Plan of Study
Year 1:
Summer
NURS5800 |
This course explores the various routes of anesthetic administration addressing the potential benefits and risk of each. Special emphasis is placed on specific anesthetic agents and their appropriate use. The responses and common complications associated with these agents are discussed. |
NURS6070 |
This course will integrate advanced physiology with pathophysiology and clinical implications across the lifespan for advanced nursing practice. Organ systems function and dysfunction from the level of the cell through integrated organ levels will be presented, and the genetic basis of disease will be discussed. Recent scientific advances will be discussed with application to new approaches to disease and symptom management. The interrelationships between basic physiology, clinical pathophysiology, and genetics are emphasized through lecture and case studies. Registration is restricted to students enrolled in the MSN or DNP programs or by permission of instructor. |
NURS6290 |
The fundamental concepts learned in Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making will be used as a foundation to inform the basics of anesthesia practice. Assessment of the patient is reviewed with a specific focus on the anatomic and physiologic issues involved in the administration, maintenance and recovery from anesthesia. In addition, the course will encompass an overview of anesthesia history, nurse anesthesia practice and the perioperative environment. The student will transition to the surgical suite to begin clinical fieldwork at the conclusion of the course. Prerequisite: enrollment in NANS program, year 1 |
NURS6570 |
This laboratory/clinical course is designed to help future advanced practice nurses develop advanced clinical assessment skills. Provider-patient interaction, data collection, and hypothesis formulation are emphasized. All participants engage in actual practice with fellow students, and/or models, and consenting patients. This course is to be taken the semester before clinical begins. |
NURS6810 |
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory system and related anesthetic implications. Students learn concepts of pulmonary mechanics, neural control of breathing, and ventilation/perfusion as they relate to oxygen, anesthetic delivery, and metabolism. This learning supports the integration of effects of compromised pulmonary function and implications for the patient and anesthesia plan. There is a review of the fundamental concepts of pulmonary physiology from the cell to the organ level framing a foundation of normal physiology before proceeding to pathophysiology content. Advanced knowledge of the pulmonary system in health and disease is presented from the physiological perspective. |
Fall
NURS6030 |
This course provides students the opportunity to integrate theory and principles into practice within the clinical setting. Scope of practice, role development, ethical and cultural considerations and anesthetic interventions will be introduced and explored in the classroom and simulation suite. The student will transition to the surgical suite to begin clinical fieldwork, where they will progress from the care of healthy patients undergoing minimally invasive surgical procedures to the more complex patients with multiple health issues. |
NURS6080 |
Advanced principles of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics are applied to the nursing care of individuals across the life-stage spectrum. It focuses on the content and knowledge employed by the advanced practice registered nurse in the management of various conditions and disease states. The course builds on the pharmacology knowledge base acquired in the baccalaureate nursing program. The advanced pharmacology and therapeutics of several common diseases or conditions found in the acute care and primary care setting is presented. This is supplemented with pharmacotherapy modules to meet program specific needs. |
NURS6820 |
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular, renal, immunologic, and hematological systems and related anesthesia implications. Emphasis is placed on the assessment of the patient with common disorders of these systems. Nurse anesthesia care related to patients undergoing surgeries involving each system is discussed. The foundational concepts from pulmonary physiology are used as the underpinnings for discussing key concepts of the circulatory system. |
NURS7510 |
This course provides students the opportunity to integrate theory into practice within the clinical setting. The focus is on the development of diagnostic, therapeutic, ethical, and cultural judgments with the perioperative patient. Students’ progress from the care of healthy patients undergoing minimally invasive surgical procedures to the more complex patient with multiple health issues. Clinical preceptors are experienced CRNAs or anesthesiologists who act as mentors to facilitate the learning process. Students’ progress along the learning continuum as they integrate theory into practice and assume the role of the advanced practice nurse. The student begins to develop an advanced practice nursing role that integrates role theory, nursing theory, and research knowledge through clinical practice. |
NURS7890 |
The course integrates the principles and methodologies of both quality and patient safety, which transforms and sustains high reliability organizations. Knowledge of the elements to complete a framework for safe and reliable healthcare will be described, as well as used by the students to apply the framework to a patient safety clinical situation. In addition, critical components of the current status of health care quality will be discussed, with emphasis on the role of patients, leadership, microsystems, and policy leaders. Organizational excellence will be examined in case reviews and discussions on strategies to develop and sustain quality and safety in the delivery of safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care. |
Spring
NURS5400 |
Analysis of key contemporary issues in health and social policy that will provide students with a deeper understanding of the design and structure of the U.S. health care system, the policy initiatives that have shaped it, and the roles of the government, the private sector, and consumers and advocacy groups in setting the policy agenda. Seminars will examine the origins of each issue, the policies enacted and their effects, both intended and unintended, and will propose and debate the merits of alternative policy solutions. The role of health services and policy research in informing the policy debate and directions will be highlighted. Please note, the online version of this course has a synchronous component (live online class sessions). The day/time will be listed in the course register. This course satisfies the Society & Social Structures Sector for Nursing Class of 2012 and Beyond. Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms Mutually Exclusive: NURS 3340 1 Course Unit |
NURS6040 |
This course focuses on theory and research from the behavioral and nursing sciences on the psychological and social consequences of on-going illness. In addition, the health policy issues engendered by these problems will be addressed. Prerequisite: Primary Care Majors or instructor permission. |
NURS6370 |
The relationships among nursing theory, research and practice will be examined. An emphasis will be placed on research competencies for advanced practice nurses (APNs), including understanding nursing research methods and strategies in order to evaluate research results for applicability to practice and to design projects for evaluating outcomes of practice. An understanding of statistical techniques will be integrated into the course and build on the required undergraduate statistics course. Published nursing research studies will be evaluated for scientific merit and clinical feasibility, with a focus on evidence-based practice. Please note, the online version of this course has a synchronous component (live online class sessions). See department for meeting days/times. Prerequisite: Undergraduate Statistics Class, Must hold an RN license. |
NURS6830 |
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the neurological, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems with a focus on anesthesia implications. Emphasis is placed on the assessment of the patient with common disorders of these systems. |
NURS7520 |
This course provides the opportunity for students to integrate theoretical knowledge and research findings into practice within the clinical setting. The clinical progression allows students to provide anesthesia care to patient with complex, multisystem problems. Selected surgical specialty rotations begin, introducing the student to the particular requirements for these special situations. Techniques for managing the acute pain of clients are also emphasized. The student grows in the ability to individualize a plan of care specific to the patients’ needs and surgical requirements. The student also now possesses the ability to combine theories and skills in selected clinical situations. The guidance of CRNA faculty preceptors contributes to the development of the students critical thinking. |
Year 2:
Summer
NURS5000 |
This course provides an introduction to epidemiologic methods and overview of the role of epidemiology in studies of disease etiology and in the planning, delivery and evaluation of health services. The population-based approach to the collection and analysis of health data will be emphasized throughout the course. Through textbook reading, problems sets, class discussion and review ofthe recent literature, students will become acquainted with the basic designs of epidemiologic studies in theory and in practice. Students will develop the basic skills necessary to use epidemiologic knowledge and methods as the basis for scientific public health practice. Background in elementary statistics is a prerequisite for this course. |
NURS6050 |
The basic principles of anesthesia practice will be expanded upon, focusing on specific populations, including the incidence and prevalence of various disease states. This course explores the special considerations required for the care of cardiac, vascular and thoracic patients undergoing anesthesia. An in-depth analysis of the pre-anesthesia assessment, perioperative considerations and post anesthesia monitoring necessary to facilitate optimal patient outcomes are summarized. Further, evidence-based case studies will be discussed highlighting the epidemiologic considerations for various disease states. |
NURS7550 |
Integration of non-experimental quantitative research designs and methodologies, including common statistical techniques for analyzing resulting data. Statistical techniques examined include: factor analysis, multiple regression, canonical correlation, causal modeling, and logistic regression. Power analysis of statistical tests to estimate sample size discussed. Data analysis practice using computer software integrated throughout course. |
NURS8510 |
This course focuses on the translation of research into practice to achieve sustainable improvements in clinical, patient and systems outcomes. Course content builds on the foundational principles of evidence-based practice and the critical scientific appraisal of evidence to guide advanced evidence-based reasoning and decision-making for translation and application to practice. Prerequisite: NURS 5470 OR NURS 6370 1 Course Unit |
Fall
NURS6060 |
The basic principles of anesthesia practice will be expanded upon, focusing on specific populations, including the incidence and prevalence of various disease states. This course explores the special considerations required for the care of the neurosurgical, orthopedic and traumatically injured patients undergoing anesthesia. An additional focus will be directed towards pain management in the surgical population. An in-depth analysis of the pre-anesthesia assessment, perioperative considerations and post-anesthesia monitoring necessary to facilitate optimal patient outcomes are summarized. Further, evidence based case studies will be discussed, highlighting the epidemiologic considerations for various disease states. |
NURS7450 |
This course approaches statistics from both applied and theoretical perspectives in order to develop an understanding of the ways that data are analyzed and reported. The course is situated in healthcare data analytics and the varied ways existing/new data is analyzed and results communicated. Focus is given to learning the appropriate application, including decision-making for analysis plan, and interpretation of statistical analyses. The course addresses data transformation, effect size and power analysis, clinical significance, parametric and non-parametric statistical tests including t-tests, analysis of variance, chi square, correlation, linear and logistic regression and other methods of analyses for continuous and categorical data. Emphasis is placed on understanding why statistical methods are chosen, developing a cohesive analysis plan, applying best practices for data preparation and management, executing an analysis and using statistical software programs, including conduct of analyses, review of output and interpretation using existing software programs. |
NURS7560 |
This course is the first and second of four residencies that provide the nurse anesthetist student the opportunity to attain competencies within the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) scope of practice. Throughout the residency, the nurse anesthesia resident will utilize appropriate clinical judgment to manage the complex medical, physical and psychosocial needs of clients in the perioperative phases. Further refinement of the patient assessment, anesthesia administration, and critical thinking skills will be emphasized. Students’ progress by providing anesthesia care for patients throughout the continuum of health care services. The guidance of CRNA faculty preceptors contributes to the development of the independence of the CRNA student. Collaborative practice within a care team model is emphasized and the student assumes more overall responsibility for the quality of care for the patients throughout the perioperative experience, with clinical support as required. Prerequisite: Enrollment in NANS program, year 2 |
NURS8521 |
This is the second in the series of three project courses. The focus of this course is the development of a complete project proposal. This course provides an overview of the concepts, procedures and fundamental processes of project management for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students. Principles, tools, and techniques of project management within an integrative framework are reviewed and applied to the development of the DNP project. Students will finalize a project management plan that advances high quality, equitable and accessible health care. Students will continue to meet with key stakeholders and members within healthcare agency and/or communities of interest where the project is being implemented. This course offers individualized faculty guidance and mentored opportunities for the planning process. Fall Prerequisite: NURS 8510 1 Course Unit |
Spring
NURS6090 |
This course explores the perioperative evaluation and advanced anesthetic principles related to patient populations undergoing a broad range of surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on selection and administration of anesthesia to these populations to ensure optimal patient care, safety, monitoring and implementing interventions to prevent and treat common perioperative emergencies. Prerequisite: Enrollment in NANS program - year 2. |
NURS7480 |
This course will provide the conceptual and theoretical framework for examining the concept of leadership within the contexts of health systems, health professionals and health policy. It will focus on characteristics of personal and professional leadership, change theory, and the application of critical thinking to the analysis of work environments, systems and the politics of health. |
NURS7570 |
This course is the second of four residencies that provide the nurse anesthetist student the opportunity to attain competencies within the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) scope of practice. Throughout the residency, the nurse anesthesia resident will utilize appropriate clinical judgment to manage the complex medical, physical and psychosocial needs of clients in the perioperative phases. Further refinement of the patient assessment, anesthesia administration, and critical thinking skills is emphasized. Students progress by providing anesthesia care for patients throughout the continuum of health care services. The guidance of CRNA faculty preceptors contributes to the development of the independence of the CRNA student. Collaborative practice within a care team model is emphasized and the student assumes more overall responsibility for the quality of care for the patients throughout the perioperative experience, with clinical support as required. Prerequisite: Enrollment in NANS program, year 2. |
NURS8531 |
This is the third of a series of three courses with the focus on implementation and dissemination of the Doctoral of Nursing Practice (DNP) project. In this final course students are expected to carry out the project and determine how the results can be used to improve processes and procedures within the healthcare agency or community of interest. Students integrate evidence-based practice paradigm and process principles into the development of a final report and present the findings to each other for peer critique. Barriers from people, places and policies will be addressed and strategies developed to negotiate solutions. Principles of sustainable evidence-based practice change across disciplines and within various healthcare settings will be discussed. Students will assume the role of leader in the interprofessional collaboration, consultation, and partnership with the healthcare organization or communities of interest with the goal to also share findings and advance nursing scholarship. Students demonstrate proficiency in time management, leveraging resources, communication skills and interprofessional collaboration through the implementation of the project. Spring Prerequisite: NURS 8521 1 Course Unit |
Year 3:
Summer
NURS6510 |
Healthcare systems and consumers today are becoming increasingly reliant on information technology. The objective of this course is to provide a foundation for knowledge about health information technology and to expose students, clinicians, and administrators to the breadth of tools and systems currently used in practice. We will explore topics such as mobile health applications/telehealth and their implications for clinical practice and impact on patient outcomes; electronic health records, data analytics, and visualization tools and how these can effectively be used to support decision making and patient care. |
NURS7580 |
This course is the third of four residencies that provide the nurse anesthetist student the opportunity to attain competencies within the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) scope of practice. Throughout the residency, the nurse anesthesia resident will utilize appropriate clinical judgment to manage the complex medical, physical and psychosocial needs of clients in the perioperative phases. Further refinement of the patient assessment, anesthesia administration, and critical thinking skills will be emphasized. Students’ progress by providing anesthesia care for patients throughout the continuum of health care services. The guidance of CRNA faculty preceptors contributes to the development of the independence of the CRNA student. Collaborative practice within a care team model is emphasized and the student assumes more overall responsibility for the quality of care for the patients throughout the perioperative experience, with clinical support as required. |
NURS8580 |
This course will provide students with an opportunity to explore professional issues which affect the practice of nurse anesthesia and the healthcare delivery system. Discussion of professional issues which impact nurse anesthetist practice will include professionalism, scope of practice, patient safety from a systems perspective, medical legal concerns, ethical decision making, reimbursement and other financial issues which impact healthcare delivery. Students will be afforded the opportunity to develop their own sense of professionalism as they explore these issues and develop a professional presentation. |
Fall
NURS6110 |
Exploration of the conceptual-theoretical basis of nursing. Analysis and evaluation of conceptual models of nursing and nursing theories with emphasis on implications for nursing practice. Prerequisite: Enrollment in CRNA program; year 3 |
NURS7590 |
This course is the fourth of four residencies that provide the nurse anesthetist student the opportunity to attain competencies within the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) scope of practice. Throughout the residency, the nurse anesthesia resident will utilize appropriate clinical judgment to manage the complex medical, physical and psychosocial needs of clients in the perioperative phases. Further refinement of the patient assessment, anesthesia administration, and critical thinking skills is emphasized. Students progress by providing anesthesia care for patients throughout the continuum of health care services. The guidance of CRNA faculty preceptors contributes to the development of the independence of the CRNA student. Collaborative practice within a care team model is emphasized and the student assumes more overall responsibility for the quality of care for the patients throughout the perioperative experience, with clinical support as required. Prerequisite: Enrollment in NANS program, year 3. |
NURS7900 |
In this course, students will focus on the business of health care and the financial competencies needed to manage complex health care organizations. This course integrates the basic principles of accounting, finance, and health care economics with business planning. It is designed to facilitate the student’s knowledge and application of financial principles in the health care setting. Course content includes an overview of the health care landscape, basics of health insurers, introduction to budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, an overview of the financial planning cycle, operating budget development and labor variance analysis. The course culminates with an opportunity for students to apply their skill sets in performing an environmental scan and developing a business case. |
Spring
NURS6140 |
Population specific topics of concern to nurse anesthetists are reviewed and discussed. Seminal works in the field of anesthesia are reviewed and discussed to facilitate a comprehensive review of contemporary anesthesia practice. The gaps between research and its implementation in practice will be considered. Students will focus on completing a comprehensive review of 1) Basic sciences; 2) Equipment, Instrumentation and Technology; 3) Basic Principles of Anesthesia Practice; and 4) Advanced Principles of Anesthesia Practice as described by National Council on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the Nurse Anesthesia program. |
NURS7600 |
This course is the fourth and final residency that will provide the nurse anesthetist student the opportunity to attain competencies within the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) scope of practice. Throughout the residency, the nurse anesthesia resident will utilize appropriate clinical judgment to manage the complex medical, physical and psychosocial needs of clients in the perioperative phases. Further refinement of the patient assessment, anesthesia administration, and critical thinking skills is emphasized. Students’ progress by providing anesthesia care for patients throughout the continuum of health care services. The guidance of CRNA faculty preceptors contributes to the development of the independence of the CRNA student. Collaborative practice within a care team model is emphasized and the student assumes more overall responsibility for the quality of care for the patients throughout the perioperative experience, with clinical support as required. |