Courses

This course is designed for the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) who is transitioning to leadership as a professional Masters prepared nurse. Concepts of management, leadership and followership, change-persistence and organizational structure as frameworks for managing policy development and delivery of nursing care to groups of clients in diverse healthcare settings are explored. This course consists of 2 units of theory and 1 unit of clinical practicum (45 hours) with implementation of a leadership change project in the student's clinical agency of employment. (1 Units)

This course prepares advanced learners to work collaboratively as appropriate, to assess, plan, provide care/intervention and make decisions to optimize client/patient, family, and community health outcomes and improve quality of care through a University wide IPE simulation. Students will draw upon previously learned knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to the four domains of IPE education to effectively apply leadership qualities that support collaborative practice, and team effectiveness through reflection and application. Prerequisite: IPED5200 (1 Units)

Students examine the art and science of nursing as a guide for nursing practice at the Master's level. Sources of nursing knowledge, such as nursing theories, nursing science, paradigms, domains of nursing, and ways of knowing will be evaluated. Moral and ethical principles will be explored from a biblical worldview as they apply to the discipline and practice of graduate nursing. Ways to overcome perceived barriers to theoretical thinking will be presented and students will learn how to integrate theory with practice. (2 Units)

Students engage in a process of creative scholarly inquiry to generate, synthesize, and translate nursing knowledge. Emphasis is placed on critique of literature, problem identification, selection of appropriate methodologies, ethical procedures, and the dissemination of findings to improve health and transform health care. (3 Units)

Students examine the impact of health policy and principles of bioethics on complex health care systems, including: ethics, regulations and standards, use of health care technologies, improving equitable population health outcomes, interprofessional partnerships, and improving quality and safety while reducing cost. This course will support student acquisition of nursing expertise and assertion of political leadership through examination of ethical theory, patient centered care, cultivation of professional nursing identity, accountability, collaborative disposition and comportment reflective of nursing's characteristics, norms and values. (3 Units)

Students examine individual, collective, environmental, and organizational factors that affect the health of human populations. Interventions for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention will be explored in the broader context of determinants of health to promote wellbeing of individuals and communities. (2 Units)

Students use descriptive and analytic approaches to examine the distribution of disease and current and emerging health trends in populations. Students will compare and contrast methods used in collection, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative data in disease prevention for specific populations. (3 Units)

Students explore advanced nursing leadership principles, advanced nursing roles, and evidenced-based practice to create effective systems change. Students will examine the role of the masters-prepared nurse as a member and leader of the interprofessional team, communicating, collaborating, and consulting with other health care professionals. (2 Units)

Students examine complex physiologic processes essential to an understanding of disease. Disease management concepts are explored in relation to body systems. Age specific alterations are correlated with clinical and medical diagnostic findings to provide the student a basis for biomedical clinical decision-making, diagnostic reasoning, and pharmacotherapeutics. (3 Units)

Students explore advanced pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, and pharmacoeconomics across the life span. Also addressed are schedule II controlled substances, the risks of addiction associated with the use of Schedule II controlled substances, Nurse Practitioner standardized procedures, patient-specific protocols, and the legal requirements for furnishing controlled substances. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based research as a foundation for therapeutic regimens for selected classifications of medications. Characteristics such as age, ethnicity, culture, gender, genetics, and genomic factors when considering pharmacologic interventions. Current national guidelines, legal, and ethical principles will be explored and integrated. (3 Units)

Students integrate advanced knowledge, skills, critical thinking, and clinical judgement to synthesize person-centered assessment data while formulating differential diagnoses. Students will determine a patient's current and ongoing health status, predict risks to health, and identify culturally sensitive health promoting activities utilizing evidence- based practice. This course incorporates weekly laboratory practicum for a total of 45 hours, to facilitate refinement of advance assessment competencies and documentation. (1 Units)

The practicum experience provides a supervised environment where the student can apply evidence-based concepts while developing clinical competency in acute management skills and honing clinical documentation. Emphasis is placed on building therapeutic relationships, safe clinical decision making, management of emergent or acute illness, and procedural interventions. Prerequisite: NURS5550 (3 Units)

The practicum experience provides students the opportunity to refine their clinical decision-making skills within the interdisciplinary team in culturally sensitive, holistic assessment, diagnosis, planning, management and education of patients and families in the acute care settings. The focus will be on enhancing management skills through the continuum of care, applying evidence-based concepts, and enhancing critical care skills through procedural education. Prerequisite: NURS5080 (4 Units)

The practicum will allow for assessment, diagnosis, and management of the adult with a traumatic injury. The student will practice with an understanding of the kinematics of trauma and how this lends to the displacement of energy which causes bodily injury. The course will enhance the leadership role of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) as part of an interdisciplinary decision-making trauma team in the acute treatment of patients and across the continuum of care. Prerequisite: NURS5090 (4 Units)

The practicum residency experience focuses on independent, evidenced-based management of patients based on advanced assessment skills, diagnosis, and planning. Advanced communication skills and techniques with diverse audiences will be explored. Application of holistic, culturally sensitive care and education of patient's, families, and/or caregivers to support healthy aging as they navigate transitions across the health care systems in collaboration with the interprofessional team is expected. Prerequisite: NURS5100 (5 Units)

This course guides the student through the process of synthesizing advanced nursing theoretical, practice, and research knowledge learned throughout the MSN program. Students will integrate the AACN's Essentials of Masters Education in Nursing into a professional portfolio and prepare for national certification. (2 Units)

Students explore the role of the FNP, theoretical foundations of family theory, with a focus on the complexities of chronic adult health issues related to primary care. Emphasis is placed on developing culturally sensitive health assessment, interpretive diagnostic competencies, and management skills to reduce illness progression. Legal regulations and ethical practice guidelines will form a critical foundation for practice. Students may only earn credit for NURS5690 or 5690G. (3 Units)

The practicum experience focuses on application of theoretical and evidence-based foundations to develop the FNP role in culturally sensitive assessment, diagnostic reasoning, planning, management and education of patients with chronic conditions within the primary care setting. Requires 180 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS5550 (4 Units)

Students further examine the role of the FNP with a focus on family health related to primary care. Emphasis is on culturally sensitive women and gender health care, health promotion, illness prevention, and management skills. Legal regulations and ethical practice standards continue to guide practice. Prerequisite: NURS5690 (3 Units)

The practicum experience focuses on application of theoretical and evidence-based foundations to further develop the FNP role specific to women and gender populations in culturally sensitive assessment, diagnosis, planning, management, and education of patients within the primary care setting. Requires 135 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS5690 (3 Units)

Students examine the role of the FNP with a focus on pediatric populations. Emphasis is placed on common acute and chronic pediatric illnesses, developmental milestones, behavioral health, using culturally sensitive health promotion, illness prevention, and management with collaborative partnership to develop family centered care in the primary setting. Legal regulations and ethical practice standards specific to the pediatric population guide practice. Students may only earn credit for NURS5740 or 5740G. Prerequisite: NURS5720 (3 Units)

The practicum experience focuses on application of theoretical and evidence-based foundations to further develop the FNP role specific to pediatric populations in culturally sensitive assessment, diagnosis, planning, management and education of patients and families within the primary care setting. Requires 135 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS5720 (3 Units)

Students apply theoretical foundations to the care of acute illnesses, gaining discernment of emergent conditions from varying pathological states. Focus is on culturally sensitive, evidence-based clinical decision-making and diagnostic interpretation to support independent management. Legal regulations and ethical practice guidelines prepare the student for independent practice. Students may only earn credit for NURS5760 or 5760G. Prerequisite: NURS5740 (3 Units)

The practicum experience focuses on application of theoretical and evidence-based development of the FNP role toward independent practice. Integration of culturally sensitive assessment, diagnosis, planning, management and education is specific to acute populations and their families within the primary care setting. Emphasis is on prompt identification of pathological, high acuity states based on presentation, providing delivery of acute healthcare management across the life span. Requires 180 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS5740 (4 Units)

This course guides the student through the process of synthesizing advanced nursing theoretical, practice, and research knowledge learned throughout the MSN program. Students will integrate the AACN's Essentials of Masters Education in Nursing into a professional portfolio and prepare for national certification. (2 Units)

This course analyzes selected teaching and learning models that are applicable to nursing education. Nursing theoretical perspectives with the nursing human becoming teaching-learning model is highlighted. Strategies for course development with didactic and practicum teaching are examined. Research relative to nursing education is reviewed and critiqued. Design of applied research methods to determine effectiveness of teaching strategies is incorporated. Selected University faculty and nurse education issues are also explored. Students may only earn credit for NURS5820 or 5820G. (1 Units)

Provides analysis of evidence-based strategies of teaching-learning that have influenced, and continue to influence nursing education. The multiple roles of the nurse educator related to teaching, scholarship, service, and practice will be evaluated. The determinants of learning, motivation of the learner, literacy, socioeconomic, and cultural attributes will be identified. Instructional methods, settings, materials, and technology will be examined while integrating critical thinking, active learning, and faith integration. Ethical, legal, and cultural issues related to students in different learning environments will be emphasized. Practicum experiences include opportunities for students to implement course content. Prerequisite: NURS5820 (2 Units)

Theoretical approaches to educational assessment, the development and implementation of nursing curriculum, and student and program outcomes are addressed. The importance of a cohesive program philosophy, mission statement, conceptual framework, and program outcomes are emphasized. The course includes critical analysis of related topics based upon current research in nursing and higher education literature. Practicum hours include implementation of evaluation and testing strategies in healthcare education settings with emphasis on program improvement resulting from analysis of data related to program improvement indicators. Prerequisite: NURS5820 (1 Units)

This practicum course is designed for non-APRN direct care providers to expand clinical knowledge and proficiency in their current practice area. Under the direction of a nursing faculty member, students will be placed with a graduate prepared preceptor in the clinical setting. Students will provide direct patient care to patients, families and communities, collaborate with interprofessional teams, improve patient services, and implement evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes. Requires 90 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. (1 Units)

This course guides the student through the process of synthesizing advanced nursing theoretical, practice, and research knowledge learned throughout the MSN program. Students will integrate the AACN's Essentials of Masters Education in Nursing into a professional portfolio and prepare for national certification. (2 Units)

Students develop knowledge and skills in the concepts, theories, models, and frameworks that support informatics in practice. Topics include communication, nursing science, information science, computer science, group dynamics, adult learning theory, and systems thinking. Ethical and social issues related to consumer health and privacy will be emphasized. Prerequisite: NURS5780 (3 Units)

In this course, the learner implements the role of the informatics nurse specialist in a health care setting. The focus is on the integration and application of theory, knowledge, and skills from previous courses within the various roles open to an informatics nurse specialist. Learners are provided an opportunity to work closely with a preceptor to observe and participate in real world informatics activities. Under the guidance of the preceptor, learners will have the opportunity to use current informatics evidence and research from the literature, collect and analyze data, demonstrate critical thinking skills, identify researchable clinical informatics problems, and identify and evaluate various informatics roles. (2 Units)

Students use hands-on experience with database management, workflow tools, and other software that interfaces within a healthcare organization. Data management, benchmarking, and meaningful use will be the focus. Prerequisite: NURS5900 (2 Units)

Students integrate leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities related to informatics scope of practice within the context of a real-world environment. Students assume the role of a beginning nursing informatics specialist, collaborating with other members of the interdisciplinary team. (1 Units)

Students implement effective communication skills, excellent relationship management competencies, an understanding of working within complex adaptive systems, and the importance of adhering to organizational ethics. Students work closely with a nurse leader as their preceptor in a real-world setting. (2 Units)

Students apply content learned in class about financial policies, regulations, and performance budgets related to staffing levels, scheduling, and length of stay. In partnership with their preceptor, students compare budgets and potential cost savings for the organization. Prerequisite: NURS5870 (2 Units)

Students focus on strategic planning, managing, and leading within a healthcare organization. Students take on leadership responsibilities with their preceptors in a real-world setting. Prerequisite: NURS5950 (1 Units)

This course guides the student through the process of synthesizing advanced nursing theoretical, practice, and research knowledge learned throughout the MSN program. Students will integrate the AACN's Essentials of Masters Education in Nursing into a professional portfolio and prepare for national certification. (2 Units)

Students explore the role of the PMHNP from a theoretical perspective and evidence-based foundation. Interviewing skills, assessment, and utilization of data collection methods to analyze and evaluate bio-psychosocial information regarding psychiatric mental health illness across the lifespan are initiated. Emphasis is in on the effects of potential and/or existing co-morbid health problems. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual provides the underpinning for diagnostic reasoning. Legal regulations and ethical standards inform practice. Prerequisite: NURS5550 (3 Units)

The practicum experience allows students to apply theoretical and evidence-based foundations to develop the PMHNP role. Students evaluate assessment data and evidence-based practice to formulate differential diagnosis, disease management, and health promotion plan of care in collaboration with the patient. 3 units = 135 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS5550 (3 Units)

Students increase their knowledge and competence in the assessment of adult and older adults with psychiatric mental health illnesses. Emphasis is on the development of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy treatment planning for individuals with mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, trauma/stress-related disorders and interventions from psychotherapy and psychopharmacology for individuals with psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. Legal regulations and ethical standards continue to inform practice. Prerequisite: NURS5040 (3 Units)

The practicum experience allows students the opportunity to refine assessment adult and older adults with psychiatric mental health illnesses, development of differential diagnoses, disease management, implementing psychotherapy, and health promotion interventions. 3 units = 135 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS5040 (3 Units)

Students continue to examine the role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Emphasis is placed on child/adolescent development, family systems, and assessment and treatment of children/families. Students develop evidence-based treatment interventions based on psychotherapy and psychopharmacology for anxiety, depressive, neurodevelopmental disorders, bipolar, psychotic, trauma/stress-related, substance-use, and eating/elimination disorders. Legal regulations and ethical guidelines continue to inform practice. Prerequisite: NURS5050 (3 Units)

The practicum experience focuses on application of theoretical and evidence-based foundations for assessment of child/adolescent populations with psychiatric mental health illnesses, development of differential diagnoses, disease management, implementing psychotherapy, and health promotion interventions. 3 units = 135 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS5050 (3 Units)

Students synthesize and apply theoretical and evidence-based care and management to promote and support client stabilization, rehabilitation, and recovery across the life span. Emphasis is placed forming comprehensive plans of care based on assessment of psychiatric mental health illnesses. Analysis of health policies and the impact on care coordination will be highlighted. Legal regulations and ethical standards prepare the student for independent practice. Prerequisite: NURS5060 (3 Units)

The practicum experience prepares the student for independent practice while working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to provide continuity of care across PMH settings. Application of culturally sensitive assessment, diagnosis, planning, management and education is used to promote resilience and recovery. 4 units = 180 hours of supervised clinical practice with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS5060 (4 Units)

Students develop an understanding of neuroscience and pharmacotherapeutics for patients with mental health conditions. Emphasis is on establishing a foundation for decision-making necessary for initiating, monitoring, and modifying pharmacological treatment plans for mental health conditions. Chemical neurotransmission, interactions, side effects, and prescribing guidelines for psychopharmaceuticals commonly utilized across the lifespan are addressed. Legal and regulatory requirements related to NP practice in California will form a critical foundation for practice. Prerequisite: NURS5550 (2 Units)

This course guides the student through the process of synthesizing advanced nursing theoretical, practice, and research knowledge learned throughout the MSN program. Students will integrate the AACN's Essentials of Masters Education in Nursing into a professional portfolio and prepare for national certification. (2 Units)