Nursing (Graduate)

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Program

Within the School of Nursing, applications to the MSN and Post-MSN Programs are reviewed and acted upon by the Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC). Decisions by the GSAC are final and confidential. Applications for admission to the MSN and Post-MSN Programs are evaluated on the basis of scholarship, writing ability, potential for success, professionalism and references. Qualified students are admitted into a specified specialty track within the MSN and Post-MSN Programs on a space available basis. Only complete applications from qualified students will be reviewed and considered by the GSAC. Qualified applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission.

RN-MSN Admission Requirements

1. Qualified applicants will be granted provisional offers of admission to the MSN program pending successful completion of all undergraduate BSN courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the U.S.A. and its territories.
3. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above in these areas:
   1. last 60 hours of undergraduate college work (or nearest semester or term break to this),
   2. undergraduate nursing courses,
   3. any graduate level courses taken.
4. Applicants with lower than a 3.00 in any of these areas may be denied or considered on an individual basis for probationary or non-degree status on a space available basis. Students admitted on probationary status must earn a grade of B or better for the first six semester hours of coursework completed after admission to remain in the program.
5. Unimpeded matriculation into the MSN program upon completion of required undergraduate coursework requires maintenance of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in all undergraduate nursing courses.
6. Satisfactory criminal background check.

MSN (Post-BSN) Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. For students with foreign transcripts, a CGFNS evaluation is required with GPA equivalency and TOEFL score.
2. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the U.S.A. and its territories.
3. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above in these areas:
   1. last 60 hours of undergraduate college work (or nearest semester or term break to this)
   2. undergraduate nursing courses,
   3. a grade of B or better in any graduate nursing course.
4. Applicants with lower than a 3.00 in any of these areas may be denied or considered on an individual basis for probationary or non-degree status on a space available basis. Students admitted on probationary status must earn a grade of B or better for the first six semester hours of coursework completed after admission to remain in the program
5. Satisfactory criminal background check.

Post-MSN Certificate Admission Requirements

1. Master of Science degree in nursing (MSN) from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. For students with foreign transcripts, a CGFNS evaluation is required with GPA equivalency and TOEFL scores.
2. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the U.S.A. and its territories.
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher in MSN program.
   Applicants with lower than a 3.20 may be denied or considered on an individual basis for probationary or non-degree status on a space available basis. Students admitted on probationary status must earn a grade of B or better for the first six semester hours of coursework completed after admission to remain in the program
4. A grade of B or better in any graduate nursing course.
5. Satisfactory criminal background check.

MSN Graduation Requirements

1. Completed sufficient credit to meet the total required graduate semester hours within 6 years of enrollment.
2. Completed at Graceland University:
   47 total graduate semester hours with a minimum of 37 at Graceland for Family Nurse Practitioner concentration;
   40 total graduate semester hours with a minimum of 30 at Graceland  for the Nurse Educator concentration.
3. Earned a final course grade of B or better in every course.
4. Satisfactorily completed the required scholarly project.
5. Fulfilled all financial obligations to Graceland University.
6. Filed an application for graduation with the Office of the Registrar at least 6 months prior to the anticipated graduation date.

Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program

The Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner program enlarges the focus of nursing, using as its foundation the Master of Science in Nursing program. The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses to perform in the expanded role, caring for families in a variety of settings. The student's area of study incorporates a blend of theory and research with an emphasis on guided practice in clinical areas.

The curriculum builds on the core master’s courses with the addition of essential Family Nurse Practitioner courses. All didactic and clinical courses are planned following the guidelines of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) to meet the requirements for national certification.

The Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner program is primarily provided via the internet. It is designed to allow practicing RNs to pursue further graduate work within their home community. Students complete the requirements for certification through a combination of online courses and preceptor guided practicums in the student’s community. Those post MSN students who need Advanced Health Assessment and/or those who elect to take the Advanced Practice Procedures course will be required to come to one focus session at the Independence campus.

Students admitted to the Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Program are not matriculated for a graduate degree. A certificate is received upon completion of the coursework and students are then eligible to sit for the national certification exam as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The Post-Master's program requires a total of 28 semester hours. A minimum of 18 semester hours must be taken through Graceland University.

Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate Program

The Post-Master’s Nurse Educator certificate program is a graduate level program designed for persons who already possess a Masters degree in Nursing and are interested in enhancing their knowledge base and skills to teach adults in a collegiate or health care setting. Students admitted to the Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate Program are not matriculated for a graduate degree. A certificate in Nursing Education is awarded upon completion. The Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate Program requires completion of 7 courses for a minimum of 17 hours. All seven courses are online.

Academic Policies for the MSN Program

Academic policies are summarized in the Graduate Student Handbook (GSH) which can be viewed at http://www.graceland.edu/GraduateStudentHandbook-Nursing. This handbook is updated on a regular basis. Refer to the online version for the most current information. Students will be notified when major revisions are posted.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree

Core Courses (24 s.h. required for all specialty tracks)

NURS5110 Evidence-Based Practice 3 s.h.

NURS5121 Theory in Nursing 3 s.h.

NURS5141 Advanced Health Assessment 3 s.h.

NURS5142 Advanced Health Assessment Lab 1 s.h.

NURS5180 Scientific Inquiry in Nursing 3 s.h.

NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 s.h.

NURS6320 Professional Roles for Advanced Practice Nurses 2 s.h.

NURS6330 Professional Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses 3 s.h.

NURS6930 Scholarly Project 3 s.h.

Family Nurse Practitioner

NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics 3 s.h.

NURS5190 Advanced Practice Procedures 3 s.h.

NURS5200 Primary Care of Families: Pediatrics 3 s.h.

NURS6200 Primary Care of Families: Adults 3 s.h.

NURS6740 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: Pediatrics 4 s.h.

NURS6760 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: Adults 4 s.h.

NURS6830 Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 3 s.h.

Core Courses 24 s.h.

Nurse Educator

NURS5610 Teaching and Learning Theories 3 s.h.

NURS5620 Technology for Educators 2 s.h.

NURS5630 Issues in Nursing Education 2 s.h.

NURS5640 Curriculum Design, Implementation, and Evaluation 3 s.h.

NURS5650 Teaching Strategies, Student Learning Styles and Assessment 3 s.h.

NURS6720 Nurse Educator Practicum 3 s.h.

Core Courses 24 s.h.

Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics 3 s.h.

NURS5141 Advanced Health Assessment 3 s.h.

NURS5142 Advanced Health Assessment Lab 1 s.h.

NURS5200 Primary Care of Families: Pediatrics 3 s.h.

NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 s.h.

NURS6160 Role Socialization for Family Nurse Practitioner 1 s.h.

NURS6200 Primary Care of Families: Adults 3 s.h.

NURS6740 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: Pediatrics 4 s.h.

NURS6760 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: Adult 4 s.h.

NURS6830 Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 3 s.h.

Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate

NURS5210 Role Socialization for the Nurse Educator 1 s.h.

NURS5610 Teaching and Learning Theories 3 s.h.

NURS5620 Technology for Educators 2 s.h.

NURS5630 Issues in Nursing Education 2 s.h.

NURS5640 Curriculum Design, Implementation and Evaluation 3 s.h.

NURS5650 Teaching Strategies, Student Learning and Assessment 3 s.h.

NURS6720 Nurse Educator Practicum 3 s.h.

Courses in Nursing (Graduate)

NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics 3 s.h.
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug categories which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine drug therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan.

NURS5110 Evidence-Based Practice 3 s.h.
Focuses on evidence-based practice (EBP) in the advanced nursing role. Emphasizes the scholarly use and communication of health-related evidence in clinical settings. All major tenets of EBP will be thoroughly explored. Students will propose a specific application of EPB within a selected framework to a chosen clinical practice problem or need, focusing on problem identification, review of evidence and protocols, and change through leadership. Prerequisite or corequisite: Completion of a BSN, NURS5180.

NURS5121 Theory of Nursing 3 s.h.
Focuses on the theoretical concepts that are essential to advanced nursing roles and the interactions between theory, research and practice. Grand, mid-range and practice level theories are examined and compared. The influence of theories from other disciplines on the development of nursing theory is appraised. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in nursing education or clinical practice. Concept analysis, synthesis, and theory application are also important components of this course. Prerequisite: NURS5110 Evidence-Based Practice.

NURS5122 Family Theories in Nursing 1 s.h.
Focuses on the examination of family theories and their application in advanced nursing practice.

NURS5141 Advanced Health Assessment 3 s.h.
Builds upon health assessment skills developed in the professional nurse’s basic educational program. The advanced practitioner obtains and utilizes comprehensive physical, psychosocial and cultural data throughout the lifespan in the development of assessments relevant to common health problems. Includes information on the selection and interpretation of lab values and clinical testing. Prerequisite: NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology.

NURS5142 Advanced Health Assessment Lab 1 s.h.
On-site lab includes didactic and hands on experience of advanced health assessment skills. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Pre- or Corequisite: NURS5141 Advanced Health Assessment.

NURS5180 Scientific Inquiry in Nursing 3 s.h.
Focuses on the evaluation of research findings for application to practice. Research methods include experimental/quasi-experimental, exploratory-descriptive, and naturalistic inquiry. Research design considerations include types of control, threats to validity, sampling plan, and ethics. Opportunity is provided to apply standards of the scientific community and the nursing profession to the critique of nursing research studies. Prerequisite: MATH1380; NURS5110 Evidence-based Practice.

NURS5200 Primary Care of Families : Pediatrics 3 s.h.
Examines the common, acute, and chronic health problems occurring in infancy through adolescence using a body-system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies specific to acute and common problems in children will be emphasized. Nursing strategies to enhance, maintain and restore health will be emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5141, NURS5142, NURS5440.

NURS5210 Role Socialization for Nurse Educator 1 s.h.
Exploration, development and implementation of the advanced role of nurse educator. Emphasis on role theory, role development, and the faculty role in an academic setting. Discussion of curricular, accreditation, scholarship, and time management issues and the leadership and discipline required to work in a variety of educational settings.

NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 s.h.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states. Diagnostic procedures and treatment options are not included.

NURS5610 Teaching and Learning Theories 3 s.h.
Exploration of contemporary teaching and learning theories while developing a personal philosophy of education. A historical review of philosophical theories of education is emphasized.

NURS5620 Technology for Educators 2 s.h.
Explores and develops informatics skills to support the teaching/learning process for nurse educators with emphasis on developing courses, teaching online, evaluation of outcomes, using the Internet, PowerPoint, and spreadsheets.

NURS5630 Issues in Nursing Education 2 s.h.
An overview of organizational, political, legal, ethical, and economic issues in nursing education. Trends in nursing education and current research are explored.

NURS5640 Curriculum Design, Implementation, and Evaluation 3 s.h.
Curriculum development theories and concepts are applied to the design and evaluation of a nursing curriculum based on current healthcare trends and the needs of society. Students construct a curriculum for an academic setting that reflects mission and philosophy, and includes program outcomes, curricular objectives, standards, competencies, implementation strategies, curriculum evaluation criteria, and curricular modification based on evaluation findings. The selection, organization, and sequencing of appropriate learning experiences to meet curricular objectives are also emphasized.

NURS5650 Teaching Strategies, Student Learning Styles and Assessment 3 s.h.
Analysis and development of evidence-based teaching strategies in education. Relationships are explored among selected instructional methods, content, and learning styles. Assessment methods of student performance in both didactic and clinical settings are also explored.

NURS5900 Topics in Graduate Nursing 1-3 s.h.
Graduate level study of selected topics approved by the Graduate Council. Topics are announced prior to each semester they are offered. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.

NURS5910 Topics in Graduate Nursing: Community Assessment for Practice 1 s.h.
Allows the student nurse practitioner to explore from demographic, sociological, and public health perspectives, the community in which the student expects to establish a practice upon completion of formal program of study. The student will determine factors which can be anticipated to provide for or challenge the delivery of primary care with core components of health promotion and protection. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

NURS6000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.

NURS6160 Role Socialization for Family Nurse Practitioner 1 s.h.
Exploration of the role of family nurse practitioner in primary health care. Emphasis will be placed on current issues relating to health care financing, health care policy, ethics and legislation affecting health care delivery. Management skills necessary for primary care nurse practitioners to function in independent or collaborative practice environments will be examined.

NURS6200 Primary Care of Families: Adults 3 s.h.
Examines the common, acute, and chronic health problems occurring in adults using a body — system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies specific to the acute and common problems in adults will be stressed. Nursing strategies used to enhance, maintain, and restore health will be emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5141, NURS5142, NURS5440.

NURS6320 Professional Roles for Advanced Practice Nurses 2 s.h.
The focus of the course is on the exploration of the development and implementation of the advanced roles of the nurse: practitioner, educator and administrator. Emphasis is placed on the concept of advanced practice and the generation of innovative practice models. Skills needed for interdisciplinary collaboration and negotiating contracts will be examined.

NURS6330 Professional Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses 3 s.h.
This course focuses on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care financing, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery. Sociopolitical issues will be examined as they impact policy formation and the profession as a whole. Prerequisite: NURS6320 - Professional Roles for Advanced Practice Nurses.

NURS6720 Nurse Educator Practicum 3 s.h.
Focuses on engagement in practicum activities designed to promote socialization to the role of nurse educator, application of educational theory and evidence-based teaching and assessment practices, facilitation of the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective development of learners in a selected practicum setting; and reflection/evaluation of the teaching, scholarship, and service demands of the nurse educator role.

NURS6740 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: Pediatrics 4 s.h.
Focuses on a holistic approach to health care from infancy through adolescence incorporating the principles of well child care, health promotion, and disease prevention including the concepts of growth and development, and screening procedures. Emphasizes advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies specific to acute and common problems in children. Stresses clinical interventions to enhance, maintain, and restore health in context of family and community environments. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. Prerequesite: NURS5200.

NURS6760 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: Adult 4 s.h.
Focuses on a holistic approach to health care of the adult throughout the lifespan; incorporating the principles of health promotion, disease prevention and primary and rehabilitative health care concepts which are applied to the management of adults in the context of their family and community environment. Emphasizes advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies specific to acute, common and complex health problems in adults. Stresses clinical interventions to enhance, maintain, and restore health. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. Prerequisite: NURS6200

NURS6830 Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 3 s.h.
This practicum is the capstone course of the family nurse practitioner program requiring independent clinical management of acute and chronic illnesses across the life span highlighting multicultural care. Synthesis of practice management skills pertaining to economics, reimbursement for services and time management will be emphasized. Prerequisites: All pediatric and adult practicum courses.

NURS6930 Scholarly Project 3 s.h.
Prepares a graduate to provide high quality health care, initiate change, and improve nursing practice through the utilization of new knowledge. The research utilization epxerience includes: problem identification within a practice setting; organization and critical evaluation of research; and development, implementation, and evaluation of a research and theory based intervention. Prerequisites: NURS5180 Scientific Inquiry in Nursing and NURS5121 Theory in Nursing.

NURS5190 Advanced Practice Procedures 3 s.h.
Provides a foundational knowledge of current health care system financing as it affects the delivery of care and instruction in the performance of selected basic advanced practice procedures.