Master of Science in Nursing (RN - MSN) Courses

This course presents an overview of concepts for professional nursing practice and nursing informatics. The historical, philosophical, and professional perspectives are presented as the genesis for the development of professional nursing. Emphasis is placed upon the theoretical basis for the science of nursing. Also included in the module are the concepts of communication between health providers to assist nurses in obtaining health information, and to assist nurses as they develop health education materials and health presentations.

The focus of this course is to strengthen the understanding of selected pathophysiologic processes. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of common pathophysiologic processes and their relationship with current health issues utilizing evidence-based nursing practice.

This course helps the licensed nurse better understand clinically relevant pharmacological concepts and principles. Topics to be discussed include principles of drug actions and interactions, drug categories and the prototype of each, and drug considerations through the life span. The nursing process is utilized as students continue to build upon previous knowledge of assessment, implementation, and evaluation of pharmacotherapeutics.

The focus of this course is to strengthen physical assessment knowledge through the understanding of selected assessment processes. Emphasis is placed on the respiratory, circulatory, abdominal, and neurological systems as to the nursing history, examination, and documentation.

This course provides the basic foundation for an understanding of nursing research. Included in the course are an overview of nursing research, steps in the research process, research designs, research methodology, data collection and analysis, and utilization of research.Pre-requisite: MTH 120 Intro to Statistics

The focus of this course is on the role of a nurse in the health and well-being of the community. Health promotion, disease prevention, and health maintenance of local communities are assessed and evaluated. The health care delivery system, cultural diversity, ethics, and sociopolitical forces are examined. High risk population aggregates are studied and the roles of various community and public health nurses are explored. Resources investigated will include community agencies, clinics, and government agencies. 15 practicum/project hours required to complete course.

In this course, the development of cultural sensitivity is studied and an overview of global health issues is provided, along with the role of the nurse in preserving and promoting health in diverse communities. Students will analyze and discuss potential avenues of health promotion, health protection, health prevention, and health maintenance. Target populations are assessed and evaluated in relation to health care access and sociopolitical forces along with cultural considerations. Learners design delivery of culturally appropriate nursing care incorporating the role and function of the family across the life span. 15 practicum/project hours required to complete course. Pre-requisite: NRSG 326 Community Health Nursing

This course is the study of leadership and management theories, principles, and concepts along with a critical examination of the nursing profession in the 21st century. The course will focus on facilitating professional leadership including knowledge of healthcare law. The goal is to enhance learners' understanding of ethical management and leadership roles and current laws in the health-care setting. 15 practicum/project hours required to complete course.

This course provides an opportunity to explore theoretical models of practice in healthcare systems. The relationship between nursing systems models and other disciplines are examined. An emphasis is placed on developing a foundation for application of professional practice through using a systems approach.

This course provides the opportunity to study the nurses' role in moral and ethical decision making. This course will challenge the learner to examine moral and ethical value systems when encountering patients with acute and chronic disease processes. This course will allow the nurse to analyze the impact of moral, spiritual, ethical, social, and political values, as they relate to professional practice. Discussion center on recognizing physiological, moral, ethical, and spiritual variance among cultural norms and health care practices in varied racial and ethnic backgrounds. Students will reflect on their personal values as they relate to moral and ethical decision making, the role of change agent for others and nursing implications for professional, spiritual, and personal growth.

This course prepares students to use information systems and technology to support and improve patient care and to impact healthcare systems. This course builds on basic computer competencies and focuses on information literacy and management, including both electronic patient health information and provider decision support resources. Ethical and legal issues specific to the use of informatics will be explored in this course.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: 629 (only for Education & Leadership tracks)

This course provides an opportunity to examine the foundation for best practice, evidence-based nursing practice. An overview of qualitative and quantitative methodology, analysis of literature, research process, and data analysis will be presented. Strategies for devising research are explored and applied through an evidence-based practice (EBP) research proposal.
Prerequisite(s): NRSG 653, 629 (only for Education & Leadership tracks)

This course provides an opportunity to examine the foundation for best practice, evidence-based nursing practice. An overview of qualitative and quantitative methodology, analysis of literature, research process, and data analysis will be presented. Strategies for devising research are explored and applied through an evidence-based practice (EBP) research proposal.
Prerequisite(s): 679

This course allows students in either the Education or Transformational Leadership track to define, develop, and expand their role utilizing advanced professional nursing competencies. Ethics, change theory, and leadership theories will be explored from a Christian philosophical view. Students are prepared to apply knowledge gained in this course into their practicum and future advanced nursing practice.

This course, taught in a two-part series, will provide advanced nursing knowledge and skills in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment in preparation as an advanced practice nurse educator. This course builds upon the foundation of previous baccalaureate knowledge and nursing practice while strengthening the student’s scientific background and understanding to promote health, prevent disease, and manage alterations in health. This course emphasizes knowledge and skills utilizing a systems approach, including a history and physical exam, to improve outcomes and prepare the student for the role of an advanced practice academic nurse educator. Case studies are used to analyze and evaluate clinical reasoning. Students who plan to become a FNP must take NRSG 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, & 678.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: None

This second course will continue to provide advanced nursing knowledge and skills in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment in preparation as an advanced practice nurse educator. This course builds upon the foundation of previous baccalaureate knowledge and nursing practice while strengthening the student’s scientific background and understanding to promote health, prevent disease, and manage alterations in health. This course emphasizes knowledge and skills utilizing a systems approach, including a history and physical exam, to improve outcomes and prepare the student for the role of an advanced practice academic nurse educator. Case studies are used to analyze and evaluate clinical reasoning. Students who plan to become a FNP must take NRSG 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, & 678.
Prerequisite(s): NRSG 641

Teaching as a profession is explored along with the role of an educator, the role of the student, the learning process, and teachers as leaders, mentors, and role models. Educational philosophy is examined including student centered learning. Students will examine factors that influence learning, explore critical topics in education, accreditation, educational organizations, funding, cultural diversity, and gender sensitivity. Students will begin to formulate a personal teaching philosophy while differentiating learning needs, the learning environment, and a variety of teaching/learning strategies.
Prerequisite(s): All core courses Education Track, NRSG 629

This course is designed to give advanced practice students direct care experience utilizing advanced knowledge in health literacy for integration, translation, and application to an identified underserved population. Students will explore the topic of health literacy and its impact in healthcare. Evidence-based tools will be utilized to identify clients with low levels of health literacy. Students will gain skills in how to assess written communication materials and implement best-practice oral communication methods for ensuring client understanding. Students will also explore ways to improve navigation of the health care system for clients and apply their learning in the direct care setting.

This course seeks to provide students an interprofessional opportunity to evaluate and reach an underserved population in the community setting while implementing advanced nursing knowledge during a 30-hour practicum. The student will work alongside an approved interprofessional master’s prepared or higher preceptor with faculty oversight. The student, preceptor, and faculty will evaluate the student for integration of new knowledge and attainment of program outcomes.
Prerequisite(s): NRSG 629, 641, 642
Prerequisite/Corequisite: NRSG 621

This course will prepare the student to design curriculum and evaluate its effectiveness. Students will design, implement, and assess outcomes through a mini curriculum project. The student will consider their personal educational philosophy when determining ways to engage learners and assess learning outcomes. Various methods of course delivery are considered including distance delivery, online modalities, and emerging trends in education. GR
Prerequisite(s): All core courses for Education Track, 621Prerequisite/Corequisite: 624

The student will integrate, apply, and evaluate the principles and concepts relative to an advanced practice academic nurse educator. The students will build on their plans to design, implement, and evaluate a teaching component related to their specialization(s) and practice settings. Students will critically reflect on their knowledge and revise their personal development plan.
Prerequisite(s): All core courses for Education track, 621

This course provides a cross discipline analysis on self-care. Students will analyze current data related to stress, burnout, and self-care concepts. Students will assess the holistic impact of stress and develop innovative strategies based on best practices for implementation in advanced nursing practice roles. Students will be challenged on a personal level through evaluation and discussion with peers on their personality, personal communication style, level of emotional intelligence, and ability to manage conflict. Students will also evaluate the broader impact of these concepts upon diverse populations. GR
Prerequisite/Corequisite: NRSG 634

This course will build on previous foundational experiences and coursework as students complete a 120-hour practicum. Students work alongside an approved, self-selected preceptor who works in a full-time capacity as an academic nursing educator, assistant professor, associate professor, or professor, in either a community college (ADN) or baccalaureate college/school/university (BSN) setting. Professional competencies and knowledge gained within the education track will be integrated into the practicum setting. Students and their preceptors will evaluate their progress throughout the practicum experience. Students will also further refine their communication skills and professionalism as they apply their knowledge in advanced nursing practice in academia. Upon completion of the Education Track, students are educationally prepared to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator examination from the National League for Nursing.
Prerequisite(s): All core courses; NRSG 629, 621, and 622, 624
Prerequisite/Corequisite: NRSG 607

This experience focuses on the synthesis of previously gained knowledge and skills in the provision of advanced nursing care to individuals, families, and communities. Emphasis is placed on health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical management of clients with common acute and chronic illness. The students will fulfill 720 total practicum hours. This course is taken concurrently with NRSG 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, and 672.

This course presents a theoretical and evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of acute and episodic health problems for advanced practice nursing. The course emphasizes the appropriate use of diagnostic measures including laboratory, radiographic, and other technologies, health promotion, disease prevention, and current care guidelines. A clinical practicum (120 hours) provides the opportunity for the diagnosis and management of common acute and episodic health problems in the primary care of adults and geriatric patients. Taken congruently with the first section of NRSG 665. Pre-requisite: NRSG 627

This course presents a theoretical and evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of women’s reproductive, acute, episodic, and chronic health problems for advanced practice nursing. The course emphasizes the appropriate use of diagnostic measures including laboratory, radiographic, and other technologies, health promotion, disease prevention, and current care guidelines. A practicum (120 hours) provides the opportunity for the diagnosis and management of women’s reproductive, acute, episodic, and chronic health problems in primary care across the lifespan. Taken congruently with the second section of NRSG 665 with approved preceptor.

This course presents a theoretical and evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of children’s acute, episodic, and chronic health problems for advanced practice nursing. The course emphasizes the appropriate use of diagnostic measures including laboratory, radiographic and other technologies, health promotion, disease prevention, and current care guidelines. A practicum (120 hours) provides the opportunity for the diagnosis and management of children’s acute, episodic, and chronic health problems in
primary care. Taken congruently with the third section of NRSG 665. Pre-requisite: NRSG 668 with 240 practicum hours completed.

This course presents a theoretical and evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of chronic health problems for advanced practice nursing. The course will emphasize the appropriate use of diagnostic measures including laboratory, radiographic and other technologies, health promotion, disease prevention, and current care guidelines. A clinical practicum (120 hours) provides the opportunity for the diagnosis and management of common chronic health problems in the primary care of adults and geriatric patients. Taken congruently with the fourth section of NRSG 665. Pre-requisites: NRSG 669 with 360 practicum hours completed.

This course presents a theoretical and evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of common complex health issues of adults and geriatrics for advanced practice nursing. The course emphasizes the appropriate use of diagnostic measures including laboratory, radiographic and other technologies, health promotion, disease prevention, and current evidence-based guidelines. A practicum (120 hours) provides the opportunity for the diagnosis and management of common complex health problems in the family primary care of adult and geriatric patients. Course requirement includes a 120-hour practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Practicum is taken congruently with the fifth section of NRSG 665 with an approved preceptor. Pre-requisites: NRSG 667 & NRSG 670 and with 480 practicum hours completed.

This course presents a theoretical and evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of common complex health issues in women and children for advanced practice nursing. The course emphasizes the appropriate use of diagnostic measures including laboratory, radiographic and other technologies, health promotion, disease prevention, and current evidence-based guidelines. A practicum (120 hours) provides the opportunity for the diagnosis and management of common complex health issues in the family primary care of children and women patients. Course requirement includes a 120-hour practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Practicum is taken congruently with the sixth section of NRSG 665 with an approved preceptor. Pre-requisites: NRSG 668 & NRSG 669 and with 600 practicum hours completed.

This elective course is organized to offer a hands-on experience for FNP students to acquire new knowledge on medically managing chief complaints and practice advanced nursing skills commonly encountered among patients across the life span in primary-care health care settings. The purpose is to create a safe environment that introduces the FNP student to their approaching practicum experience while engaging with their classmates. The immersion week will focus on evidenced-based experiential learning that will ensure high-quality patient outcomes under the supervision of the NP faculty members. There will be an emphasis on the transition into the FNP role as an ethical leader and the impact that the student has on the organization as a whole. The immersion experience should take place during, or as close as possible to, the first didactic and congruent practicum course. FNP students will receive credit up to 45-direct practicum hours applied toward their 120-practicum hours in the first practicum course (or the one closest to when the elective is taken). Prerequisite(s): NRSG 627 and NRSG 677. Corequisite(s): NRSG 678

This course allows students in either the Education or Transformational Leadership track to define, develop, and expand their role utilizing advanced professional nursing competencies. Ethics, change theory, and leadership theories will be explored from a Christian philosophical view. Students are prepared to apply knowledge gained in this course into their practicum and future advanced nursing practice.

This course will examine various models of organizational, managerial, and leadership theory. The student will review mid-level and senior managerial and leadership roles within a health care organization. The student will consider trends in nursing and health care as a means to predict practice change. Theories on change, leadership, concepts of power, and empowerment will be examined as they relate to administrative roles. Students will clarify personal values as they relate to leadership attributes and determine their role in improving quality of nursing services.
Prerequisite(s): NRSG 501, NRSG 526, NRSG 628, NRSG 629, NRSG 679, & NRSG 680

In this course the student will integrate the concepts of leader, manager, and change agent as they relate to the health care environment. Consideration is given to mission, strategic planning, finance, systems analysis, and forecasting. Responsible management of human, fiscal, and physical resources is examined in the complexity of the health care organization. Strategies to ensure a quality workplace, staff support, and retention are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): NRSG 629, 653, 626, 628, 679, 680
Prerequisite/Corequisite: NRSG 631

This course provides the opportunity for participants to integrate and apply previously learned principles and concepts relative to a graduate level manager and leader. The student will critically reflect on their knowledge and submit a business plan specific for the practicum site.
Prerequisite(s): NRSG 631
Prerequisite/Corequisite: NRSG 646

This practicum course offers the opportunity for the student to assimilate their transformational leadership skills into advanced nursing practice. A culmination of knowledge will be integrated for reflection and evaluation of the healthcare environment including, but not limited to, clinical practice, healthcare delivery models, work place design, healthcare economics and policy, evidence-based practice, performance improvement and metrics, patient safety, and risk management. Students will develop their leadership skills through implementation and evaluation within a healthcare organization. Students will also further refine their communication skills and professionalism as they put their knowledge into advance nursing practice. Business skills will be utilized to ensure understanding of a complex and evolving health care environment that leads to organizational efficiency and sustainability.

Students will complete a 120-hour practicum working alongside an approved, self-selected preceptor who is working in full-time capacity in an experienced nursing leadership role such as a Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President/Chief Nursing Executive, Director of Nursing, Senior Vice President, or Director. Students and their preceptors will evaluate their progress throughout the practicum experience. Upon completion of this track, program students are educationally prepared to sit for the Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) and/or, Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) from the American Nurses Association and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Prerequisite/Corequisite: NRSG 647

This course examines the principles, techniques and uses of accounting in the planning and control of business organizations from the management perspective. Budgetary process and related performance evaluation techniques, cost volume to profit relationships and product costing methods are examined. Review of legal and ethical implications of accounting practices.

This course explores financing of current operations and long-term capital management, sources and uses of funds, capital structure, and budgeting. Explores the concept of analyzing the financial health of organizations and connects financial health to organizational mission. Examines the challenge of global operations on finance.

This course explores a leader’s ability to impact effective change in organizations. Embracing concepts on the effective use of power can create change at all levels. The identification of sources of power, ethical strategies and tactics for its use, and how power is lost.

Learners in this course will explore a definition of leadership with an emphasis on identifying leadership traits, leadership styles, and leadership skill development. Specific emphasis will be on practical implementation of leadership strategies such as overcoming obstacles and addressing ethical matter. Students will reflect on their own personal leadership traits and styles.

This course focuses on the management areas of leadership. Learners will be exposed to elements of organizational structure, topics of human resource management and organizational behavior. Learners will explore how corporate strategy is linked to organizational structure.

Today’s leaders need to be proactive and forecast the needs of the organization for the short-term, the intermediate, and the long-term. Students will explore how leaders are primarily change agents to influence a shared vision for the future. Students will learn to identify elements critical to leading in a changing environment.

This course is a comprehensive application of corporate-communications strategy, tactics, and programs. Small teams will design, implement, and evaluate a campaign in the context of a challenging 8-week case study. Team projects are presented via a student-created website for evaluation by classmates and faculty.

This course connects organizational mission to operations. Students examine the dynamics of board governance, the benefits and challenges of working with volunteers, and the hiring challenges of nonprofits. Students will learn how to connect long term goals into short term action.

This course examines fundraising in the non-profit settings and addresses fundraising campaigns, grant writing, donor development and communication strategies. Students learn the importance of both financial and social service reporting in communicating organizational needs.

Students learn the craft, demands, and expectations of written communications to fulfill corporate-communications strategy. Students write a range of communication forms used in print and digital communications including social media, blogs, and e-newsletters.

Learners will have an opportunity to explore the purpose and value of a buyer’s persona. They will develop a persona that includes the following elements: Name, Demographics/Description, Picture, Identifiers/psychographic elements. To support the development process, they will create data collect instruments, perform statistical calculations, interpret statistical results, and craft corporate communication messages tailored to their persona. Students will also engage in group and team discussions, complete assignments, and reflect on the ways in which they can integrate the principles of Faith and Scripture through devotional thoughts each week.

This course is a comprehensive application of corporate-communications strategy, tactics, and programs. Small teams will design, implement, and evaluate a campaign in the context of a challenging 8-week case study. Team projects are presented via a student-created website for evaluation by classmates and faculty.