Family Nurse Practitioner (Master of Science in Nursing

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 prepare a research study or evidence-based practice project and submit a formal research report prior to graduation. This requirement includes six credits of study – three credits of GNURS 620, and three credits of GNURS 651 Research Seminar. Students are guided through the process by a doctorally-prepared nursing faculty member.

THE CURRICULUM PLAN

The graduate nursing program requires students to complete 42 credits. All students are required to complete six credits of core nursing knowledge courses – three credits of GNURS 620:Foundations of Research and Theoretical Frameworks in Nursing and three credits of GNURS 526: Role Theory and Professional Issues in Nursing.