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Course Catalog

Master of Science in Nursing

Associate Dean, Administration and Compliance, Chief Nursing Administrator: Joan Owens, PhD, RN

Professors: S. Boysen (Emeritus), N. Crogan (Emeritus), M. McFarland (Emeritus), J. RamirezJ. Tiedt, M. Shaw
Associate Professors: C. Kottwitz, L. Murphy (Emeritus), J. OwensM. SchiavenatoB. SengerC. Sloan
Assistant Professors:
Senior Lecturers: J. Derzay
Lecturers: L. Anagnostopoulos, A. Argyle, C. Brumley,  Cline, K., S. Edwards, S. Ellefson, Evans, B.,J. Garrity, K. Gonder,  E. Hennessey,  J., Hoving, B., Maefsky, K., Magee, Manion, K.  H. Newton, M. Nowak, D. Ogorek, M. Parker,  T. Redman, D., Staaben, J. Thompson, J. Todd, S., T Tviet

Introduction

The Department of Nursing offers three advanced education nursing options at the master’s level: the accelerated RN to MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), the MSN, and second Master's in Nursing. Each of these options emphasize leadership, the integration of theoretical concepts from nursing and related disciplines, and the application of these theories to practice. Both role development and preparation in a specialty area are emphasized. Grounded in Jesuit and nursing values, the MSN program prepares Registered Nurses to assume roles as Family Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, or Nursing Leaders in Healthcare. With Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) as the organizing framework for the curriculum, the program builds on the themes of servant leadership, social justice, community, and reflective practice. Gonzaga's MSN program is offered in an online, distance delivery format with scheduled on-campus immersions. This format enables nurses in geographically isolated areas and those who are unable to attend an on-campus program to pursue advanced nursing education and still continue to provide much-needed nursing services in their home communities while completing graduate studies. Nurse Practitioner graduates are qualified to take the national certification examinations for their areas of specialization. National certification is a requirement for licensure as a nurse practitioner in most states. Students are responsible for checking, and adhering to, state mandates for practice while in the student role and in an advanced nursing role.

Program Overview

Students who enter the master's program through the accelerated RN to MSN option complete a total of five courses (15 credits) that "bridge" them to the graduate-level courses. After completing these "bridge" courses, they progress directly to the core courses in the MSN program provided they have successfully completed all bridge courses with a grade of “C” or better and have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0. They then matriculate to the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare (NLH) MSN track.

Students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree are admitted directly into the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Students apply for admission to one of three specialty tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (47 credits), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (47 credits), or Nursing Leadership in Healthcare (30 credits).

Students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and Registered Nurse license are also able to be admitted directly into the Master of Science in Nursing program, but must complete a minimum of five pre-requisite courses prior to starting the master’s-level courses.

In the nurse practitioner tracks, students complete five MSN core courses plus courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment before progressing into the direct care core courses that prepare them for advanced practice. Students in these pathways complete 600 hours (10 credits) of practicum or clinical experience in their specialty area.

Students preparing for the advanced role specialty of Nursing Leader in Healthcare complete three MSN core courses plus six specialty didactic courses in organizational leadership and healthcare. Students in the NLH specialty track also complete 180 hours (3 credits) of practicum. 

The second master’s degree option is designed for the Registered Nurse who already possesses a master’s degree in nursing but desires additional preparation in another specialty area. The program is structured to meet the needs and schedules of working Registered Nurses through the same distance delivery format used in the MSN program. The total credits required may vary depending on each student’s background and preparation.

Students are referred to the relevant Department of Nursing Student Handbook for a more detailed overview of requirements and expectations. There are separate handbooks for the BSN and graduate (MSN and DNP) programs. 

RN to MSN Program (for Registered Nurses)

The RN to MSN option offers the licensed Registered Nurse with an associate's degree in nursing the opportunity to earn a master's degree in nursing in less time and with fewer credits than would be required if completing separate BSN and MSN degrees. The MSN is the degree awarded; there is no option for earning a separate BSN degree. In an effort to meet the needs of working Registered Nurses, the program is offered in an online distance delivery format with scheduled on-campus immersions during the MSN coursework. Students complete five courses (15 credits) that "bridge" them to the master's level courses: PHIL 201- Intro to Philosophy OR PHIL 301- Ethics (One Philosophy course must be taken at Gonzaga); NURS 320 – Statistics for Health Professionals; NURS 406 – Nursing Research; NURS 463 – Community Health; and NURS 464 – Community Health Practicum. Upon successful completion of the "bridge" courses, students’ progress immediately to the graduate level courses with an emphasis on preparation for an advanced role as a Nursing Leader in Healthcare.

Admission

  1. Students applying to Gonzaga University must submit Gonzaga’s Graduate Application, which can be accessed online at https://www.gonzaga.edu/gradapply
  2. Along with the application for graduate study, each program at Gonzaga has distinct admission requirements. Please refer to the table below to view that detailed information.

Program Name

How To Apply Link
Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) (Online) https://www.gonzaga.edu/online-graduate-programs/online-programs/nursing-programs/rn-to-msn/eligibility-criteria-admission-requirements
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Online) https://www.gonzaga.edu/online-graduate-programs/online-programs/nursing-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/eligibility-criteria-admission-requirements
Second Master’s Degree (Online )  https://www.gonzaga.edu/online-graduate-programs/online-programs/nursing-programs/second-msn-degree

Degree Requirements

The RN to MSN program requires the completion of five "bridge" courses (15 credits) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to progress to MSN-level course work.

RN to MSN

Bridge Courses: 15 Credits

PHIL 301 Ethics or PHIL 201 Human Nature
3 credits
NURS 320 Statistics for Health Professionals         3 credits
NURS 406 Nursing Research 3 credits
NURS 463 Community Health 3 credits
NURS 464 Community Health Practicum 3 credits

Graduate (MSN) Courses:

Achievement of a grade of B or better is expected in graduate studies. Students who successfully complete the "bridge" courses with a minimum grade of “C” and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 progress directly to the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare MSN-level courses.

Required Core Courses for All MSN NP Tracks: 15 Credits

All of the core courses are offered online and must be completed for each of the specialty NP tracks. These courses provide the theoretical foundation for role development and expose the students to concepts and issues that undergird all areas of advanced nursing practice. Courses include content in health policy analysis and development, information management, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Students in the Nursing Leadership in Healthcare track will complete a slightly different set of core courses as some of the content is built into their specialty courses, see below. 

NURS 561 Information Technology and Data Management 3 credits
NURS 562 Theoretical Foundations for Healthcare Improvement        3 credits
NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety 3 credits
NURS 564 Contemporary Healthcare Environment 3 credits
NURS 565 Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations 3 credits

 

Nursing Leadership in Healthcare (NLH) Track: 30 Credits (including Core)

This track prepares Registered Nurses to assume leadership and administrative positions in inpatient, ambulatory care, and community-based settings. Students gain knowledge and competency in financial and human capital management, as well as strategies for responding to the ethical and legal issues encountered in administrative roles. Students have the opportunity to select three of four courses from the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program, which also allows them to integrate with other business leaders, expand their understanding of organizational dynamics and organizational change, and to view leadership from diverse perspectives. The NLH core courses are offered online. There is a required two-day, on-campus immersion during the last practicum course.

MSN Core: 9 credits
NURS 561 Information Technology and Data Management 3 credits
NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety 3 credits
NURS 565 Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations 3 credits
Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Specialty Courses: 18 Credits
ORGL 515 Leadership and Human Potential 3 credits
ORGL 535 Listen, Discern, Decide 3 credits
NURS 642A Healthcare Quality and Safety Management 3 credits  
NURS 644A Business of Healthcare Management 3 credits  
NURS 645A Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Healthcare 3 credits  
Select one of the following two courses
3 credits  
ORGL 530 Servant Leadership    
ORGL 600 Foundations of Leadership    
Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Practicum: 3 Credits (180 hours)
NURS 634A Nursing Leadership Practicum  2-3 credits
NURS 683A Nursing Leadership Practicum Extension (if needed)  1-2 credits


Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track: 47 Credits (including Core)

This track prepares students to provide a holistic approach to primary care for individuals and families of all ages and to manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health problems. Family Nurse Practitioners work in independent as well as collaborative practice settings, such as private practices, urgent care centers, health maintenance organizations, clinics, health departments, student health centers, and clinics for the homeless or uninsured. The FNP core courses are offered online. Students are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the four practicum courses as well as two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of 6 on-campus immersions). These immersions are two to three days in length. Students residing in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each practicum course. Students living outside of this four-state region are required to arrange for an additional on-campus day in conjunction with the immersion experience during each practicum course in order to complete the faculty site visit requirement. Students may only be admitted if they reside in one of these ten western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.

Family Nurse Practitioner Core: 22 Credits
NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits
NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits
NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment 3 credits
NURS 601 Advanced Health Assessment: Advanced Nurse Practicum 1 credit
NURS 651P Primary Care: Gender-Based 3 credits
NURS 652P Primary Care: Infant/Child/Adolescent 3 credits
NURS 653P Primary Care: Adult/Gerontology I 3 credits
NURS 654P Primary Care: Adult/Gerontology II 3 credits
Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: 10 Credits (600 hours)
NURS 661P Primary Care Practicum: Gender-Based 1-3 credits
NURS 662P Primary Care Practicum: Infant/Child/Adolescent 2-3 credits
NURS 663P Primary Care Practicum: Adult/Gerontology I 3-4 credits
NURS 664P Primary Care Practicum: Adult/Gerontology II 2-4 credits
NURS 683P Primary Care Practicum Extension (if needed) 1 credit


Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Track: 47 Credits (including Core)

This track prepares students to work as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. They are prepared to provide the full range of services that comprise primary mental health care in diverse settings with a variety of clients/patients, to provide clinical and professional leadership, and facilitate system improvements. Their clinical practice focuses on persons of all ages with diagnosed psychiatric disorders and individuals, families, or populations at risk for mental illness. The PMHNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the three practicum courses and two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of 5 on-campus immersions). These immersions are two days in length. Students will have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each of the three specialty practicum courses.  Additional site visits are arranged as needed. Students may only be admitted if they reside in one of these ten western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Core: 22 Credits
NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits
NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits
NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment 3 credits
NURS 601 Advanced Health Assessment: Advanced Nurse Practicum 1 credit
NURS 652M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts I 3 credits
NURS 653M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts II 3 credits
NURS 654M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts III 3 credits
NURS 670 Advanced Psychopharmacology 3 credits
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum: 10 credits (600 hours)
NURS 661M Psych-Mental Health Practicum I 1-3 credits
NURS 662M Psych-Mental Health Practicum II 1-4 credits
NURS 663M Psych-Mental Health Practicum III 1-4 credits
NURS 683M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practicum Extension (if needed) 1-3 credits

Second Master's Degree in Nursing

After faculty review the student's transcript and determine the courses needed to complete the student's chosen specialty pathway, the student typically completes between 21 to 35 credits, depending on the track, to obtain a second master's degree in Nursing.

Second Master's Degree Program Tracks:

Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Track: 21-24 Credits

This track prepares Registered Nurses to assume leadership and administrative positions in inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings. Students gain knowledge and competency in financial and human capital management, as well as strategies for responding to the ethical and legal issues encountered in administrative roles. The NLH core courses are offered online. Practicum experiences are arranged by the student to meet identified learning needs. There is a required two-day, on-campus immersion during the last practicum course.

Required Courses or Equivalency: 18-21 Credits
NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety (if needed) 3 credits
ORGL 515 Leadership and Human Potential 3 credits
ORGL 535 Listen, Discern, Decide 3 credits
NURS 642A Healthcare Quality and Safety Management 3 credits   
NURS 644A Business of Healthcare Management 3 credits   
NURS 645A Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Healthcare 3 credits   
One of the following two courses: 
3 credits  
ORGL 530 Servant Leadership    
ORGL 600 Foundations of Leadership     
Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Practicum: 3 Credits (180 hours)
NURS 634A Nursing Leadership Practicum  2-3 credits
NURS 683A Nursing Leadership Practicum Extension (if needed)  1-2 credits

Family Nurse Practitioner Track: 32-35 Credits

This track prepares students to provide a holistic approach to primary care for individuals and families of all ages and to manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health problems. Family Nurse Practitioners work in independent as well as collaborative practice settings, such as private practices, urgent care centers, health maintenance organizations, clinics, health departments, student health centers, and clinics for the homeless or uninsured. The FNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the four specialty practicum courses as well as two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of 6 immersions). These immersions are two days or more in length. Students residing in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each practicum course.  Students living outside of this four-state region are required to arrange for an additional on-campus day in conjunction with the immersion during each practicum course in order to complete the faculty site visit requirement.

Required Courses or Equivalency: 22-25 Credits
NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits
NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits
NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety (if needed) 3 credits
NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment 3 credits
NURS 601 Advanced Health Assessment: Advanced Nurse Practicum 1 credit
NURS 651P Primary Care: Gender-Based 3 credits
NURS 652P Primary Care: Infant/Child/Adolescent 3 credits
NURS 653P Primary Care: Adult/Gerontology I 3 credits
NURS 654P Primary Care: Adult/Gerontology II 3 credits
Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: 10 Credits (600 hours)
NURS 661P Primary Care Practicum: Gender-Based 1-3 credits
NURS 662P Primary Care Practicum: Infant/Child/Adolescent 2-3 credits
NURS 663P Primary Care Practicum: Adult/Gerontology I 3-4 credits
NURS 664P Primary Care Practicum: Adult/Gerontology II 2-4 credits
NURS 683P Primary Care Practicum Extension (if needed) 1 credit

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track: 32-35 Credits

This track prepares students to work as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. They are prepared to provide the full range of services that comprise primary mental health care in diverse settings with a variety of clients/patients, to provide clinical and professional leadership, and facilitate system improvements. Their clinical practice focuses on persons of all ages with diagnosed psychiatric disorders and individuals, families, or populations at risk for mental illness. The PMHNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the three specialty practicum courses and two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course (for a total of 5 immersions). These immersions are two days in length. Students will have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each of the three practicum courses.  Additional site visits are arranged as needed.

Required Courses or Equivalency: 22-25 Credits
NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits
NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits
NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety (if needed) 3 credits
NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment 3 credits
NURS 601 Advanced Health Assessment: Advanced Nurse Practicum 1 credit
NURS 652M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts I 3 credits
NURS 653M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts II 3 credits
NURS 654M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts III 3 credits
NURS 670 Advanced Psychopharmacology 3 credits 

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum: 10 Credits (600 hours)
NURS 661M Psych-Mental Health Practicum I 1-3 credits
NURS 662M Psych-Mental Health Practicum II 1-4 credits
NURS 663M Psych-Mental Health Practicum III 1-4 credits
NURS 683M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practicum Extension (if needed) 1-3 credits

NURS 523 Adv Pathophysiology
3.00 credits
This course seeks to assist learners to understand the cellular pathophysiological basis of disease. The content emphasizes cellular, genetic, and biochemical processes. Pathophysiological and physiological concepts form the basis for critical thinking and decision making when assessing and treating individuals with various disease processes.
Equivalent:
NURS 533 - Successful completion
NURS 524 Adv Pharmacology
3.00 credits
The course is designed to prepare the learner for an advanced practice role with prescriptive authority. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles will be applied to the pharmacotherapeutic treatment of disease. Medications will be studied according to therapeutic categories and drug classes within the framework of organ-based pathophysiologic disease state processes. Emphasis will be placed on the medications that are commonly used (top 200 drugs) in primary care settings with special attention given to evidence-based medication selection, patient education, and medication monitoring.
Prerequisite:
NURS 523 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 561 Info Tech & Data Mgmt
3.00 credits
This course explores the many uses of information technology and data management. The course will provide learners with the knowledge and skills in information and healthcare technology needed to enhance communication and interprofessional collaboration in the current healthcare environment. The process of locating, accessing and analyzing information and data is applied to advanced practice roles, enhancing patient safety, quality and outcomes, and improving population health.
Equivalent:
NURS 554 - Taken before Fall 2014
NURS 562 Theor Fdn Hlthcare Improvement
3.00 credits
This course provides a theoretical orientation to become change agents in a variety of healthcare settings and diverse practice populations. The course will provide learners with a foundation in theories significant to nursing practice such as complex adaptive systems, organizational and change theory, leadership and team-building models, and quality improvement and care models needed to assess, design, plan, implement, and evaluation quality improvement project to promote patient-centered care and improve program outcomes.
Equivalent:
NURS 552 - Taken before Fall 2013
NURS 563 EBP for Quality & Safety
3.00 credits
This course will provide learners with a theoretical and practical foundation for identifying and critically appraising evidence from qualitative and quantitative research traditions. The emphasis is on the examination of the essential elements of evidence-based-practice, including the formulation of answerable questions to address quality improvement and safety in a variety of advance practice roles and the systematic search for research evidence that can be used to answer researchable questions.
Equivalent:
NURS 553 - Taken before Fall 2013
NURS 564 Contemp Hlthcare Env
3.00 credits
This course explores the ethical and legal principles of healthcare and their impact on accessible, affordable, and quality care. This course will provide learners with a framework for discussing ethical and legal issues with an emphasis on the ethical delivery of care to individuals, families and populations. The scope and standards of advanced nursing roles will be examined along with current issues and policies that address health care disparities, health care organizations, financing and quality. Strategies for analyzing and influencing public, professional and institutional policies related to health care and its delivery will be considered.
Equivalent:
NURS 551 - Taken before Summer 2014
NURS 565 Clin Prev for Diverse Pops
3.00 credits
The focus of this course is on the development of health promotion and disease prevention programs for diverse groups and populations. Selected concepts of epidemiology, broad determinants of health, population health, clinical prevention and cultural competence will be examined as they relate to the design and delivery of equitable clinical prevention and health promotion interventions and/or services to individuals, families, communities and aggregates/clinical populations.
Equivalent:
NURS 555 - Taken before Summer 2014
NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment
3.00 credits
This course is designed to extend and refine the assessment skills of the Registered Nurse in preparation for an advanced clinical practice role. The student will learn to perform physical, developmental, mental, emotional, cultural, social, and family assessments. Students will review anatomy and physiology related to each biological system being studied. The course emphasizes in-depth techniques for assessing each body system in individuals throughout the life span. Lectures will focus on the use of a variety of health assessment techniques, including history taking skills, physical assessment, and other diagnostic assessment tools. Application of diagnostic reasoning and patient education to the assessment process will be included in the content. This course incorporates approximately 13 hours of supervised laboratory experience and 60 hours of precepted clinical experience. Laboratory and clinical components of the course focus on helping the student to develop communication, observation, and psychomotor skills and to document history and physical examination findings. Two, 2-day on-campus immersions required. NURS 600/NURS 601 must be taken concurrently, and is considered a full-time load for the semester.
Prerequisite:
NURS 523 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 524 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 601
NURS 601 Adv Health Assessment Pract I
1.00 credit
This course is the practicum course paired with NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment. The focus is on the practice of advanced assessment skills within a primary care setting. Students must complete 60 clinical hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner or physician. NURS 600/NURS 601 must be taken concurrently, and is considered a full-time load for the semester.
Prerequisite:
NURS 523 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 524 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 600
NURS 634A Nursing Leadership Practicum
2.00- 3.00 credits
This practicum course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders with the opportunity to integrate leadership and theoretical knowledge from previous didactic courses to gain hands-on expertise. Students have the opportunity to achieve competencies as nurse leaders in the areas of communication, knowledge of the healthcare environment, leadership, professionalism, and business skills, as outlined by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). This individualized practicum experience will take place in one or more pre-approved healthcare settings under the guidance of an approved expert clinical preceptor for the completion of 120-180 clinical practicum hours. Students will develop objectives for learning and identify specific activities to meet these objectives; one objective will focus on a practicum project. Students are required to attend a two-day on-campus immersion.
Prerequisite:
NURS 642A Minimum Grade: C and NURS 644A Minimum Grade: C and NURS 645A Minimum Grade: C
NURS 642A HC Quality Impr & Safety Mgtmt
3.00 credits
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to acquire the essential skills, values, and principles necessary to facilitate an environment of quality and safety in a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Course content focuses on creating highly-reliable organizations and the establishment of a just-culture. The course emphasizes strategies and methodologies in the application of research and evidence-based practices to strive for excellence, improve quality, and increase patient safety in all aspects of healthcare. National initiatives and agencies responsible for quality outcome measures and organizational accountability will be explored.
Prerequisite:
NURS 561 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 563 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 565 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 644A Business of Healthcare Mngmnt
3.00 credits
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to acquire the skills essential to financially manage a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Course content focuses on the financial concepts of accounting, budgets, coding, cost allocation, reimbursement, productivity, and capital expenses.
NURS 645A Legal, Regulatory, & Ethic HC
3.00 credits
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to apply legal, ethical, and regulatory principles in a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Systems theory provides a framework for examining legal and regulatory actions influencing delivery of care, patient and employee rights and responsibilities, quality management, accreditation, and patient safety and risk management. The course utilizes healthcare policy as a framework to analyze, monitor, and maintain legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance.
NURS 651P Gender Based
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the care of women and men with common pathophysiological alterations in gender related health. Focus is on clinical management of preventative, acute and chronic health problems in women and men who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the FNP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), and prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 652P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 662P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 661P
NURS 652M PMH Nurse Concepts I
3.00 credits
Designed as an induction into advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing. The scope of practice and standards of the psychiatric nurse practitioner are analyzed. Major emphasis is placed on building a therapeutic relationship, assessing, and diagnosing major psychiatric disorders mental health promotion/prevention strategies, and diagnostic decision-making is stressed. Risk assessments and formulating diagnoses using DSM V, are emphasized and other phenomena requiring clinical intervention, considering variations across the lifespan. Selected theories of interpersonal psychotherapy, human development, recovery, and trauma informed care across the lifespan are analyzed. The biological bases of psychosocial behavior and their implications in psychiatric care are explored. Integration of concepts and application in one's personal practice are stressed.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 670 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 661M
NURS 652P Infant, Child, Adolescence
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the clinical management of preventative, acute and chronic health problems in infants/children/adolescents who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the NP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment and treatment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), and prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions. The FNP’s role in management and referral to other health care professionals and community resources for individuals and families will be emphasized (e.g., coordination of care transitions within and between health care systems for children with developmental delay).
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 662P
NURS 653M PMH Nurse Concepts II
3.00 credits
The focus of this course is on the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic mental health issues. Emphasis is on individual and group psychotherapy across the lifespan. Development of therapeutic relationships and interpersonal processes in psychotherapy are examined. Continued development of therapeutic relationships, self-awareness, and skill in assessment, diagnosis, and care formulation are emphasized.
Prerequisite:
NURS 652M Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 662M
NURS 653P Adult/Gerontology I
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the clinical management of chronic and complex health problems in adults and elders who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the NP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis) and treatment, prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions, and patient education, follow-up, co-management or referral.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 651P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 663P
NURS 654M PMH Nurse Concepts III
3.00 credits
Focuses on the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic mental health issues. The course will have an emphasis on individual, group and family psychotherapy interventions. Development of therapeutic relationships and interpersonal processes in psychotherapy are examined. Theoretical models for individual and group psychotherapy are analyzed for their application and presenting issues in therapy situations of patients/clients of varying ages and diagnoses are emphasized. Self-awareness; continuing development of knowledge and skill in assessment, diagnosis, and care formulation; and integration of theories and techniques of psychotherapy for application in one's personal practice are stressed. Strategies in treating chronic mental health disorders are considered. The indications for and selection of appropriate theoretical models, diagnostic strategies, and/or intervention techniques, and issues in treatment situations of patients/clients across the age span are emphasized.
Prerequisite:
NURS 652M Minimum Grade: C or NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 663M
NURS 654P Adult/Gerontology II
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the clinical management of chronic and complex health problems in adults and elders who present for care in primary care and other settings. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive health assessment and treatment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions, and patient education. The course also emphasizes the NP’s role when referring to other health care professionals, community resources, and interdisciplinary teams.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 653P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 663P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 664P
NURS 661M Psyc-Mntl Hlth Practicum I
1.00- 3.00 credits
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts I. Emphasis is on utilizing the theories, concepts, and skills necessary to assess and diagnose acute and chronic psychiatric disorders and the development of clinical intervention.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 670 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 652M
NURS 661P PC: Gender-Based Practicum
1.00- 3.00 credits
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Gender-Based. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete 60 to 180 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult male and female population with health concerns.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 652P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 662P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 651P
NURS 662M Psyc-Mntl Hlth Practicum II
1.00- 4.00 credits
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts II. Emphasis is on the application of treatment interventions including medication management, individual, group psychotherapy for the adult clients.
Prerequisite:
NURS 652M Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 653M
NURS 662P Infant, Child, Adoles Pract
2.00- 3.00 credits
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Infant, Child and Adolescent. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete 120 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the population of infant through adolescent with health concerns.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 652P
NURS 663M Psyc-Mntl Hlth Practicum III
1.00- 4.00 credits
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts III. Emphasis is on the application of treatment interventions including medication management and individual and group psychotherapy for the child/adolescent and elderly client with acute, chronic, and co-occurring disorders.
Prerequisite:
NURS 652M Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 654M
NURS 663P Adult/Gerontology Pract I
3.00- 4.00 credits
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Adult/Geriatric I. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete a minimum of 180 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either a physician or NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult/gerontology population with health concerns in primary care settings.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 651P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 653P
NURS 664P Adult/Gerontology Pract II
2.00- 4.00 credits
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Adult/Gerontology II. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete a minimum 120 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either a physician or NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult/gerontology population with health concerns in primary care and other settings.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 653P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 663P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 654P
NURS 670 Psychopharmacology
3.00 credits
The course covers the principles and theories of psychopharmacology, the examination of, epigenetics, genetics, neurochemical communication, circuits in psychopharmacology, the effects of various psychotropic drugs, and the actions of drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders. The course examines the actions and use of specific psychotropic medication, required monitoring and the management of behavior and mental illness. NURS 670 is considered a full-time course for the semester in and of itself.
Prerequisite:
NURS 523 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 524 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 671 Care of Frail Elder
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the clinical management of the elder in primary care. Emphasis is on principles of gerontological care, common syndromes, ethical issues, abuse/neglect, and care options within the long-term care (LTC) continuum. The course includes a clinical application experience in an internal medicine clinic or a LTC setting.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 683P
NURS 672 Mental Hlth in Adv Practice
3.00 credits
This course is foundational for advanced practice nurses when providing care to patients with common mental health disorders. Content includes neurophysiologic, genomic, environmental, social, and developmental theories to understand the etiology and presentation of common mental health conditions. Psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological principles and modalities for treatment of common mental health problems will be explored.
NURS 683A Nursing Ldrshp Practicum Ext
1.00- 2.00 credits
This course provides Nursing Leadership in Healthcare students the opportunity to continue to apply nursing leadership and healthcare management concepts while completing required practicum hours. Students will complete 1-2 credits of practicum (60-120 hours) in approved clinical settings while supervised by approved clinical preceptors.
Prerequisite:
NURS 634A Minimum Grade: C
NURS 683M Psyc-Mntl Hlth Pract Extension
1.00- 3.00 credits
This course is an independent clinical course. It is not paired with a didactic course. It is designed to allow Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students to continue to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing in semesters when they are not enrolled in NP specialty didactic courses. Students will complete variable clinical clock hours in approved clinical settings while supervised by a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. The focus of this clinical experience is on the continuing development and refinement of treatment interventions including medication management and individual and group psychotherapy for any population.
Prerequisite:
NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
NURS 683P Prim Care Pract Extension
1.00 credit
This course is an independent clinical course. It is not paired with a didactic course. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to continue to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing in semesters following completion of the NP specialty didactic courses. Students will complete variable clinical clock hours in approved clinical settings while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the continuing development and refinement of skills in caring for any population with health concerns in primary care or other approved settings.
Prerequisite:
NURS 654P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 664P Minimum Grade: C
NURS 690 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Courses designed to address special topics in nursing, based on student and faculty interests.
NURS 691 Special Topics
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
NURS 692 Independent Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Independent study requires completion of a form, and department permission and cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB. (Cannot be used to fulfill elective requirement).
NURS 701 DNP Practicum I
1.00- 3.00 credits
This practicum course provides the student an opportunity to work within a practice setting to begin to design his or her DNP project. The student also begins to establish the expanded advanced nursing DNP role focusing on a population of interest. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
Prerequisite:
NURS 760 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 761
NURS 702 DNP Practicum II
1.00- 3.00 credits
This practicum course provides the student an opportunity to work within a practice setting to implement his or her scholarly project. Emphasis is on intra- and interprofessional collaboration, demonstrating competency in the DNP Essentials, teamwork, and project management. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
Prerequisite:
NURS 701 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 761 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 762
NURS 703 DNP Practicum III
1.00- 3.00 credits
The practicum course focuses on evaluating and disseminating the results of the student's DNP project. The student continues to focus on the advanced nursing DNP role for a population of interest. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
Prerequisite:
NURS 702 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 762 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 763
NURS 704 DNP Practicum Extension
1.00- 3.00 credits
The practicum extension course allows the DNP student to work with a faculty mentor to develop a meaningful practicum experience. The practicum should be designed to help the student achieve specific learning objectives. Students develop an independent study plan in collaboration with their DNP project chair to work on areas to expand their knowledge, skills, and DNP competencies (60-180 hours).
NURS 705 Introduction to the DNP Role
1.00 credit
This course serves as the orientation to the DNP role. The Gonzaga mission, along with Jesuit values and principles are discovered and experienced. The DNP project is described and potential projects are delineated. Available resources are identified and explored.
Concurrent:
NURS 711
NURS 708 Inferential Statistics
3.00 credits
The purpose of this course is to review statistical concepts, such as descriptive statistics, probability distributions (binomial and normal), sampling distributions, inferences (point estimates and confidence intervals), hypotheses testing (one-sample tests, two-sample tests), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), as well as simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis. The course emphasizes the application of statistical concepts to analyze research for best available evidence to support quality nursing practice. The course also provides students with hands-on experience in using statistical software (Mega Stat) to assist in making effective decisions.
NURS 711 Qual Imprmnt & Ldrshp in HC
3.00 credits
This course emphasizes quality improvement and leadership in healthcare. It acquaints students with the processes, tools, and techniques that will enable them to develop the foundational framework for the DNP project. The course focuses on leadership knowledge, abilities, and skills in a complex adaptive health arena, emphasizing continuous process improvement as crucial to achieving high quality outcomes.
Concurrent:
NURS 705
NURS 712 Translational Rsrch Adv Pract
3.00 credits
This course will address the DNP role in translational research with emphasis on the examination of knowledge transformation. The course includes conducting a systematic search for research evidence to answer researchable questions and the synthesis of evidence for knowledge translation across a body of research in both qualitative and quantitative traditions.
Prerequisite:
NURS 705 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 711 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 713 Population Health Outcomes
3.00 credits
This course will explore utilization of information technology and data management for measuring and attaining population health outcomes. The DNP student will be prepared to use epidemiological data to identify the causes of disease and to evaluate health services for quality, safety and efficacy.
NURS 714 Theortcl Underpinning Adv Prct
3.00 credits
This course provides an overview of both general theoretical knowledge and specific theoretical perspectives. The emphasis is on the application of frameworks for advanced nursing roles such as nurse clinician and leader. This course particularly emphasizes selecting, analyzing, and applying nursing and integrative middle-range theories to efforts to improve population health and health care delivery.
NURS 715 Hlth Policy, Ethics & Advocacy
3.00 credits
This course emphasizes the leadership role of the DNP in influencing health policy makers and health policy development, emphasizing inter-professional collaboration. The effect of nursing scholarship on health policy and advocacy will be explored. The regulatory and ethical environments that impact DNP practice are examined considering social justice arid lgnatian values. Strategies for designing and leading the implementation of public, professional, and institutional policies relating to local, regional, national, and international health care and its delivery are considered.
Prerequisite:
NURS 705 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 711 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 712 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 760 DNP Project Readiness
3.00 credits
This course will serve as the vehicle to ensure readiness for beginning the DNP project and practicum courses.
NURS 761 DNP Project Seminar I
2.00 credits
This is the first of a series of three seminars that provide the DNP student with mentored opportunities to identify a practice issue and develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate an independent, analytic DNP project focusing on problems of advanced nursing practice within specific populations. Each seminar course builds on the knowledge and practice expertise of the DNP student, culminating in the completion of a final DNP project that demonstrates clinical scholarship. The range of projects will be varied as they relate to the DNP student's unique area of nursing, e.g., quality improvement, policy analysis, designing and using databases, designing and evaluating new models of care, collaboration with researchers to answer clinical questions, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Prerequisite:
NURS 760 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 701
NURS 762 DNP Project Seminar II
1.00 credit
During this course, the student implements the DNP project specific to a population of interest within a designated practice setting. Change management principles, leadership skills and interprofessional collaboration are emphasized. The student applies and integrates elements of the DNP Essentials.
Prerequisite:
NURS 701 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 761 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 702
NURS 763 DNP Project Seminar III
1.00 credit
In this final seminar course, the student will present the final defense of the DNP project through an oral presentation that addresses the topic of interest, the development and implementation of the project, how it addressed the needs of a selected population, and an evaluation of the project and its outcomes.
Prerequisite:
NURS 702 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 762 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 703
NURS 790 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Courses designed to address special topics in nursing, based on student and faculty interests.
NURS 792 Independent Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Independent study requires completion of a form, and department permission and cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB. (Cannot be used to fulfill elective requirement).