Courses

This IPE introductory course provides exposure to learners early in their educational programs to engage in activities that offer knowledge based information, focused on "describing roles and responsibilities" and "demonstrating awareness of interprofessional (IP) communication and teamwork in the context of shared curricular topics required across health professions. An introductory level hybrid course of Inter-Professional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies and an end of course seminar for all students will be required.

This course will engage intermediate learners in their educational program together through their own programs activities that provide opportunities to continue to build upon IPE competencies and develop collaborative skills, knowledge and attitudes. Programs will integrate multifaceted active teaching methods such as simulation, problem-based learning, clinical practicum, community-based projects, service-learning, and other IPE activities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This course will prepare the student to consult in the design and enhancement of information technology related to interactive, web-based systems in healthcare while they evaluate the ethical, legal, and cultural implications, including copyright, privacy, and confidentiality issues. Emphasis will be placed on emerging technologies as students analyze, design, implement, and evaluate information system technologies. Content will also include evaluation of impact of information technologies on clinical practice, education, administration, and research.

This course is designed for the master's students who are not planning to pursue an advance practice registered nurse track such as nurse practitioner. Students will integrate concepts of advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology to apply advanced health assessment principles and skills for comprehensive examination of clients. Focus will be on common deviations from normal. Populations across the lifespan will be included.

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.

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.

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.

Students explore the role of the AGACNP from a theoretical foundation while developing evidence-based strategies in the care of acutely ill, adult-gerontological population. The course builds on concepts derived from pre-requisite courses with an emphasis on clinical acumen in decision making to support diagnosis and management across the continuum of care. Students examine the importance of cultural awareness and spiritual support when developing a plan of care. Students will be introduced to legal regulations and ethical standards surrounding APRN practice.

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.

Students will consider comorbidities, atypical presentations, geriatric syndromes, polypharmacy, and other influencing factors such as stereotypes of aging and prescription challenges for the hospitalized patient. Focus will be on developing a culturally and spiritually appropriate, interdisciplinary management plan of the adult-gerontological patient who is experiencing an exacerbation of a chronic health condition or acute illness. Emphasis on evidence-based practice, legal regulations, and ethical standards will continue.

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.

Students will develop an understanding of assessment, diagnosis, and management of adult patients who have experienced traumatic injury. Emphasis will be on understanding the kinematics of trauma and the potential for long-term disability. Additional topics will include concepts related to special populations, such as pregnant women. The course will enhance the leadership role of the student as part of an interdisciplinary trauma team in the acute treatment of patients and across the continuum of care.

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.

Students focus on ways to develop comprehensive plans for transitions of care for patients with complex and multisystem disorders. The full spectrum of health care services including rehabilitation and palliative or end of life care will be explored. Additional topics will include costs, reimbursement, penalties, and resource utilization. Emphasis continues on application of legal regulations and ethical standards to prepare the student for independent practice.

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.

The student will develop competency in pharmacotherapeutic regimens of adults requiring acute management of disease processes with integration of individual assessment and evaluation. Polypharmacy and challenges in prescribing are explored while implementing critical thinking and decision-making skills.

This course explores selected health problems with analysis of physiologic and psychological changes experienced by older adults. Analysis of complex co-morbidities is integrated with knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic regimens and evidence-based practice in managing frail older adults. Polypharmacy and challenges in prescribing are explored while implementing critical thinking and decision-making skills.

The student will develop a foundation in cardiac electrophysiology in both, normal physiology and pathophysiological states. Content will include theory and research on the mechanisms and diagnoses of these conditions as evidenced in electrocardiographic monitoring. Focus will be on integration of scientific rationales for interventions /management of cardiac ischemia and arrhythmias.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students explore cultural nursing theories and worldviews that impact healthcare organizations from a biblical perspective. Topics include cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, cultural competence, cultural humility, health equity, literacy, respect, human dignity, and social justice. Methods to overcome institutional racism and improve interprofessional collaboration to transform systems and create quality outcomes will be explored.

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.

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.

Students examine database management systems related to efficiency, data security, information exchange, meaningful use, and quality improvement metrics. Quality measures and benchmarking for management systems on the state and national level will be presented. Workflow modeling in systems design will be examined.

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.

Students analyze existing health information systems and whether the Triple Aims and IOM's quality and safety goals are being met. Ways to plan, design, implement, monitor, and maintain a data management system to be used by nurse administrators, clinicians, educators will be presented. Students examine patient education and interdisciplinary professional education methods using critical thinking and problem-solving competencies.

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.

Students assess the gaps related to rules, regulations, security, and privacy within their organization and create a comprehensive project management plan which includes scope, integration, communication, time, cost, risk, quality, and human resources management.

Students focus on effective organizational communication, relationship management, and shared decision-making, which includes the community, interdisciplinary team, and academic partnerships, from a biblical perspective. Topics include complexity science, healthcare delivery models, healthcare policy, governance, patient safety, outcomes measurement, and utilization management. Evidence-based practice related to quality improvement metrics, risk mitigation and management strategies, leadership styles, and the ethics of professionalism will be analyzed.

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.

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.

Students evaluate the impact of reimbursement on financial revenue, operations, effective payment systems, financial policies, and regulations within healthcare organizations. Content includes healthcare efficiency, throughput, value-based purchasing to improve patient satisfaction, fee-for-service delivery models, productivity, cost-benefit analysis, information systems to support business decisions, and capital budgeting.

Students explore cultural nursing theories and worldviews that impact healthcare organizations from a biblical perspective. Topics include cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, cultural competence, cultural humility, health equity, literacy, respect, human dignity, and social justice. Methods to overcome institutional racism and improve interprofessional collaboration to transform systems and create quality outcomes will be explored.

Students learn that strategic leadership and interprofessional collaboration are essential to strategic planning. Content includes the strategic planning model, how to develop a mission statement, methods to identify core values within an organization that has meaning for all staff, and ways to create a shared vision and commitment to action while allowing for transparency.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.