Online Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program

By enrolling in Graceland’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, you’ll encounter various courses designed to prepare you for a number of specialized careers in the field. You’ll get hands-on experience and work with the best acute care nurse practitioner program faculty.

• MSN Degree – Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

  Core Courses (22 s.h. required for all specialty tracks)

  • NURS5010 Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs – 0 s.h.
  • NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5121 Theory in Nursing – 3 s.h.
  • NURS5143 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5170 Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology – 4 s.h.
  • NURS6930 Application of Research for Best Practices – 3 s.h.

  MSN Specialty Track: Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (28 s.h.)

  • NURS5192 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I – 2 s.h.
  • NURS5195 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5270 Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations – 2 s.h.
  • NURS5280 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I – 2 s.h.
  • NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II – 2 s.h.
  • NURS5450 AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5460 AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5470 AGACNP Practicum: Final – 5 s.h.
  • NURS6800 Roles and Issues for Advanced Practical Nurse – 3 s.h. (if not a nurse practitioner)

  Courses Offered

  • NURS5010Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs
    NURS5010 Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs

    Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

  • NURS5100Pharmacotherapeutics
    NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics - 4 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 classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.

  • NURS5121Theory of Nursing
    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: NURS5170.

  • NURS5143Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
    NURS5143 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning - 4 s.h.

    Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.

  • NURS5170Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice
    NURS5170 Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice - 4 s.h.

    This course focuses on methods in generating and evaluating research for nursing practice. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will be prepared to assess needs for practice change, critically appraise existing evidence, and develop a plan for implementation and evaluation of the evidence-based practice interventions.

  • NURS5192Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I
    NURS5192 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on skill development in diagnostic and treatment modalities utilized in acute & critical care settings. Content includes fluid replacement, hemodynamic monitoring, defibrillation, ventilation. Analysis of relevant laboratory data and interpretation of radiographs and ECGs. Laboratory practice will include procedures such as suturing, intubation, line insertion. Pre-requisites: NURS5440, NURS5100.

  • NURS5195Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II
    NURS5195 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory, face-to-face focus session (24 hours competency skills lab) held at the Independence Campus during Week 6. Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: NURS5192.

  • NURS5270Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations
    NURS5270 Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on comprehensive care of adult-gerontology (AG) populations. Examines common acute and chronic health problems using a body system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies, and evidence based-practice specific to common acute and chronic conditions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.

  • NURS5280Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I
    NURS5280 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and orthopedic/mobility disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5270.

  • NURS5290Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II
    NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II - 2 s.h.

    NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II 3 s.h. Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of neurologic, hematology/oncology, GI/GU and rheumatic disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5280.

  • NURS5440Advanced Pathophysiology
    NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology - 4 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 across the lifespan.

  • NURS5450AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care
    NURS5450 AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of chronic health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactic/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5280, Corequisite: NURS5290.

  • NURS5460AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care
    NURS5460 AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of acute health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactice/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5450.

  • NURS5470AGACNP Practicum: Final
    NURS5470 AGACNP Practicum: Final - 5 s.h.

    Focuses on integration, application and development in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Comprehensive management of acute and chronic health problems is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (300 practice hours) 1 didactic/4 clinical) Prerequisites: NURS5460.

  • NURS6800Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses
    NURS6800 Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses - 3 s.h.

    Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.

  • NURS6930EBP Synthesis Project
    NURS6930 EBP Synthesis Project - 3 s.h.

    Prepares the advanced practice graduate to improve nursing practice and patient health outcomes through the systematic selection, analysis, synthesis and application of current best evidence. Identification of clinically significant issues, use of evidence-based practice (EBP), collaboration, peer-review, and dissemination are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5121 and NURS5170.

  NURS5010Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs NURS5100Pharmacotherapeutics NURS5121Theory of Nursing NURS5143Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning NURS5170Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice NURS5192Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I NURS5195Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II NURS5270Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations NURS5280Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I NURS5290Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II NURS5440Advanced Pathophysiology NURS5450AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care NURS5460AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care NURS5470AGACNP Practicum: Final NURS6800Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses NURS6930EBP Synthesis Project

  Course Descriptions

  NURS5010 Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs

  Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

  NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics - 4 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 classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.

  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: NURS5170.

  NURS5143 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning - 4 s.h.

  Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.

  NURS5170 Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice - 4 s.h.

  This course focuses on methods in generating and evaluating research for nursing practice. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will be prepared to assess needs for practice change, critically appraise existing evidence, and develop a plan for implementation and evaluation of the evidence-based practice interventions.

  NURS5192 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I - 2 s.h.

  Focuses on skill development in diagnostic and treatment modalities utilized in acute & critical care settings. Content includes fluid replacement, hemodynamic monitoring, defibrillation, ventilation. Analysis of relevant laboratory data and interpretation of radiographs and ECGs. Laboratory practice will include procedures such as suturing, intubation, line insertion. Pre-requisites: NURS5440, NURS5100.

  NURS5195 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II - 4 s.h.

  Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory, face-to-face focus session (24 hours competency skills lab) held at the Independence Campus during Week 6. Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: NURS5192.

  NURS5270 Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations - 2 s.h.

  Focuses on comprehensive care of adult-gerontology (AG) populations. Examines common acute and chronic health problems using a body system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies, and evidence based-practice specific to common acute and chronic conditions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.

  NURS5280 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I - 2 s.h.

  Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and orthopedic/mobility disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5270.

  NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II - 2 s.h.

  NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II 3 s.h. Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of neurologic, hematology/oncology, GI/GU and rheumatic disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5280.

  NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology - 4 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 across the lifespan.

  NURS5450 AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care - 4 s.h.

  Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of chronic health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactic/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5280, Corequisite: NURS5290.

  NURS5460 AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care - 4 s.h.

  Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of acute health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactice/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5450.

  NURS5470 AGACNP Practicum: Final - 5 s.h.

  Focuses on integration, application and development in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Comprehensive management of acute and chronic health problems is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (300 practice hours) 1 didactic/4 clinical) Prerequisites: NURS5460.

  NURS6800 Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses - 3 s.h.

  Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.

  NURS6930 EBP Synthesis Project - 3 s.h.

  Prepares the advanced practice graduate to improve nursing practice and patient health outcomes through the systematic selection, analysis, synthesis and application of current best evidence. Identification of clinically significant issues, use of evidence-based practice (EBP), collaboration, peer-review, and dissemination are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5121 and NURS5170.

• Postgraduate Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Certificate

  Graceland’s certification program is currently on a “show cause” status, per the CCNE due to substandard pass rates for the certification exams. The Graceland School of Nursing is instituting several recommendations to address the pass rate issues. The program continues to hold its accreditation from the CCNE.

  Postgraduate Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Certificate (40 s.h.)

  • NURS5010 Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs – 0 s.h.
  • NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5143 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5192 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I – 2 s.h.
  • NURS5195 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5270 Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations – 2 s.h.
  • NURS5280 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I – 2 s.h.
  • NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II – 2 s.h.
  • NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5450 AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5460 AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care – 4 s.h.
  • NURS5470 AGACNP Practicum: Final – 5 s.h.
  • NURS6800 Roles and Issues for the Advanced Practice Nurse – 3 s.h.( (if not a nurse practitioner)

  Courses Offered

  • NURS5010Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs
    NURS5010 Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs

    Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

  • NURS5100Pharmacotherapeutics
    NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics - 4 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 classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.

  • NURS5143Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
    NURS5143 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning - 4 s.h.

    Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.

  • NURS5192Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I
    NURS5192 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on skill development in diagnostic and treatment modalities utilized in acute & critical care settings. Content includes fluid replacement, hemodynamic monitoring, defibrillation, ventilation. Analysis of relevant laboratory data and interpretation of radiographs and ECGs. Laboratory practice will include procedures such as suturing, intubation, line insertion. Pre-requisites: NURS5440, NURS5100.

  • NURS5195Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II
    NURS5195 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory, face-to-face focus session (24 hours competency skills lab) held at the Independence Campus during Week 6. Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: NURS5192.

  • NURS5270Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations
    NURS5270 Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on comprehensive care of adult-gerontology (AG) populations. Examines common acute and chronic health problems using a body system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies, and evidence based-practice specific to common acute and chronic conditions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.

  • NURS5280Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I
    NURS5280 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and orthopedic/mobility disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5270.

  • NURS5290Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II
    NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II - 2 s.h.

    NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II 3 s.h. Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of neurologic, hematology/oncology, GI/GU and rheumatic disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5280.

  • NURS5440Advanced Pathophysiology
    NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology - 4 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 across the lifespan.

  • NURS5450AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care
    NURS5450 AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of chronic health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactic/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5280, Corequisite: NURS5290.

  • NURS5460AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care
    NURS5460 AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of acute health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactice/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5450.

  • NURS5470AGACNP Practicum: Final
    NURS5470 AGACNP Practicum: Final - 5 s.h.

    Focuses on integration, application and development in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Comprehensive management of acute and chronic health problems is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (300 practice hours) 1 didactic/4 clinical) Prerequisites: NURS5460.

  • NURS6800Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses
    NURS6800 Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses - 3 s.h.

    Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.

  NURS5010Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs NURS5100Pharmacotherapeutics NURS5143Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning NURS5192Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I NURS5195Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II NURS5270Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations NURS5280Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I NURS5290Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II NURS5440Advanced Pathophysiology NURS5450AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care NURS5460AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care NURS5470AGACNP Practicum: Final NURS6800Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses

  Course Descriptions

  NURS5010 Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs

  Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

  NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics - 4 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 classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.

  NURS5143 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning - 4 s.h.

  Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.

  NURS5192 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I - 2 s.h.

  Focuses on skill development in diagnostic and treatment modalities utilized in acute & critical care settings. Content includes fluid replacement, hemodynamic monitoring, defibrillation, ventilation. Analysis of relevant laboratory data and interpretation of radiographs and ECGs. Laboratory practice will include procedures such as suturing, intubation, line insertion. Pre-requisites: NURS5440, NURS5100.

  NURS5195 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II - 4 s.h.

  Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory, face-to-face focus session (24 hours competency skills lab) held at the Independence Campus during Week 6. Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: NURS5192.

  NURS5270 Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations - 2 s.h.

  Focuses on comprehensive care of adult-gerontology (AG) populations. Examines common acute and chronic health problems using a body system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies, and evidence based-practice specific to common acute and chronic conditions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.

  NURS5280 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I - 2 s.h.

  Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and orthopedic/mobility disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5270.

  NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II - 2 s.h.

  NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II 3 s.h. Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of neurologic, hematology/oncology, GI/GU and rheumatic disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5280.

  NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology - 4 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 across the lifespan.

  NURS5450 AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care - 4 s.h.

  Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of chronic health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactic/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5280, Corequisite: NURS5290.

  NURS5460 AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care - 4 s.h.

  Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of acute health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactice/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5450.

  NURS5470 AGACNP Practicum: Final - 5 s.h.

  Focuses on integration, application and development in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Comprehensive management of acute and chronic health problems is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (300 practice hours) 1 didactic/4 clinical) Prerequisites: NURS5460.

  NURS6800 Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses - 3 s.h.

  Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.