This course provides the opportunity to synthesize and apply knowledge from the ten AACN Essentials domains and competencies in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project and in preparation for progression to the Clinical Practicum. The DNP Project is a written scholarly project related to the students role and population/setting of interest. Ultimately, the DNP Project is designed to improve health outcomes for individuals, families, populations, or systems. In this course, the student develops a proposal for the project.

This course provides independent reading and/or research, at the post-master degree level, under the direction of a faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. May be repeated for credit.

A course, on a special topic in the discipline at the post-master degree level, offered on the basis of need, interest, or time lines. May be repeated for credit. See registrars office current class schedules Web page for specific semester description.

This course examines topics relevant to expanding knowledge of organizational and systems leadership, and provides the knowledge and skills needed to develop competence in health policy. The impact of leadership and health science on the delivery of health care is explored. The examination of healthcare financing issues as they present at the systems and organizational level is incorporated. Health policy influences and triggers are emphasized, and the impact of historical, political, economic, global, and cultural influences is examined.

This course focuses on identifying, measuring, and seeking to improve safety, health, and nurse sensitive outcomes. Various models of process/quality improvement will be analyzed such that the nurse in advanced roles can be proactive as a change agent while using strong interprofessional communication skills.

This course serves as a graduate exploration of the nature and purpose of meta-theoretical and philosophical/theoretical thinking relevant to advanced practice roles. The development and utilization of knowledge from theories, practice, research, and evidence are critically examined. Selected theories and frameworks from nursing and the field of ethics, as well as those from other related disciplines, are examined for their application in professional nursing practice including ethical decision-making in complex healthcare situations.

This course serves as a graduate exploration of epidemiologic principles as they apply to the determinants of health and disease surveillance in populations. An overview of epidemiologic measures and research designs is provided. Skills related to interpreting biostatistical data found in health care literature as well as those utilized in advanced nursing practice will be developed. Clinical and population-based principles of health promotion and disease prevention are incorporated.

This course builds upon knowledge and skills related to child and family health and focuses on the assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of acute, emergent, and chronic health issues as well as developmental problems from infancy through adolescence, with ongoing appraisal on the family unit. Evidence-based practice principles are integrated in order to provide comprehensive and collaborative primary care to children and their families. Prerequisite: 695.

The focus of this course is to develop knowledge and management skills related to family systems theory/family assessment; preconception health, FNP prenatal and post partum family/newborn care; well-child care; developmental appraisal; and triage of the ill child. Evidence-based practice principles are integrated. Emphasis is on the planned nursing and collaborative medical management provided by the family nurse practitioner to promote health, maintain wellness,and intervene during illness.

This course offers continuing clinical experience related to the family nurse practitioner role and focuses on increasing independence in clinical decision-making skills in the management of health problems and needs of individuals and families across the lifespan, including the maternal newborn experience and well child care. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies are incorporated; culturally sensitive care is emphasized. (Up to 240 clinical hours) Prerequisite: 692. May be repeated for credit.