Master of Science in Nursing: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

This course explores and analyzes theories and propositions from social, psychological, medical, nursing, and interpersonal relations as a foundation to understanding research, practice, and scholarship in nursing. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program.

This course focuses on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan and the development of clinical reasoning skills that distinguish the relationships between normal physiology and specific system alterations produced by injury and disease. Particular attention will be given to etiology, pathogenesis, developmental and environmental influences, and clinical manifestations of major health problems. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program.

This course provides the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in the therapeutic use of pharmacologic agents. The pharmacologic treatment of major health problems will be explored. Principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics will be examined. The effects of culture, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, gender and funding on pharmacologic therapy will be emphasized. Legal aspects of prescribing will be fully addressed. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program.

Students will learn to integrate appropriate research to assist in resolving clinical issues. Evidence-based practice will be utilized to include patient preferences and values as well as clinical expertise while integrating research data.

The principles and theories germane to leadership will be explored in relation to complex organizations and the development of leadership styles and policy making within microsystems, mesosystems, and macrosystems to transform those healthcare systems. Course content will include continuous quality improvement models, processes, and tools to measure outcomes in a healthcare facility. Emphasis will be placed on the political, demographic, and economic forces that influence the development of health policy and professional nursing practice. Ethical and legal dimensions of nursing practice and interprofessional relationships at advanced level will be explored. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program.

This course will build upon health assessment skills developed in the professional nurse’s basic educational program. The theoretical and clinical basis for assessment in advanced nursing practice will be developed. The process whereby the advanced practitioner utilizes comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessment across the lifespan to gather specific data relevant to common health problems is demonstrated. Faculty and preceptors facilitate laboratory and clinical experiences, which focus on assessment of clients and presentation of findings in a variety of settings. This course will require 27 hours of precepted patient care hours practicing the didactic content across the lifespan. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program.

Focus in on managing complex healthcare problems through the development of evidence-based diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills. Participants evaluate the use of advanced diagnostic techniques in terms of best evidence, client values/beliefs, available resources, and clinical expertise. This course will also provide hands-on practice with the advanced skills needed in primary care. This class requires 20 simulation/lab hours on campus or alternative location. This class requires 20 simulation/lab hours on campus or alternative location. This course is 85% didactic and 15% simulation/lab.

This course is designed to provide the learner with an overview of growth and development, encompassing physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur from conception through late adulthood. This course will include an introduction to the human development theories common to all people, as well as five ways in which the population differs from others. The learner will gain hands-on experience through precepted direct patient care of individuals within the context of family. Evidence-based practice is interwoven with practical applications to parenting, teaching, healthcare, and public policy. This course will provide didactic and hands-on practice with guidelines for health supervision of infants, children, and adolescents. This course has 81 hours of precepted clinical and is 40% didactic and 60% direct patient care.

This course is the first in a series of two that provides content in the diagnosis and management of pediatric illness. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program. This course is 40% didactic and 60% clinical.

This course builds on advanced health assessment knowledge with focus on the pediatric primary care patient population. Assessment strategies are reviewed along with ways to enhance age-specific approaches in the assessment of children and adolescents. Clinical techniques, including effective communication and diagnostic reasoning, are developed to provide appropriate care. This course also emphasizes well child care concepts and primary intervention within pediatric primary care.

This course is the second in a series of two that provides content in the diagnosis and management of pediatric illness. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program. This course is 40% didactic and 60% clinical.

This course focuses on common pediatric primary care diagnoses, treatments, and care management. The role of the pediatric nurse practitioner within the primary care setting is discussed in detail to evaluate appropriate applications and 365 methods utilized within the clinical setting. This course provides an opportunity for emphasis of effective communication strategies and implementation/management to optimize clinical decision making.

The purpose of this course is to provide a conceptual basis for advanced practice nursing. Students examine nurse practitioner competencies with emphasis on acquiring knowledge and skills to assume leadership roles in healthcare delivery, health policy, and complex healthcare systems. Research and quality improvement mechanisms to implement change are explored. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program.

This course will provide the opportunity for the learner to integrate and practice the content from previous courses. This course is a precepted clinical of 180 hours. A grade of B or above must be received in this course to allow progression in the Nurse Practitioner program.