POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN NURSING

102

NURSING

2018-2019

Post-Graduate Certificate Program

in Nursing Description

The School of Nursing endeavors to provide curricula that

encourage individuals to pursue Christ-centered excellence

in their nursing vocation as the future needs of the nursing

profession come into view. The certificate program fits with

the mission of the University to provide Christ-centered higher

education that promotes excellence and character development

in service to Church and society.

This program is ideal for nurses who have obtained their

master’s or doctoral degree in nursing in another area and

now find themselves in positions that require advanced

preparation in nursing education, nursing administration,

nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist. For example, if an MSN

graduate with a major in nursing administration desired to

acquire a certificate in nursing education, that individual could

enroll in this program. Another example might be that of an

individual with a nurse practitioner degree desiring advanced

study in nursing administration.

A MSN is preferred for application to the Post-graduate DNP.

Additional coursework may be required upon evaluation of

transcripts for students with a master’s degree in a field other

than nursing. A DNP is required for application to the post-

graduate CRNA certificate program.

Mission Statement

To prepare graduates for advanced professional nursing

practice with specific functional and clinical abilities.

Program Outcomes

The nursing education certificate prepares nurses for educator

positions in various settings such as staff development, patient

education, schools and colleges. The nursing administration

certificate prepares nurses for a variety of administrative and

leadership positions in health care delivery systems. The nurse

practitioner certificate prepares nurses to serve in a variety of

clinical practices. The nurse anesthesia certificate program

prepares nurses to serve as certified registered nurse anesthetists.

Schedule

The certificate program is part-time study with classes

generally occurring one day per week or online. Clinical

requirements of practicum commonly require more than one

day per week.

Curricular needs of full-time cohort students will be given

priority.

Admission Requirements:

1. Completed application with $50 application fee

2. Completion of a master’s degree in nursing from an

accredited program (CRNA applicants must have the

DNP)

3. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions

must be submitted directly through NursingCAS.

Please do not send transcripts for non-traditional

nursing programs to Undergraduate Admissions.

Transcripts must be received by NursingCAS in a

sealed envelope from all previous academic institutions

attended. Official transcripts from all post-secondary

institutions must be sent to: NursingCAS, P.O. Box

9201, Watertown, MA 02471.

4. Proof of current unencumbered RN licensure

and APN licensure (if applicable) in the state

of residence.

5. Eligible for licensure as a RN and APN (if applicable) in

Tennessee.

6. Interview with the Nursing Graduate Admissions

Selection Committee

7. Applicants from a country where the native language

is not English must show proof of English proficiency

with scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or iTEP courses.

Minimum scores are TOEFL 560 (Internet-based 80),

IELTS 6.5, or iTEP 4.4. In addition, students must

provide WES evaluations of transcripts

8. Three letters of professional/academic reference

specifying the applicants capabilities for graduate study.

One letter of reference must be from the applicant’s

supervisor.

9. Last 60 hours cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

10. Cleared criminal background check

11. Clean drug screen

Additional requirements for the Nurse Practitioner and

Nurse Educator tracks:

• Science GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale, defined as Anatomy

and Physiology 1 and 2, and Statistics is preferred

• Statement of professional goals to include (limit to 2

pages)

• Why you wish to become a Nurse Practitioner,

Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator

• What you plan to do with this certificate,

including long term goals

• How you have prepared for success in this

program

POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

IN NURSING

SCHOOL OF NURSING

103

NURSING

Students admitted to the program must have and maintain

while in the program:

1. Current CPR certification

2. Evidence of Hepatitis B, MMR, and tetanus

vaccination (TDaP unless TD within the past 2 years)

3. Proof of 2 Varicella vaccinations or positive antibody

titer (If titer is negative, student must repeat the 2

vaccine series.

4. Freedom from tuberculosis as evidenced by a negative

PPD or health provider examination

5. Health insurance

Academic Standards, Requirements

for Progression, Probation, and

Dismissal

Students must maintain an overall B average. After

completion of 9 graduate hours at Union University, a graduate

student whose cumulative GPA from courses completed at

Union University for graduate credit is below 3.0 will be

placed on academic probation. A student placed on academic

probation has one semester to increase his or her cumulative

GPA to 3.0 or greater to be removed from a probationary status.

If the student fails to increase his or her cumulative GPA to

3.0 or greater during the following semester, the student will

be dismissed from the graduate program.

Students will also be dismissed without opportunity for

probation if they:

•Receive an “F” (i.e., any grade below a “C”) in any course

•Receive more than two “C”s in any non-track specific

courses.

Students must make a grade of B or higher in all track

specific and 700-level courses (excluding pass/fail courses) in

order to progress in or graduate from the graduate nursing

program.

The program faculty recognize that situations may arise

which prevent students from successfully matriculating through

the program. Students who are concerned about their academic

standing should contact their advisor. If it appears the student

may not be able to achieve a minimum passing grade in a course

they may be encouraged by the appropriate Program Chair

to withdraw from the program. This can potentially prevent

the student from acquiring an F on their Union University

transcript if the dropped class occurs prior to the deadline

listed on the academic calendar (“last day to drop a class”). All

students who withdraw or who are academically dismissed from

the program can reapply for admission. However, readmission

is not guaranteed.

Financial Information

Tuition is $600 per semester hour for Post-graduate programs

and $915 for post-graduate DNP programs. Full payment for a

term is expected at the time of registration for classes.

General Student fee: $25/credit hr.

Any combination of the following payment methods is

available:

1. Check, cash, or credit card.

2. Employer reimbursement.

3. FACTS (and electronic monthly draft from a savings or

checking account) The cost of books is approximately

$150 per course.

All financial information is subject to change without

notice.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Policies

1. The student is responsible for providing information to

the university regarding his/her employer’s policies for

reimbursement.

2. If the employer reimburses the student directly, the student

must pay the university in full at the time of registration for

classes.

3. If the employer provides partial reimbursement directly to

the university, the student must pay his/her portion of the

tuition at the time of registration.

4. The university will provide any required information to an

employer when requested by the student.

Certificate Program Completion

Requirements

1. Must demonstrate evidence of completion of MSN or DNP

core through an accredited MSN or DNP Program.

2. Completion of the specialty curriculum for Post-graduate

Certificate.

3. File an application for graduation with the Graduate Nursing

Office by the published deadline.

4. Pay in full the student’s account in the Business Office

5. Discharge all other obligations (fines, credentials, fees, etc.)

at the University.

104

NURSING

Curriculum

I. Post-graduate Certificate Nursing Administration

—22 hours

A. NUR 525, 528, 535, 548, 572, 593

B. NUR 615, 693A, 695B

C. Minimum Residency (22 semester hours) includes 525,

528, 535, 548, 593, 615, 693A, 695B, 572, and 400

clinical hours.

II. Post-graduate Certificate Nursing Education—24 hours

A. BIO 500; NUR 507, 517, 537, 538, 544

B. NUR 607, 622, 642

C. Minimum Residency (16 semester hours) includes NUR

507, 517, 537, 538, 607, 642 and 380 clinical hours

III. Post-graduate Certificate Nurse Practitioner—26 hours

A. BIO 500; NUR 544, 622

B. Specialty courses:

1. FNP: NUR 547, 558, 600, 617, 639, 650

2. PNP: NUR 557C, 558, 600, 627C, 638C, 650

3. Adult/Geriatric NP: NUR 557A, 558, 600, 627A,

638A, 650

4. Family Psychiatric Mental Health: NUR 566, 558,

650, 651, 652, 653, 654 (29 hours)

C. Minimum Residency (14 hours; except Family

Psychiatric Mental Health, which is 16 hours) includes

all specialty courses and 560 clinical hours

D. NUR 558 may be waived for student seeking an

additional nurse practitioner certification.

Course Descriptions: Biology (BIO)

500. Advanced Pathophysiology (2)

Building on a basic knowledge of pathophysiology, the student

will analyze the mechanisms and symptoms of illness to provide

advanced theoretical understanding of disease states and health

problems.

505. Applied Anatomy & Physiology I (3)

An intensive examination of the human body that addresses the

normal complex physiological processes of the cell, fluids and

electrolytes, acid-base balance, temperature regulation, vascular

hemodynamics, mobilization of fluids through the body and

lymphatic system, musculoskeletal systems and function of the

myocardium. The acquired information will provide the student

with a body of knowledge to critically evaluate co-existing

conditions of the surgical patient.

507. Applied Anatomy & Physiology II (3)

Prerequisite: BIO 221 and 222

A continuation of 505 focusing on the normal complex

physiological processes of blood components and coagulation and

the respiratory, renal, endocrine, digestive and nervous systems.

509. Applied Human Gross Anatomy (4)

Prerequisites: BIO 505 & 507, or BIO 221 & 222.

This course will incorporate the dissection of cadavers and

viewing of anatomical models in understanding the nervous,

endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary

systems of the human body. Additional emphasis is placed on

the needs of professional health care personnel.

Course Descriptions: Nursing (NUR)

507. Curriculum Design (3)

This course will focus on the development of curricula using

outcomes-based learning experiences by addressing individual

attitudes, knowledge, and skills that are assessable, transferable

and useful in a multicultural world.

515. Advanced Statistics for the Health Sciences (3)

Prerequisite: undergraduate statistics

This course serves to build upon basic statistical knowledge.

Topics include a review of descriptive statistics, probability,

and probability distributions; confidence intervals and classical

hypothesis tests for one and two samples; analysis of variance;

hypothesis tests for categorical variables; regressions and

correlation; and nonparametric methods, all with an emphasis

on applications in the health sciences. Appropriate statistical

software will be utilized throughout the semester. This course

will use online (MoodleRooms) method of delivery.

516. Informatics and Healthcare (3)

This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge

and skills regarding the uses of information technology to support

nursing practice, education, and leadership through a Christian

worldview. The course will provide an overview of informatics

topics including: computer systems and system development;

standardized clinical terminology; informatics standards;

electronic health records; retrieval and critical analysis of digital

data, information, and knowledge; simulation strategies; and

technology-aided instruction.

517. Educational Strategies in Advanced Nursing Practice

(3)

The purpose of this course is to examine models and methods

of teaching and learning. Bio-psychosocial, spiritual, cultural

influences that affect learning will be incorporated. The nursing

process will be used as a framework for an outcome-based

teaching-learning session.

105

NURSING

519. Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (3)

An introduction to the role of the nurse anesthetist as an

advanced practice nurse. The course presents the Christian

worldview of nurse anesthesia, the historical development of

anesthesia, anesthesia as a specialty of nursing, the role of the

nurse anesthetist within the context of the health care system,

legal aspects of anesthesia practice, current practice and health

policy issues, the personal and professional impact of substance

abuse, the role of professional organizations of nurse anesthesia.

523. Clinical Prevention and Population Health in

Advanced Nursing Practice (2)

This course is designed to prepare the student to apply evidence-

based principles of wellness, disease prevention, and health risk

in individuals, families, communities, and aggregate/clinical

populations. The course also focuses on the study of culturally

appropriate and holistic professional nursing care of persons in

this pluralistic global society. Emphasis is placed on sensitivity

to and respect for cultural diversity, communication, critical

thinking, research, and theories of intercultural nursing.

524. Anesthesia Techniques (3)

This course introduces the ability of the student nurse

anesthetist to integrate foundational anesthesia and scientific

knowledge with learned clinical skills.

525. Introduction to Administrative Nursing Practice (3)

This course will integrate information about delivery

systems, organizational mission, structure, culture, personnel

motivation, management and networking. The focus will be

on exploring these concepts from a nursing perspective and a

wholistic Christian worldview.

526. Theory and Ethics for Advanced Nursing Practice (2)

This course explores central ethical and bioethical questions in

nursing and health care, critiques and applies nursing theory to

the advanced practice nursing role in the delivery of equitable

and culturally relevant health care.

528. Nursing Administration and the Law (3)

A general background to the elements and characteristics of

health, administrative, criminal, civil law and the implications

for nurse practicing in an administrative role looking at

malpractice, risk management, tort law and tort reform, OSHA

regulations, construction, organizational management, laws

affecting subsidiary corporations and tax law. Emphasis will

be placed on administration of human resources including

labor and legal issues, collective bargaining, labor laws, and the

design of effective policies and procedures to reflect these laws.

529. Healthcare and Missions (3)

This course affords the graduate nursing student the opportunity

to be involved in the development and implementation of a

short-term healthcare mission trip by serving in a transcultural

healthcare setting. The educational service provided in the

transcultural healthcare setting will be based on the student’s

nursing expertise and guided by the presence of a faculty member.

532. Anesthesia Pharmacology (3)

An extensive examination of the pharmacological principles

associated with the administration of anesthetic agents. An

understanding of the physiological impact on the body in relation

to the absorptive, metabolic, and elimination processes of each

anesthetic agent will be examined.

533. Advanced Nursing Research and Evidence-Based

Practice (3)

Prerequisite: NUR 515

This course emphasizes analysis and interpretation of clinical

research and evidence based practice, preparing the student to

use translational science in clinical decision making to improve

patient outcomes. Specific aspects of the research process,

quantitative and qualitative research, and systematic reviews

will be studied.

534. Advanced Principles in Anesthesiology (3)

This course builds on the basic sciences in examining the

pathophysiology of major organ systems (e.g. cardiothoracic,

hepatic, endocrine, and pulmonary) that are impacted by the

administration of anesthetics.

535. Nursing Quality Management (3)

Prerequisite: NUR 525.

This course examines the quality of health care in relationship

to nursing care delivery. It will include the concepts and

information systems that are necessary in the identification,

tracking, and evaluation of quality indicators. Emphasis is placed

on terminology and information systems specific to nursing

administration and quality.

537. Nursing Education Practicum (2)

Clinical introduction to the nurse educator practical

experience. It involves application of educational theories and

wholistic nursing practice.

538. Clinical Strategies for Nurse Educators (3)

Prerequisites: NUR 544, and BIO 500.

An overview of clinical management of patients throughout the

lifespan. Opportunities are provided for students to integrate

theory, research and evidence based practice in a specialized

clinical setting under the direction of a preceptor with specialty

expertise.

544. Advanced Health Assessment (3)

The course focuses on advanced health/physical assessment

of the client where the client is defined as the individual and

includes the individual’s context within the family and/or

community. Focus of the course is on comprehensive history,

physical/psychological assessment, pathophysiology, and health

promotion strategies incorporating the individual’s cultural and

developmental variations across the lifespan.

545. Health Systems and Leadership for Advanced

Nursing Practice (2)

This course provides an overview of organization concepts,

healthcare economic theory, health systems, communication

and other leadership principles needed by the nurse in

advance practice. Emphasis is on the foundational skills and

competencies needed by the master’s prepared nurse.

106

NURSING

547. Primary Care of the Family: Health Promotion (4)

Prerequisite: BIO 500. Pre- or Corequisite: NUR 544 and 622.

The purpose of this course is to enhance knowledge and skill

in diagnostic reasoning, advanced health assessment, health

promotion, health maintenance and disease prevention with

regard to the family. Students will explore family concepts and

theories relevant to advanced nursing practice and research.

Special emphasis will be placed on meeting goals and objectives

of Healthy People 2020. Clinical experiences will provide

opportunities in the community for students to develop

advanced practice interventions to promote health and disease

throughout the lifespan.

548. Organizational Behavior and Leadership (3)

This course provides an overview of organizational concepts,

theories, perspectives, and research relevant to nursing

administration, patient care delivery systems, and nursing

practice organization. Emphasis is on management principles

and organizational processes applicable to quality work

environments and the influence of the external and

internal environment on these organization, and the role

and relationship of nurse leaders to the nursing practice

environment and to the greater organization.

554. Clinical Practicum I (1)

An introduction to the clinical practice of nurse anesthesia

to begin the development of fundamental skills necessary

to provide a safe and effective anesthetic. Critical thinking

skills will be applied and developed through the synthesis

of knowledge acquired from prior didactic coursework and

simulation experiences. Pass/Fail grading.

557A. Primary Care of Adult/Geriatric Populations:

Health Promotion (4)

557C. Primary Care of Children: Health Promotion (4)

Prerequisite: BIO 500; Pre- or Corequisite: NUR 544 and 622.

Toward enhancing knowledge and skill in diagnostic reasoning,

advanced assessment, health promotion, health maintenance

and disease prevention of adult/geriatric populations (A)

and children (C) with regards to family environment, special

emphasis will be placed on meeting goals and objectives

of Healthy People 2020. Clinical experiences will provide

opportunities in the community for students to develop

advanced practice interventions to promote health and disease

prevention.

558. Transitions to Advanced Practice Nursing (2)

Prepares the student for transition from student role to Advanced

Practice role; emphasis placed on professional topics such as

reimbursement, licensure, credentialing, prescriptive privileges,

interviewing for and securing employment, contract negotiation,

and portfolio preparation. Also encompasses legal issues pertinent

to the APN role.

559. Role Development and Collaborative Strategies in

Advanced Nursing Practice (2)

The purpose of this course is to enhance the student’s knowledge

of advanced nursing practice roles and interprofessional roles

in healthcare delivery. Emphasis is on integrating philosophical

inquiry, theory analysis, and translational research findings to

improve healthcare outcomes for culturally diverse individuals

and teams.

566. Models and Theories for Family Psychiatric Mental

Health Nursing (2) F

This course focuses on conceptual models and theories related

to the practice of psychiatric and mental health care. Concepts

of development and individual functioning provide a theoretical

basis for understanding the development of psychopathology

and the selection of psychotherapeutic interventions across

the lifespan.

572. Nursing Administration Residency (2)

Prerequisites: NUR 593, 693A, 695B

A practicum experience designed for synthesis of theory and

practice where students develop, implement, and evaluate

advanced practice leadership strategies in a health care systems

area of focus. An understanding of systems structures, processes,

and outcomes is gained through practical experiences, personal

reflection, and seminar discussions. Graded Pass/Fail.

574. Clinical Practicum II (2)

The focus of this clinical is to solidify the process of

implementing an organized, safe and effective approach for

the administration of anesthesia for general types of surgical

procedures. The student will assume increasing responsibility

for the independent delivery of anesthesia care to the surgical

patient. Clinical preceptors at the various institutions will

provide direction and supervision based on required clinical

experiences. Pass/Fail grading.

579. External Domestic Study Programs (1-4)

All courses and their application must be defined and approved

prior to travel.

579PF. External Domestic Study Programs (Pass/Fail) As

Needed

All courses and their applications must be defined and

approved prior to registering.

580. Study Abroad Programs (1-4)

All courses and their application must be defined and approved

prior to travel.

580PF. Study Abroad Programs (Pass/Fail) As Needed

All courses and their applications must be defined and

approved prior to travel.

585-586-587. Special Studies in Nursing (1-6)

Group studies which do not appear in the school course

offerings. Content will be determined by need.

593. Nursing Administration Practicum I (1)

Experiential application of the concepts examined in Introduction

to Administrative Nursing Practice in a workplace setting with a

preceptor in nursing management. Pass/Fail.

107

NURSING

598. Seminar (1-3)

A non-lecture research and discussion course. Course content

will be determined by need. To be used at the discretion of

the department.

600. Primary Care Provider Procedures (2)

Toward enhancing advanced practice skills in performing

procedures such as casting, splinting, suturing, dermatologic

procedures, and basic surgery techniques, the student will

experience clinical presentations that highlight pathophysiological

processes and psychological needs of patients and families across

the lifespan. Graded Pass/Fail.

601. Graduate Nursing Orientation (0) F

This course provides an introduction for the student to the

graduate nursing program at Union University. It is designed for

use by all graduate nursing program/track students. It enhances

the new student orientation by allowing access to technologies

and information the student will find essential and helpful.

The course also open avenues to resources students can use as

needed during the semester.

607. Educational Assessment and Evaluation Processes (3)

While focusing on the systematic processes of assessment of

learners’ needs and methods of evaluation of educational

outcomes, formative and summative methods of evaluation

will be designed in relation to content as well as curricula of

educational programs. In addition, methods of analysis and

interpretation of data and uses of results are explored. Each

aspect of the assessment and evaluation processes is used to

guide future actions.

609. Basic Principles of Anesthesia (4)

Basic cognitive and psychomotor concepts associated with the

safe and effective practice of nurse anesthesia are presented.

The implication of these learned concepts will be addressed

in relation to the preoperative, intraoperative, and/or

postoperative surgical periods. The acquired information will

serve as the foundation for the understanding of the advanced

practice of nurse anesthesia.

611. Obstetrical Anesthesia: Perspectives of Anesthetic

Care (2)

An intense examination of the practice of obstetrical anesthesia

emphasizing normal maternal and fetal changes of pregnancy,

abnormal pathophysiological conditions of pregnancy, and

anesthetic techniques and implications of obstetrical anesthesia.

612. Pediatric Anesthesia: Perspectives of Anesthetic Care

(2)

This course is an in-depth examination of the practice of

pediatric anesthesia. An emphasis will be placed on normal

growth and development of the newborn through fourteen

years of age, common pathophysiological conditions of this age

group, and anesthetic techniques and implications of pediatric

anesthesia.

613. Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Anesthesia: Perspectives

of Anesthetic Care (3)

An intense examination of the practice of intrathoracic

anesthesia for adult surgical patients, this course will focus on

pathophysiological conditions and surgical procedures associated

with the heart and pulmonary systems that may impact the delivery

of anesthesia. Anesthetic implications and techniques will be

presented based on the noted conditions.

614. Neurosurgical Anesthesia: Perspectives of Anesthetic

Care (2)

An in-depth examination of the practice of neurosurgical

anesthesia in the adult population with emphasis on common

pathophysiological conditions associated with neurological

disorders. Anesthetic techniques and implications will be

presented based on neurological conditions and surgical

procedures.

615. Resource Management (3)

The management of resources in the health care environment.

Focus is managing the revenue and expense aspects of the budget

and the management of personnel. This course provides guidelines

for professional self-assessment of financial management.

617. Primary Care of Family: Pediatric and Women’s

Health (4)

Prerequisite: BIO 500; Pre- or Corequisite: NUR 544 and 622.

Designed to enhance knowledge and skills related to management

of maternal child health care, this course emphasizes acute

episodic and chronic conditions in the context of primary care.

Management consists of identifying, monitoring, treating and

maintaining health care problems in children and child-bearing

women utilizing research and evidence-based practice. Clinical

experiences will provide opportunities in a variety of primary

care settings.

622. Advanced Pharmacology (3)

This course is designed to expand the student’s knowledge and

understanding of pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics

of broad categories of pharmacologic agents. The purpose

of the course is to provide the student with pharmacologic

knowledge and skills needed to assess, diagnose, and manage

a client’s health problems in a safe, high quality, and cost-

effective manner across the lifespan. This course will also

cover professional, legal and ethical issues pertinent to the

prescription and monitoring of pharmacologic agents.

627A. Primary Care of Adult/Geriatric Populations:

Acute Management (4)

627C. Primary Care of Children: Acute Management (4)

Prerequisite: NUR 544; Pre- or Corequisite: NUR 622 and

BIO 500.

The purpose of this course is to develop advanced practice

knowledge and skill in the accurate diagnosis and management

of acute health care problems in adult/geriatric populations (A)

and children (C) with consideration of the family environment.

Management consists of identifying, monitoring and treating

acute health care problems utilizing scientific research and

evidence-based practice. Clinical experiences will provide

opportunities in various acute and community based settings.

108

NURSING

638A. Primary Care of Adult/Geriatric Populations:

Chronic Management (4)

638C. Primary Care of Children: Chronic Management (4)

Prerequisite: NUR 544; Pre- or Corequisite: NUR 622 and

BIO 500.

The purpose of this course is to enhance advanced practice

knowledge and skills in the diagnosis and management of

chronic health care problems in adult/geriatric populations (A)

and children (C) with consideration to the family environment.

Management consists of identifying, monitoring, treating, and

maintaining chronic health care problems utilizing principles of

research and evidence-based practice. This course will also review

theories and factors of chronic illness, content surrounding

the process of referral and development of practice guidelines.

Clinical experiences will provide opportunities in community

and hospital based settings.

639. Primary Care of Family: Acute and Chronic

Management (4)

Prerequisite: BIO 500; Pre- or Corequisite: NUR 544 and 622.

The purpose of this course is to enhance knowledge and skills

in the diagnosis and management of chronic and acute health

care problems in families. Management consists of identifying,

monitoring, treating, and maintaining acute and chronic family

based health care problems utilizing principles of research and

evidence based practice. The student will review theories and

factors of chronic illness within the context of the family. The

process of referral and development of practice guidelines

will also be discussed. Clinical experiences will provide

opportunities in community and hospital based settings.

642. Nursing Education Residency (2)

Culmination of the nurse educator clinical experience. It

involves application of educational theories and wholistic

nursing practice. Practice experiences are designed to synthesize

knowledge and skills and to enable the advanced practice nurse

to meet individual practice outcomes and career goals.

650. Specialty Focus Practicum (2)

Prerequisite: NUR 546A or 546C, and NUR 616; Corequisite:

NUR 626A or 626C, and NUR 636A or 636C

This clinical course will allow students to gain clinical

experience in a specific population with the goal for the

student to synthesize knowledge and skills gained in core

and previous specialty courses and to apply knowledge in

the clinical setting. Clinical experiences will be available in a

wide variety of subspecialties such as neurology, nephrology,

endocrinology, gastroenterology, cardiology, dermatology,

oncology, pulmonology, orthopedics, and internal medicine.

Graded Pass/Fail. This course may be repeated for credit.

651. Mental Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning

Across the Lifespan (4) S

Prerequisites: BIO 500, NUR 544

This course focuses on the assessment and diagnosis of mental

health disorders across the lifespan. Advanced assessment

techniques include observation, interviewing, as well as the

appropriate use of a variety of screening tools and assessment

guides and diagnostic data. Students are introduced to current

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) criteria. Clinical

experiences provide students with opportunities to integrate

content in the care of patients across the lifespan.

652. Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan (3) Su

Prerequisites: NUR 544, NUR 622

This course builds on advanced pharmacology with the

introduction of neurobiologic, genetic, and environmental

theories of mental health disorders. The course emphasizes

evidence-based practice and research-based data in the use of

medications for mental health disorders across the lifespan.

The course focuses on safety, therapeutic outcomes, recognizing

and managing side effects, and medication management as part

of a comprehensive treatment plan. The course will also cover

appropriate laboratory and other diagnostic data that impact

medication selection.

653. Management of Acute and Chronic Mental Health

Disorders: Children and Adolescents (4) Su

Prerequisites: NUR 544, NUR 622

Corequisite: NUR 652

This course will examine the major psychopathologies in children

and adolescents including epidemiology, cultural and spiritual

beliefs, specific assessment issues and tools, as well as evidence-

based therapies. Interventions include psychopharmacologic as

well as psychotherapeutic approaches (including psychotherapy)

and combinations of therapies in the care of children and

adolescents with mental health disorders. The psychiatric and

emotional health of children, adolescents and their parents/

caretakers will be explored through developmental, interactional,

behavioral, and psychobiological models. This course will also

address health promotion and legal/ethical aspects in the

treatment of children and adolescents. Clinical experiences

will facilitate the implementation and evaluation of therapeutic

interventions in a variety of clinical settings.

654. Management of Acute and Chronic Mental Health

Disorders: Adult and Geriatric Populations (4) Su

Prerequisites: NUR 544, NUR 622

Corequisite: NUR 652

This course will examine the major psychopathologies in children

and adolescents including epidemiology, cultural and spiritual

beliefs, specific assessment issues and tools, as well as evidence-

based therapies. Interventions include psychopharmacologic as

well as psychotherapeutic approaches (including psychotherapy)

and combinations of therapies in the care of children and

adolescents with mental health disorders. The psychiatric and

emotional health of children, adolescents and their parents/

caretakers will be explored through developmental, interactional,

behavioral, and psychobiological models. This course will also

address health promotion and legal/ethical aspects in the

treatment of children and adolescents. Clinical experiences

will facilitate the implementation and evaluation of therapeutic

interventions in a variety of clinical settings.

655. Independent Study (1-4)

Individual research and study under the guidance of a graduate

faculty member.

691. Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Residency (1)

This clinical course will expose the student to specialty types of

anesthetic type management in the areas of obstetrics, pediatrics,

cardiology and neurology. In addition, the student will develop

the understanding of complex anesthetic management through

interaction with patient simulation.

109

NURSING

693A. Nursing Administration Practicum II (2)

Prerequisite: NUR 593.

This course will integrate didactic material from previous

courses with administrative practice. The focus is the dynamic

combination of administrative theory, quality management,

health care economics, organizational behavior, and information

systems through mentoring and field experience. Emphasis will

be placed on developing practice and decision-making skills that

are excellence driven, Christ-centered, people-focused, and future-

directed. Graded Pass/Fail.

695B. Nursing Administration Practicum III (2)

Prerequisites: NUR 593, 693A

A practicum experience designed for synthesis of theory and

practice where students develop, implement, and evaluate

advanced practice leadership strategies in a health care systems

area of focus.

696. Thesis (3)

This course enables the implementation of the research

proposal developed in the nursing research course. This project

will focus on a problem in a school/college of nursing or health

care delivery system. The subject of health care improvements

is emphasized through nursing research utilization. Pass/Fail.

697. Scholarly Project (3)

Through the completion of the scholarly project the student will

identify, analyze, synthesize and utilize knowledge related to a

health care issue in a school/college of nursing or health care

delivery system. Application of critical thinking and nursing

research utilization in this project will result in improved health

care outcomes. Pass/Fail.

705. Organizational Leadership and Management (3)

Provides opportunities to examine the leadership and

management principles essential in providing a Christ-centered

health care environment. Focus will be operational principles,

organizational theory, and principles of organizational behavior

in establishing a Christ-centered organization and practice.

710. Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (3)

Provides the opportunity for synthesis and evaluation of

evidence-based clinical practice and focuses on critique

of literature, evaluation of clinical practice, and effective

dissemination of evaluation findings. The student will use

evidence-based health care as the springboard for discussion

of issues in contemporary research.

715. Technological Transformations of Health Care (3)

Designed to prepare the student to evaluate current health care

technology and its effect on health care outcomes. The student

will analyze and apply today’s information technology, clinical

technology, and simulation technology within the health care

environment. The student will address quality improvement

evaluation to support changes in practice and administration,

analysis of ethical-legal implications of digital record systems and

distance health care.

720. Faith and Science (3)

The philosophical underpinnings of the Christian worldview

as it applies to faith and science in the arena of health care. An

understanding of faith as the basis for hope and humanity in

delivering quality health care will be discussed while incorporating

the quantitative analysis of scientific principles.

725. Health Care Policy and Economics (3)

To prepare the student to critically evaluate the relationship

between problems in health care legislation and the development

of economic, political, social, and ethical issues that impact

nursing. Students will synthesize the components of the

Christian worldview related to issues in health care legislation

and apply this philosophy to the development of effective

health care policies. Students will be prepared to enact fiscally

responsible and effective changes in local, state and national

health care policies.

728. Transitions to DNP Practice (3)

The purpose of this course is to prepare the student for transition

from the student role to Advanced Nursing Practice at the

Doctoral level. Emphasis will be placed on content, competencies,

and experiences needed for specialty practice and as delineated

by national specialty organizations. Course is graded Pass/Fail.

730. Epidemiology (3)

Designed to prepare students to employ evidence-based strategies

to promote health, reduce risk, and prevent illness in individuals,

aggregates, and populations from the Christian worldview

approach. Emphasis will be placed on objectives of Health

People 2020 and the analysis of epidemiological, biostatistical,

occupational, and environmental data. Other integral topics

include collaboration with other disciplines, cultural diversity and

sensitivity, emergency and disaster preparedness, and infection

control.

735. Fellowship I (2)

An introductory course designed to prepare the student to serve

within their scope of practice at a high level of complexity. The

student will be supported with application, analysis, synthesis,

and evaluation of knowledge gained through core DNP course

work to improve clinical practice. Minimum 180 clinical hours.

Course is graded Pass/Fail.

738., 739. Fellowship II, III (3 each)

This course is designed to further prepare the student to serve

within their scope of practice at a high degree of complexity. The

student will be supported with application, analysis, synthesis,

and evaluation of knowledge gained through core DNP course

work to improve clinical practice. Minimum 240 clinical hours

per course. Course is graded Pass/Fail.

745. Leadership and Teaching Practice Strategies (3)

Designed to prepare the student for the leadership and

instructional role, this course will focus on expectations of

leaders and educators within academic, practice, and health

care systems.

793. DNP Project Development (3)

A faculty-guided scholarly experience to allow the student

to develop a proposal for an evidence-based practice project

addressing a clinically relevant problem using a collaborative

interdisciplinary design. Course is graded Pass/Fail.

110

NURSING

791. DNP Project Implementation (2-3)

A faculty-guided scholarly experience to allow the student

to implement an evidence-based practice project addressing

the clinically relevant problem. Course may be repeated for a

maximum of 8 semester hours credit. Course is graded Pass/

Fail.

794. DNP Project Completion (3)

A faculty-guided scholarly experience to allow the student to

evaluate and disseminate findings of the evidence-based practice

project addressing a clinically relevant problem. Course is

graded Pass/Fail.

755. DNP Special Study (1-4)

Group studies which do not appear in the School course

offerings. Content will be determined by need. Course may

be repeated for credit with distinct content.

765. DNP Independent Study (1-4)

Individual research and study under the guidance of a nursing

faculty member. Course may be repeated for credit with distinct

content.

779. DNP External Domestic Study (1-4)

All courses and their application must be defined and approved

prior to travel. Course may be repeated for credit with distinct

content.

779PF. External Domestic Study Programs (Pass/Fail) As

Needed

All courses and their applications must be defined and

approved prior to registering.

780. DNP Study Abroad (1-6)

All courses and their application must be defined and approved

prior to travel. Course may be repeated for credit with distinct

content.

780PF. Study Abroad Programs (Pass/Fail) As Needed

All courses and their applications must be defined and

approved prior to travel.