies all components of the experience—including setting, objectives,
and specific strategies to meet objectives—with input from the faculty
facilitator.
GNURS 636 Role of the Nurse as Educator Practicum
3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the Medical-Surgical Nursing option. GNURS 634
This is one of three practicum options for the medical-surgical nursing student
[only one practicum is required]. The focus is on incorporating the educator
role into the provision of patient care. The student self-identifies all
components of the experience—including setting, objectives, and specific
strategies to meet objectives—with input from the faculty facilitator.
GNURS 637 Role of the Nurse as Administrator Practicum
3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the Medical-Surgical Nursing option. GNURS 634
This is one of three practicum options for the medical-surgical nursing student
[only one practicum is required]. The focus is on incorporating the
administrator role into the provision of patient care. The student
self-identifies all components of the experience—including setting, objectives,
and specific strategies to meet objectives—with input from the faculty
facilitator.
GNURS 641 Advanced Nursing Concepts
3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of the program director.
This course provides in-depth analysis of advanced nursing concepts specific to
the physiological, psychosocial, cognitive, and spiritual health of the adult
client. Emphasis is on exploring the meaning and critical attributes of these
concepts. This exploration is necessary, as it enables the nurse to describe the
human responses that occur during the process of caring for, with, and about
clients.
GNURS 642 Advanced Nursing Strategies
3 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 641
This course builds on the knowledge learned from GNURS 641. In this course, the
student designs nursing strategies based on an in-depth analysis of a
student-identified concept. Emphasis is on the exploration of creative and
innovative strategies which are supported by the nursing literature. In
addition, consideration is given to strategies for creating an environment in
which advanced nursing practice can flourish. The theory/practice gap is
examined and methods for eliminating that gap are explored.
GNURS 643 Practicum in Medical-Surgical Nursing 1
GNURS 644 Practicum in Medical-Surgical Nursing 2
3 credits each
Prerequisites: GNURS 641 & GNURS 642
These practica are designed to permit medical-surgical nursing students to
develop specific therapeutic strategies, demonstrate advanced clinical
competencies, and accomplish individually-developed goals. The student
self-identifies all components of the experience—including setting, patient
population. objectives, and specific strategies to meet objectives—with input
from the faculty facilitator.
GNURS 650 Research Methods
3 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 525
This course involves the systematic examination of the research process and the
various quantitative and qualitative methodologies available to researchers,
including nurse researchers. Focus is on the methods and processes of systematic
investigation, including critical analysis of studies, and analysis of the
dynamic relationships among the various design, implementation, and evaluation
components of research. This course provides graduate nursing students with the
fundamental knowledge necessary to design and conduct a research study. Offered
fall semester.
GNURS 651 Research Seminar
3 credits
Prerequisites: GNURS 650 or permission of the program director.
This seminar provides peer and faculty support to students developing their
graduate research proposals. The major emphasis includes refining an area of
research, identifying a researchable question, exploring the literature and
critiquing literature relevant to the research area, determining the appropriate
method to answer the research question, and identifying a thesis chairperson for
GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance. The majority of seminar sessions are devoted to
student presentations of their research plans with group feedback to strengthen
the proposal. Offered spring semester.
GNURS 660 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 1
3 credits
Prerequisites: GNURS 587, GNURS 588, GNURS 589 & GNURS 590
Corequisite: GNURS 663
This course presents theoretical knowledge and skills necessary for the nurse
practitioner student to develop effective strategies to analyze, manage, and
prevent episodic problems common to a specific population of patients—women,
from adolescence through post-menopause, residing in rural areas.
GNURS 661 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 2
3 credits
Prerequisites: GNURS 660 & GNURS 663
Corequisite: GNURS 664
This course presents theoretical knowledge and skills necessary for the nurse
practitioner student to develop nursing competency in rural pediatric primary
care practice. Course content includes health care strategies to assist clients
and families in coping with health problems affecting infants through
adolescents. Emphasis is on health promotion and disease prevention and
intervention into the health needs and problems of this patient population in
rural areas.
GNURS 662 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 3
3 credits
Prerequisites: GNURS 661 & GNURS 664
Corequisite: GNURS 665
This course focuses on being a Family Nurse Practitioner in rural
settings—settings that meet the health care needs of an adult population. This
focus includes health promotion, episodic illness care, stable chronic illness
care, and awareness of dealing with emergency situations that can present at
rural health care sites. Ethical dilemmas and legal issues resulting from
expectations of nurses in this advanced practice role will be addressed.
Leadership roles in community practice will be discussed from a theoretical
knowledge base. Content will be presented specific to conducting a needs
assessment in rural communities to ensure organization of health services that
provide for stabilization and continuity of health care.
GNURS 663 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 1
3 credits
Corequisite: GNURS 660
This clinical practicum focuses on clinical application of theoretical knowledge
and skills for the development of nurse practitioner strategies for health
promotion and management of problems common to female clients and their families
in rural communities.
GNURS 664 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 2
4 credits
Corequisite: GNURS 661
This clinical practicum focuses on clinical application of theoretical knowledge
and skills for the development of nurse practitioner strategies for health
promotion and management of problems common to pediatric and adolescent clients
in rural communities.
GNURS 665 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 3
5 credits
Corequisite: GNURS 662
This clinical practicum focuses on synthesis and evaluation of nurse
practitioner clinical experiences. The development and implementation of the
role as family nurse practitioner in providing for the health care needs of
clients in rural communities is evaluated. Emphasis is on the ability of the
student to integrate theoretical and clinical components in an ambulatory care
setting within a rural, community-wide system.
GNURS 675 Nursing Administration Theory 1
GNURS 676 Nursing Administration Theory 2
3 credits each
Prerequisites: GNURS 525, GNURS 650, GNURS 510, GNURS 513, & GNURS 512 or
permission of the
program director.
These two courses provide knowledge specific to being effective in nursing
administration. Course content focuses on the management process—including
planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. The process is
viewed as a series of actions or operations leading toward a goal. The first
course looks at a beginning-level management position. The second course
explores the role of a nurse executive.
GNURS 677 Nursing Administration Practicum 1
GNURS 678 Nursing Administration Practicum 2
3 credits each
Prerequisites: GNURS 675 &, GNURS 676 or permission of the program director.
These clinical practica provide the nursing administration student experience in
appropriate agencies with selected preceptors. Practicum experiences are
individualized to meet student needs. The student
self-identifies all components of the experience—including setting, objectives,
and specific strategies to meet objectives—with input from the faculty
facilitator.
GNURS 684 or GNURS 685 Independent Study
1 to 3 credits
This course is designed to provide graduate students with learning experiences
that enable them to independently explore a specific area of nursing.
Exploration can focus on issues related to education, administration, practice,
legislation or scientific inquiry. The student self-identifies all components of
the experience—including objectives, and specific strategies to meet
objectives—with input from the faculty facilitator.
GNURS 717 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 4
0 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 619
Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 4 builds on the advanced skills learned in Anesthesia Clinical Practicum
3. The nurse anesthetist student will be given the opportunity to experience more
difficult cases and apply new learning. The student will be required to begin
demonstrating higher levels of application and comprehension in clinical
practice.
GNURS 718 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 5
0 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 717
Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 5 builds on the advanced skills learned in Anesthesia Clinical Practicum
4. It provides the nurse anesthetist student the opportunity to be more
independent in meeting the anesthesia needs of their patients.
GNURS 719 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 6
0 credits
Prerequisite: GNURS 718
Anesthesia Clinical Practicum 6 builds on the advanced skills learned across the anesthesia
curriculum. Nurse anesthesia students are now expected to be as independent as
possible in the practice of anesthesia.
GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance
1 to 3 credits (total of 3 credits required)
Prerequisites: GNURS 650 & GNURS 651 or permission of the program
director.
This course is designed to provide graduate nursing students individualized
guidance as they complete the research requirement of their program of study.
The focus is on enabling the student to effectively use the research process in
systematic inquiry aimed at discovery. The student may use either quantitative
or qualitative methods in answering identified researchable questions within
their optional course of study. Offered each semester.
GNURS 725 Advanced Anesthesia Nursing 1
3 credits
Prerequisites: GNURS 632.
This course provides content specific to the application of didactic information
to clinical situations. Nurse anesthetist students are introduced to anesthesia
specialties in a seminar format. Specialties include: pediatric, cardiovascular,
otolaryngolic, and anesthesia for uncommon disease.
GNURS 726 Advanced Anesthesia Nursing 2
3 credits
Prerequisites: GNURS 725
This course provides detailed instruction into the art and science of regional
anesthesia and pain management. Reinforcement of didactic principles will be
gained throughout the course by video, computer, and mannequin simulation.
GNURS 731 Integrated Role Seminar
3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the Nurse Anesthesia option.
This course introduces the nurse anesthetist student to areas of professional
responsibility. A wide range of topics are discussed. This course is designed to
assist the student in analysis and evaluation of their professional role.