Family Nurse Practitioner (Master of Science in Nursing

DNURS 809 Evidence – Based Practice/ Specialty Practicum Project Dissemination

2 credits Prerequisites: DNURS 801, 804, 808 in the part-time sequence This clinical practicum dissemination requires the student to be precepted by a research or Doctorally-prepared mentor in a practice specialty area of their choice. Concepts across the program of study, from all didactic and clinical experiences, will culminate in an evidence-based change project. Practice settings can be varied, and can include clinical, governmental, or educational settings. Students will disseminate their project in a poster presentation in the clinical and the educational arena.

DNURS 810 Special Topics

1-6 credits The designation of a course as a “Special Topic” enables faculty in the Villa Maria School of Nursing to offer seminars, courses, or additional clinical experiences. Requests for special topic courses can be initiated by DNP students or faculty to complete program requirements. The syllabus and course objectives will be negotiated between student and faculty on an individual basis to meet student needs.

Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner (Master of Science in Nursing)

Villa Maria School of Nursing Associate Dean/Director: Dawn Coburn Joy, Ph.D., RN, CNE

INTRODUCTION

The Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares students for the nurse practitioner role with experience to care for patients across the lifespan. Our faculty provide expertise and mentoring in assessment, diagnoses and implementation of advanced practice care to individuals, families, and groups in the community setting. Ethical dilemmas and legal issues related to the advanced practice role are addressed. Preparation to serve as a primary care provider and leader in community practice is acquired from theoretical knowledge developed through online courses and clinical practice experience gained through hands-on training in diverse clinical settings. Students learn to conduct needs assessments to deliver a community-wide system of health care services.

OUTCOMES

At the conclusion of the program of study leading to the Master of Science degree in Nursing, the graduate: 1. synthesizes theory and research from nursing, the biopsychosocial sciences, and the humanities in their advanced practice role to care for members of diverse populations. 2. is able to conduct research, collaborate with other researchers from various disciplines, and implement research findings in practice or educational settings. 3. is able to assume the advanced practice role of administrator, researcher, or practitioner. 4. is prepared to assume a leadership role to influence change in health care practice at local, regional, and national levels. 5. articulates and differentiates the various advanced practice roles within nursing. 6. has developed an understanding of the importance of maintaining professional development in their advanced practice role. 7. actively engages in collaborative relationships as an advanced practice nurse with professionals from various disciplines and members of diverse populations to improve health care. 8. has acquired an educational foundation for doctoral study.

ACCREDITATION

The master’s degree program in nursing and the post graduate APRN certificate program at Gannon University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www. ccneaccreditation.org).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Registered nurses (RNs) who have a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program are eligible to apply for admission to graduate study.

Applicants must: – submit a complete application for admission; – submit official transcripts of all previous academic work; – demonstrate completion of an introductory statistics course and a research course with a grade of at least a “B” or higher; – submit competitive scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); – provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the candidate’s academic and professional expertise; – provide evidence of the fulfillment of legal requirements for the practice of nursing in the United States; and – complete a successful interview with the admissions committee for the family nurse practitioner program.

RESEARCH REQUIREMENT

Each graduate student in nursing is required to conduct a research study or evidence-based practice project and submit a formal research report prior to graduation. This requirement includes nine credits of study—three credits of GNURS 650 Research Methods, three credits of GNURS 651 Research Seminar, and three credits of GNURS 721 Thesis/Project Guidance. Students are guided through the process by a doctorally-prepared nursing faculty member. A student may need more than the 3 credits required for Thesis Guidance to complete their thesis. If additional credits are needed, the student will be directed to take GNURS 684 or GNURS 685 Independent Study credits—one credit at a time until thesis is completed.

THE CURRICULUM PLAN

The graduate nursing program requires students to complete 48 credits. All students are required to complete six credits of core nursing knowledge courses—three credits of GNURS 525: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing and three credits of GNURS 526: Role Theory and Professional Issues in Nursing.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS

(48 TOTAL CREDITS) The planned course sequence that follows is for part-time study.

FIRST YEAR Fall Semester – 6 credits

GNURS 525 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing 3 GNURS 587 Advanced Pathophysiology 1 3

Spring Semester – 6 credits

GNURS 526 Role Theory and Professional Issues in Nursing 3 GNURS 588 Advanced Pathophysiology 2 3

SECOND YEAR Fall Semester – 6 credits

GNURS 650 Research Methods 3 GNURS 590 Advanced Physical Assessment 3

Spring Semester – 6 credits

GNURS 651 Research Seminar GNURS 589 Pharmacotherapeutics

Summer Session – 7 credits

GNURS 660 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 1 3 GNURS 663 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 1 3 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance 1

THIRD YEAR Fall Semester – 8 credits

GNURS 661 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 2 3 GNURS 664 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 2 4 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance 1

Spring Semester – 9 credits

GNURS 662 Family Nurse Practitioner Theory 3 3 GNURS 665 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum 3 5 GNURS 721 Thesis Guidance 1