600
In this course, various theories applicable for advanced practice nursing, curriculum development, and research are examined. Theories are evaluated for patterns of knowledge, levels of theory development, and utility. Theories are analyzed, taking into account patient needs, values, and interpersonal relationships utilized in advanced practice. This course is recommended early in the program.
This course focuses on theories of health promotion and disease prevention. Biological, behavioral, social, nutritional, environmental, cultural, spiritual, and epidemiological data that reflect the health needs of individuals of all ages, families, and groups are explored. Master-prepared nurses must assume the advocate role for society when identifying health risks and developing holistic multidisciplinary interventions for health promotion. Recommended prior to role practicum in FNP curriculum. Two credits of theory and one credit of clinical.*
Master's prepared nurses must assume the advocate role for society when identifying health risks and developing holistic multidisciplinary interventions for health promotion. This course is recommended prior to other clinical experiences in the FNP curriculum. (One credit hour = 45 hours of clinical practice).
Christian and Catholic moral theology will provide a basis for the examination of autonomy and personal responsibility in various nursing contexts. Analyses of current ethical issues in advanced practice nursing are explored. The impact of Christian values and Church teaching on the professional role of the advanced practice nurse are examined. Three credits of theory.
This course addresses the role of government and public institutions in the health and welfare of people. The influence of cost-driven modes of health care such as managed care and integrated health care systems will be evaluated. Models for financing, budgeting, and strategic planning that reflect current health care organizational trends and the Church's teaching on social action provides a basis for approaching political, organizational, and financial issues in health, nursing, and health education. The advanced practice role in facilitating and influencing political, financial, and organizational policy will be discussed. Funding sources will be examined, including community and population-based systems that serve vulnerable populations. Three credits of theory.
Professional ethics, accountability, and responsibility of advanced practice nurses are the focus of this course. State and federal laws regulating advanced nursing practice, credentialing, and standards of practice in the nurse practitioner role will be carefully reviewed. Two credits of theory.
Through a systems approach, master's-prepared nursing students will learn to interpret physiology and related pathology of diseases. Responses to illness and treatment will be assessed across the life span. Current research related to disease in the primary health care setting will be the focus. Three credits of theory. Prerequisite for NUR 660 and NUR 670.
This course focuses on routine screening, assessment skills, diagnostics, and diagnostic instrumentation used by the master's-prepared nursing student in the primary health care setting. Clinical practice related to individual needs will be independently developed. Two credits of theory and one credit of clinical. Prerequisite for all FNP Specialization Core Courses.
Pharmacological principles, nutritional, and other treatment modalities, including responses on the cellular level are presented. In order to plan and provide safe health care, pharmacotherapeutics of broad categories of drugs used by advanced practice nurses and masters-prepared nursing students in primary care, and current trends in nutrition and alternative treatment modalities will be reviewed. Three credits of theory. Prerequisite for all FNP Specialization Core Courses.
This course focuses on an empirical approach to research. The philosophical underpinnings of this approach will be discussed. Quantitative research methods and appropriate analysis and interpretation of findings will be explored. The use of information technology by the advanced practice nurse is stressed. Research funding priorities, ethical treatment of human subjects, and the concept of evidence-based practice and educational utilization will be emphasized. Two credits of theory. Prerequisite for NUR 690 and NUR 695.
This course focuses on an experiential process of acquiring scientific knowledge. The philosophical underpinnings of various qualitative research methods and analysis will be explored, while the use of triangulation and additional methods to establish trustworthiness of findings will be discussed. Ethical considerations and dissemination of qualitative findings will be emphasized, and the use of qualitative research for concept and theory development will be explored. Two credits of theory. Prerequisite for NUR 690 and NUR 695.
This course focuses on cultural norms of individuals of varied racial and ethnic backgrounds. Universal aspects of culture addressed in the course include: health care practices, patterns of communication, kinship, education, diet, religion, art, politics, and economics. The advanced practice nurse's under- standing of health problems related to social issues and lifestyle choices is discussed utilizing the Christian/Catholic viewpoint as the framework for teaching. Two credits of theory.
Notes
Students may take either NUR 690 Thesis or NUR 695 Research Option.
This course is an independent scientific research study conducted over three semesters. The Thesis Committee will consist of a chairperson (a doctoral-prepared Franciscan University nursing faculty member) and two other members (one master's or doctoral -prepared nursing faculty member and one outside master's or doctoral-prepared person). Replication of nursing research studies is highly recommended. Three credits taken over three semesters (1 credit per semester).
Participation in scientific research activities is the focus of this course. Students who choose the research option in lieu of the thesis have the opportunity to learn from and participate with experienced researchers in research-related activities. Three credits taken during one semester Research Practicum Course.