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Family Nurse Practitioner DNP

College of Nursing and Health Sciences / Nursing
Graduate degree

About The Program

Program accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Metropolitan State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The DNP program is approved as an APRN preparation program by the:

Minnesota Board of Nursing
1210 Northland Drive #120
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Phone: 612-317-3000
Fax: 651-688-1841
Toll Free: 888-234-2690 FREE (MN, IA, ND, SD, WI) TTY: 800-627-3529
Nursing Board  - email

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is for Registered Nurses with a Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN/BAN) or Entry Level Master's Degree in Nursing (ELMSN) who wish to expand their practice to include the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The BSN to DNP track is 80 credits and nine semesters long at full-time progression. The ELMSN to DNP track is 64 credits and seven semesters long at full-time progression. A part-time study option is not available at this time. Four semesters of clinical rotations include primary care across the lifespan. Students accumulate at least 1,000 hours of experience through clinical practicum and scholarship work.

The priority application deadline is Nov. 1 and the final application deadline is Feb. 1.

The curriculum consists of didactic and clinical course work structured around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education and when appropriate, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies. Didactic and clinical course work culminates in the completion of an evidence-based clinical scholarship project during the Clinical Scholarship course sequences.

 All faculty members at the doctoral level are:

  • Doctoral prepared in their fields
  • Experienced in implementation science
  • Prepared to advise DNP capstone projects
  • Experienced in their field of practice
  • Nurse Practitioner faculty all practice as Advanced Practice Nurses

 

Student outcomes

  • Translating scientific knowledge into nursing practice.
  • Leading practice initiatives that influence population health care outcomes with a focus on underserved individuals, families and communities.
  • Utilizing information systems technology to improve patient care and health care systems.
  • Facilitating inter-professional collaboration to ensure safe and effective health care.
  • Practicing holistic, evidence-based advanced nursing care with a focus on underserved individuals, families, and communities.
  • Advocating for public policy to prevent illness and promote population health.

How to enroll

Program eligibility requirements

Students who meet the following admission criteria are encouraged to apply: 

  • Earned Bachelor’s or Entry-Level Master’s degree in Nursing at time of application – if your degree is in progress, please contact the program advisor to petition
  • Evidence of current unencumbered RN licensure in one state with eligibility for licensure in Minnesota
  • 2,080 hours of registered nurse experience at time of application
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA across all previous post-secondary and degrees, including any courses completed that did not lead directly to a completed degree.

If accepted into the DNP program, students are required to complete a statistics course prior to program start. For the BSN-DNP track, the requirement is any college level statistics course (upper or lower division). For the ELMSN-DNP track, the requirement is an approved graduate level statistics course completed within the previous 5 years with a grade of B or better. For more information about statistics, contact Lynn.Iverson-Eyestone@metrostate.edu.  

Application instructions

The Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program is using NursingCAS for processing applications. To begin the application process go to https://nursingcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/. Select the term you are seeking admission for and click apply. Create or log into your account, then select the Metropolitan State University DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner program. Carefully review all instructions and complete the four sections of the application.

Deadlines

Applications must be verified by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline date. Applications received by November 1 will received priority admission. Application deadline date is February 1. Applications received after February 1 and before June 1 will be reviewed on a space available basis.

Applications can only be verified once all payments, transcripts, and letters of evaluation have been received. To ensure your application is verified on time, try to complete your application at least four weeks before the deadline.

Application Process

  • Complete the NursingCAS Application
  • Request that official transcripts from all US institutions attended be sent to NursingCAS
  • Upload a personal essay statement in the Documents section of NursingCAS (see details in this section for essay questions)
  • Request 1 letter of recommendation be sent through the NursingCAS recommender portal
  • Upload verification of hours worked as a RN in Document section
  • Upload RN License Verification
  • Answer Supplemental Questions

Statistics completion: Students are required to complete a statistics course prior to program start. For the BSN-DNP track, the requirement is any college level statistics course (upper or lower division). For the ELMSN-DNP track, the requirement is an approved graduate level statistics course. For more information about statistics, contact Lynn Iverson-Eyestone at lynn.iverson-eyestone@metrostate.edu. 

Note: The ELMSN-DNP track is designed for graduates from Metropolitan State University's ELMSN program.

*Non-Metro ELMSN or MSN applicants: You will need to meet with the program coordinator upon admission to determine plan of study and petition applicable courses.

International Applicants: Request that official evaluations of transcripts from all foreign institutions be sent to NursingCAS as follows:

  • Use the World Education Services (WES) link in the Academic History section of the application to order your official WES evaluation or
  • Use the “Download Evaluation Request Form” in the Academic History section of the application to request an evaluation from an evaluation service other than WES

Note: If requirements are different for international students, you may want to consider a separate designation for that population or consider conditional questions.

 Characteristics of a Successful Candidate 

o    Admissions requirements/profile

o    3.0 GPA or higher

o    Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited university

o    2080 minimum hours worked as RN

o    Committed to Metropolitan State University Mission and Vision

Questions about application requirements, or the DNP/FNP program in general, can be sent to Lynn Iverson-Eyestone at lynn.iverson-eyestone@metrostate.edu.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Course sequencing and time to completion

  • All courses must be completed in sequence.
  • Students must achieve a minimum of a B- in each course in order to progress. Exceptions: students may earn a minimum grade of C in STAT 621 and one additional DNP course.
  • Degree requirements must be completed within six years of beginning DNP coursework for post-BSN students, and five years for post-ELMSN students.

Prerequisite:

  • For the BSN to DNP/FNP  Progression:  Upper or lower division statistics course. Prerequisite must be completed before Fall program start.
  • For the Metro State Entry level MSN to DNP/FNP Progression: Graduate-level statistics course completed within the previous five years with a grade of B or better. Prerequisite must be completed before Fall program start.
  • For any other MSN to DNP/FNP Progression: Graduate-level statistics course completed within the previous 5 years with a grade of B or better. Prerequisite must be completed before Fall program start. Meeting with the DNP Program Coordinator to determine a unique progression plan must be done prior to registration of classes Fall program start. 

 

Pre-Practicum requirements

Prior to beginning the practicum experience, information must be submitted to the Department of Nursing which may include, but is not limited to the items listed on the pre-practicum requirements page. Requirements must be valid for the duration of practicum experiences.

The Nursing Programs endeavor to provide students with appropriate clinical training placements, but cannot guarantee placements in all circumstances. Students with personal circumstances that may limit their eligibility to participate in clinical experiences are encouraged to contact the Nursing Department Chair as soon as possible.

Student licensure

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses for the advanced practice role as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP). Graduates of the this program will be awarded a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and will be eligible to sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner FNP Certification Examination or the American Nurses Credentialing Certification FNP Certification Examination.

Requirements

+ BSN to DNP track (80 credits)
Core: Research and theory (34 credits)

This course focuses on the theory and skills that prepare nurses to be competent leaders in ethical decision-making. Content includes clarification of values, analysis of ethical dilemmas, ethical decision making, and application of ethical standards including interprofessional considerations. Students examine ethical dimensions related to advanced nursing practice. Competence Statement: Knows ethical theories and principles well enough to assume leadership in developing a plan of action to manage ethical dilemmas in advanced nursing practice.

Full course description for Ethical Dimensions for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course focuses on advanced aspects of integrative nursing care to promote holistic health and wellness. Integrative concepts and principles are explored. A holistic assessment approach is utilized to assist in synthesizing inter-relationships between core course concepts. Students evaluate evidence related to integrative therapies and their application to clinical practice and self-care. Competence Statement: Synthesizes course concepts and principles well enough to apply appropriate advanced integrative approaches that promote holistic health and wellness.

Full course description for Advanced Integrative Nursing Care

This course focuses on foundational principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Indications, efficacy, therapeutic effects, and adverse effects of selected drugs will be examined, compared and contrasted. Utilizing critical thinking skills, the student will incorporate evidence-based, ethical, and holistic principles into pharmacotherapeutic decision making.

Full course description for Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course focuses on advanced family nursing with emphasis on family and individual health promotion and maintenance for the Family Nurse Practitioner. Major theoretical foundations are presented including family theory, the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model, and the Health Promotion Model. Students apply theories and concepts to actual family and individual health maintenance assessment and planning. Focus is placed on use of the clinical decision-making process for the assessment and plan. Students work with a family whose background is different from their own.

Full course description for Family Health Promotion and Health Maintenance

This course focuses on the use of health care informatics and technology in advanced nursing practice. The development of the science of informatics and information systems is reviewed. The use of information systems to communicate, document and bill for patient care is explored. Information systems are used to analyze practice outcomes at the individual and practice group levels compared to national standards and critique the systems. Challenges and opportunities to improve health through the use of information systems and technology are explored. Competence Statement: Knows information systems and technology well enough to be utilized to improve patient care outcomes and health care systems.

Full course description for Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course focuses on the philosophy of science in nursing and its application to practice inquiry and practice knowledge development. Theories, models, and concepts that inform advanced nursing practice are systematically examined and evaluated. Students analyze the foundations of middle-range theories and explore application of theory to doctoral advanced nursing practice.

Full course description for Advanced Nursing Science

This course focuses on the EBP process, synthesis of evidence while integrating patient concerns, clinical expertise, and judgement into clinical decisions, critically appraising evidence appropriate to clinical management of patient conditions and issues. Emphasis is placed on the application of analytic methods to critically appraise scientific literature in the delivery of evidence-based nursing practice. Competence Statement: Knows research methodology and evidence-based practice principles well enough to formulate an evidence-based practice plan specific to the patient diagnosis and management.

Full course description for Research Methodology and Advanced Evidence-Based Practice

This course focuses on analyzing epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data related to population health. The student applies this knowledge to develop a plan to improve population health status. The intervention plan addresses health promotion and disease prevention efforts related to health inequity for diverse populations. A global perspective of population health is incorporated into advanced nursing practice roles. This course includes 50 practicum hours in population health assessment and intervention planning. Competence Statement: Knows the concepts and principles of epidemiology, prevention, and population health well enough to develop a evidence based intervention for a vulnerable population related health issue.

Full course description for Epidemiology and Population Health

This course is the application of statistical knowledge in reading, evaluating, and utilizing research findings. Students will know and understand the advanced statistical methods applied in the health sciences, and the students will develop the skills required to critique research, especially nursing research, and to have an understanding of the fundamental requirements of conducting their own research studies.

Full course description for Advanced Biostatistics in Health Research

Core: Leadership (12 credits)

This course focuses on the theoretical foundation needed to provide leadership in the management of health care systems and personnel in various settings including in-patient facilities, clinics, long-term care facilities and community health settings. Contemporary and emerging approaches to leadership and management are critiqued. Selected leadership approaches are applied to organizational development and design, planning and marketing, changing roles of workers in organizations, and population health improvement.

Full course description for Leadership in Health Care Systems

This course focuses on mastering the knowledge and strategies essential for financial and human resource development and oversight within the health care delivery environment. The relationships between health care economics, human resource management, and health policy within organizations are analyzed. Strategic and business planning principles and approaches are presented and applied. Competence Statement: Knows the principles of financial management and human resource development well enough to critically appraise a health care issue and analyze the personnel impacts, costs and benefits, and cost effectiveness of a proposed solution.

Full course description for Resource Management and Finance for Health Care

This course focuses on the analysis of regulations and policies that impact health and health care. Students analyze health issues and the social, economic, and political implications of current and proposed policies. Students compare health policies and health outcomes to evaluate alternative approaches to advancing health equity. Students learn to develop and pursue appropriate strategies to influence policymakers and educate others. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and concepts of health policy well enough to provide leadership to design, implement, and advocate for policies that advance health.

Full course description for Health Policy and Advocacy

Core: Clinical (26 credits)

This course focuses on the advanced, comprehensive assessment of individuals across the lifespan. A holistic, nursing theoretical framework provides the structure for the course. The course builds on the students' knowledge and skills of basic physical assessment, anatomy and physiology, and provides a foundation for the advance practice nurse to evaluate the health of individuals across the life span. The course emphasizes documentation, and practice skills necessary for advanced communication, biopsychosocial and physical assessment, critical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making. Students acquire advanced knowledge and skills through a case based, problem focused learning framework that integrates theoretical, empirical, and experience-based practical knowledge. Competence Statement: Knows the principles of holistic health assessment well enough to apply these skills and techniques in a simulated setting.

Full course description for Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice

This laboratory experience focuses on the application of skills taught in N616. Students will practice interview skills, physical exam techniques and assessments across the lifespan. Demonstration of complete physical exam is required for course completion. Competence Statement: Knows the skills and techniques of a holistic assessment well enough to obtain a complete health history perform an age appropriate complete physical exam and problem focused physical exam, and provide age appropriate health promotion and anticipatory guidance across the lifespan.

Full course description for Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice Lab

This course introduces the application of nursing science in evidence-based primary prevention, risk assessment and health maintenance across the lifespan. Students learn the management of select common acute health condition. Students utilize assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills in the interpretation of subjective and objective data. Students develop differential diagnosis skills and begin to develop individualized holistic treatment plans. Competence Statement: Knows primary prevention concepts and select acute care concepts well enough to provide evidence-based care across the lifespan.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing I

This clinical practicum course builds on the clinical reasoning skills learned in NURS 616 and facilitates application of content of NURS 621. In a clinical setting serving primarily adults, students perform histories and physicals, determine differential diagnoses, and develop holistic plans of care under the guidance of a preceptor. Accurate interpretation of clinical data, appropriate prescribing practices, and accurate documentation of patient encounters is fostered. A minimum of 150 clinical hours with approved preceptor(s) are required. Competence Statement: Knows primary prevention concepts and select acute care concepts well enough to develop and implement a health maintenance plan and provide basic primary care for select acute health conditions.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing I Practicum

This course utilizes the Schuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model and other nursing theories to focus on evidence-based prevention concepts, health maintenance, diagnosis, and management of specific health conditions. Students demonstrate increasing proficiency in assessment and diagnostic reasoning skill through the interpretation of subjective and objective data.

Full course description for Primary Care II

This clinical practicum course builds on the skills learned in N621 and facilitates application of content in N722 with a focus on clinical decision making skills. In a clinical setting serving clients across the lifespan, students focus on the advancement of differential diagnostic and critical thinking skills. Students integrate knowledge of family, culture, holism, community, and caring as they plan holistic care for clients in clinical settings. A minimum of 150 clinical hours with an approved preceptor(s) are required. Competence Statement: Knows select acute and chronic concepts well enough to provide primary care across the lifespan in the clinical setting in collaboration with a clinical preceptor.

Full course description for Primary Care II Practicum

This course utilizes the Schuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model and other theories to focus on evidence-based health maintenance, treatment and management of specific health conditions in pediatrics. Students will continue to demonstrate increasing proficiency in assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills in the interpretation of subjective and objective data in pediatrics. Competence Statement: Knows family nurse practitioner care well enough to diagnose, treat, and manage select acute and chronic health problems in pediatrics.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing III: Pediatrics

This course focuses on practicum which includes enhancement of history taking and physical examination skills in addition to introduction of new pediatric concepts. Curriculum focuses on the advancement of clinical reasoning through case study examination, documentation review, and discussion with a pediatric focus. Students integrate knowledge of growth and development, family, culture, holism, community, and caring as they plan holistic care for clients in clinical settings. Issues that arise from the clinical setting regarding advanced practice nursing roles will be addressed. This practicum includes a minimum of 150 clinical hours with approved preceptor(s) with an emphasis in pediatrics. Competence Statement: Knows select acute and chronic concepts well enough to provide pediatric care in the clinical setting in collaboration with a clinical preceptor.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing III Practicum

This course focuses on developing advanced skills in primary care management of adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system illnesses. Etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnoses, disease management issues, and ongoing health promotion/disease prevention will be addressed utilizing an evidence-based framework for providing complex care based in systems biology, healthy aging theory, and advanced practice nursing theory. Health disparities, based in racism, ethnicity, poverty, and structural violence, their effects on physical and mental health, and the DNP- prepared advanced practice nurse's responsibility to combat these disparities will be addressed along with the DNP role in providing case management for persons with complex, debilitating illnesses. Competence Statement: Knows principles of advanced practice nursing well enough to diagnose and manage chronic complex, multi-system health problems of the adult and older adult in simulated settings.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing IV: Complex Care

This clinical practicum focuses on the management of complex, multi-system illness of adults and older adults. Seminars focus on the advancement of differential diagnostic and critical thinking skills through case study examination, critical self-evaluation, documentation review, and seminar discussion. Students integrate knowledge of nursing science, social science, biological science, biomedicine, ethics, public and community health, mental health, integrative and functional care systems, and trauma-informed care as they plan holistic care for adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system illnesses in the clinical setting. Health promotion needs appropriate to the client's complex needs are also addressed. Competence Statement: N724P: Knows principles of health promotion, etiology, clinical findings, differential diagnoses, nursing theories and roles well enough to provide advanced practice nursing care to adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system…

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing IV: Complex Care Practicum

This course focuses on the knowledge needed to interpret common laboratory and diagnostic tests encountered in advanced practice nursing. Content includes recognizing, analyzing and interpreting normal and abnormal laboratory and diagnostic findings within the context of patient care. Attributes, strengths and limitations of common diagnostics are reviewed to guide clinical decision-making. Competence Statement: Knows interpretation of common laboratory and diagnostics tests well enough to apply to the provision of care as an advanced practice nurse.

Full course description for Labs and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice Nursing

DNP scholarship project (11 credits)

This course focuses on building the structure of the student¿s DNP project. Students begin the DNP project-focused literature review and critique. Students also establish a community site that serves as the location for the DNP scholarship project. This course applies prior program content in application to a DNP scholarship project. Students may accrue up to 10 scholarship hours. Competence Statement: Know concepts from previous DNP program courses well enough to initiate a DNP scholarship project.

Full course description for Pre-Scholarship

This course focuses on conducting a needs assessment and defining the scope of a problem at a community site that will serve as the location for the DNP scholarship project. Students accrue 40 - 50 required hours for their scholarship projects. Competence Statement: Know concepts of needs assessment well enough to identify a practice problem and the scope of a scholarship project.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship Project Assessment

This course focuses on developing a proposal for a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health. Students will identify theoretical underpinnings, analyze scientific evidence, and evaluate the literature applicable to the scholarship project. Students must successfully present the scholarship proposal. Students accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project design well enough to develop and successfully present a scholarship project proposal.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship I

This course focuses on implementing a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health. Students will guide the scholarship project while collaborating with stakeholders, the scholarship project mentor, and the scholarship project faculty adviser. Students accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project management well enough to implement the scholarship project.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship II

This course focuses on the evaluation of a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health and the dissemination of the results. Students will evaluate the entire project process, present a plan for sustainability, reflect on his/her role leading the project, and demonstrate accomplishment of program objectives. Students must successfully present the final scholarship project. Students will accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project management well enough to evaluate the scholarship project and disseminate the results.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship III

+ Entry level MSN to DNP track (64 credits)
Core: Research and theory (18 credits)

This course focuses on advanced family nursing with emphasis on family and individual health promotion and maintenance for the Family Nurse Practitioner. Major theoretical foundations are presented including family theory, the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model, and the Health Promotion Model. Students apply theories and concepts to actual family and individual health maintenance assessment and planning. Focus is placed on use of the clinical decision-making process for the assessment and plan. Students work with a family whose background is different from their own.

Full course description for Family Health Promotion and Health Maintenance

This course focuses on the philosophy of science in nursing and its application to practice inquiry and practice knowledge development. Theories, models, and concepts that inform advanced nursing practice are systematically examined and evaluated. Students analyze the foundations of middle-range theories and explore application of theory to doctoral advanced nursing practice.

Full course description for Advanced Nursing Science

This course focuses on the EBP process, synthesis of evidence while integrating patient concerns, clinical expertise, and judgement into clinical decisions, critically appraising evidence appropriate to clinical management of patient conditions and issues. Emphasis is placed on the application of analytic methods to critically appraise scientific literature in the delivery of evidence-based nursing practice. Competence Statement: Knows research methodology and evidence-based practice principles well enough to formulate an evidence-based practice plan specific to the patient diagnosis and management.

Full course description for Research Methodology and Advanced Evidence-Based Practice

This course focuses on analyzing epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data related to population health. The student applies this knowledge to develop a plan to improve population health status. The intervention plan addresses health promotion and disease prevention efforts related to health inequity for diverse populations. A global perspective of population health is incorporated into advanced nursing practice roles. This course includes 50 practicum hours in population health assessment and intervention planning. Competence Statement: Knows the concepts and principles of epidemiology, prevention, and population health well enough to develop a evidence based intervention for a vulnerable population related health issue.

Full course description for Epidemiology and Population Health

This course focuses on foundational principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Indications, efficacy, therapeutic effects, and adverse effects of selected drugs will be examined, compared and contrasted. Utilizing critical thinking skills, the student will incorporate evidence-based, ethical, and holistic principles into pharmacotherapeutic decision making.

Full course description for Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice

Core: Leadership (9 credits)

This course focuses on mastering the knowledge and strategies essential for financial and human resource development and oversight within the health care delivery environment. The relationships between health care economics, human resource management, and health policy within organizations are analyzed. Strategic and business planning principles and approaches are presented and applied. Competence Statement: Knows the principles of financial management and human resource development well enough to critically appraise a health care issue and analyze the personnel impacts, costs and benefits, and cost effectiveness of a proposed solution.

Full course description for Resource Management and Finance for Health Care

This course focuses on the analysis of regulations and policies that impact health and health care. Students analyze health issues and the social, economic, and political implications of current and proposed policies. Students compare health policies and health outcomes to evaluate alternative approaches to advancing health equity. Students learn to develop and pursue appropriate strategies to influence policymakers and educate others. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and concepts of health policy well enough to provide leadership to design, implement, and advocate for policies that advance health.

Full course description for Health Policy and Advocacy

Core: Clinical (26 credits)

This course focuses on the advanced, comprehensive assessment of individuals across the lifespan. A holistic, nursing theoretical framework provides the structure for the course. The course builds on the students' knowledge and skills of basic physical assessment, anatomy and physiology, and provides a foundation for the advance practice nurse to evaluate the health of individuals across the life span. The course emphasizes documentation, and practice skills necessary for advanced communication, biopsychosocial and physical assessment, critical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making. Students acquire advanced knowledge and skills through a case based, problem focused learning framework that integrates theoretical, empirical, and experience-based practical knowledge. Competence Statement: Knows the principles of holistic health assessment well enough to apply these skills and techniques in a simulated setting.

Full course description for Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice

This laboratory experience focuses on the application of skills taught in N616. Students will practice interview skills, physical exam techniques and assessments across the lifespan. Demonstration of complete physical exam is required for course completion. Competence Statement: Knows the skills and techniques of a holistic assessment well enough to obtain a complete health history perform an age appropriate complete physical exam and problem focused physical exam, and provide age appropriate health promotion and anticipatory guidance across the lifespan.

Full course description for Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice Lab

This course introduces the application of nursing science in evidence-based primary prevention, risk assessment and health maintenance across the lifespan. Students learn the management of select common acute health condition. Students utilize assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills in the interpretation of subjective and objective data. Students develop differential diagnosis skills and begin to develop individualized holistic treatment plans. Competence Statement: Knows primary prevention concepts and select acute care concepts well enough to provide evidence-based care across the lifespan.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing I

This clinical practicum course builds on the clinical reasoning skills learned in NURS 616 and facilitates application of content of NURS 621. In a clinical setting serving primarily adults, students perform histories and physicals, determine differential diagnoses, and develop holistic plans of care under the guidance of a preceptor. Accurate interpretation of clinical data, appropriate prescribing practices, and accurate documentation of patient encounters is fostered. A minimum of 150 clinical hours with approved preceptor(s) are required. Competence Statement: Knows primary prevention concepts and select acute care concepts well enough to develop and implement a health maintenance plan and provide basic primary care for select acute health conditions.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing I Practicum

This course utilizes the Schuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model and other nursing theories to focus on evidence-based prevention concepts, health maintenance, diagnosis, and management of specific health conditions. Students demonstrate increasing proficiency in assessment and diagnostic reasoning skill through the interpretation of subjective and objective data.

Full course description for Primary Care II

This clinical practicum course builds on the skills learned in N621 and facilitates application of content in N722 with a focus on clinical decision making skills. In a clinical setting serving clients across the lifespan, students focus on the advancement of differential diagnostic and critical thinking skills. Students integrate knowledge of family, culture, holism, community, and caring as they plan holistic care for clients in clinical settings. A minimum of 150 clinical hours with an approved preceptor(s) are required. Competence Statement: Knows select acute and chronic concepts well enough to provide primary care across the lifespan in the clinical setting in collaboration with a clinical preceptor.

Full course description for Primary Care II Practicum

This course utilizes the Schuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model and other theories to focus on evidence-based health maintenance, treatment and management of specific health conditions in pediatrics. Students will continue to demonstrate increasing proficiency in assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills in the interpretation of subjective and objective data in pediatrics. Competence Statement: Knows family nurse practitioner care well enough to diagnose, treat, and manage select acute and chronic health problems in pediatrics.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing III: Pediatrics

This course focuses on practicum which includes enhancement of history taking and physical examination skills in addition to introduction of new pediatric concepts. Curriculum focuses on the advancement of clinical reasoning through case study examination, documentation review, and discussion with a pediatric focus. Students integrate knowledge of growth and development, family, culture, holism, community, and caring as they plan holistic care for clients in clinical settings. Issues that arise from the clinical setting regarding advanced practice nursing roles will be addressed. This practicum includes a minimum of 150 clinical hours with approved preceptor(s) with an emphasis in pediatrics. Competence Statement: Knows select acute and chronic concepts well enough to provide pediatric care in the clinical setting in collaboration with a clinical preceptor.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing III Practicum

This course focuses on developing advanced skills in primary care management of adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system illnesses. Etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnoses, disease management issues, and ongoing health promotion/disease prevention will be addressed utilizing an evidence-based framework for providing complex care based in systems biology, healthy aging theory, and advanced practice nursing theory. Health disparities, based in racism, ethnicity, poverty, and structural violence, their effects on physical and mental health, and the DNP- prepared advanced practice nurse's responsibility to combat these disparities will be addressed along with the DNP role in providing case management for persons with complex, debilitating illnesses. Competence Statement: Knows principles of advanced practice nursing well enough to diagnose and manage chronic complex, multi-system health problems of the adult and older adult in simulated settings.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing IV: Complex Care

This clinical practicum focuses on the management of complex, multi-system illness of adults and older adults. Seminars focus on the advancement of differential diagnostic and critical thinking skills through case study examination, critical self-evaluation, documentation review, and seminar discussion. Students integrate knowledge of nursing science, social science, biological science, biomedicine, ethics, public and community health, mental health, integrative and functional care systems, and trauma-informed care as they plan holistic care for adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system illnesses in the clinical setting. Health promotion needs appropriate to the client's complex needs are also addressed. Competence Statement: N724P: Knows principles of health promotion, etiology, clinical findings, differential diagnoses, nursing theories and roles well enough to provide advanced practice nursing care to adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system…

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing IV: Complex Care Practicum

This course focuses on the knowledge needed to interpret common laboratory and diagnostic tests encountered in advanced practice nursing. Content includes recognizing, analyzing and interpreting normal and abnormal laboratory and diagnostic findings within the context of patient care. Attributes, strengths and limitations of common diagnostics are reviewed to guide clinical decision-making. Competence Statement: Knows interpretation of common laboratory and diagnostics tests well enough to apply to the provision of care as an advanced practice nurse.

Full course description for Labs and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice Nursing

DNP scholarship project (11 credits)

This course focuses on building the structure of the student¿s DNP project. Students begin the DNP project-focused literature review and critique. Students also establish a community site that serves as the location for the DNP scholarship project. This course applies prior program content in application to a DNP scholarship project. Students may accrue up to 10 scholarship hours. Competence Statement: Know concepts from previous DNP program courses well enough to initiate a DNP scholarship project.

Full course description for Pre-Scholarship

This course focuses on conducting a needs assessment and defining the scope of a problem at a community site that will serve as the location for the DNP scholarship project. Students accrue 40 - 50 required hours for their scholarship projects. Competence Statement: Know concepts of needs assessment well enough to identify a practice problem and the scope of a scholarship project.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship Project Assessment

This course focuses on developing a proposal for a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health. Students will identify theoretical underpinnings, analyze scientific evidence, and evaluate the literature applicable to the scholarship project. Students must successfully present the scholarship proposal. Students accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project design well enough to develop and successfully present a scholarship project proposal.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship I

This course focuses on implementing a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health. Students will guide the scholarship project while collaborating with stakeholders, the scholarship project mentor, and the scholarship project faculty adviser. Students accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project management well enough to implement the scholarship project.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship II

This course focuses on the evaluation of a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health and the dissemination of the results. Students will evaluate the entire project process, present a plan for sustainability, reflect on his/her role leading the project, and demonstrate accomplishment of program objectives. Students must successfully present the final scholarship project. Students will accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project management well enough to evaluate the scholarship project and disseminate the results.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship III

Course sequence