Nursing Courses (NR) - Online

This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.norwich.edu/.

NR 510 Health Systems Analysis Policy, Environment, and Structure 6 Cr.

This seminar presents a global perspective of the healthcare system. Content includes an historical overview of healthcare systems in the United States, issues of cost, quality and access, as well as trends, such as, cultural diversity, demographic shifts, economics, technological influences and ethical issues impacting health care delivery. The student will gain the essential understanding of the continuum of care and examine the impact of integrated delivery systems on care delivery processes and patient outcomes.

NR 512 Advanced Nursing Care in the Delivery of Healthcare 6 Cr.

This seminar represents the foundation of graduate level nursing education. It provides a global perspective of the healthcare system and helps the student assess and analyze the healthcare system as the context for graduate level nursing practice. The relationship among various stakeholders including consumers, providers, regulatory agencies and policy makers are explored as well as their impact on healthcare delivery. This seminar also emphasis health policy and advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, and clinical prevention and population health. Analysis of the advanced nursing role is conducted within the context of the healthcare system in relationship with complex social, economic, technological, legal, ethical and political environments.

NR 520 Theoretical Constructs for Leadership Roles in Nursing 6 Cr.

This seminar prepares the student with the theoretical foundation to function in management level nursing roles across a variety of nursing specialties and health care settings. The student will be prepared to understand, evaluate, and utilize appropriate theories within his/her own practice. Theoretical constructs will include nursing and other relevant theories from the social, organizational, and behavioral sciences. Specific theories addressed include: systems, change, nursing management, and leadership theories, as well as ethical principles in health care and professional role development. Theoretical concepts are augmented by individual projects that require the student to examine his/her practice setting using the above constructs.

NR 522 Translating and Integrating Scholarship into Practice 6 Cr.

This seminar examines the application and integration of evidence in leadership roles and decision making. The student explores nursing and other relevant theories from the social, organizational, and behavioral sciences to provide a theoretical foundation for evidence-based practice. The student is equipped to critically appraise and utilize research, identify researchable problems within his/her practice setting, and lead teams toward integration of evidence-based practice in healthcare. Translational science and implementation/improvement science is introduced. The seminar concludes with a brief overview of innovation and its relevance to advanced nursing roles. The student participates in a mentored practicum of 100 hours. This practicum experience provides the student with an opportunity to apply and integrate relevant evidence in their practice and develop reflective practices and appreciative inquiry. Prerequisite: NR 512.

NR 530 Evidence-Based Practice 6 Cr.

This seminar prepares the student to become proficient in the utilization of research, the critical evaluation of research, identification of researchable problems within a variety of practice settings, and the application of research to clinical problems. The course incorporates both quantitative and qualitative research methods, application of statistical analysis of data, the utilization of information systems for accessing, storing and analyzing data, identification of researchable clinical problems, critical analysis and application of existing research, and application of theoretical constructs to frame a research proposal. Class assignments related to evidence based practice are augmented as the student identifies a researchable nursing problem within his/her own practice setting and develops a related research proposal.

NR 531 Clinical Concepts: Advanced Pathophysiology 3 Cr.

This seminar may be taken at any point during the latter half of the Master’s program, either concurrently with one of the other seminars or after completion of the 6-seminar concentration. It will satisfy the requirements of some states (e.g., Texas and California) that stipulate advanced coursework in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment for nurse educators. The course will focus on the pathophysiology, assessment, and evidence based interventions of select acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan. This course will expand on undergraduate level knowledge of disease entities commonly found in patient populations cared for by students.

NR 532 Quality Improvement, Informatics & Healthcare Technologies 6 Cr.

This seminar introduces the student to the fundamentals of quality improvement science, and the use, implementation and impact of informatics and healthcare technologies on quality and safety in healthcare. Students examine quality improvement models in the delivery of healthcare and measures for quality improvement initiatives. The business case for quality is discussed as well as leadership and teambuilding for quality improvement in a continuous learning organization. The student conducts a microsystem analysis and prepares a performance improvement project proposal. The student participates in a mentored practicum of 100 hours. This practicum experience provides the student with the opportunity to conduct a clinical microsystem analysis, participate in a quality improvement project and develop reflective practices and appreciative inquiry. Prerequisites: NR 512 and NR 522.

NR 540 The Heath Care Organization: Behavior and Development 6 Cr.

This seminar prepares the student to incorporate systems theory as a basis of understanding the impact of market forces on health care delivery. Course content includes theories of leadership and organizational behavior, design and culture as well as group dynamics (i.e., communication, conflict, negotiation). In addition,, concepts which focus on governance, decision making, performance improvement will be discussed. Class work is augmented by case studies and individual project work that require the students to examine practices in their own organizations.

NR 541 Clinical Concepts: Advanced Pharmacology 3 Cr.

This seminar focuses on clinical applications of pharmacotherapeutic agents used in the care of patients. The seminar content is designed to build on prior pharmacological study of actions and effects of drugs on the human system across life span. Students will study pharmacologic mechanisms of action, effects on organ systems, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, considerations related to age and physiological state, adverse reactions, contracindications, and regulatory issues related to nursing education practice.

NR 542 Clinical Concepts: Advanced Health Assessment 3 Cr.

This seminar will focus on advanced clinical history taking and physical assessment for patients across the lifespan, Course content focuses on concepts, theory and practice of comprehensives health histories and assessments for patients of all ages and states of health. Both components will require a comprehensive examination: a proctored paper and pencil exam for pharmacology and a videotaped health assessment demonstration for the latter portion of the seminar.

NR 543 Clinical Concepts: Pathophysiology for Disease Management 4 Cr.

Students examine pathophysiological processes integral to the understanding of human health conditions and disorders of children and adults. Objective and subjective manifestations of common health problems resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptation are assessed and analyzed. Assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and interventions for specific health problems are discussed. Pharmacologic treatments for specific health problems are explored. The etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of disorders are reviewed within the context of age and gender. Principles of pathophysiology are applied to recognize clinical signs and symptoms consistent with human health conditions and disorders during case study presentations and discussions. The impact of health promotion and disease prevention on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan are explored.

NR 544 Clinical Concepts: Advanced Pathophysiology for Disease Management I 2 Cr.

Students examine pathophysiological processes integral to the understanding of human health conditions and disorders of children and adults. Objective and subjective manifestations of common health problems resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptation are assessed and analyzed. Assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and interventions for specific health problems are discussed. Pharmacologic treatments for specific health problems are explored. The etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of disorders are reviewed within the context of age and gender. Principles of pathophysiology are applied to recognize clinical signs and symptoms consistent with human health conditions and disorders during case study presentations and discussions. The impact of health promotion and disease prevention on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan are explored.

NR 545 Clinical Concepts: Pathophysiology for Disease Managment II 2 Cr.

Students examine pathophysiological processes integral to the understanding of human health conditions and disorders of children and adults. Objective and subjective manifestations of common health problems resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptation are assessed and analyzed. Assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and interventions for specific health problems are discussed. Pharmacologic treatments for specific health problems are explored. The etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of disorders are reviewed within the context of age and gender. Principles of pathophysiology are applied to recognize clinical signs and symptoms consistent with human health conditions and disorders during case study presentations and discussions. The impact of health promotion and disease prevention on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan are explored.

NR 546 Leadership in Healthcare Organizations 6 Cr.

Students explore organizational science and its application to healthcare. Each student analyzes the principles of leadership and leadership science including theory, styles as well as contemporary approaches and strategies. The seminar emphasizes system science and integration, change theory and social change theories, and healthcare systems and organizational relationships. The student has the opportunity through case studies and a seminar project to address an organization’s challenges specific to healthcare delivery within the contemporary financial and social environment. The student participates in a mentored practicum of 100 hours. This practicum experience provides the student with the opportunity to address organizational challenges and develop reflective practices and appreciative inquiry.

NR 547 Theoretical and Practice Foundations of Nursing Informatics 6 Cr.

This seminar addresses the foundational concepts of Nursing Informatics and provides the student with the opportunity to apply these concepts to the development of a Nursing Informatics project. This seminar also includes reviewing information exchange standards, methods and models of care. Students address communication and conflict resolution techniques as they create change in the process of developing their project and identify and apply data analysis principles. Students participate in a mentored practicum of 100 hours during which the student completes the seminar’s experiential learning assignments which is their Nursing Informatics project. This practicum experience introduces the student to specialized roles in that support improved patient outcomes and the opportunity to develop reflective practices and appreciative inquiry. Students incorporate practice standards, quality improvement processes, regulatory and accreditation standards as well as ethical practices into their project.

NR 550 Nursing Resource Management 6 Cr.

This seminar focuses on the critical aspects of human and financial resource management. Human resource management including hiring practices, disciplinary action, and performance appraisal and performance improvement are examined in this seminar. Healthcare finance incorporating nursing unit based budget preparation, management control systems, and operations management are addressed. In addition, quality improvement, risk management and marketing are explored in this seminar. The student is expected to utilize his/her workplace environment for the exploration, development and application of the course objectives.

NR 551 Theoretical Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction 6 Cr.

This seminar prepares students to apply theoretical concepts related to education and nursing to the development and implementation of curricula. Topics will include history of curriculum in nursing, theories of teaching and learning, instructional design theory and method, technology in education, learner diversity, and curriculum development, A precepted practicum experience will coincide with didactic coursework. Students will choose a preceptor in an educational role who can facilitate role development and the implementation of the students’ work. Students will be required to develop a curriculum for a course or unit of study and implement a portion of the course or program using technology. Student work will become part of the student’s portfolio and shared with peers in the electronic classroom.

NR 555 Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Healthcare 6 Cr.

This MSN elective is designed for nurse leaders who are interested in the entrepreneurial process and acquiring innovative knowledge and skills within the context of the healthcare environment. The student is introduced to definitions and concepts that pertain to innovation, including different types of innovation and entrepreneurship as well as individual-level, organizational and institutional factors that impact the healthcare innovation process. The course examines how entrepreneurs and healthcare organizations create and capture value through sustainable innovation that meet consumer and societal needs. It explores various approaches employed by entrepreneurial healthcare organizations and considers the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in today’s competitive and global environment. Through real-world examples, the student has the opportunity to evaluate innovative healthcare ventures and viable business models for different kinds of healthcare innovations. The student participates in a 100 hour mentored practicum to apply learned concepts to practice. This practicum experience provides the student with an opportunity to explore self-awareness, reflective practices and appreciative inquiry.

NR 556 Healthcare Resource Management 6 Cr.

Students examine the critical aspects of human and financial resource management in the context of healthcare systems. Human resource management includes confronting the nursing shortage through recruitment and retention, staffing management, performance appraisal and marketing. Prevention of workplace violence and disaster preparedness are also explored as opportunities and challenges for nurse leaders in managing the healthcare workforce. Healthcare finance resource management incorporates nursing unit based budget preparation, management control systems, and operations management. The student utilizes his/her healthcare organization for the exploration, development and application of the seminar’s objectives. The student participates in a mentored practicum of 100 hours. This practicum experience introduces the student to human and financial resource management in the health care environment as well as develop reflective practices and appreciative inquiry.

NR 557 Strategic Planning and Practice Applications in Nursing Informatics 6 Cr.

Building on the theoretical foundations addressed in NR547, this seminar examines the practice applications related to strategic planning and implementation of an informatics system in a healthcare organization. Topics include an overview of data analytics, facilitating and assessing learning in non-academic healthcare settings. Students examine a number of factors that impact the success of a system implementation while considering technical standards, system analysis concepts and data management. Students participate in a mentored practicum of 100 hours during which the student completes the seminar’s experiential learning assignments which is their Nursing Informatics project. This practicum experience introduces the student to specialized roles in that support improved patient outcomes and the opportunity to develop reflective practices and appreciative inquiry.

NR 560 Strategic Management in the Nursing Environment 6 Cr.

This seminar is the capstone course in the Master of Science in Nursing-concentration in Nursing Administration. The seminar consists of two integrated components: 1) online-classes, consisting of study and discussions related to the development of a learning contract, concepts related to strategic management and professional practice; 2) a 60-hour, self-directed administrative practicum to implement the learning contract objectives. Discussions will relate to the acquisition of the necessary tools for successful practice as a Master’s prepared nurse administrator. This culminating experience is designed to enable students to apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout the graduate program and to guide their future career goals.

NR 561 Scholarship of Teaching, Learning, and Evaluation 6 Cr.

This seminar prepares students to measure and assess learners in a variety of nursing contexts (e.g., clinical evaluation, via simulation) as well as evaluate curriculum on the program level. Foundations of educational measurement and evaluation , learner assessment, objective development, the evaluation of critical thinking as well as the context of nursing education will be discussed. Students will take part in a concurrent precepted practicum in which they will be required to engage in clinical education and evaluation of learners, as well as the development of assessment strategies for previously developed curriculum. Students will have an opportunity to reflect on the multiple roles of the nurse educator in practice. Prerequisites: completion of NR 510, 520, 530, 541, 551, and national certification in an area of specialty nursing practice, or permission of the Program Director.

NR 566 Strategic Planning and Management in Healthcare 6 Cr.

NR 566 is the capstone for the Master of Science in Nursing program, concentration in Healthcare Systems Leadership. The seminar emphasizes strategic planning in healthcare, business planning and conceptual analysis of role. Discussion focuses on the acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) for strategic planning and for practice as a nurse leader across traditional and non-traditional healthcare settings. This capstone experience is designed so that students may apply the necessary KSA learning throughout the graduate program to guide his/her future career development. The student participates in a mentored practicum of 100 hours. This practicum experience supports the student in integrating learned knowledge, skills and abilities in the health care environment as well as develop reflective practices and appreciative inquiry.

NR 567 Using Informatics to improve Nursing Practice 6 Cr.

This seminar reviews concepts that are important to implementing and sustaining effective use of technology in the clinical environment. Security and privacy for the protection of privileged information, effective policy development, testing and implementation are examined. Concepts of change management as well as informatics role in community/population health monitoring and management are explored. Students will study the use of technology to generate new evidence, the potential influence of emerging technologies on clinical practice and the importance of developing a caring practice in a high technology environment. Students will participate in a mentored practicum of 100 hours during which the student completes the seminar’s experiential learning assignments which is their Nursing Informatics project. This practicum experience introduces the student to specialized roles in that support improved patient outcomes and the opportunity to develop reflective practices and appreciative inquiry.

NR 571 ClinicalConceptsADV Pathophys1 1 Cr.

Students examine pathophysiological processes integral to the understanding of human health conditions and disorders of children and adults. Objective and subjective manifestations of common health problems resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptation are assessed and analyzed. Assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and interventions for specific health problems are discussed. Pharmacologic treatments for specific health problems are explored. The etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of disorders are reviewed within the context of age and gender. Principles of pathophysiology are applied to recognize clinical signs and symptoms consistent with human health conditions and disorders during case study presentations and discussions. The impact of health promotion and disease prevention on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan are explored. Note: This course is under development and will be approved by the University Curriculum Committee by Dec. 2018.

NR 572 ClinicalConceptsADV Pathophys2 1 Cr.

Students examine pathophysiological processes integral to the understanding of human health conditions and disorders of children and adults. Objective and subjective manifestations of common health problems resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptation are assessed and analyzed. Assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and interventions for specific health problems are discussed. Pharmacologic treatments for specific health problems are explored. The etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of disorders are reviewed within the context of age and gender. Principles of pathophysiology are applied to recognize clinical signs and symptoms consistent with human health conditions and disorders during case study presentations and discussions. The impact of health promotion and disease prevention on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan are explored. Note: This course is under development and will be approved by the University Curriculum Committee by Dec. 2018.

NR 573 ClinicalConcept ADV Pathophys3 1 Cr.

Students examine pathophysiological processes integral to the understanding of human health conditions and disorders of children and adults. Objective and subjective manifestations of common health problems resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptation are assessed and analyzed. Assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and interventions for specific health problems are discussed. Pharmacologic treatments for specific health problems are explored. The etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of disorders are reviewed within the context of age and gender. Principles of pathophysiology are applied to recognize clinical signs and symptoms consistent with human health conditions and disorders during case study presentations and discussions. The impact of health promotion and disease prevention on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan are explored. Note: This course is under development and will be approved by the University Curriculum Committee by Dec. 2018.

NR 574 ClinicalConceptsADV Pathophys4 1 Cr.

Students examine pathophysiological processes integral to the understanding of human health conditions and disorders of children and adults. Objective and subjective manifestations of common health problems resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress-related maladaptation are assessed and analyzed. Assessment findings, diagnostic testing, and interventions for specific health problems are discussed. Pharmacologic treatments for specific health problems are explored. The etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of disorders are reviewed within the context of age and gender. Principles of pathophysiology are applied to recognize clinical signs and symptoms consistent with human health conditions and disorders during case study presentations and discussions. The impact of health promotion and disease prevention on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan are explored. Note: This course is under development and will be approved by the University Curriculum Committee by Dec. 2018.

NR 595 Residency 0 Cr.