Nursing, BSN
Program Description
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Prelicensure, Day Program)
The traditional, day program is a full-time course of study leading to the BSN degree. Students must have earned 35 credits in a prescribed curriculum composed of core and support courses prior to taking nursing major courses in the sophomore level. The 16 nursing courses are taught during the fall and spring sessions. Didactic portions of the courses are taught during the day and clinical experiences are planned for daytime as well as evening hours.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master's degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at (La Salle University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The undergraduate nursing program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Clinical Experiences
The undergraduate nursing program of La Salle University's School of Nursing and Health Sciences has established community partnerships with a number of senior centers, adult day care centers, hospitals and other health-care facilities within Philadelphia and surrounding areas (including Montgomery, Bucks, and Delaware Counties as well as New Jersey). Clinical experiences associated with coursework may be assigned at institutions such as Jefferson Health System, Belmont Center for Comprehensive Care, Bryn Mawr Rehab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Cooper Medical Center, Doylestown Hospital, Friends Hospital, Shriner's Hospital for Children, Holy Redeemer Hospital and Medical Center, Main Line Health System, Penn Health System, St. Mary Medical Center, Temple University Hospital, and various public, parochial, and private schools in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Students participate in a wide of variety of community clinical rotations.
Students are responsible for their own means of transportation to and from clinical sites.
Requirements to Progress to Graduation
Progression in the Nursing Major
Students in the nursing major must meet specific academic standards for continued progression in the major. Effective fall 2024, students must maintain a 2.67 semester GPA in nursing major courses in order to progress. Grades of "C+” or better are required in all nursing courses to meet the course requirement. Students must also earn a minimum of a grade of C in NUTR 165 Principles of Nutrition , HSC 217 Statistics for Health Science Profs and PSY 210 Developmental Psychology.
Requirements for Graduation
In order to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, all students must fulfill requirements for graduation as outlined in the Undergraduate Nursing Program Student Handbook. These requirements include:
- completion of an approved, formal, face-to-face NCLEX-RN® review course at the end of the curriculum plan; and
- satisfactory completion of all core and major courses, including NUR 428 Senior Seminar II: Synthesis of Nursing Clinical Concepts - Synthesis of Clinical Concepts. As a major nursing course, NUR 428 Senior Seminar II: Synthesis of Nursing Clinical Concepts has as a course requirement, student attainment of a set benchmark score on a standardized predictor examination.
GPA Requirement for BSN
Students will be admitted into the Nursing major in the sophomore year. In order to be formally accepted into the sophomore year and begin nursing major courses, the student must have earned the following:
- At least 34 required La Salle University credits in the liberal arts and sciences (full-time day program)
- A grade of “C” or higher in Developmental Psychology
- An overall cumulative GPA of 3.0
- A Science GPA of 3.0, with completion of Chemistry (4cr), Microbiology (4cr), Anatomy & Physiology I (4cr), and Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr); no individual science course grade may be lower than a “C”; students may only repeat one science one time in order to achieve the required 3.0 GPA or required minimum course grade.
Students should be aware that the grading system and requirements for a passing grade in the undergraduate nursing program as well as most programs within the School of Nursing and Health Sciences are different than those of the general University. Specific grading scales are published in the SONHS Undergraduate and Graduate Student Handbooks.
Additional Requirements
Before sophomore year, clearances must be obtained. These include a cleared child abuse check, a cleared criminal record check from the state of Pennsylvania and primary residence state, a cleared FBI nationwide fingerprint check, and a negative urine drug screen. At this time, Covid vaccinations are a requirement of the program. Please review the current BSN Handbook for additional requirements.
Why Take This Major?
Students earning a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing degree qualify to complete an application to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam). Once licensed as a Registered Nurse, a program graduate is prepared to provide holistic, professional nursing care to patients in a variety of health care settings including but not limited to acute and long-term care, occupational health, outpatient settings, rehabilitation centers, and a variety of community based agencies. Nursing professionals also seek career options in areas such as correctional facilities, education, pharmaceutical or medical device sales and in areas focused on informatics and technology applications. Nurses work in multidisciplinary teams to improve client outcomes in a diverse, global society ever mindful of cultural and lifespan considerations. Program graduates from La Salle University are prepared to advance the evidence base for nursing practice.
Degree Earned
BSN
Required for Graduation
- Courses
- Major: 16
- Total: 35
- Credits
- Major: 62
- Total: 123
- GPA
- Major: 2.67
- Cumulative: 2.67
Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the program, the student is prepared to:
- Integrate liberal education and nursing knowledge as a basis for clinical judgement.
- Exhibit leadership attributes, rooted in systems-based practice, to promote safe, equitable, quality care and work environments for providers and clients.
- Integrate nursing science and best evidence into the ethical care of diverse clients.
- Incorporate informatics and health care technologies to promote safe, equitable, cost-effective, quality care.
- Practice as an advocate to promote population health across the health care delivery continuum.
- Communicate effectively as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team to deliver optimal person-centered care.
- Engage in collaborative partnerships, advocacy, and policies with diverse populations across the lifespan to promote equitable health access, health promotion, and disease prevention.
- Demonstrate accountability for caring, professional nursing practice that addresses holistic and complex needs of clients across the lifespan and spheres of care.
- Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into one’s professional identity.
- Demonstrate a commitment to self-reflective practice to facilitate personal health and well-being, professional, and leadership development.
-
Integrate a person-centered care approach for diverse clients into nursing practice.
Progress Chart
Level One - Core Courses
12 courses and 2 modules required.
Major Requirements
Major requirements include 4 Level Two ILO requirements, fulfilled through the major.
Students in this major must complete 35 courses in total in order to graduate. 16 courses will be from this major program.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Level One - Core Courses | ||
Universal Required Courses | ||
Students must complete the following 4 courses. | ||
ILO 8.1: Written Communication | ||
ENG 110 | College Writing I: Persuasion | 3 |
ILO 5.1: Information Literacy | ||
ENG 210 | College Writing II: Research | 3 |
ILO 1.1: Understanding Diverse Perspectives | ||
FYS 130 | First-Year Academic Seminar 1 | 3 |
ILO 2.1: Reflective Thinking and Valuing | ||
REL 100 | Religion Matters | 3 |
Elective Core Courses | ||
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. | ||
ILO 3.1a: Scientific Reasoning | ||
NUTR 165 | Principles of Nutrition | 3 |
ILO 3.1b: Quantitative Reasoning | ||
MTH 150 | Mathematics: Myths and Realities | 3 |
ILO 6.1: Technological Competency | ||
CSC 154 | Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
ILO 8.1a/12.1: Oral Communication/Collaborative Engagement | ||
COM 150 | Presentation Skills | 3 |
Distinct Discipline Core Courses | ||
Students must complete 1 course in each of the following 4 ILOs. Each course must be from a different discipline. (A "discipline" is represented by the 3- or 4-letter prefix attached to each course.) | ||
ILO 4.1: Critical Analysis and Reasoning | ||
SOC 150 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
ILO 9.1: Creative and Artistic Expression | ||
Choose course within ILO | 3 | |
ILO 10.1: Ethical Understanding and Reasoning | ||
Choose course within ILO | 3 | |
ILO 11.1: Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity | ||
Choose course within ILO | 3 | |
Universal Required Modules | ||
Students must complete the following 2 non-credit modules. 2 | ||
ILO 7.1a | ||
Health Literacy Module | ||
ILO 7.1b | ||
Financial Literacy Module | ||
Major Requirements | ||
Level Two | ||
Students must complete 1 course/learning experience in each of the 4 commitments. | ||
ILO 2.2: Broader Identity (Capstone Course/Experience) | ||
NUR 427 | Nursing Leadership and Management: Concepts and Practice (ILO 2.2) | 3 |
Select one ILO from 3.2a, 3.2b, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2a, or 7.2b: Expanded Literacies | ||
NUR 334 | Genetics and Genomics (ILO 4.2) | 2 |
ILO 8.2b: Effective Expression (Writing-Intensive Course) | ||
NUR 332 | Introduction to Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice (ILO 8.2b) | 3 |
Select one ILO from 10.2, 11.2, or 12.2: Active Responsibility | ||
NUR 423 | Public Health Nursing (ILO 12.2) | 5 |
All Other Required Courses | ||
Nursing Major Courses | ||
NUR 201 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NUR 202 | Health Assessment | 3 |
NUR 203 | Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice | 4 |
NUR 204 | Pharmacology | 3 |
NUR 205 | Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice | 6 |
NUR 331 | Adult Health I: Care of the Client with Chronic Illness | 7 |
NUR 332 | Introduction to Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
NUR 333 | Family Nursing: Childbearing Families This is a 7 week course. | 4 |
NUR 334 | Genetics and Genomics | 2 |
NUR 335 | Family Nursing: Childrearing This is a 7 week course. | 4 |
NUR 421 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing This is a 7 week course. | 5 |
NUR 423 | Public Health Nursing This is a 7 week course. | 5 |
NUR 424 | Senior Seminar I: Synthesis of Clinical Concepts | 1 |
NUR 425 | Adult Health II: Care of the Client with Acute and Complex | 7 |
NUR 427 | Nursing Leadership and Management: Concepts and Practice | 3 |
NUR 428 | Senior Seminar II: Synthesis of Nursing Clinical Concepts | 2 |
Nursing Support Courses | ||
BIO 161 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
BIO 162 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
BIO 163 | Clinical Microbiology | 4 |
CHM 161 | Chemistry of The Life Sciences | 4 |
HSC 217 | Statistics for Health Science Profs | 3 |
PSY 155 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
PSY 210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
Free Electives | ||
In addition to the requirements listed above, students must take enough courses to the fulfill graduation credit requirements for their School and major. | ||
Total Credits | 123 | |
Total Clincial Hours | 840 | |
Total Lab Hours (NUR 202 Health Assessment) | 1400 minutes |
- 1
NOTE. The following students use Level 2 Capstone Experience in Major instead of FYS 130 First-Year Academic Seminar: Honors, BUSCA, Core-to-Core, Transfer, and Non-Traditional/Evening.
- 2
The Modules are not required for Transfer Students, Core-to-Core Students, or BUSCA Students. BUSCA students are required to take modules if/when they pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Recommended Course Sequence
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
First Semester | Credits | |
ENG 110 or COM 150 |
College Writing I: Persuasion (ILO 8.1b) or Presentation Skills |
3 |
FYS 130 or FYS 132 |
First-Year Academic Seminar (ILO 1.1) or First-Year Academic Seminar |
3 |
CHM 161 or BIO 163 |
Chemistry of The Life Sciences (ILO 3.1a) or Clinical Microbiology |
4 |
BIO 161 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
PSY 155 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Second Semester | ||
COM 150 or ENG 110 |
Presentation Skills (ILO 8.1a and 12.1) or College Writing I: Persuasion |
3 |
MTH 150 | Mathematics: Myths and Realities | 3 |
CHM 161 or BIO 163 |
Chemistry of The Life Sciences (ILO 3.1a) or Clinical Microbiology |
4 |
BIO 162 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
PSY 210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
Credits | 17 | |
Second Year | ||
First Semester | ||
NUTR 165 | Principles of Nutrition (ILO 3.1a) | 3 |
ENG 210 | College Writing II: Research (ILO 5.1) | 3 |
NUR 201 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NUR 202 | Health Assessment | 3 |
NUR 203 | Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice | 4 |
Health Literacy or Financial Literacy Module | ||
Credits | 16 | |
Second Semester | ||
HSC 217 | Statistics for Health Science Profs (ILO 3.1b) | 3 |
CSC 154 | Healthcare Informatics (ILO 6.1) | 3 |
NUR 204 | Pharmacology | 3 |
NUR 205 | Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice | 6 |
Health Literacy or Financial Literacy Module | ||
Credits | 15 | |
Third Year | ||
First Semester | ||
SOC 150 | Principles of Sociology (ILO 4.1) | 3 |
REL 100 | Religion Matters (ILO 2.1) | 3 |
NUR 331 | Adult Health I: Care of the Client with Chronic Illness | 7 |
NUR 332 | Introduction to Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
Second Semester | ||
Student’s choice to fulfill ILO 9.1 Creative and Artistic Expression | 3 | |
Student’s choice to fulfill ILO 10.1 Ethical Understanding and Reasoning | 3 | |
NUR 333 | Family Nursing: Childbearing Families | 4 |
NUR 334 | Genetics and Genomics | 2 |
NUR 335 | Family Nursing: Childrearing | 4 |
Credits | 16 | |
Fourth Year | ||
First Semester | ||
Student’s choice to fulfill ILO 11.1 Cultural and Global Awareness and Sensitivity | 3 | |
NUR 421 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
NUR 423 | Public Health Nursing | 5 |
NUR 424 | Senior Seminar I: Synthesis of Clinical Concepts | 1 |
Credits | 14 | |
Second Semester | ||
NUR 425 | Adult Health II: Care of the Client with Acute and Complex | 7 |
NUR 427 | Nursing Leadership and Management: Concepts and Practice | 3 |
NUR 428 | Senior Seminar II: Synthesis of Nursing Clinical Concepts | 2 |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 123 |
Total Clinical Hours: 840
Total Credits: 123
Total Lab Hours (NUR 202 Health Assessment) 1400 minutes
Course Descriptions
Health Science
This course provides a basic introduction to public health concepts and practice by examining the philosophy, purpose, history, organization, functions, tools, activities, and the results of public health practice at the national, state, and local levels. Healthy People 2020 is reviewed. The impact of the Affordable Care Act on health disparities in urban communities is discussed. The function of the Bureau of Health Professions of the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) is studied. The course aims to stimulate interactions among students around important problems and issues facing the health of the nation and the world.
This course is an introduction to statistical concepts and data analysis. The elements of statistical thinking are presented as a means of using data for problem solving. Students apply statistical concepts to elementary data analysis using the statistical methods commonly used in health-care research. Examples of statisical applications in nursing and allied health research are provided. As part of this course, the students are introduced to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS).
Students will employ basic strategies of film analysis to examine mainstream films that portray: 1) individuals who are designated 'mentally ill;' 2) the therapists who treat them; and, 3) selected treatment modalities. While an intensive review of the formal psychiatric diagnoses system (DSM-IV-TR) is beyond the scope of this class, students will critique the accuracy of the representation of psychiatric conditions, the effect of these conditions on individuals and families, and the roles of therapists and psychiatric interventions. The primary emphasis of this course is the effect of film on attitudes toward mental illness and the degree to which mainstream films both reflect and shape our attitudes toward individuals experiencing mental illness, toward those who treat it and toward the mental health treatment process.
Students analyze the contribution of social factors to health and illness status, including risk behavior and health inequities. Health behavior programs and interventions are explored. Theories of health promotion, health behavioral change, and health education are examined and applied to a health promotion project focusing on health disparities in urban communities.
This course integrates earth sciences, geology, environmental sciences, and health initiatives in the urban communities aimed at identifying, managing, and eliminating environmental threats to health. Environmental problems, including lead poisoning of children, radon, asbestos exposure, urban brown fields, toxic waste, urban pollution, and other environmental hazards, are examined through the lens of social justice and health equity. Students explore urban environments identified as high risk for disease and illness from environmental pollutants and geographic or climactic problems. The impact of natural disasters on public health is also examined.
Students review theories of violence causation and epidemiologic patterns of violence in urban settings. An ecological framework is used to guide critical thinking about risk and protective factors regarding violence. Students explore secondary data sources important to public health practitioners working in the area of violence prevention and control. Programs aimed at preventing violence and injury in urban settings will be examined and critically evaluated.
This course introduces basic concepts of epidemiology and biostatistics applied to public health problems. The principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation, summaries and displays of data, and the use of statistical approaches for describing the health of populations are emphasized. Various epidemiologic designs for investigating associations between risk factors and disease outcomes are also introduced. The importance of ethics in epidemiologic research underpins the course.
Students explore key health policy issues in the United States and the
outcomes of policies for public, private, and not-for-profit settings. They
examine the influences of politics and interest groups on health policy formulation.
The effect of health policy on the health of urban communities
is analyzed along with the interplay of policy on infectious diseases, bioethical
issues, and globalization.
In this course, students explore needs assessment and program planning processes used to address public health problems faced by vulnerable populations. They investigate strategies to involve stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion programs. Students evaluate and compare evidence-based programs as they develop health promotion programs for vulnerable populations. Strategies to conduct individual-level and group-level needs assessments will be explored.
Course content emphasizes theories of reproductive health, sexual development and factors influencing sexual behavior within the continuum of health and illness. Common sexual practices and reproductive health issues of people are studied within the context of lifestyle and situational life crises. Concepts of normal sexual function and dysfunction are examined. Contemporary sexual health and reproductive issues, obstetrical care in the United States and abroad, gender based violence, maternal morbidity and mortality, family planning, and reproductive health policy are explored. Theoretical foundations of the medical, psychological, socio-cultural, political, and biological determinants of human sexual behavior and reproductive health are examined. Issues of biology related to sex, gender identity, social sex role, and sexual orientation are discussed. Contemporary issues of sexual risk behaviors, sexually transmitted infections and safer sex practices will be investigated in addition to those issues of chronic illness, disability, and sexual coercion.
This course will focus on constructions of gender and sex and their implications for understanding determinants of population health and creating healthy public policy. It will consider how different frameworks of addressing gender and biological sex shape questions people ask about, and explanations and interventions they offer for societal patterns of health, disease, and well-being. The course will demonstrates ways of conceptualizing gender in relation to biology and health using case examples. In all cases, issues of gender will be related to other social determinants of health, including social class, racism, and other forms of inequality. Implications of diverse approaches will be debated, as part of developing useful strategies for improving physical, mental, and social well-being. This course is an elective and is not offered every year, based on demand.
This course explores various media and technology resources available for health education. Utilizing models suitable for teaching and learning, the
impact of technology and mass communication on health education is examined. Students evaluate health education modalities that are appropriate
for diverse urban populations across the lifespan. They explore the effect of media in consumer attitudes and beliefs and collaborate with communication experts to plan and implement a specific media strategy. Service-learning projects emphasize the design of health education programs for urban populations.
This course investigates research methods and multidisciplinary research applied to health care systems. An overview of research designs and reporting is presented. Quantitative data analysis is explored using data analysis software. Qualitative methods, including the use of focus groups, are also explored. Evidence-based public health practice is emphasized. The importance of ethics in public health research is woven throughout the course.
In this course, one of the final courses taken in the curriculum, students explore the leadership role of public health professionals, especially leaders working in urban public health and health education. Public health leadership concepts addressed in this course include: principles of leadership and management, team building, ethics and professionalism, strategic planning, networking, budgeting and finance, and continued professional development.
This course explores growing disparities among disenfranchised and vulnerable
populations in our society. Students examine the predicaments of fragile
populations with a focus on the unique health status of urban men. The
course recognizes that masculinity, gender roles, employment, and other
psychological and social factors influence the way men care for themselves
and others. Students participate in health promotion activities in environments
which challenge urban men’s access to health care. A service-learning
project for urban men is implemented.
This course explores philosophical, theoretical, and the practice of holistic health care. The foundations of holistic health care lies in the belief that healing interventions need to take into consideration the whole person with the goal of bringing about unity, harmony, and integrity of the individual with one's internal and external environments. A focus of this course will be hands-on practice with each of these strategies with the intention that students will be able to integrate these holistic healing approaches into their practice. Strategies included in this course will be: relaxation techniques, guided imagery, foot reflexology, and therapeutic touch.
Nursing
This course applies knowledge from basic science courses to explore conditions of adaptive and maladaptive responses to alterations in health and related disease processes within the major body systems. Students develop an understanding of the signs and symptoms associated with selected pathophysiological disruptions to health threats across the lifespan as a basis for determining nursing care needs for diverse populations.
This course applies knowledge from basic science courses to explore conditions of disrupted homeostasis and related disease processes within the major body systems. Students develop an understanding of the signs and symptoms associated with selected pathophysiological disruptions and adaptive human responses to health threats across the lifespan as a basis for determining nursing care needs.
This course focuses on the development of the theoretical, practical, and evidenced based competencies necessary to assess the health status of diverse clients across the life span and spheres of care. Students explore assessment of the client, as a component of providing person-centered care.
This course focuses on the development of the theoretical, practical, and evidenced based competencies necessary to assess the health status of diverse clients across the life span and spheres of care. Students explore assessment of the client, as a component of providing person-centered care.
This course examines the fundamental principles of person-centered nursing practice, with an emphasis on quality, safety, and professional formation. Students explore beginning level clinical reasoning and communication skills with a focus on health promotion, and disease prevention education.
This course examines the fundamental principles of person-centered nursing practice, with an emphasis on quality, safety, and professional formation.
Students explore beginning level clinical reasoning and communication skills with a focus on health promotion, and disease prevention education.
This course examines pharmacotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of illness and in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health. Pharmacotherapeutic aspects of client care are introduced and supported by evidenced based findings to improve client care. Emphasis is on principles of safe administration of medications and patient education for major drug classifications across the lifespan.
This course examines pharmacotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of illness and in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health. Pharmacotherapeutic aspects of client care are introduced and supported by evidenced based findings to improve client care. Emphasis is on principles of safe administration of medications and patient education for major drug classifications across the lifespan.
This course examines the foundations of person-centered nursing practice with an emphasis on developing a plan of care and implementing essential therapeutic interventions. In addition, students are developing clinical reasoning skills in managing client care and applying nursing interventions for clients experiencing common health alterations.
This course examines the foundations of person-centered nursing practice with an emphasis on developing a plan of care and implementing essential therapeutic interventions. In addition, students are developing clinical reasoning skills in managing client care and applying nursing interventions for clients experiencing common health alterations.
Prerequistes: NUR 201E, 202E, 203E, 204E
This course examines professional nursing practice and clinical practice competencies specified by professional nursing organizations, nursing accrediting agencies, and private foundation and federal reports. Students expand knowledge of workforce issues and informatics to enhance patient and health care provider safety, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care. Professional writing, electronic portfolio development, and informatics skills are emphasized.
The purpose of this course is to refine and expand the skills of history and taking and physical assessment of the human system in health. Students analyze qualitative and quantitative data to determine health deviations from the normal healthy state. They collect data systematically using appropriate assessment techniques and tools to complete a physical assessment. The course stresses the documentation of findings using appropriate terminology for each system. There is emphasis on the communication of findings to both the client and other health-care professionals. Course objectives and clinical evaluations are based on ANA Standards of Practice.
Controversies and knowledge development in pathophysiology and pharmacology are investigated and their impact on nursing care through the lifespan are examined. Factors influencing health and illness, such as genetics, ethnicity, and environment, are discussed in relation to disease occurrence and treatment. Relationships among disease states and varying approaches to drug therapies are examined using evidence-based approaches. Technology at point-of-care nursing practice is used, including personal digital assistants (PDAs) and clinical data repositories (CDRs), to develop competencies responding to just-in-time critical values and knowledge for patient-centered care.
This course focuses on the application of the nursing process to promote and restore health of chronically ill diverse adult clients. Students employ clinical judgment to manage the needs of clients with chronic illness. Students increase their independence in caring for chronically ill clients as a ember of the nursing profession collaborating with the interprofessional team.
This course focuses on the application of the nursing process to promote and restore health of chronically ill diverse adult clients. Students employ clinical judgment to manage the needs of clients with chronic illness. Students increase their independence in caring for chronically ill clients as a ember of the nursing profession collaborating with the interprofessional team.
This course promotes an understanding of the essential elements of the research process as applied in the development, appraisal, and dissemination of evidence to support clinical nursing practice. Students critique nursing research and the use of evidence as a basis for practice. Students use writing-to-learn strategies to develop an understanding of and critical thinking to retrieve, interpret, and critique nursing literature to inform nursing practice.
This course promotes an understanding of the essential elements of the research process as applied in the development, appraisal, and dissemination of evidence to support clinical nursing practice. Students critique nursing research and the use of evidence as a basis for practice.
Students use writing-to-learn strategies to develop an understanding of and critical thinking to retrieve, interpret, and critique nursing literature to inform nursing practice.
This course focuses on person-centered nursing care and application of the nursing process to promote and restore the health of diverse childbearing families and their newborn(s). Physiological and psychosocial alterations are explored from a systems perspective with special emphasis on the holistic needs of the childbearing family. Students utilize clinical judgement to manage the health needs of childbearing families. Students will demonstrate strategies for health promotion and health education for diverse childbearing clients and families.
This course focuses on person-centered nursing care and application of the nursing process to promote and restore the health of diverse childbearing families and their newborn(s). Physiological and psychosocial alterations are explored from a systems perspective with special emphasis on the holistic needs of the childbearing family. Students utilize clinical judgement to manage the health needs of childbearing families. Students will demonstrate strategies for health promotion and health education for diverse childbearing clients and families.
This course examines the influence of genetics and genomics on the health of diverse clients and families across the life span. Through critical examination of exemplar cases, students explore the professional role and clinical competencies of the nurse in caring for diverse clients facing the complex physiological, psychological, social, and ethical issues related to actual or potential genetic conditions.
This course examines the influence of genetics and genomics on the health of diverse clients and families across the life span. Through critical examination of exemplar cases, students explore the professional role and clinical competencies of the nurse in caring for diverse clients facing the complex physiological, psychological, social, and ethical issues related to actual or potential genetic conditions.
This course focuses on person-centered nursing care and application of the nursing process to promote and restore the health of diverse children and their families. Physiological and psychosocial alterations are explored from a systems perspective with special emphasis on the developmental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Students utilize clinical judgement to manage the health needs of children and their families in various settings.
This course focuses on person-centered nursing care and application of the nursing process to promote and restore the health of diverse children and their families. Physiological and psychosocial alterations are explored from a systems perspective with special emphasis on the developmental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Students utilize clinical judgement to manage the health needs of children and their families in various settings.
The purpose of this course is to stimulate a refinement and appreciation of the potential of the research process in the development of nursing, client, and health-care systems. This course emphasizes the research approach in nursing and the necessity for theory-based and evidence-based practice. Problem identification, literature review, hypothesis formulation, research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis will be explored. Students will be required to identify a problem in the nursing or client system, propose a method for its investigation, and present the proposal for critique by peers. Emphasis will be placed on critique of published nursing research and on the notion that an applied discipline is only as strong as its research and theoretical base.
This course focuses on the integration of evidence into clinical nursing practice. Sources of evidence will include nursing research, integrative reviews, practice guidelines, quality improvement data, and case studies. Students have the opportunity to evaluate evidence critically for its validity and applicability to nursing practice. Historical perspectives of evidence-based nursing practice also will be explored.
This course expands the theoretical and experiential base gained in prior nursing and non-nursing courses by introducing students to populationbased nursing with a special focus on global and international health issues. Emphasis is placed on identifying trends in the health and health care of populations as well as exploring strategies to address health promotion, primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention, and protection goals for particular at-risk and high-risk population groups throughout the world. The course orients the student to health-care needs and interests of families, aggregates, communities, and nations as a whole, rather than solely focusing on needs and interests of individual clients. Health-care strategies, population-level interventions, community resources, and opportunities for interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration are identified. Relevant political, economic, social, and ethical implications of particular healthcare strategies are examined. Specific countries and public health issues will be selected to compare and contrast with the U.S. health-care-delivery system. Students reflect upon contemporary literature related to national and international public health issues.
Students explore the political, organizational, social, cultural, and economic factors affecting nursing practice. Acute care, long-term care, and community-based settings are examined regarding their organizational structures, health-care financing, and reimbursement challengers. Budgeting principles are analyzed with an emphasis on creating a budget on a spreadsheet for a program of nursing services. Clinical data repositories and interdisciplinary efforts are scrutinized within the context of patient-centered, safe care, and process improvement initiatives.
This course applies the principles of evidence-based psychiatric mental health nursing practice in promoting clients’ mental health and providing therapeutic interventions to diverse clients across the lifespan. Students will incorporate knowledge of the biological, social and environmental influences on mental health in assessing and planning care for a diverse population across the lifespan. The application of clinical reasoning and decision-making to the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of optimal health outcomes in clients with various psychiatric disorders is emphasized.
This course applies the principles of evidence-based psychiatric mental health nursing practice in promoting clients’ mental health and providing therapeutic interventions to diverse clients across the lifespan. Students will incorporate knowledge of the biological, social and environmental influences on mental health in assessing and planning care for a diverse population across the lifespan. The application of clinical reasoning and decision-making to the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of optimal health outcomes in clients with various psychiatric disorders is emphasized.
This course examines the various roles and essential competencies of the professional nurse in addressing population-focused and global public health issues. Students apply public health science, epidemiology, systems-level assessment, health policy development, and program planning in population based-nursing care. Strategies to promote health and prevent disease in diverse clients through collaborative efforts with multiple stakeholders are emphasized.
This course examines the various roles and essential competencies of the professional nurse in addressing population-focused and global
public health issues. Students apply public health science, epidemiology, systems-level assessment, health policy development, and program planning in population based-nursing care. Strategies to promote health and prevent disease in diverse clients through collaborative efforts with multiple stakeholders are emphasized.
This course provides the opportunity to further examine and analyze the health care needs of adult clients across all spheres of care experiencing common chronic diseases and health conditions to ensure safe, quality care is being met. Building on the information from the basic sciences and prior nursing courses, students will develop evidenced based, holistic, client-centered plans of care that meet the needs of diverse clients, while building further competency in the application of selected health assessments and nursing interventions to ensure competent nursing practice.
This course provides the opportunity to further examine and analyze the health care needs of adult clients across all spheres of care experiencing common chronic diseases and health conditions to ensure safe, quality care is being met. Building on the information from the basic sciences and prior nursing courses, students will develop evidenced based, holistic, client-centered plans of care that meet the needs of diverse clients, while building further competency in the application of selected health assessments and nursing interventions to ensure competent nursing practice.
This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in the management of acute and complex health care needs of diverse adult clients. Students employ critical thinking and leadership skills to manage groups of acutely ill adult clients. Students gain confidence in role development as providers, designers, coordinators, and managers of client-centered care.
This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in the management of acute and complex health care needs of diverse adult
clients. Students employ critical thinking and leadership skills to manage groups of acutely ill adult clients. Students gain confidence in role development as providers, designers, coordinators, and managers
of client-centered care.
This course analyzes leadership roles and management functions of the professional nurse as provider and manager/coordinator of care for diverse clients within dynamic and complex healthcare delivery systems. Students practice decision-making skills and acquire leadership and management competencies to address nursing practice issues at an individual and organizational level.
This course analyzes leadership roles and management functions of the professional nurse as provider and manager/coordinator of care for diverse clients within dynamic and complex healthcare delivery systems. Students practice decision-making skills and acquire leadership and management competencies to address nursing practice issues at an individual and organizational level.
This course provides learning opportunities to review, examine, analyze, and synthesize theoretical and clinical knowledge from previous courses across the nursing curriculum. Through use of evidence-based assessments, students demonstrate mastery in the integration of clinical reasoning with professional role and clinical care concepts essential for the entry-level nurse to provide safe quality nursing care to diverse clients.
This course provides learning opportunities to review, examine, analyze, and synthesize theoretical and clinical knowledge from previous courses across the nursing curriculum. Through use of evidence-based assessments, students demonstrate mastery in the integration of clinical reasoning with professional role and clinical care concepts essential for the entry-level nurse to provide safe quality nursing care to diverse clients.
This course explores medication and other health-care errors that threaten patient safety. The impact of health-care errors is examined from the perspectives of consumers, health-care providers, professional organizations, legislators, hospitals, and health-care delivery agencies. Systems improvement initiatives are investigated with the goal of preventing health-care errors. Interdisciplinary and collaborative roles of consumers, legal counsel, and health-care providers, including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians, are emphasized.
This course examines human caring and nurses’ contributions to the health
and healing of the people served. It emphasizes the history, research, and
aesthetics of caring from the perspectives of nursing and other disciplines.
Emphasis is placed on critique of caring research, scholarly and aesthetic
writing on caring, and resources available to study caring. International
caring and self-care are analyzed.
This course provides an overview of informatics and other technologies used to enhance and improve patient care. The application of communication technology to integrate and coordinate care is examined. Data management and electronic health records are explored. Access to current literature through search processes using technology is linked to evidence-based health education and other patient care interventions.
This course explores medication errors and other health-care errors that threaten patient safety. The impact of health-care errors is examined from the perspectives of consumers, health-care providers, professional organizations, legislators, hospitals, and other health-care delivery agencies. Systems improvement initiatives are investigated with the goal of preventing health-care errors. Interdisciplinary and collaborative roles of consumers, legal counsel, and health-care providers, including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians are emphasized.
This course examines the evolution of advanced education nursing in the context of changing health-care delivery systems. Students explore health-care policy development and examine systems of delivering patient care in relation to financial, ethical, legal, socio-cultural, legislative-political, and professional concerns. Program development, informatics, fiscal management of health-care services, budgeting, and reimbursement issues are emphasized. Students practice interdisciplinary networking and coalition-building skills in leadership roles extending beyond the traditional health-care environment.
In this course, students develop cultural competence regarding the role of the advanced practice nurse by meeting the health-care needs of diverse groups and populations. Health promotion, disease prevention, resource utilization, and health education responsibilities are examined. Students utilize basic epidemiological concepts, group theories, and needs-assessment approaches for vulnerable populations. They explore the varying needs of diverse groups in community settings through a cultural blueprint.
This course introduces students to key concepts, models, and empirical findings in the field of health economics. Students examine the markets for health insurance, health care services, and prescription drugs, along with the labor markets for health care professionals. Students also consider the efficiency and equity aspects of the U.S. health care system and health care systems in other countries.
This course explores theoretical perspectives on individuals' health within the family system, emphasizing vulnerable and underserved populations. Societal-level patterns of aging are investigated, including issues affecting family systems at the national and global levels. Family assessment, human development, and life transitions theory are introduced to prepare students to provide anticipatory guidance and advance care planning. Family responses to and coping mechanisms associated with acute, chronic, and terminal illness are scrutinized. Principles of cultural competence and leadership/change agency are explored.
This course addresses the health assessment of individuals across their lifespan using a framework of physiologic, psychological, socio-cultural, and physical examination data. Students explore history-taking methods, principles of physical assessment, and concepts of clinical diagnosis to determine patients' potential and actual health problems. The course enables students to develop skills necessary to evaluate the comprehensive health status of individuals through assessment of normal and abnormal physical findings. Students combine principles of nursing and other related sciences to analyze clinical problems and provide safe, competent patient care. Students advance in theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, differential diagnosis, and decision-making skills.
This course expands the study of the actions and effects of drugs in the human system across an individual's lifespan. Students synthesize legal and professional nursing responsibilities related to pharmacotherapy for health promotion, pathological syndromes, and clinical disorders in advanced practice nursing roles. Students appraise principles of drug therapy, mechanisms of action, and selection of appropriate pharmacological agents in clinical prescribing.
This course integrates physiological principles, clinical manifestations, and advanced nursing practice implications with the clinical decision-making process. Common pathological syndromes and disorders are explored across an individual's lifespan. Students interpret physiologic, pathophysiologic, psychological, and sociocultural data utilizing information to formulate culturally appropriate advanced nursing practice. Students focus on differentiating normal, variations of normal and abnormal changes of syndromes, and constellations of symptoms with a selection of pertinent diagnostic testing.
This course, grounded in the rapidly advancing science of genetics/genomics field, emphasizes a practice-based approach. Professional practice competencies are applied to a disease/condition, including risk assessment, genetic education, counseling, testing, results interpretation, and clinical management. Legal, ethical, and social issues are examined. The course incorporates "need to know" approaches that foster integration of genetics/genomics into nursing practice.
This course provides advanced knowledge of the neurophysiological processes, risks, benefits, and outcomes of the use of psychotropic drugs in mental health practice. Scientific foundations and best practices for the clinical application of medication in treating mental disorders across the lifespan are discussed. Pharmacotherapy for promoting health and treating clinical disorders in the advanced practice nursing role is discussed in the context of the legal and professional guidelines for prescribing. Students synthesize knowledge of drug therapy and metabolism and the use of genetic assays in the selection of pharmacological agents in clinical prescribing.
This foundational course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to meet the needs of clients across the lifespan, with focus on vulnerable populations. Legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice are reviewed. The course also introduces basic competencies in therapeutic communication and conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments on clients from diverse cultures and across age groups. Students will draw upon diagnostic criteria outlined in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5).
This course focuses on treatment models for prevention, intervention, and psychoeducation for selected acute and chronic psychiatric conditions of clients across the lifespan. Students review legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice, with special attention to vulnerable populations. The needs of clients with co-occurring psychiatric and physical disorders and neurocognitive disorders are also addressed.
This course focuses on family level interventions, group therapy, and crisis intervention. Approaches also incorporate evidence-based complementary and alternative healthcare interventions. Examination of the consultation liaison role, the benefits and challenges to interprofessional practice, and the collaborative functions of the PMHNP in integrated medical practice are included. Issues related to independent professional practice are also addressed.
This course addresses clinical decision-making, management of patient care, evidence-based practice, and outcomes management. Students participate in the process of developing best practice guidelines for promoting, maintaining, and restoring health. Quality assurance, safety and risk reduction will be examined. Students begin to develop a leadership portfolio.
(100 preceptored clinical hours) Prerequisites Core and Advanced Core Courses.
This course investigates knowledge of complex health care systems including health care delivery models, financing, organization of health care systems, legislation affecting health care, and the role of professional nursing organizations in the health care environment. Students analyze the role of the CNL in health care systems.
This course provides students the opportunity to participate in a leadership practicum with a mentor from a practice setting. Students complete their leadership portfolio that includes a capstone project demonstrating implementation of the leadership skills they have developed during their course of study.
(300 preceptored clinical hours) Prerequisites Core and Advanced Core Courses.
This course introduces methods of analysis, concepts and nursing strategies related to improving individual, aggregate and population health. Epidemiological concepts are examined with emphasis on determinants of health, disease distribution, environmental influences, cultural diversity, health promotion, clinical prevention and disaster preparedness. Epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental data and statistical measures are used to integrate, analyze and evaluate nursing science practice and outcomes within the dimensions of population health.
This course focuses on clinical practice with clients with mental health conditions in accordance with the role expectations and scope of practice of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse. Students apply principles of legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice by conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments on clients from diverse cultures and across age groups. Students utilize appropriate assessment tools and protocols to develop primary and differential diagnoses according to the diagnostic criteria outlined in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5).
(256 preceptored clinical hours) Prerequisites Core and Advanced Core Courses.
Students provide care to clients with mental health conditions according to the role expectations and scope of practice of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse. Students practice in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice in conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments on clients from diverse cultures and across age groups. The course focuses on development of skills in psychotherapeutic intervention, including pharmacological and alternative and complementary health therapies. The needs of clients with co-occurring psychiatric and physical disorders and neurocognitive disorders are also addressed.
Students will provide care to clients with mental health conditions according to the role expectations and scope of practice of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse. Students will practice in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines for advanced practice in conducting comprehensive psychiatric assessments on clients from diverse cultures and across age groups. Students demonstrate competence in psychotherapeutic intervention, including pharmacological and alternative and complementary health therapies. The needs of clients with co-occurring psychiatric and physical disorders and neurocognitive disorders are also addressed.
This course focuses on the primary care health concerns of diverse young adults, adults, and older adults and facilitates student development in the nurse practitioner role. Using national health-care guidelines and professional standards, students assess health behaviors, plan and implement culturally appropriate and evidence-based practice strategies for health promotion and disease prevention, and evaluate health outcomes. Health maintenance and health restoration are explored in light of contemporary health-care environments, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations. Patient education and counseling techniques relevant to advanced nursing practice are emphasized.
This course focuses on theories, principles, and processes necessary to diagnose and manage primary care health problems of young adults, adults, and older adults. Evidence-based practice standards and professional ethics are emphasized as students acquire knowledge necessary to evaluate and manage diverse patient populations with complex primary care health needs ranging from acuity to chronicity, including palliative and end-of-life care. Students explore health risks and behaviors, health promotion strategies, disease prevention, and health restoration in the context of contemporary health-care environments. Legal, ethical, financial, and cultural concepts related to advanced-practice nursing and professional credentialing are integrated. Patient education and counseling techniques relevant to the advanced-practice nursing role are addressed.
This course presents the principles of primary care, emphasizing health promotion, and disease prevention for both the pregnant and non- pregnant woman. Pathophysiologic alterations will be addressed as well as developmental stages, family, cultural, and societal influences. Primary care management of common health problems of adult women will be discussed. Students will develop increased clinical reasoning skills with the goal of managing the female patient in the ambulatory care setting.
This course presents the principles of primary care, emphasizing health promotion, and disease prevention for the child from birth to adolescence. Pathophysiologic alterations will be addressed as well as developmental stages, family, cultural, and societal influences. Primary care management of common health problems of children will be discussed. Students will develop increased clinical reasoning skills with the goal of managing the pediatric patient in the ambulatory care setting.
This seminar course focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective primary care to young adults, adults, and older adults. Seminars focus on the application of physiologic, pharmacologic, and psychosocial principles in the professional role of the nurse practitioner within the health-care delivery system. Students integrate research-based knowledge of health assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and family theory into preceptored clinical experiences in primary care settings. Course assignments focus on the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness. (256 preceptored clinical hours)
This course allows students to further develop and refine necessary skills for the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. Students build on competencies achieved in NUR 665 and continue to integrate evidence from advanced practice nursing and related disciplines in classroom and clinical activities to prepare for the role of the nurse practitioner. Students apply knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to provide safe and effective health care in the delivery of primary care. (256 peceptored clinical hours).
This course allows students to further develop and refine necessary skills for the family nurse practitioner. Students build on competencies achieved in NUR 665 and continue to integrate evidence from advanced-practice nursing and related disciplines in classroom and clinical activities to prepare for the role of the nurse practitioner. Students apply knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to provide safe and effective health care in the delivery of primary care. (128 peceptored clinical hours).
This course provides the opportunity for further development and refinement of primary care skills and clinical judgment of the nurse practitioner student. Students build on beginning competencies to develop greater skill in primary care activities with the pregnant and non pregnant woman through integration of theory and principles of nursing and other related fields and supervised clinical activities. Clinical reasoning skills are refined through clinical practice, case presentations, mentoring and role modeling. Students apply evidence-based research related to pharmacology and clinical management theory and techniques to effectively manage health and disease within diverse primary care settings. Student presentations develop the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness and management of pregnant and non pregnant women.
(128 preceptored clinical hours) Prerequisites Core, Advanced Core Courses. and Role courses
This course provides the opportunity for further development and refinement of primary care skills and clinical judgment of the nurse practitioner student. Students build on beginning competencies to develop greater skill in primary care activities with the pediatric client through integration of theory and principles of nursing and other related fields and supervised clinical activities. Clinical reasoning skills are refined through clinical practice, case presentations, mentoring and role modeling. Students apply evidence-based research related to pharmacology and clinical management theory and techniques to effectively manage health and disease within diverse primary care settings. Student presentations develop the process of clinical reasoning for accurate diagnosis and management of illness and management of pediatric client.
(180 preceptored clinical hours) Prerequisites Core, Advanced Core Courses. and Role Courses
This course examines social policy, power, and political behaviors directed at changing health care and community systems to benefit populations. The contributions of researchers, policy-makers, analysts, health care providers, and federal, state, and local governments to local, regional, national and global policies are explored. Social, human development and environmental problems are examined in relation to local and broader public policies.
This course introduces methods of inquiry and analysis as a guide to examining the development of a topic of interest. Concept analysis, theory-guided research, role development, information and clinical practice technologies and historical context are topics to be explored. Nursing interventions and nursing research are systematically critiqued to inform advanced nursing practice. Students initiate a portfolio using self-evaluation with exemplars to demonstrate progress toward meeting doctoral level competencies.
This course is designed to provide a foundation in ethics as it applies to the health professions. Moral development theories, ethical approaches, principles, and professional codes of ethics are critically examined with a focus on their application to practice and ethical decision-making processes used in health care. The course will draw on students' clinical experiences and use a case study approach to promote moral reflection and personal values clarification. The demand for moral agency and ethical leadership, given a profession's responsibilities to society, is studied. The course highlights the ethical competence needed by health care professionals, individually and collectively, to respond to contemporary and emerging ethical challenges in our pluralistic society.
This course provides an overview of commonly used statistical methods employed in evidence-based nursing practice and interprofessional health care practices. The use of data is emphasized as it is influential in making decisions to treat, in developing policies within acute and chronic health care delivery organizations and systems, and in evaluating health care quality, processes, and outcomes. Students critique data analyses presented in selected published research studies across health disciplines. Experience is attained in data entry and data analysis using IBM®-SPSS Statistics.
(60 clinical hours; 30 hours didactic)
Students analyze patient safety strategies and programs associated with improved patient care outcomes in various community and health care agency settings. Students explore health care errors and the impact of errors on patient, family, and health care delivery systems. Techniques of process improvement are applied to outcomes management.
Students examine nursing research as applied to the profession's clinical nursing problems by examining the major parts, processes, and principles of quality investigations. They critique studies on a clinical problem and compare research designs, purposes, and methods. The fit of data analysis approaches with research questions and methods is also evaluated.
This course prepares the student for entry into clinical practice by presenting fundamental concepts of the scientific foundation and standards of nurse anesthesia practice. Various techniques of administration of anesthesia are introduced and discussed. The provision of individualized, culturally competent, safe and effective anesthesia care to patients throughout the life span is emphasized. The knowledge and technical skills required for success in the clinical phase of the curriculum are presented in the classroom setting and in the simulation laboratory. Professionalism, collegiality, patient advocacy, and dedication to life-long learning are fostered. Detailed discussions of stress management and promotion of student wellness are included.
This course offers a comprehensive study of the principles of physics and chemistry that underpin evidence based anesthesia practice. Hands on experiences in the simulation laboratory enhance instruction concerning the technology and equipment commonly used in anesthesia practice. Patient safety and provider wellness are addressed with emphasis on promoting a safe operating room environment.
This course expands upon the knowledge gained in prior pharmacology courses. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anesthetic agents will be addressed comprehensively. Potential adverse effects, drug interactions and appropriate interventions will be discussed. Individual patient variations, age, gender, morbidity and other variables that impact drug selection and dosing will be explored. Students will develop strategies for the safe administration of intravenous, inhalation and injected anesthetic agents to a diverse patient population.
This course expands upon knowledge gained in prior physiology and pathophysiology courses. Normal physiology as it relates to the practice of anesthesia is extensively discussed. The anesthetic implications of various comorbidities are explored in depth. Common pathological conditions are discussed in a systematic approach, focusing on indicated anesthetic considerations. Management of potential adverse reactions to anesthetics and surgery related to comorbidities will be analyzed. Students will develop strategies to optimize patients' conditions and to synthesize patient centered anesthesia management plans, supported by evidence.
This course offers a comprehensive study of the principles of physics and chemistry that underpin evidence based anesthesia practice. Hands on experiences in the simulation laboratory enhance instruction concerning the technology and equipment commonly used in anesthesia practice. Patient safety and provider wellness are addressed with emphasis on promoting a safe operating room environment.
This course applies the scientific underpinnings of prior courses to the anesthetic management of patients undergoing neurosurgical, cardiovascular, and thoracic procedures. Common and uncommon procedures are discussed, and students develop evidence supported, patient centered anesthesia management plans for patients.
This course includes a detailed study of the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology relevant to regional anesthesia. The role of regional anesthesia in the management of acute and chronic pain is explored. Techniques of administration and standards of safe anesthetic practice are emphasized. Hands-on workshops, low, medium and high fidelity simulation labs and case discussions will complement traditional teaching methods.
This course applies previously gained scientific knowledge to a comprehensive study of the anesthetic management of obstetrical and pediatric patients. The anatomic, physiologic, pathological and psychosocial characteristics of obstetrics and pediatric patients are applied to anesthetic management. Research evidence and best practice recommendations are utilized to plan safe and effective anesthetic care for pregnant women, and pediatric patients from premature neonates to adolescents, undergoing elective and/or emergent surgery.
This second clinical practicum course challenges students to perform at an advanced beginner level to integrate evidence based and patient specific anesthetic management plans for a diverse patient population across the lifespan, implementing anesthetic care, analyzing patient response, evaluating outcomes and revising management plans as indicated. Technical, cognitive and organizational skills, and the ability to translate knowledge into practice, are advanced by increased expectations for collaborative decision-making. Simulation training will continue to be used to enhance and verify the learning experience. Students' clinical performance will be continually evaluated and students appraised of their progress. Formative evaluations by the clinical preceptor, summative evaluations by CRNA faculty, and self-reflective evaluation by the student will direct and document the development of 'advanced beginner' skills in this course.
This course introduces the student to the role of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (W)C). The historical evolution of the WOC Nurse is reviewed. Students compare role responsibilities of the WOC nurse, including clinician/consultant, patient/staff education, and leadership/management. The process of research utilization and the contributions of evidence-based practice to the implementation of the WOC Nurse role responsibilities are examined. The collaborative interprofessional functions of the WOC nurse are explored. Professional issues, such as legal and ethical considerations, accountability, professional standards, budgetary management, data management, reimbursement issue, and national health policy are addressed.
Student examine principles of skin and wound care for clients across the lifespan. The pathophysiology of acute and chronic wound and skin disorders is presented to expand student understanding of normal anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system and would healing. Assessment and diagnostic methods and treatment and preventive plans are developed for clients at risk for wound development or threats to wound healing. Students combine principles of wound care to identify actual or potential would and skin problems, safe, evidence-based interventions, and characteristics of competent patient care. Students advance in theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, differential diagnosis and decision-making skills in caring for clients with skin and wound needs.
This course builds upon the scientific underpinnings of NUR 720 Advanced Anesthetic Management for Special Procedures I. This didactic course is designed to facilitate the translation of science, research data and judgment into safe and effective clinical practice. Students are challenged to apply knowledge, critical thinking skills, and judgment in developing strategies for the management of patients undergoing head and neck procedures, plastic/reconstructive, trauma, burn, organ transplant surgical procedures and off-site anesthesia services. Case presentations and interactive discussions will provide a forum for intellectual exchange in which communication skills are further enhanced.
Principles for the care of patients with ostomy (fecal and urinary diversion), fistulas and percutaneous tubes are applied to the nursing care for clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Students use evidence-based strategies pertinent to ostomy care to identify actual or potential wound and skin problems, provide safe, competent care. Tey advance in theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, differential diagnosis and decision-making skills in caring for clients with ostomy needs. Students integrate research and evidence-based practice guidelines in developing plans of care and educational plans for patients with fecal, urinary diversions, fistulas and percutaneous tubes. Clinical reasoning process foster accurate diagnosis and management of fecal and urinary diversions, fistulas and percutaneous tubes.
Students investigate principles of fecal and urinary diversion care for clients across the lifespan. The pathophysiology of acute and chronic GI/GU disorders are examined in the context of normal anatomy and physiology of the GI/GU. Assessment, diagnosis, treatment and preventive plans are developed based on student integration of principles of fecal and urinary diversion. Actual and potential problems, safe strategies, are evidence-based intervention explored in relation to competent patient care. Students develop increased theoretical knowledge as applied to differential diagnosis, clinical judgment, decision-making skills in caring for clients with fecal and urinary diversion needs.
Students investigate the principles supporting urinary and fecal incontinence care for clients across the lifespan. They apply knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems, to pathophysiology of acute and chronic genitourinary and gastrointestinal incontinence disorders. assessment and diagnostic methods and treatment, and preventive plans of care are developed. Students apply knowledge of urinary and fecal incontinence to identification of actual or potential client problems in order to provide safe, evidence-based, competent patient care. They advance in theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, differential diagnosis and decision-making skills in caring for clients with urinary and fecal incontinence needs.
Students apply the principles of urinary and fecal incontinence management to care of clients across the lifespan in a variety of settings. they integrate knowledge of gastrointestinal/genitourinary anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology to actual or potential urinary and fecal incontinence problems, and provide safe, evidence-based , competent care. Students advance in theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment. differential diagnosis and decision-making skills in caring for clients to meet the needs of urinary and fecal incontinence disorders. Student integrate research and evidence-based practice guidelines in developing plans of care for patients with urinary and fecal incontinence disorders. The process of clinical reasoning is developed for accurate diagnosis and management of urinary and fecal incontinence problems.
This doctoral level course is the first of three upper level anesthesia courses that build upon the scientific underpinnings of prior anesthetic management courses. This didactic course is designed to facilitate the translation of science, research data, and judgment into safe and effective clinical practice. Students are challenged to apply knowledge, critical thinking skills, and judgment in developing strategies for the management of patients with conditions not described in a previous section or who are undergoing a more specialized surgery. Case presentations and interactive discussions will provide a forum for intellectual exchange in which communication skills are further enhanced.
This third doctoral level clinical practicum course furthers the clinical learning process by introducing rotations in the anesthesia subspecialties of pediatrics, obstetrics, cardiovascular, thoracic, regional, or neurosurgery as well as expanding on more complex general cases. Expectations for more independent decision-making and refined cognitive and technical skills increase. Simulation training will continue to be used to enhance and verify the clinical learning experience.
This doctoral level course builds upon the scientific underpinnings of NUR 730 Advanced Anesthetic Management for Special Procedures I. This didactic course is designed to facilitate the translation of science, research data and judgment into safe and effective clinical practice. Students are challenged to apply knowledge, critical thinking skills, and judgment in developing strategies for the management of patients undergoing eyes, ears, nose, throat, and neck procedures, plastic/reconstructive, trauma, burn, organ transplant surgical procedures and office-based or ambulatory surgery anesthesia services. Case presentations and interactive discussions will provide a forum for intellectual exchange in which communication skills are further enhanced.
Clinical Practicum IV doctoral level clinical course furthers the clinical learning process by continuing to challenge the nurse anesthesia student as rotations in the anesthesia subspecialties of pediatrics, obstetrics, cardiovascular, thoracis, regional, and neurosurgery continue. Expectations for independent decision-making and refined cognitive and technical skills continue to increase. Simulation training will continue to be used to enhance and verify the clinical learning experience.
This doctoral level course prepares the nurse anesthesia student for the environmental issues and professional roles they will assume as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The importance of a commitment to life-long learning including advances in practice and technology, and maintenance of health and well-being are emphasized. Legal issues, business practices, state and federal regulatory requirements, scope of practice, standards of care, state board of nursing advanced practice status, certification and recertification, credentialing, and facility privileging are presented. Students develop a clear understanding of the potential impact of environmental factors related to nurse anesthesia practice, billing practices and healthcare reimbursement, and gain a greater appreciation for the role of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) in preserving practice rights and promoting safe and cost-effective anesthesia care. Students are provided information related to financial planning post-graduation as well as various practice setting options (anesthesia care team, independent contractor, s-corporation, etc.).
Clinical Practicum V doctoral level clinical course furthers the clinical learning process by continuing to challenge the nurse anesthesia student as rotations in the anesthesia subspecialties of pediatrics, obstetrics, cardiovascular, thoracis, regional, and neurosurgery continue. Expectations for independent decision-making and refined cognitive and technical skills continue to increase. Simulation training will focus on providing experience managing rare occurrence/ high consequence critical events in anesthesia.
This doctoral level course prepares the nurse anesthesia student to respond to critical events during peri-anesthesia care. Rare occurrence/high consequence events are presented in high fidelity simulated experiences in anesthesia and operating room settings. Utilization of crew resource management, positive deviance, and TEAMStepps communication techniques will be stressed. The effect of critical situations on the psychological and physical wellbeing of healthcare providers is explored. Students will be prepared to assume a leadership role in promoting quality and safety in nurse anesthesia practice and inter-professional collaboration.
This clinical practicum course completes the learning process by continuing to challenge students to perform at autonomouslevels as rotations are completed in the anesthesia subspecialties of pediatrics, obstetrics, cardiovascular and neurosurgery. Expectations for independent decision-making and refined cognitive and technical skills are maximized. Simulation training will focus on providing experience managing rare occurrence/ high consequence critical events in anesthesia. Students' clinical performance will be continually evaluated and students appraised of their progress. Formative evaluations by the clinical preceptor, and terminal summative evaluations by CRNA faculty, and terminal self-reflective evaluation by the student will document the maintenance of competentskills and readiness to successfully enter advanced practice as a nurse anesthetist.
This culminating doctoral course prepares the student for successful completion of the 'National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists' (NCE), and entry into advanced practice as a nurse anesthetist. Strategies for systematic preparation and healthy management of stress will be reinforced. Logistical details concerning certification, credentials, privileges, collaborative agreements, and practice protocols will be included.
(60 clinical hours; 30 didactic hours)
In this course, students build on their knowledge of nursing theory, research design, and approaches to data analysis. They evaluate nursing and other disciplines' research based on a critical evaluation of the literature. Students identify an issue from a declared practice focus for a scholarly project that is outcomes-focused. Meta-synthesis, meta-analysis, systematic and integrative reviews, and synopses are compared as sources of evidence for clinical decision making. Patient-centered care is emphasized from the perspectives of patient preference and best practices. Guidelines from federal, professional, and voluntary health organizations are investigated. Students increase their skills in database searching.
(60 clinical hours; 30 didactic hours)
In this course, students analyze the interplay of organizational culture and structures in complex health-care systems from various theoretical perspectives. Management, organization, team-building, and conflict resolution topics are investigated; and leadership theories are compared. Case studies demonstrating effective and ineffective clinical leadership are scrutinized related to their impact on the care-delivery process. Historical and emerging relationships among health-care professionals are examined along with quality improvement strategies aimed at changing organizational cultures and processes.
(185 clinical hours; 15 didactic hours)
Students implement a project and explore practice issues that influence project success with committee members and other stakeholders. They confer with clinical practice leaders when implementing the outcomes-focused project. The project is shaped by needs assessment data, literature review, and program evaluation strategies. Students implement the project, having critiqued, revised, and disseminated the approved project. The role of the DNP graduate as a clinical leader in health care and community systems is addressed as it relates to the evaluation and implementation of the project.
(Pass/Fail) (Additional course) *
This course is a continuation course to NUR 880. It is designed to provide opportunities for students requiring additional supports necessary for completing the written scholarly project proposal. Students enroll in this seminar course on a continual basis until the conclusion of the written scholarly project proposal and advisor affirmation of proposal completion. Students utilize available university supports including the Sheeky Writing Center and proposal committee members' expertise. Students must be actively enrolled in order to avail themselves of university resources. The course is available during fall and spring semesters. Summer availability is contingent upon DNP Program Director approval. (*optional)
(135 clinical hours; 1 hours didactic/meeting hours)
Students participate in an individually designed clinical practice immersion experience designed to build knowledge and skill for advanced specialty practice at a high level of complexity. The immersion experience provides the practice context in which the Scholarly Project is completed. Students implement an evidence-based project in a healthcare or community agency. They successfully defend their doctoral project. The required project end-product is the basis of a publishable manuscript.
(Pass/Fail) (Additional course) *
This course is a continuation course to NUR 881. This seminar offers students the opportunity to complete the clinical scholarly project and develop this project into a finalized form that is consistent with a journal manuscript and ready for defense. NUR 882 will be noted as "Incomplete" until the clinical scholarly project is finished. The course is available during fall and spring semesters. Summer availability is contingent upon DNP Program Director approval. Students will utilize university resources including library and writing center supports. (*optional)
The Nursing Clinical Practicum provides an opportunity for students to gain additional clinical experience related to the required clinical hours in the DNP program of study. Clinical goals are developed in conjunction with faculty advisors and advanced nursing interventions are developed, implemented, and evaluated in accord with the AACN DNP Essentials. Students explore topical areas relative to the development of their DNP Project.
Program Contact Information
Deb Byrne, Ph.D., RN, CNE (she/her)
Associate Professor
Vice President, AAUP La Salle Chapter
Chair UG Nursing Program, School of Nursing and Health Sciences
St. Benilde Tower, Room 4429
byrned@lasalle.edu
215-951-1667
Shira Powell-Carter
Administrative Assistant Clinical Compliance
St. Benilde Tower, Room 1112
powells@lasalle.edu
215-951-1944
Tonisha Grant - Whitefield
Administrative Assistant
St. Benilde Tower, Room 1105
whitfiel@lasalle.edu
215-991-3572