Provides an opportunity for students to engage in independent study in an area of interest. A mentor is assigned.
This undergraduate-level introductory course provides an overview of the science of nutrition and nutrition's relationship to health promotion and disease prevention. The primary focus is on the essential macronutrients and micronutrients, including their chemical structures, food sources, digestion and absorption, metabolism, storage, and excretion. Students develop the skills to evaluate dietary patterns and to estimate caloric requirements and nutrient needs using tools such as Dietary Guidelines for Americans, My Plate, Nutrition Facts Labels, and Dietary Reference Intakes.
This undergraduate-level introductory course is the first of a two-course-series on human anatomy and physiology. Using a body systems approach, we will study the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Foundational concepts from chemistry, cell biology, and histology are reviewed and built upon through the progression of topics. Each of the body systems will be studied for their structure, function, and mechanisms of regulation. The core concepts of levels of organization, interdependence of systems, and homeostasis will be emphasized throughout the course. This beginner level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of physiology and pathophysiology within a nursing curriculum.
This undergraduate-level introductory course is the second of a two-course series on human anatomy and physiology. Using a body systems approach, we will study the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Foundational concepts from chemistry, cell biology, and histology are reviewed and built upon through the progression of topics. Each of the body systems will be studied for their structure, function, and mechanisms of regulation. The core concepts of levels of organization, interdependence of systems, and homeostasis will be emphasized throughout the course. This beginner level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of physiology and pathophysiology within a nursing curriculum.
This online undergraduate-level introductory course focuses on the core concepts and principles of microbiology. We will explore how microorganisms co-exist and interact with humans creating both beneficial and pathological results. We will survey the diversity of microorganisms, their classification, and the essential processes needed for survival; which will dictate the environments in which they can thrive. This exploration of microorganism diversity will include topics such as microbial nutrition and metabolism, genetics, and antimicrobial mechanisms employed by and against microorganisms. Special attention will be given to understanding the human immune system, mechanisms of infection by pathogenic microorganisms, and the role non-harmful microbiota serve in supporting immune function. The weekly lab component of this course will support and complement each learning module and familiarize students with basic microbiologic lab techniques.
This introductory course covers human development across the lifespan. The course will provide an overview of development and the complexity of human growth through physical, cognitive, emotional, and social capacities. A review of historical and modern-day developmental theories as well as more complex interpersonal constructs, such as cultural variations, will be discussed. Special emphasis is placed upon examining the dynamic interplay between biology and environment with relevant application to nursing practice. The role of social and cultural stressors such as racism and socioeconomics in shaping human development will be examined. This undergraduate-level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of human development within a nursing curriculum.
In this introductory undergraduate course students will learn how vital the study of Biostatistics is to ensure that clinical and public health practices are supported by reliable evidence. Students will gain an appreciation for the hazards of applying human intuition to probability and statistical questions. This course is designed to explore the collection, analysis, and presentation/visualization of biologic and health data using statistical methods. Students will learn and apply fundamental concepts and techniques of descriptive statistics. Students will also learn basic fundamental concepts of inferential statistics.
This course will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting comprehensive and focused health assessments for individuals with emphasis placed on interviewing skills, health histories, and physical and psychosocial findings in the well person. Communication and record keeping skills are developed.
Individualized, guided learning experiences at the graduate level in a selected area of concentration. The area of concentration selected should reflect both the role of the clinical specialist / nurse practitioner and the student’s specific interests. Proposed work must be outlined prior to registration and agreed upon by both faculty and student.
This course is designed as a review of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of a candidate for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam for registered professional nurse. Students will learn how to utilize resources to build proficiency in the clinical judgement assessments of the exam and will implement professional and personal practices to enhance potential to be a successful candidate.
Pediatric Primary Care Nursing Clinical I is designed to develop skills in history taking, developmental evaluations and physical assessment for the pediatric client and to prepare the student to provide primary care to children. It focuses upon the promotion of health and the prevention of illness to promote optimal physical, intellectual and emotional growth and development. The clinical experience involves performing complete assessments on newborns, preschoolers, school-aged children and early adolescents and well childcare in a pediatric setting.
Pediatric Primary Care Nursing II focuses on the delivery of primary health care to school-age children and adolescents. This includes health promotion, the prevention of illness, and the management of common episodic problems. Using the school for clinical experience, the student will assess the status, teach individuals and groups of children, and will work with teachers and parents. Students will utilize knowledge of growth and development to develop age appropriate teaching plans, and assess children and families to assume an active role as health consumers. Current courses in pediatric pathophysiology and child development contribute to the student's knowledge base. Students continue to provide primary care to their caseload of well children in their pediatric primary care sites.
This course focuses on the assessment and management of urgent and emergent care for the pediatric client. Assessment, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and management of the pediatric client will be discussed. Strategies for management of these clients will require a synthesis of knowledge from the bio-pyscho-social, behavioral, and nursing sciences. Emphasis will be placed on integrating and educating the family regarding the acute care needs of the child. The student will understand the need to maintain continuity of care with the primary care provider.
Aimed at increasing student awareness of the prevalence, context, dynamics, and potential outcomes of interpersonal violence (IPV), the goal of this course is to provide advanced practice nurses with the information needed for prevention, identification, assessment appropriate intervention, and resource referral for clients and families who are at risk for, have a history with, or are currently experiencing IPV. Course content will explore the dynamics, causes and consequences of IPV, specifically: domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and sexual assault.
This course is designed for graduate nurses to provide them with the skills to understand and utilize research evidence in decisions about clinical practice. The course is designed to help graduate nurses articulate relevant practice-based questions, search the literature to identify relevant evidence, evaluate the quality of research on which the evidence is based, and discuss the application of the evidence in clinical practice to improve quality of care.
This course is designed to provide the student with a systematic approach to the delivery of health promotion and disease prevention in primary health care to individuals, families, communities, and aggregate populations.
This core course examines contextual contributors to health status and the current social, legal, and political determinants of healthcare systems, emphasizing the U.S. system. Issues are explored to understand their impact on current and future delivery of health care, in particular on advanced practice nursing. The class focuses on how to bring the professional values of nursing to bear in policy debate and how nurses partner in the policy process to improve health outcomes of populations and quality of the healthcare delivery system.
This graduate course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills to facilitate changes in practice delivery using quality improvement strategies. Historical development for total quality management and strategies for implementing process improvement are emphasized. Students will learn how to develop a culture of appreciative inquiry to foster inquisition and innovation. Upon completion of this course, students will design a plan for implementation of a quality improvement project.
The goals of this course are to provide students with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the actions of drugs in order to enable them to use therapeutic agents in a rational and responsible manner in patients. Initially, basic principles of pharmacology will be reviewed, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs by the body. Topics will follow regarding principles of advanced clinical pharmacology. The focus of these lectures will be to demonstrate the therapeutic application of these advanced pharmacologic principles and how this translates into efficacy and potential toxicity.
This course will introduce the DNP student to clinical decision making and evidence-based practice for the provision of primary care to individuals across the lifespan. Utilizing the case narrative format and DNP Competencies as a framework, the student will analyze clinical decisions and apply evidence for best practice. Case studies derived from complimentary practicum that reflect the critical thinking skills needed to diagnose and manage acute and chronic illness will be presented and critiqued.
Through didactic and simulation lab sessions, this course provides the student with knowledge and clinical skills for physical and pelvic assessment of individuals across the reproductive lifespan. Foundational concepts of autonomy, empowerment, equity, justice and respect are emphasized to foster the development of skills needed to perform person-centered, physical and pelvic assessment
This simulation course engages the AG-ACNP student in a variety of controlled practicum scenarios. The course offers the AG-ACNP student a simulated clinical environment and allows for integration of previous didactic and clinical knowledge to develop complex decision making skills
The goals of this course are to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the actions of drugs in order to enable them to use therapeutic agents in a rational and responsible manner in patients. Initially, basic principles of pharmacology will be reviewed (from N5375 course), including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs by the body. Drug-receptor interactions will also be presented and illustrated with appropriate examples. The focus of these lectures will be case-based whenever possible to demonstrate the therapeutic application of these pharmacologic principles and how this translates into efficacy and potential toxicity.
This course is designed to build upon prior pharmacologic study to address advanced concepts in the clinical management of psychiatric symptoms. Students will critically analyze psychotropic interventions including but not limited to mechanisms of action, indications of use, dosing, side effects, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and patient education. The use of psychotropic agents and complementary alternative medicine in relation to possible differential diagnoses is considered. Appropriate treatment across the patient lifespan, concurrent pathophysiology, chronic and acute medical conditions, multicultural influences, political and socioeconomic circumstances are also addressed.
The clinical practicum builds upon knowledge obtained in Diagnosis and Management. This practicum is designed to expand the role of the nurse practitioner student to provide primary care to complex patients, families and communities, in an outpatient setting, focusing on vulnerable populations. The clinical experience will strengthen the student skills knowledge of age-appropriate physical, cognitive and emotional development. Recognizing the multiple expressions of chronic physical and mental illness causing various complications that lead to impairment and disability. The goal of the practicum is to prepare the students for the delivery of comprehensive primary care.
This is the first of three Diagnosis and Management courses designed to educate students on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of common acute and critical illnesses via a systems-based approach. Pathophysiologic alterations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and multimodal management will be discussed. The course will examine social determinants of health and health disparities that may impact patients and family outcomes. Focus will be on the differential diagnosis and comprehensive healthcare management of commonly encountered acute and chronic physical illnesses using didactic lectures, case studies and simulation.
This is the second of four didactic courses that discuss techniques for anesthetic administration and related technologies in the context of various surgical and diagnostic interventions in diverse anesthetizing locations. Focus is assessment and management of monitoring modalities and other techniques in the perioperative environment. Cultural humility will be incorporated into care plans to develop anesthetic management individualized to patient identities and cultures while including an emphasis on social and cultural health disparities.
The purpose of this lab course is to become familiar with advanced modalities in the management of the difficult airway, point of care ultrasound (PoCUS), radiology, and cardiac imaging. Laboratory experience provides psychomotor skill development and critical thinking inherent to advanced diagnostic techniques. As a component of the course, specific skills must be safely demonstrated.
This course provides the graduate midwifery student with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the antepartum period emphasizing essential physiology and management within the context of social and reproductive justice.
This course addresses sexual and reproductive health issues and the diagnosis and management of essential health conditions. Measured outcome disparities and social justice issues will be presented as they relate to sexual and reproductive health.
This class builds upon the principles learned in the two foundational courses of the subspecialty in Women’s Health: Comprehensive Women’s Health and Advanced Care for the Childbearing Year. The student will perform and document women's health and/or antepartum physical exams in both laboratory practice and clinical settings focusing on health promotion and maintenance.
Nurse-Midwifery services provide intensive clinical experience in all areas of nurse-midwifery practice. Direct student teaching is provided by nurse-midwifery preceptors affiliated with the program.
This independent study in PMH is designed to provide an opportunity for students to be mentored in their exploration of a topic of their choice in the area of psychiatry. Students are required to develop a focus for their study, followed by a thesis statement, outline, and literature review. Students may present an annotated literature review or a brief paper (3-5 pages) as their completed project.
Utilizing a systems approach and a background in basic physical assessment, advanced physical assessment skills are studied. The identification and interpretation of abnormalities in the physical exam are emphasized in depth. The approach to the development of the differential diagnosis is introduced. The goal of this course is to provide the critical thinking necessary for the beginning advanced practice nursing student to analyze history and physical exam data.
This course provides the opportunity to manage the symptoms of cancer and its treatments with expert supervision and collaboration in the clinical setting. Learning is facilitated by expert clinicians in oncology/hospice/home/long term care areas. Evidence based practice will be promoted in issues related to quality of life, identification and prevention of complications of treatment and patient and caregiver stress.
The professional role of the nurse anesthesiologist will be examined through discussions, writings, and presentations. Standards of care, patient safety, and legal considerations will be emphasized. Cultural humility will be emphasized via discussions, presentations, and readings to better understand patient identities and cultures while including an emphasis on social and cultural health disparities as it relates to the practice of anesthesiology.
Clinical focus is on the delivery of anesthesia care in a broad range of clinical settings to patients with multi-system problems. Emphasis is placed on refinement and perfection of decision-making skills in patient care management and rapid assessment of health status of patients. Collaborative practice within a team structure is emphasized. In addition to direct patient care, participation in journal club, clinical case reports, and in-service presentations to a multidisciplinary audience provide the environment for the student to enact his or her role as a SRNA. CRNA and MD faculty members and preceptors act as guides.
Clinical focus is on the delivery of anesthesia care in a broad range of clinical settings to patients with multi-system problems. Emphasis is placed on refinement and perfection of decision-making skills in patient care management and rapid assessment of health status of patients. Collaborative practice within a team structure is emphasized. In addition to direct patient care, participation in journal club, clinical case reports, and in-service presentations to a multidisciplinary audience provide the environment for the student to enact his or her role as a SRNA. CRNA and MD faculty members and preceptors act as guides.
Demonstrate integration of learning of didactic core content (nursing research, issues, and ethics) along with didactic specialty content (anesthesia) to clinical application of practice.
This course focuses on the professional identity of the advanced practice nurse (APN) role, exploring the history of advanced practice nursing and reviewing current legal issues and state and federal regulatory policies, billing and reimbursement. The importance of the APN contributing to a workplace environment that promotes a culture of civility, accountability and self-care is examined.
This course is intended to provide a strong foundation in the concepts of genetics and clinical applicability of genomic concepts commonly seen in advance practice nurses’ clinical practice. Both classical Mendelian and molecular genetics will be examined, in order to provide a knowledge base that will enable the advanced practice nurse to integrate genetic and genomic knowledge into clinical practice. Using a case discussion approach, clinical issues of genetics testing, genetic exceptionalism, individualized risk assessments and predictions are explored throughout their life span.
This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills regarding the uses of information technology to support evidence-based practice. The course will provide an overview of informatics topics of most relevance to evidence-based practice including: computer systems and system development; standardized clinical terminology; informatics standards; electronic health records; retrieval and critical analysis of digital data, information, and knowledge; clinical decision making; decision support; decision analysis; shared decision making; and computer aided instruction.
The purpose of this course is to critically analyze healthcare policy in the US. Included is a focus on the advanced practice nurse role in shaping and influencing policy through advocacy and leadership to improve patient outcomes.
The DNP intensive practicum focuses on the delivery of fully accountable, evidenced based care for patients across clinical sites. The DNP student will demonstrate an integration of comprehensive assessment, advanced differential diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, evaluation of care for patients and synthesis of evidence-based practice with patients with a variety of conditions. In this context, the DNP student will organize and develop a professional portfolio.
The DNP portfolio is designed to assist students in meeting CUSON DNP competencies as demonstrated in written case narrative and competency based clinical encounters. Students will be assigned a faculty member who will provide guidance in identifying appropriate patient encounters, reviewing and editing all written work associated with demonstrating competency-based learning. This course repeats sequentially for 3 semesters.
The course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20 hours/week.