Nursing Courses
Nsg 500 Foundations of Advanced-Level Nursing (3)
Theoretical lenses of advanced-level nursing practice, informed by nursing history, knowledge, and science are explored and synthesized with specialty standards of public/population health nursing. Population health frameworks are analyzed with an emphasis on health equity. Relationships among macro-, meso-, and microsystems across public health and health care systems are discussed. Relevant organizational and leadership theories are introduced. Selected key concepts and theories are critically examined for their application to advanced-level nursing practice, research, education, and leadership for public/population health specialists. Personal philosophy and professional nursing identity in the role of a population health nurse specialist, reflecting the nursing discipline's characteristics and values, will be explored.
Nsg 512 Nursing Research Methods (3)
In this course, the research process for quantitative and qualitative research studies is critically examined. The methods of scientific inquiry, problem identification, use of underlying theories and conceptual models, research design, measurement, data collection and analysis, and ethical considerations are applied to the development of a research proposal. Critical analysis of existing research studies and learner reports are used to further refine the development of research skills. The significance of research findings to practice environments and ongoing research are identified as they relate to evidence-based practice in nursing. Critical reflection upon one's developing role as a professional in advanced practice is explored as it relates to participation and collaboration in research activities within health care systems and communities. Prerequisite: college level statistics course.
Nsg 514 Healthcare Policy and Leadership (3)
The role of the advanced-level population health nurse specialist in health care and population health policies are explored, including through research and advocacy activities that shape health care policy. Key concepts related to health information technology in population health leadership, policy, and quality management will be addressed. The impact of key economic, environmental, socio-political, cultural, ethical, and governmental factors on the quality and safety of public health and health care services will be discussed. The role of the nursing discipline in public health and health care financing and economics are explored.
Nsg 549 (Sph 549) Disaster Nursing (3)
This course focuses on interprofessional emergency preparedness and disaster response teams that include nurses. As a discipline, nursing comprises the largest proportion of any individual discipline in the health workforce and knowledge of their role in disaster preparedness and response is crucial for nurses and interdisciplinary team leaders. The course includes an overview of frameworks, standards, and evidence relevant to the following advanced level, specialist disaster nursing competency domains: preparation and planning, communication, incident management systems, safety and security, assessment, intervention, recovery, legal and ethical considerations. Critical appraisal of disaster planning and preparation for at-risk populations and chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive specific disaster events is included. Professional development and lifelong learning in disaster nursing is also addressed.
Nsg 600 Public/Population Health Nursing I (5)
This course introduces/identifies key components of advanced population health nursing practice, including skills related to health-focused population needs assessment and population diagnosis. A special emphasis is placed on vulnerable populations and the achievement of health equity. The learner will gain skills in participation on interdisciplinary teams, as well as in forming and maintaining partnerships with diverse populations. The learner will gain proficiency in synthesizing content from biostatistics, epidemiology and other public health sciences with the advanced practice of population health nursing to promote, protect and improve the population's health. The course prepares the learner to practice population health nursing in both institutional and community settings. Prerequisite: Nsg 500.
Nsg 610 Public/Population Health Nursing II (5)
This course builds on knowledge and skills honed in Nsg 600. The student will utilize analyzed assessment data to effectively design, plan, implement, innovate, and evaluate population-focused health programs and policies, with knowledge of organizational decision-making. Learners will use data that is timely, pertinent and accurate to develop effective population-focused policies and programs to improve health outcomes in the institutional or the community setting. Learners will examine factors that impact the success of these efforts, communicate and market programs, develop checkpoints for evaluation, and carry out program improvement efforts. Prerequisites: Nsg 500 and Nsg 600.
Nsg 630 Clinical in Advanced-Level Nursing Specialty (1-3)
The focus of this Masters in Population Health Nursing supervised clinical practice course is to learn, practice, demonstrate, and deepen competencies and clinical leadership skills in the role of an advanced-level specialist nurse. Students collaborate with a faculty course professor and clinical preceptor to meet individualized learning objectives aligned with the 2021 AACN Essentials Level 2 and standardized advanced-level specialty competencies. Prerequisites: Nsg 500 and Permission of Department.
Nsg 650 Public/Population Health Nursing III Capstone (5)
The purpose of this course is to combine clinical practice experiences with scholarly activities to provide an in-depth learning experience for the student, focusing on continued development and implementation of a practice-focused process, program or policy that decreases risk and supports the health and wellness of a selected population to improve health care outcomes for the population served. Working through an intensive clinical practicum experience, engaging key stakeholders and working with interdisciplinary teams, students will apply advanced practice expertise learned in the program to a population-serving project to enhance health and safety for a vulnerable population of interest. Students will have the opportunity to build an interdisciplinary professional network. Prerequisites: Nsg 500, Nsg 600, and Nsg 610.
