30 - Nursing

This course examines the essentials of strategic planning and analyzes current and future trends and issues affecting healthcare. Students develop an understanding of the interface between strategic planning and the challenges facing healthcare professionals.

This course prepares students for leadership roles in advanced healthcare policy and practice. It examines the current healthcare industry, including impact of managed care on healthcare and its outcomes. The course provides a framework for analyzing trends in organizational strategy, policy, politics, financial and economic influence on healthcare access and the healthcare system. Issues such as health policy, health values and beliefs, patient rights, reimbursement, malpractice, risk management and coordination with regulation agencies are explored from an industry perspective.

This course is designed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of human diversity in health and illness. Emphasis is placed on the role of the advanced practice nurse in critically assessing and planning for the health promotion, disease prevention and culturally relevant care management. The nurse provides leadership in ensuring collaboration and sensitivity to a multicultural workforce and client population.

This course explores the diverse nature of knowledge, values and beliefs foundational to professional nursing practice. The relationship of theory with science, research, and practice is analyzed with an emphasis on understanding the development, testing and use of theory. Models, theories, paradigms, and philosophies are examined through critical inquiry to facilitate development of a framework for advanced nursing practice.

This course explores principles and methods of research. The focus is on problem identification, research methods and design, and selection of appropriate statistical procedures. The student is prepared to evaluate and critique research.

This course examines fiscal integrity in healthcare. It utilizes basic principles of fiscal management, budgeting and healthcare economics. It examines the allocation of resources and assesses the design of payment systems. It integrates fiscal accountability in planning and budgeting. Leadership is demonstrated through the use of cost effective interventions. Legal and ethical aspects of healthcare fiscal integrity are examined.

This course explores current and emerging technology applications in the health care arena. Clinical, research, administrative and educational applications of technology are addressed. Strategic information systems planning, cost/benefit analyses, and human/organizational/technologic interface issues are addressed in detail. Ethical, legal and political issues inherent in technology applications in healthcare are also evaluated.

This course explores frameworks for program evaluation, with a focus on practical application of research principles and methodology to the evaluation process. The interrelationships of program planning, implementation, and evaluation are analyzed. The student is prepared to conduct program evaluation activities and to critique program evaluation reports.

This course provides the basic preparation of nurses with the career goal of parish nursing utilizing the standardized curriculum of the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries, St. Louis, Mo. It provides the competencies, skills and behaviors required for effective individual, community and congregational nursing interventions.

This course introduces the student to the field of educational theory in a nursing and health education environment. The scholarship of teaching model provides a framework for exploring theories of learning, motivation, instruction and teaching. Selected theoretical perspectives are explored to facilitate development of a philosophy of nursing education to serve as a base for the emerging expertise of the future nursing educator.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the principles of curriculum planning, development, implementation and evaluation. Evolving world views, diverse cultural perspectives and emerging healthcare needs provide a framework for the development of curriculum. Current issues related to the evaluation of outcomes in nursing and health education programs are emphasized. Tools and strategies for curriculum assessment and analysis are explored to form a foundation for future courses in instructional methods and assessment. Opportunities are provided for the student to develop a knowledge base in evidence-based educational practice and methods for evaluation processes and outcomes in educational programs.

This course explores, analyzes and evaluates teaching strategies and learning theories as applied to various populations, with emphasis on diversity in learning styles and the adult learner. Students select appropriate teaching strategies for traditional, online, and clinical instruction. Evaluation models related to the measurement of outcomes in classroom and clinical instruction are examined. Multimedia resources, distance learning techniques and nursing informatics are integrated into micro teaching opportunities to assist the student to develop and refine personal teaching techniques.

This course focuses upon the dimensions of healthcare leadership. Emphasis is placed upon application of critical knowledge of healthcare leadership principles, strategic human resource management, and patient care staffing models and work design knowledge to advanced practice nursing administration. Knowledge from nursing administration, leadership theories, strategic human resource management, and issues related to legal, ethical, and safety principles as well as fiscal integrity will be integrated into the learning resources and assignments for this course.

This course provides an overview of the microsystem, mesosystem, and macrosystem levels of healthcare organizations from the perspectives of organization theory, organization development, and organization behavior. Modern and current organization theories, especially complex adaptive systems (CAS) and complexity/chaos theories are explored in relation to the issues facing healthcare organizations today. Information on organizational structure, design, culture and behavior, strategy and change leadership, individual and group motivation, power and politics, impact of technology, and environmental influences are integrated to create a holistic understanding of what organizations currently face in the dynamic healthcare arena.

This course addresses the underlying principles and methods necessary to manage healthcare organizations from an evidence-based perspective. Content includes core quality improvement principles and methods, utilization of benchmarking data to formulate performance goals, and integration of quality and safety metrics into organizational goals. A focus on synthesis of multiple data sources and linking management practice to performance is emphasized.

This course addresses the business planning skills necessary to develop and implement programmatic development and change in a healthcare setting. Content includes problem definition and refinement, organizational fit, market identification and research, benchmarking, and business planning models including financial projections and return on investment. Implementation strategy including project management principles and human factors are also addressed.

This course is faculty-based independent study, based on submitted project proposal and hours required for completion.

Thesis is a scholarly research project that includes a research proposal, pilot study and written report. May be taken over one or two semesters.

The clinical practicum is a field experience or scholarly project that synthesizes and applies the essentials of master’s education for advanced practice nursing. It integrates the advanced practice nurse role in an area of specialization. The practicum demonstrates the Lewis University MSN program objectives of: the application of specialized knowledge, effective leadership and communication, and interventions that contribute to the health of society and the profession of nursing. The practicum advances the Mission of Lewis University by integrating thoughtfully organized service learning. The practicum may be taken over one or two semesters. Faculty supervision and collaboration with a site preceptor are required.

The clinical practicum is a field experience or scholarly project that synthesizes and applies the essentials of master’s education for advanced practice nursing. It integrates the advanced practice nurse role in an area of specialization. The practicum demonstrates the Lewis University MSN program objectives of: the application of specialized knowledge, the utilization of critical inquiry, effective leadership and communication, and interventions that contribute to the health of society and the profession of nursing. The practicum advances the Mission of Lewis University by integrating thoughtfully organized service learning. The practicum may be taken over one or two semesters. Faculty supervision and collaboration with a site preceptor are required.

This course addresses the advanced study of physiologic principles with relevance to clinical practice. Content areas include cellular physiology and function, metabolism and temperature regulation, cardiac and pulmonary systems, acid-base balance, renal function, hematology and immune function, the nervous system, gastrointestinal system, genitourinary system, endocrinology, and reproduction. Building on the basic sciences and clinical nursing experience, the focus is on the interrelationships of systems and regulation of cellular, organ, and system function.

The course addresses the advanced study of pathophysiologic principles with relevance to clinical practice. Content areas include pathophysiology at the cellular level, metabolism and temperature regulation, cardiac and pulmonary systems, acid-base balance, renal function, hematology and immune function, the nervous system, gastrointestinal system, genitourinary system, endocrinology, and reproduction. Building on the basic sciences and clinical nursing experience, the focus in on the interrelationships of systems and dysregulation of cellular, organ, and system function. Current research and theories that deal with pathophysiologic topics are included.

This course addresses the advanced study of a comprehensive health assessment of the adult. Levels of physical, cognitive, and social functioning are analyzed and interpreted. Emphasis is on diagnostic reasoning and research-based strategies for assessing health of individuals within the context of family and community. Special emphasis is placed on age, gender, and cultural variations. The course emphasizes diagnostic reasoning that guides the collection and interpretation of data to serve as a basis for advance practice.

This course addresses the advanced study of the actions and effects of drugs on the human system. Focus is on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles, therapeutic and adverse effects, drug interactions, cost, and evidence-based prescribing guidelines. Considerations related to gender, age, culture, and physiologic state are emphasized. The scope of ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities related to pharmacology in advanced nursing practice is addressed, including patient and family education.

The course addresses the advanced study of the physiologic and pathophysiologic principles relevant to clinical practice. Content areas include the physiology and pathophysiology at the cellular level, metabolism and temperature regulation, cardiac and pulmonary systems, acid-base balance, renal function, hematology and immune function, the nervous system, gastrointestinal system, genitourinary system, endocrinology, and reproduction. Building on the basic sciences and clinical nursing experience, the focus in on the interrelationships of systems and dysregulation of cellular, organ, and system function. Current research and theories that deal with physiologic and pathophysiologic topics are included.

This course inroduces students to principles of epidemiology applicable to infectious and non-infectious diseases, host-agent-environmental relationships, and concepts of disease causation. Students will gain familiarity with epidemiologic measures such as incidence, prevalence, mortality, case fatality, relative risk ad other rates and ratios. Topics include measures of health and risk, epidemiologic study desgins and considerations regarding issues of measurement that include assessments of internal and external validity, standardization, confounding, bias, interaction, causality and generalizability. Types and sources of public health data will be reviewed.

This course addresses the advanced competencies needed to complete a comprehensive health assessment of patients across the lifespan. Levels of physical, cognitive, and social functioning are analyzed and interpreted. Special emphasis is placed on age, gender, and cultural variations. The course emphasizes diagnostic reasoning that guides the collection and interpretation of data to serve as a basis for advanced practice. Evidence-based strategies are used to assess the health of individuals within the context of family, community and culture.

This course is first in a series of didactic courses addressing core nurse practitioner competencies in the care of adolescents and adults. Utilization of research and principles of evidence-based practice are foundational. Emphasis is placed on the person within the context of the community relative to health promotion, health protection, disease prevention and management. This course enables the student to explore theories and models in development of age, gender, and ethnically appropriate health promotion and disease prevention programs. Critical thinking, diagnostic and interventional reasoning processes are addressed for select episodic and chronic illnesses in primary care. Legal and business aspects of nurse practitioner practice are illustrated through case examples.

This course is first in a series of supervised clinical experiences for nurse practitioner students. This course provides the opportunity to utilize core nurse practitioner skills in the community, including development of health promotion, health protection, and/or disease prevention programming. The student also begins to develop skills in evaluation, diagnosis and management of common episodic and chronic health problems seen in primary care. Special emphasis is placed on obtaining a relevant health history, physical examination (complete, system, and symptom-specific) and relevant psychomotor skills.

This course is second in a series of didactic courses addressing core nurse practitioner competencies in the care of adolescents and adults. Utilization of research and principles of evidence-based practice are foundational. Critical thinking, diagnostic and interventional reasoning processes are addressed for select complex, multi-system illnesses in primary care. Legal and business aspects of nurse practitioner practice are illustrated through case examples.

This course is second in a series of supervised clinical experiences for nurse practitioner students. Emphasis is on evaluation, diagnosis and management of patients with complex, multi-system health problems, and the integration of other factors (cultural, emotional, psychosocial, etc.) that impact health.

This course is third in a series of didactic courses addressing core nurse practitioner competencies in the care of adolescents and adults. Utilization of research and principles of evidence-based practice are foundational. Critical thinking, diagnostic and interventional reasoning processes are addressed for select complex, multi-system illnesses in primary care. Special emphasis is placed on the unique needs of special populations, including various ethnicities, the disadvantaged, adolescents, women, and the elderly. Legal and business aspects of nurse practitioner practice are illustrated through case examples.

This course is third in a series of supervised clinical experiences for nurse practitioner students. The student refines and expands skills in evaluation, diagnosis and management of complex, multi-system health problems in primary care. Application of models/theories of care for special populations is emphasized. Students transition toward more independent and comprehensive practice.

This course addresses core family nurse practitioner competencies in the care of women, infants, and children. Utilization of research and principles of evidence-based practice are foundational. Critical thinking, diagnostic and interventional reasoning processes are addressed for common primary care problems for women, infants, and children.

This course is second in a series of supervised clinical experiences for family nurse practitioner students. Emphasis is on evaluation, diagnosis, and management of common primary care problems for women, infants, and children. Special emphasis is placed on obtaining a relevant health and developmental history, physical examination (complete, system, and symptom-specific) and relevant psychomotor skills.

This course is third in a series of supervised clinical experiences for family nurse practitioner students. Emphasis is on evaluation, diagnosis and management of patients with complex, multisystem health problems, and the integration of other factors (cultural, emotional, psychosocial) that impact health.

This course provides an opportunity to explore historical events and public policies that shape health promotion and disease prevention models. Emphasis is placed on synthesis of cultural, ethical, economic, environmental and social factors that influence population based healthcare policy and healthcare delivery. Epidemiologic and biostatistical methods of evaluating population health outcomes are addressed. Opportunity is provided to design evidence based and culturally sensitive approaches to improve population health.

This course addresses the integration of translational research into practice. Focus is on utilizing systematic inquiry to identify, summarize, and appraise best evidence on a selected topic inclusive of published research, benchmarking data, standards of practice and clinical expertise. Emphasis will be placed on understanding principles of data measurement, collection, management and analysis. Students begin the process of translating research into practice by producing and disseminating a systematic, integrative review of the evidence. Focus is on translating best evidence to change practice and implementing processes to monitor and evaluate the impact of the practice change. Prerequisites: Advisor approval, graduate standing, graduate level statistics. Pre or co-requisite: Graduate level epidemiology, biostatistics.

This course explores ethical dilemmas inherent in organizations, nursing practice, and clinical research. Strategies will be identified to lead the healthcare team through complex ethical and legal issues related to emerging information and patient care technologies. Students will analyze the relationships among ethical, legal, and regulatory issues in order to advocate for social justice, equity, and the development of ethical policies at the organizational and systems levels. Prerequisite: Advisor approval, graduate standing.

This course is designed to develop skills, techniques and approaches to the critical analysis of health policy proposals, health policies, and related issues. The health policy framework is analyzed through governmental, institutional and organizational perspectives. Current health policy is addressed from the perspective of available evidence and economic impact within a socio-political context. Policy contribution from the DNP perspective is emphasized. Prerequisite: Advisor approval, graduate standing.

This course addresses the advanced study of technology and informatics relevant to nurse leaders. The aim of the course includes the integration of the sophisticated skills of technology and informatics to acquire and use data, information, and knowledge in nurse leadership. The optimal use of technology and informatics will guide and support scholarly modes of practice in problem-solving and decision-making. Introduction to the cost-benefit analysis of technology initiatives will be included. Current research and applications of informatics and technology as fundamental tools for evidence-based practice, education, and quality improvement will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Advisor approval, graduate standing.

Building on basic principles of accounting and economics, the course provides a framework for analyzing health care systems and financial processes to inform decisions about healthcare delivery. Topics include (a) demand, supply, and cost analysis; (b) budget development, implementation, and evaluation; (c) variance reporting and analysis; (d) cost accounting and reimbursement systems, and (e) reporting, measuring, and analyzing financial results.

This course addresses the underlying principles and methods necessary to manage healthcare organizations from an evidence-based perspective. Content includes core quality improvement principles and methods, utilization of benchmarking data to formulate performance goals, and integration of quality and safety metrics into organizational goals. A focus on synthesis of multiple data sources and linking management practice to performance is emphasized.

This course addresses the business planning skills necessary to develop and implement programmatic development and change in a healthcare setting. Content includes problem definition and refinement, organizational fit, market identification and research, benchmarking, and business planning models including financial projections and return on investment. Implementation strategy including project management principles and human factors are also addressed. Prerequisites: Advisor approval, graduate standing.

This seminar is focused on the development of a proposal for implementation of the DNP Scholarly Project. Faculty guidance is provided to support the student to delineate the area of interest, initiate the literature review, present available evidence to demonstrate the need for the project and provide a detailed project plan for implementation. A three member faculty advisory committee is selected at this time.

The DNP curriculum culminates in the successful completion of a scholarly project, which is designed by the student in consultation with a three member faculty committee. The scholarly project must be a significant, evidence-based contribution to existing nursing knowledge and be suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

This seminar is focused on the development of a proposal for the DNP Immersion Residency. Faculty guidance is provided to support the student to delineate the area of interest, practice site, clinical mentor, and specific objectives of the experience.

Each DNP student must complete a minimum of 500 hours of DNP residency in addition to the residency hours required for initial certification in the clinical specialty. The immersion residency is an individualized, mentored clinical experience which takes into account student professional goals, area of specialization, and expected leadership competencies of the DNP graduate. The experience is guided by an individualized learning contract which is implemented within the context of the student’s area of certification. This course provides the student with the opportunity to design and deliver evidence-based care, demonstrate leadership in supporting evidence-based practice, and to function as a specialist consultant in the clinical arena.