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Course Descriptions

Core courses are taken by all Master's candidates, except that some or all of these core courses may be waived for those seeking Post-Master's certificates, as determined by their advisor. In some cases, students may obtain credit by portfolio in lieu of taking a course. Focus courses are taken by candidates who have been admitted to the particular focus.

Focus Courses

Certified Nurse Specialist | Nurse Administrator | Nurse Educator | Nurse Practitioner

CORE COURSES

506/406 Psychosocial Interventions in Family Care - 2 S.H.
This course explores the role of the advanced practice nurse in addressing the psychosocial needs of the client and family. Focus will be on the development of counseling skills for advanced psychosocial assessment and on providing culturally sensitive guidance in caring for the client and family during health, crisis, and acute and chronic illness. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program in nursing or consent of instructor. Grade only.

508/408 Advanced Role Seminar - 2 S.H.
This course will provide a forum for the explorations of advanced practice role behaviors including collaboration and leadership. Selected theories and frameworks relevant to the various roles will be evaluated. Ethics and diversity issues in nursing and health care will be discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program in nursing or consent of instructor. Grade only.

510/410 Theoretical Foundations and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice - 4 S.H.
The goal of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to critically analyze existing nursing theories and articulate a personal philosophy of nursing. Students will do an in-depth analysis of a concept. The student will analyze methods and techniques of research and interpret their usefulness for application in clinical practice. Theory and practice will be used to define nursing problems and develop a research proposal. Co-requisite or prerequisite: STAT 601. Grade only.

514/414 Health Care Policy and Finance - 3 S.H.
This course provides a base for nurse leaders and advanced practice nurses to enter and effectively shape health care policy in the workplace, organizations, community, and government at the state and federal level. Students will develop an understanding of health care financing in the delivery of health care. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program in nursing or consent of instructor. Grade only.

519/419 Advanced Health Promotion - 3 S.H.
Concepts related to health promotion and maintenance are analyzed from theoretical and research based perspectives. Using principles of epidemiology, advanced practice nurses identify risk factors for specific populations and examine variables that influence wellness. Interventions for promotion of optimal health are designed with particular consideration for age and cultural differences. A community-based practicum allows the student to explore possibilities for enacting the advanced practice role outside traditional biomedical settings and within the context of families and communities. (2 cr. seminar; 1 cr. clinical). Prerequisite: N510 and Admission to the graduate program in nursing or consent of instructor. Grade only.

Stat 601 Statistical Methods for Health Care Professionals - 3 S.H.
Application and interpretation of statistical techniques in the health professions. Prerequisite: Stat 110 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Grade only.

688 Professional Study I - 2 S.H.
This course is an extension of the base knowledge acquired in the core courses of statistics and research in nursing that prepares students to undertake a faculty-supervised investigation/project. This may include such projects as clinical investigations, case studies, evaluation projects, outcome studies on interventions or changes in interventions, or programmatic applied research. The intent of Professional Study I is to do the preliminary work to implement the project and may include planning, approval, and implementation phases of the project. Prerequisite: STAT 601, N510. Grade only.

689 Professional Study II - 1 S.H.
This course is an extension of Professional Study I. The intent is to complete the investigation/project, prepare the scholarly written report, and make an oral presentation of the project. Prerequisite: Permission of project advisor. Grade only.

690 Continuing Thesis/Professional Study – 1 S.H.
Continuing enrollment for thesis or professional study when not registered for N698, N699, or N689. This course is to be used for registration while actively working with thesis or professional study advisor when not enrolled in the above courses. May be repeated. Credits do not count toward graduation. Prerequisite: permission of project advisor. Pass/No credit.

698 Thesis I – 2 S.H.
This course is an extension of the base knowledge acquired in the core courses of statistics and research in nursing that prepares students to undertake a faculty-supervised thesis. Investigation of a nursing research question using the research process and subsequent presentation of the research to the thesis committee is required for graduation. This course is taken during the proposal refinement and approval process phases of the research process. Prerequisites: STAT 601, N510. Prerequisite: permission of thesis advisor. Grade only.

699 Thesis II – 2 S.H.
This course is an extension of the base knowledge acquired in the core courses of a statistics and research in nursing that prepares students to undertake a faculty supervised thesis and involves completion of the nursing research process and presentation of the research to the thesis committee. Taken after Thesis I. Prerequisite: permission of thesis advisor. Grade only.

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FOCUS COURSES

CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST

502/402 Clinical Pharmacology - 3 S.H.
This course includes principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as a foundation for the use of medications in the clinical management of diseases. Major classes of drugs will be discussed in terms of actions; therapeutic and other effects; adverse, allergic and idiosyncratic reactions; indications and contraindications. The importance of sound diagnostic reasoning in the selection of pharmacological interventions with attention to safety, cost, simplicity, acceptability and efficacy will be stressed. The responsibilities related to prescribing medications will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program in nursing or consent of instructor (contact Master's Program Secretary). Grade only.

504/404 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 S.H.
Advanced physiology and pathophysiology at the cellular, organic and systemic level will be explored as a basis for clinical assessment and management by advanced practice nurses. Integration of function among organ systems will be emphasized. The effect of psychosocial variables on physiologic function will be explored. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program in nursing or consent of instructor. Grade only.

620 Clinical Nurse Specialist Role I Seminar - 1-3 S.H.
This course is designed to introduce students to the roles of the clinical nurse specialist. Nursing practice models will be explored. Assessment and measurement of patient outcomes, cost containment, cost-effectiveness, and evaluation will be emphasized. Use of a theoretical and research basis for effecting change to improve patient outcomes relevant to non disease-based etiologies of acute and chronic illnesses among adults is a major focus. Prerequisites or co-requisites: N502, N504, N506, N510, N519, N623 (or equivalent courses approved by faculty). Must register for N621 at same time. Grade only.

621 Clinical Nurse Specialist Role I Clinical - 1-3 S.H.
This course is designed for students to practice the clinical nurse specialist roles with a preceptor in the student's chosen clinical focus. Students do an in-depth study of non disease-based etiologies of acute and chronic illness among adults and apply advanced practice nursing interventions. Prerequisites or co-requisites: N502, N504, N506, N510, N519, N623 (or equivalent courses approved by faculty). Must register for N620 at the same time. Grade only.

623 Advanced Health Assessment – 1-3 S.H.
This course builds on prerequisite knowledge of systematic and holistic health assessment of children and adults. Additional assessment tools for the advanced practice nurse are provided. Emphasis is on diagnostic reasoning and research based strategies for assessing health of individuals within the context of family and community. Special emphasis is placed on age, gender, and cultural variations. This course emphasizes diagnostic reasoning that guides the collection and interpretation of data to serve as a basis for advanced practice. (2 cr. seminar; 1 cr. clinical). Prerequisite: Undergraduate physical assessment course and/or N517 or equivalent; N504, N510, N519. Grade only.

624 Clinical Nurse Specialist Role II Seminar – 1-3 S.H.
This course builds on Clinical Nurse Specialist Role I Seminar and Clinical. An in-depth study of selected topics related to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic illnesses among adults will be completed. An analysis and synthesis of the literature with an emphasis on theory and research will be included. Effects of culturally specific beliefs on response to acute and chronic illness will be discussed. The roles of the CNS are synthesized. Prerequisites: N502, N504, N506, N510, N519, N620, N621, N623 (or equivalent courses approved by faculty). Co-requisite: N625. Grade only.

625 Clinical Nurse Specialist Role II Clinical - 1-4 S.H.
This course builds on Clinical Nurse Specialist Role I Seminar and Clinical. Assessment, measurement, and management of disease-based and non disease-based etiologies of acute and chronic illnesses among adults will be a major focus. Independent nursing interventions that aim to prevent, alleviate, and/or reduce symptoms, functional problems, or risk behaviors will be implemented. Integration of the clinical nurse specialist roles will be achieved. Prerequisites: N502, N504, N506, N508, N510, N519, N620, N621, N623 (or equivalent courses approved by faculty). Co-requisite: N624. Grade only.

629 Clinical Nurse Specialist Prescribing Clinical – 1-3 S.H.
This course is specifically designed for the post-master's CNS student who already holds national CNS certification and is seeking a supervised clinical experience to become eligible for prescriptive authority. The course requirements are specifically designed to meet requirements established by the revised MN Nurse Practice Act in 1999; however, the course requirements also meet criteria in other state nurse practice acts (students are assessed on an individual basis). The course focuses on assessment, measurement, diagnosis and management of disease-based and non-diseased-based etiologies of acute and chronic illnesses among adults. Emphasis is placed on accurate and safe selection of specific pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments under the supervision of a provider who is licensed to prescribe pharmacologic agents. Prerequisites: Earned Master's Degree in nursing with a CNS focus, N502, N623 (or equivalent courses approved by the CNS focus faculty). Grade only.

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NURSE ADMINISTRATOR

626 Assessment and Intervention: Care of the Ill Client Seminar - 3 S.H.
This course is for students selecting the NA and NE options. Concepts relevant to nursing focused on acute and chronic health deviations among individuals, families and groups in various settings are examined. Assessment and interventions (collaborative and independent) for each concept as relevant to the NE and NA advanced roles will be discussed. An analysis and synthesis of the literature with an emphasis on theory and research will be included. Effects of culturally specific beliefs on response to acute and chronic illness will be discussed. Prerequisites: N510, N502, N504. Co-requisite: N627. Grade only.

627 Assessment and Intervention: Care of the Ill Client Clinical - 1-3 S.H.
This course is for students selecting the NA and NE options and is the clinical application of N626. The health assessment of clients with chronic and acute conditions will serve as the basis for diagnosis and implementation of independent nursing interventions. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of theory and research into clinical practice. Effectiveness of therapeutic nursing interventions on patient outcomes will be assessed. Critical analysis of data sets and clinical instruments for decision making relevant to the role will be conducted. Prerequisites: N502, N504, N508, N510. Co-requisite: N626. Grade only.

650 Nursing Information Management & Decision-Making Technology – 1-3 S.H.
This course provides a basis for the use of computerized records and data for delivering nursing care. Content includes areas such as nursing informatics, electronic patient records, taxonomies for diagnosis, interventions, & outcomes, and decision support technology. Prerequisite: N510, N626, N627 (or consent of instructor). Grade only.

651 Organizational Concepts for Nursing Administration – 3 S.H.
This course provides knowledge of organizational concepts in health care systems with emphasis on nursing care systems. Emphasis is on the interrelationships needed to provide nursing services in contemporary health care organizations focusing on both formal and informal systems, culture and structure. Prerequisite: N510, Mayo Nurse Anesthetist Students, consent of instructor. Grade only.

652 Resource Management in Nursing Services – 1-3 S.H.
This course focuses on the application of fiscal management principles, budgeting conventions, and human resource allocation methods as they are applied in the provision of nursing care within health care organizations. Prerequisite: N510, N651 or consent of instructor. Grade only.

653 – Human Resource Management – 1-2 S.H.
This course focuses on personnel management and labor relations principles as they apply to the provision of nursing services within a health care organization. Prerequisites: N510, N651, and N626/627 (or concurrent). Grade only.

654 Structure and Design of Nursing Services in Health Care Organizations - 1-2 S.H.
Course content related to health care organization structures with an emphasis on the design and delivery of nursing services. Prerequisites: N510, N626, N627, N650 (or concurrent) N651, N652, N653 or consent of instructor. Grade only.

655 Nursing Administration Practicum - 2-3 S.H.
This guided practicum is designed to build on the student's previous experiences and to meet individual learning needs. Practicing nurse administrators are utilized as preceptors to enhance the application of principles. Prerequisites: N510, N626, N627, N651, N652, N653, and N650, N654 or concurrent. Grade only.

656 Organizational Concepts in Health Care and Nursing – 1-3 S.H.
This course provides knowledge of health care organization design and behavior. Focus is on nursing care systems as they relate to the organization, labor relations, and personnel principles as they apply to the provision of nursing services. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate program or consent of instructor. Grade only.

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NURSE EDUCATOR

669 Nursing Education: Theory and Research – 1-3 S.H.
This course provides a foundation for the nurse educator focus with the MS program in nursing. The course is an overview of the classic and contemporary philosophies, theories and research about teaching and learning in nursing. Teaching and learning in schools of nursing, practice settings for the professional development of nurses, and client (patient) education are primary foci of the course. Prerequisites: N508, N510, N626, N627 or consent of instructor. Grade only.

670 Nursing Education: Curricula and Program Design – 1-3 S.H.
This course is designed to introduce students to the components of educational program processes. Principles of program design and evaluation of nursing education and staff development are the key concepts explored in this class. Prerequisites: N510, N626, N627 or consent of instructor. Grade only.

671 Nursing Education: Instruction and Evaluation – 1-2 S.H.
A course for nurse educators designed to apply teaching and learning theories, research and strategies to teaching in schools of nursing or healthcare organization staff development programs. Content focuses on the practical application of a large variety of teaching and evaluation techniques available in the practice of nursing education. Prerequisites: N510, N624 and N625 or N626 and N627, N669, N670 or consent of instructor. Grade only.

672 Nursing Education: Instruction and Evaluation: Practicum 1-2 S.H.
This practicum, a companion course to N671, provides the student with a guided experience in the process of teaching. The practicum will focus on assessing learners; planning, developing, and implementing instruction; and the evaluation of learner achievement. Prerequisites: N510, N624 and N625 or N626 and N627, N669, N670 or consent of instructor. Grade only.

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NURSE PRACTITIONER

623 Advanced Health Assessment – 1-3 S.H.
This course builds on prerequisite knowledge of systematic and holistic health assessment of children and adults. Additional assessment tools for the advanced practice nurse are provided. Emphasis is on diagnostic reasoning and research based strategies for assessing health of individuals within the context of family and community. Special emphasis is placed on age, gender, and cultural variations. This course emphasizes diagnostic reasoning that guides the collection and interpretation of data to serve as a basis for advanced practice. (2 cr. seminar; 1 cr. clinical Prerequisite: Undergraduate physical assessment course and/or N517 or equivalent; N504, N510, N519. Grade only.

640 Primary Care of Adults I - 3 S.H.
Focus is on the diagnosis and management of acute and episodic health related conditions and illnesses in the primary care setting. Epidemiology of problems is examined and emphasis is placed on health promotion and disease prevention. Prerequisites: N502, N506, N623; Co-requisites: N519, N641. Grade only.

641 Primary Health Care Clinical I - 2-3 S.H.
This course provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge and develop skills related to the role of the nurse practitioner in primary care. ANP students register for 2 S.H.; FNP students register for 3 S.H. Co-requisite: N640, N642 (FNP only). Grade only.

642 Primary Care of Children I - 2 S.H.
(FNP Only). This course focuses on promotion of health of children and their families, and the diagnosis and management of acute and common health related conditions and illnesses in the primary care setting. Co-requisites: N640. Grade only.

643 Primary Care Clinical II – 3-4 S.H.
This course provides the opportunity to apply knowledge and develop skills related to the role of the nurse practitioner in management of clients/families with complex disease states and health related conditions. ANP students register for 3 S.H; FNP students register for 4 S.H. Co-requisites: N644, N646 (FNP only). Grade only.

644 Primary Care of Adults II – 3 S.H.
This course focuses on the diagnosis and management of chronic and co-morbid health related conditions and illnesses in the primary care setting. Epidemiology of problems is examined and emphasis is placed on health promotion, health maintenance, and prevention of disability. Prerequisites: N640, N641, N642 (FNP only). Co-requisites: N643, N646 (FNP only). Grade only.

645 Primary Care Internship - 3 S.H.
A clinical preceptorship for nurse practitioner students that provides an opportunity to further enhance knowledge and the skill level related to primary care. The clinical preceptorship provides opportunities to apply theoretical and didactic knowledge in practice. The internship is an intensive immersion in a single practice setting with focus on continued development of the nurse practitioner role and in providing continuity of care. Asynchronous, Internet based course. Prerequisites: N502, N506, N508, N519, N623, N640, N641, N643, N644; N642 (FNP only), N646 (FNP only). Grade only.

646 Primary Care of Children II - 2 S.H.
(FNP Only). This course focuses on the role of the NP in the evaluation and management of chronic and complex health disorders of children in the primary care setting. The impact of chronic and complex disorders on children and families will be considered with an emphasis on strategies to promote wellness, optimize development, and facilitate adaptation in the child and family. Epidemiology of problems is examined. Prerequisites: N640, N641, N642. Co-requisites: N643, N644. Grade only.

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ELECTIVES

595/495 Seminar/Workshop in Nursing – 1-3 S.H.
This course provides in-depth study of selected topic. Content arranged by Nursing Department and specified for each offering. May be repeated when offered with different content/title. Grade only.

611 Advanced Practice Nursing Clinical – 1-3 S.H.
This focused clinical experience provides opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in the practice setting. Students will develop analytical and management skills related to advanced practice nursing. Emphasis will be on providing planned interventions of nursing care, health education, disease prevention, or risk reduction to a pre-selected patient population. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Pass/No Credit.

685 Individual Study in Nursing - 1-3 S.H.
This course provides an opportunity for the qualified graduate student in nursing to work independently under the direction of a graduate faculty member. Topics may include research, development of special skills or clinical experience, selected readings, or review of a nursing problem. May be repeated for a total of 6 (six) credit hours. Contract with learning objectives, plan for accomplishments, and criteria for evaluation is necessary. Offered each semester. Prerequisites: Enrolled in the graduate nursing program and consent of instructor. Grade only.

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 16:27