Master of Science in Nursing

Purpose
The Master of Science in Nursing Program educates professional nurses for advanced practice in nursing either as clinical nurse specialists in adult nursing, nurse managers, adult nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (family or adult) and provides a foundation for doctoral study in nursing. Students can opt for a dual track of study by adding a gerontological specialization to any of the advanced practice tracks.

Post-master's options are available in all tracks.

The curriculum has, as a basis, the integration of nursing science, concepts and theories from related disciplines, along with practice and research. Opportunity is provided to pursue individual interests with respect to clientele and health care settings.

Expected outcomes of the program are designed to prepare graduates who will:

1. synthesize knowledge from nursing and related disciplines as a basis for advanced nursing practice;
2. design roles of advanced nursing practice responsive to changing environmental forces;
3. use leadership skills, teaching and collaborative strategies to create appropriate change in policy which augments health;
4. facilitate the investigation of nursing problems and the integration of findings in practice;
5. integrate knowledge of political, economic and social issues, ethical theory and jurisprudence in decision-making processes to resolve dilemmas of practice; and
6. demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of professional nursing and to the professional growth of self and peers.

General Information
The Graduate program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs, particularly those who live in rural or medically underserved areas of Northeastern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Whenever possible, clinical experiences are arranged at appropriate sites near the student's home. Eligibility for the master's degree requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 38 semester credits for the Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Management, and Adult Nurse Practitioner tracks; 47 semester credits for the Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner tracks and 51 semester credits for the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track. All program requirements must be completed within seven years. Students who begin the program in the fall and who carry approximately 9-13 credits per semester can complete the program in two academic years. Informational materials detailing aspects of the program is mailed to all applicants.

Format
The program accommodates working professionals and can be completed in one to two years depending upon the track chosen. Classes are conveniently scheduled and may be offered in the late afternoon, one full day format, or weekends. Some course assignments are done through innovative learning formats such as web-based technology, independent study, audio tapes, or video tapes.

Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Track
The ANP track prepares advanced practice nurses who are qualified for advanced practice in adult health care across the health continuum. This practice includes independent and interdependent decision making and direct accountability for clinical judgment. Graduate preparation expands the comprehensiveness of the adult nurse practitioner's role to include participation in use of research, development, and implementation of health policy, leadership, education, case management, and consultation. Nurse practitioners, primary care or specialty physicians serve as preceptors. A minimum of 38 semester credits are required for graduation: NSG 6608, NSG 6610, NSG 6614, NSG 6619, NSG 6627, NSG 6674, NSG 6677, NSG 6683, NSG 6686, NSG 6687, BIO 5210, BIO 5220.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Track
The CNS track prepares nurses to be leaders who are clinical experts in adult nursing, provide direct patient care, and work in consultation, research and education. CNS practice focuses on three spheres of influence: the client, staff and organization. Clinical Nurse Specialists practice in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private practice and other community based settings such as industry, home care and HMOs. In the CNS option, students have the opportunity to pursue individual interests with respect to adult clientele or health care settings. A minimum of 38 semester credits are required for graduation: NSG 6608, NSG 6610, NSG 6614, NSG 6619, NSG 6621, NSG 6625, NSG 6627, NSG 6651, NSG 6674, NSG 6677, NSG 6888, BIO 5210, BIO 5220, and Elective.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track
The FNP track prepares nurses to be leaders who manage the primary health care needs of families, from infancy through adulthood. A family-centered approach to health promotion, disease prevention, and intervention in illness responses of individuals is emphasized. Nurse practitioners, primary care or specialty physicians serve as preceptors. A minimum of 47 semester credits are required for graduation: NSG 6608, NSG 6614, NSG 6619, NSG 6627, NSG 6629, NSG 6674, NSG 6676, NSG 6677, NSG 6681, NSG 6683, NSG 6685, NSG 6686, NSG 6687, BIO 5210, BIO 5220.

Nursing Management (NSM) Track
The Nursing Management track prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in various levels of management within acute care and ambulatory settings. Nurse Managers are prepared to assume leadership roles in all facets of the delivery of health care services, especially nursing. Students can explore areas of interest and type of health care setting within the domain of nursing management. A concentrated practicum experience in management outside of one's local geographical area is expected. A minimum of 38 semester credits are required for graduation: NSG 6608, NSG 6614, NSG 6619, NSG 6660, NSG 6661, NSG 6888, MGT 6413, MGT 6420, MGT 6430, MGT 6450, MGT 6445, MGT 6455. Program offered only when there are a sufficient number of students.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Adult Track
The PMHNP track prepares advanced practice nurses who are qualified to address the psychiatric and medical health needs of adults with serious mental illnesses, substance abuse problems, and/or common medical conditions related to those psychiatric and/or substance abuse problems. Community mental health promotion, as well as disease prevention and intervention are emphasized. Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, psychiatrists, and other licensed mental health professionals serve as preceptors. A minimum of 47 semester credits are required for graduation: NSG 6608, NSG 6610, NSG 6614, NSG 6619, NSG 6627, NSG 6662, NSG 6663, NSG 6664, NSG 6665, NSG 6666, NSG 6674, NSG 6677, NSG 6678, NSG 6686, NSG 6691, BIO 5210, BIO 5220, BIO 5999.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Family Track
The PMHNP track prepares advanced practice nurses who are qualified to address the psychiatric and medical health needs of families with serious mental illnesses, substance abuse problems, and/or common medical conditions related to those psychiatric and/or substance abuse problems. Community mental health promotion, as well as disease prevention and intervention are emphasized. Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, psychiatrists, and other licensed mental health professionals serve as preceptors. A minimum of 51 semester credits are required for graduation: NSG 6608, NSG 6610, NSG 6614, NSG 6619, NSG 6627, NSG 6629, NSG 6662, NSG 6663, NSG 6664, NSG 6667, NSG 6668, NSG 6674, NSG 6676, NSG 6677, NSG 6678, NSG 6686, NSG 6691, BIO 5210, BIO 5220, and BIO 5999.

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist (GNP or Gero-CNS) Track
The program is designed for students enrolled in NP or CNS tracks at St. Scholastica who choose to add the specialization of gerontology to their role thereby becoming eligible for dual certification as a GNP or Gerontological CNS. The Advanced Practice Gerontological track prepares nurses with advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in the care of older adults. Gerontological nurses in advanced practice roles integrate relevant knowledge from nursing and other disciplines into their practice and participate in interdisciplinary relationships to create or influence the highest quality of care, the healthcare environment, and positive outcomes for older adults. They demonstrate advanced levels of knowledge, skill, forward thinking, and flexibility (ANA, 2001). Practice sites include clinics, outpatient settings, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community-based settings such as senior housing of all types. Post-Master's Advanced practice nurses who have a master's degree as an NP or CNS can add this specialization to their current practice role. A certificate of completion is earned, qualifying candidates to sit for national certification. Gerontology Specialization Courses: NSG 6630, NSG 6633, NSG 6635, NSG 6637, NSG 6639, BIO 5125.

Admission Requirements
The Master of Science in Nursing Program and Nursing Post-Master's Certificate Program will consider applicants who :

• Submit a completed Graduate Admissions Application form and non-refundable fee of US $50. Fee is waived for St. Scholastica MS in Nursing graduates applying to a Nursing Post Master's certificate program.
• Have earned a baccalaureate degree (Master's Degree applicants) or a master's degree (Post-Master certificate applicants) with a major in nursing from a CCNE or NLN accredited program.
• Submit all official transcripts of baccalaureate and graduate coursework.
• Have completed the undergraduate prerequisite requirements.
• Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrate computer competency.
• Submit a completed Master of Science in Nursing Essay.
• Submit three Graduate Recommendation forms: one from a former nursing instructor or supervisor, current nursing employer, and nursing colleague.
• Submit a completed Master of Science in Nursing Self-Assessment form.
• Submit a copy of registered nurse license from at least one state; eligibility for licensure in Minnesota.
• Submit a copy of current CPR certification.
• Interview with faculty of the Nursing Department may be requested.

A TOEFL examination or the Michigan Test score is required of all international applicants and applicants whose primary language is not English. The minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based text is required. The minimum Michigan Test score of 80 is required.

International Applicants will need to complete additional admission requirements.

Note: Meeting minimal entrance requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission to the program. Exceptions to minimum criteria may be made at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Admission Prerequisites
Applicants to the Nursing Graduate program and Nursing Post-Master's Certificate program will need to fulfill the following undergraduate course requirements prior to start of the program:

• Statistics course inclusive of descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Research methods course.
• Community health nursing course or its equivalent.
• Health assessment course.

Application Deadline
The application deadline for priority consideration for the master's and certificate programs is March 1 for fall admission. Review of completed application files will continue until the program is filled.

Admission Requirements Upon Acceptance
Upon acceptance into the Nursing Master's and Nursing Post-Master's Certificate programs, students will need to:

• Submit proof of coverage by professional liability insurance ($1 million for each occurrence); NP students must carry NP student liability. Coverage must be in place prior to the start of coursework and renewed yearly. No exceptions.
• Meet specific health requirements of clinical agencies:
• Physical examination, by a licensed/certified health care provider.
• Rubella screening and Mantoux test or chest x-ray. Renewed yearly.
• Measles and mumps immunity (for students born during or after 1957).
• Hepatitis vaccine. The series must be completed prior to the first clinical rotation.
• Chicken Pox vaccine or verbal history of disease.
• Submit evidence of measles immunity consisting of either of the following:
• Documentation of receipt of two doses of a live measles vaccine after the first birthday.
• Documentation of physician-diagnosed measles disease.
• Diphtheria tetanus toxoid.
• Pass a state mandated criminal background check for all Minnesota nursing students prior to first day of classes for each year enrolled.

Acceptance Categories

• Full Acceptance: granted to those students who meet all admission requirements.
• Provisional Acceptance: granted to those students who have not submitted all required materials but who otherwise have met the admission requirements. Students are allowed one semester to submit remaining credentials and are not eligible for Financial Aid until receiving Full Acceptance into the program.
• Probationary Admission: granted to those students who do not meet the GPA requirements but who otherwise exhibit reasonable evidence to indicate their ability to do satisfactory graduate work. Students will be removed from probationary status after completion of 6 semester credits of satisfactory work in graduate courses. Students are not eligible for Financial Aid until receiving Full Acceptance into the program.
• Non-degree Acceptance: reserved for those students who wish to pursue courses for professional development but do not wish to earn a degree or for those students who have course deficiencies that cannot be remedied within one semester. Students will be admitted to courses on a space available basis. No more than one-third of the semester credits taken in non-degree status can be applied toward a degree in the event that the student wishes to transfer to degree bound status. Students in this category are not eligible for Financial Aid.

Transfer Credits
Students may apply transfer graduate credits they have earned from an accredited college or university toward completion of their St. Scholastica degree. A maximum number of six transfer credits can be applied. The transfer credit must have been completed no more than seven years prior to the date the St. Scholastica degree is completed. Forms to request transfer of credits can be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office. The College of St. Scholastica will consider transfer credits from students who:

• Submit a Credit Transfer Application form.
• Submit an official transcript sent from the accredited institution.
• Submit the course syllabus, catalog or other pertinent descriptive information.
• Demonstrate course content is applicable to the enrolled program.
• Have earned course grade of 3.0 or better.
• Completed the course seven years prior to graduating from the St. Scholastica program.

Degree-seeking students planning to enroll in courses at another institution with the intent to transfer the credits to The College of St. Scholastica will need to send a written request and supporting course documentation to the Chair, Department of Graduate Nursing prior to enrolling in the course. Written approval will be provided if the course is acceptable for transfer.

Contact
Paula McGrew
Graduate Nursing Coordinator
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
Phone: 218-723-6272
Fax: 218-733-2295
pmcgrew@css.edu

Course Descriptions
NSG 6500: Nursing Informatics
3 credits
Strategies and techniques for evaluating the functionalities of computer-based systems specifically designed to support nursing practice, for participating effectively as a user-designer/architect of nursing-specific software, and skills in using and training others to use these nursing software applications. Online course. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Nursing Informatics Certificate Program through the Department of Health Informatics and Information Management or permission of the department.

NSG 6608: Nursing Theory and Advanced Research
4 credits
Builds on foundational knowledge of conceptual frameworks and theoretical models of nursing, statistics and basic research methodology. Concept analysis and mid-range theory selection prepare students to work through the research process leading to the completion of a qualitative or quantitative research proposal that serves as the basis for further development as a project or theses in NSG 6686 or NSG 6888. 60 class hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6619.

NSG 6609: Continuing Enrollment
0 credits
Continuation of NSG 6888 Research Study or NSG 6686 Masters Project. Designed for students who do not complete their thesis or project within the designated time frame. Students register for continuing enrollment each semester while completing their work. The fee for continuing enrollment equals the tuition for one graduate semester credit. Prerequisite: NSG 6608.

NSG 6610: Personality Development and Health Care
2 credits
Explicates theories of personality from biological, psychological, relational, social cognitive and evolutionary perspectives. The student is introduced to psychoanalytic, psychosocial, interpersonal and other theories of human development throughout the life span. Emphasis is on the application of these theories to health promotion in advanced nursing practice in a multicultural society. 22.5 class hours with web-based independent study; 22.5 clinical hours.

NSG 6614: Health Care Policy
2 credits
Role of the nurse in influencing health policy is investigated. Application of change and systems theories to the process of health policy development is explored. Web-based course.

NSG 6619: Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
4 credits
Critical investigation of advanced nursing practice based on nursing models and theoretical concepts relevant to the nurse's role as a primary health care provider. Emphasis is placed on principles of health promotion and disease prevention as well as an analysis of independent nursing interventions useful in assisting clients to achieve health outcomes. 44 class hours; 48 clinical hours

NSG 6621: Clinical Specialist: Role and Leadership
4 credits
Examination of the component roles and theories relevant to clinical nurse specialist practice, e.g., clinical expert, teacher, consultant and researcher within the context of spheres of influence (client, staff and systems) and leadership. Study of major variables influencing health care which impact on clinical specialist component roles of consultant to peers and/or colleagues and teacher to staff and/or health care consumers. Web-based course on campus seminars. 44 class hours, 48 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6608, 6619.

NSG 6625: Phenomena of Nursing Practicum
4 credits
Application of the four defining characteristics of nursing (phenomena, theory application, nursing action, and effects of action) to the care of clients with actual and potential health problems. A holistic approach within the 3 spheres of CNS influence (client, staff, organizational system) is used in health promotion and illness intervention activities. Seminars focus on management of the health status of adults with emphasis on the independent dimension of nursing and clinical diagnostic reasoning. Web-based course on campus seminars. 180 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6608, 6610, 6619, 6627, 6674, 6677, BIO 5210, 5220. Pre- or co-requisite: NSG 6621.

NSG 6627: Health Assessment Adult
2 credits
Advanced physical, psychological, social and developmental skills necessary for primary care practice with adult clients. Principles and techniques of data collection, communication and physical examination are emphasized. Basic laboratory and diagnostic procedures are explored. Web-based course on campus seminars, 45 laboratory and clinical practice hours.

NSG 6629: Health Assessment Pediatric
2 credits
Advanced physical, psychological, social and developmental skills necessary for advanced practice nursing with pediatric clients. Principles and techniques of data collection, communication and physical examination are emphasized. Basic laboratory and diagnostic procedures are explored. Web-based course on campus seminars, 45 laboratory and clinical practice hours.

NSG 6630: Theoretical Foundations of Gerontological Nursing
2 credits
Critical investigation of the theoretical foundation of advanced nursing practice in gerontology grounded in nursing theory and integrated with theories of aging, development, family and health belief models. Emphasis is placed on health promotion and prevention, socio-cultural, ethical and legal practice, and APN scope of practice. Web-based course on campus seminars: 30 didactic hours. Prerequisite: Post-master's status or enrolled in master's program at CSS. Pre or Co-requisite: N6610 or N6676, 6619.

NSG 6633: Health Assessment/Health Promotion of the Older Adult
2 credits
Analysis and application of theory and research related to health assessment and health promotion of older adults. Implementation of evidence-based advanced physical, psychological, social and developmental assessment techniques necessary for health promotion and illness prevention activities along with diagnosis of acute, chronic and functional health challenges with the older adult. Web-based course on campus seminars: 15 didactic and 45 independent clinical hours. Prerequisite: Post-master's status or enrolled in master's program at CSS. Pre or Co-requisite: N6627, N6630

NSG 6635: Pharmacological Application: Older Adult
2 credits
Application of theory and research related to advanced gerontological pharmacotherapeutics. Includes pharmacologic and non pharmacologic interventions in the management of acute, chronic physical and mental health disorders for the older adult. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in relation to the physiological changes in the older adult are stressed. Assessment, decision-making processes and client education for appropriate drug use are addressed. Web-based course on campus seminars. Prerequisite: Post-master's status or enrolled in master's program at CSS. Pre or Co-requisite: N6608, , N6633, N6677 or equivalent

NSG 6637: Health Care Management I: Older Adult
4 credits
Development and implementation of a specialized plan of care for the older adult encompassing diagnosis and treatment plans for acute and chronic physical and mental health issues that are guided by theory and research. A holistic approach is used in health promotion and illness prevention evidence-based intervention strategies. Consultation and referral activities are addressed. Web-based course on campus seminars. 135 clinical hours. Prerequisite: Post-master's status or enrolled in master's program at CSS. Pre or Co-requisite: N6630, N6633, N6635; BIO 5125 and N6674 or their equivalent

NSG 6639: Health Care Management II: Older Adult
6 credits
Intensive clinical experience focusing on the application of evidence based guidelines in care management of the older adult with complex health needs in a variety of settings. Nursing care and the influence of support systems are evaluated for their impact on client outcomes. Includes monitoring and support of client physical and behavioral changes; modification of care for acute and chronic conditions in accordance with assessment, test findings and client responses; and assessment of adherence to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Web-based course on campus seminars. 270 clinical hours. Prerequisite: Post-master's status or enrolled in master's program at CSS. Prerequisite: N6637

NSG 6640: Foundations of Nursing Program Development
2 credits
Examination of major components of program development including assessment, implementation and evaluation incorporating characteristics of teachers and learners in a variety of nursing environments. 30 class hours. Prerequisite: Admission to the Graduate Program or permission of instructor.

NSG 6642: Education in Nursing: Curricular Considerations
2 credits
Examination of major components of program development including assessment, implementation and evaluation. Selected aspects of curriculum development are explored, including instructional design, teaching strategies, learning events and methods of evaluation. Approaches to didactic and experiential learning within the context of nursing will be examined. 30 class hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6608, 6619, 6640.

NSG 6643: Practicum: Nursing Education
3 credits
Synthesis of the nursing education focus within the context of advanced clinical practice. Utilizing clinical expertise, the student functions as a nurse educator in a selected health or post-secondary education setting. 135 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6642 or permission of faculty.

NSG 6644: Family Nursing: Theory and Assessment
2 credits
Overview of the issues in family nursing care and research. Examination of developing nursing theories and theories from related disciplines as they pertain to practice and research of families. Family assessment techniques are investigated. 30 class hours.

NSG 6646: Family Nursing: Transitions in the Family Life Cycle
2 credits
Life cycle and life course analysis in the examination of normal family transitions. Study of the role of the nurse in influencing family stress and coping. 30 class hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6644.

NSG 6648: Family Nursing: Families and Illness
2 credits
Examination of the reciprocity between illness and family dynamics. Analysis of nursing interventions useful in assisting families to achieve health outcomes. 30 class hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6644.

NSG 6651: Practicum: Clinical specialization in Adult Nursing
3 credits
Emphasis on clarification of the adult nursing clinical specialist role functions within the 3 spheres of CNS influence (client, staff, organizational system) and their effect on client outcomes. The component sub roles of the clinical nurse specialist (clinical expert, teacher, consultant and researcher) are synthesized as the student gives direct and indirect care to adults with complex and multifaceted health problems under the preceptorship of a CNS. Web-based course on campus seminars. 135 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6621, 6625.

NSG 6660: Nursing Management
2 credits
Integration of organizational and management theories within the context of the nursing process applied to the delivery of nursing services in a variety of settings and systems. The role of the advanced practice nurse in various levels of management is analyzed and required core abilities of the manager emphasized. Factors affecting the dynamic changes in the health care system and delivery of nursing care are investigated. 30 class hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6608, 6619, MGT 6420, 6430, 6413. Pre- or co-requisite: NSG 6614, MGT 6450, 6455.

NSG 6661: Nursing Management Practicum
6 credits
Application of advanced practice roles in new models of organization with health care practices across the continuum. Under guidance of a nurse manager preceptor, students assume complex managerial functions within a health care delivery system located outside their geographical area for a concentrated period of time. 270 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6660. Pre- or co-requisite MGT 6445.

NSG 6662: Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
2 credits
Introduction to theories, concepts and models, ethics relevant to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner's role in the care of persons with mental illnesses and persons/populations at risk for mental illness. Emphasis is placed on neurobiological theories of mental illness as well as developmental and psychodynamic theories. Online course with on-campus seminars. Pre- or co-requisite: NSG 6610, 6619.

NSG 6663: Individuals: Psychiatric Nursing Management I
4 credits
Development of skills necessary for holistic management of common and recurrent psychiatric symptoms/conditions of individual clients. Emphasizes initial contact and comprehensive, coordinated and continuous care based on pathophysiologic, psychotherapeutic, spiritual and developmental data, as well as assessment of community mental health needs and psycho-educational approaches. 15 class hours, 135 clinical hours. Pre- or co-requisite NSG 6664.

NSG 6664: Individual Clients: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing
2 credits
Examination of the knowledge base, roles, diagnostics and psychotherapeutics employed in advanced practice psychiatric nursing with individual clients. Diagnostic classification systems and treatment modalities related to psychiatric illness are explored. Aspects of health promotion and disease prevention in a multicultural society are included. 30 class hours. Web based course. Prerequisite: NSG 6662, 6677, 6678, BIO 5210, 5999. Pre- or co-requisites NSG 6608, 6627, BIO 5220.

NSG 6665: Groups: Psychiatric Nursing Management II
4 credits
Development of skills needed to function as a beginning advanced practice group leader/therapist with multicultural clients in a variety of socio-cultural contexts. Includes application of theoretical principles of group psychotherapy with clients experiencing psychiatric and mental health problems. 15 class hours, 135 clinical hours. Pre- or co-requisite: N6666.

NSG 6666: Groups: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing
2 credits
Examination of the structure, functions, processes, and developmental course of groups in human life and health care practice. Introduction to the theory and practice of group psychotherapy and group facilitation in advanced practice psychiatric nursing. 30 class hours. Web based course. Prerequisites: NSG 6608, 6619, 6627, 6662, 6674, 6677, 6678, BIO 5210, 5220, 5999.

NSG 6667: Child/Adolescent/Family: Psychiatric Nursing Management III
4 credits
Development of skills necessary for holistic management of common and recurrent psychiatric symptoms/conditions of child/adolescent/family clients. Emphasizes initial contact and comprehensive, coordinated and continuous care based on pathophysiologic, psychotherapeutic, spiritual, and developmental data. Includes assessment of community mental health needs and psychoeducational as well as psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic approaches with child/adolescent/family clients. Traditional and non-traditional community practice sites are used. Prerequisite NSG 6662. NSG 6668 may be taken concurrently. 15 Seminar hours, 135 clinical hours.

NSG 6668: Child/Adolescent/Family Clients: Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
2 credits
Examination of the knowledge base, roles, diagnostics and psychotheraptutics employed in advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing with child/adolescent/family clients. Diagnostic classification systems and treatment modalities related to psychiatric illness are explored. Aspects of health promotion and disease prevention in advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing are also explored. 15 didactic hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6662.

NSG 6674: Rural and Community Based Advanced Practice
2 credits
Analysis of theory, research and practice in rural and community advanced practice nursing. Application to the role of advanced practice nurse is explored with emphasis on rural and community issues, content and experiences. 22.5 class hours, 22.5 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6608, 6619, or departmental permission.

NSG 6676: Theoretical Foundations of the Family
2 credits
Examination of developing nursing theories and theories from related disciplines as they pertain to practice and research of families. Family assessment techniques and family interventions are investigated. 30 class hours.

NSG 6677: Advanced Pharmacology
3 credits
Principles of drug therapies commonly used by advanced practice nurses. Includes pharmacological action of drugs, assessment issues and a decision making process for appropriate use and client education. Online course; 45 hours supervised practice for CNS students.

NSG 6678: Psychopharmacology
2 credits
Builds on the advanced pharmacology content of NSG 6677. Focuses specifically on the pharmacology of psychotropic drugs used with adult populations, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, psychostimulants, cognition enhancers, and miscellaneous agents commonly prescribed for the management of acute and chronic psychiatric conditions. Pays particular attention to the practical issues of starting, stopping, switching, and monitoring psychotropic medications, as well as managing medication side effects and providing the psycho-education necessary for successful psychopharmacologic management. Lays the foundation for safe, successful, collaborative, prescriptive practice for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. Web-based course on campus seminars. Prerequisite: NSG 6677 or equivalent. 30 hour.

NSG 6681: Primary Health Care Management I
6 credits
Knowledge and skills necessary for prevention and management of common acute and chronic illnesses in infants, children and adolescents. Aspects of assessment, diagnosis, management and evaluation derived from pathophysiologic, psychosocial, spiritual and developmental data bases are addressed. This course must be taken the semester immediately following NSG 6629, or requires faculty approval. Web-based course on campus seminars. Prerequisites: NSG 6619, 6627, 6629, 6676, 6677; BIO 5210; prerequisite or taken concurrently: NSG 6608, BIO 5220. 42 class hours; 144 clinical hours.

NSG 6683: Primary Health Care Management II
7 credits
Knowledge and skills necessary for prevention and management of acute and chronic illnesses in adults and older adults. Underlying pathophysiologic and psychosocial bases for occurrence and detection are addressed with emphasis on management of common acute and chronic illnesses. It is required that NSG 6627 be taken within one year of this course, otherwise remedial work will be required Web-based course on campus seminars. 180 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6608, 6610 (ANP), 6619, 6627, 6674, 6677, 6681 (FNP only), BIO 5210, 5220.

NSG 6685: Prenatal Health Care
1 credit
Introduction to the role of a family nurse practitioner in the promotion of healthy pregnancy and lactation, and the management of frequently encountered problems in a pregnant or lactating woman. Web-based course on campus seminars. 15 clinical hours. Co-requisite: NSG 6683.

NSG 6687: Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship
6 credits
Intensive clinical experience with a focus on prevention, health promotion, client education and illness management of individuals and families. Web-based course on campus seminars. 270 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6683, 6681, and 6685 (FNP).

NSG 6691: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship
4 credits
Exploration of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner role as primary mental health care provider. Role components include integration of medical, nursing and psychiatric interventions into a holistic plan of care, interpretation of results of care, modification as appropriate and utilization of appropriate referral sources Web-based course on campus seminars.. 135 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6663. Pre- or co-requisite NSG 6665.

NSG 6999: Independent Study
1-2 credits
With faculty guidance, the development of objectives and implementation of a protocol for independent work related to the practice of advanced nursing. Prerequisite: NSG 6608, 6619 or consent of faculty.

NSG 6686: Project
2 credits
Study of a research based, advanced practice nursing care related project with faculty guidance. The project culminates in a scholarly paper, will be defended before a project committee and presented at a nursing research forum. Required prerequisite course: NSG 6608.

NSG 6777: Nursing Topics
1-2 credits
Elective courses with specific topics of interest to professional nurses' practice. Prerequisite: a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing.

NSG 6888: Research Study
2 credits
Utilization of the research process to investigate a nursing research question culminating in a thesis. The research will be defended before a thesis committee and presented at a nursing research forum. Required prerequisite course: NSG 6608.