Graduate Course Catalog 2012-2013
Graduate School
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Nursing (NURS)
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This program is offered in Durham.
Degree Offered: M.S., DNP
Certificate Offered: Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner
The Department of Nursing offers the master of science degree in nursing under two programs: Graduate Program in Nursing and Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing.
The Graduate Program in nursing currently offers three clinical practice tracks: clinical nurse leader (CNL), evidence-based nursing (EBN), and family nurse practitioner (FNP). Within the evidence-based nursing track, students can complete a program of study in clinical nursing education. All tracks are designed to be completed in three to four semesters of full-time study including one summer. Individual plans of study are available for those wishing to pursue part-time study. Although no guarantees are given, the department will try and accommodate student requests to the fullest extent possible. All tracks prepare nurses for evidence-based practice through critical inquiry using a variety of instructional modalities.
The Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing Program is an accelerated, full-time, five-semester, 73-credit course of study designed for non-RN students who hold a B.S. or B.A. or higher degree in a field other than nursing. Students are admitted with the stipulation that they must pass NCLEX-RN prior to completion of the program. The stipulation is met once the RN license is received. Students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN after completing a total of 64 credits of accelerated study (including summer). Students take the CNL (Clinical Nurse Leadersm) Certification Examination in their final semester. The curriculum begins in January and includes two summer sessions. Students graduate as an advanced generalist with a master of science (M.S.) degree in nursing and upon passing certification examination, as a Clinical Nurse Leadersm (CNL). The CNL is a new role in the field of nursing designed to provide master's-prepared, point-of-care nurse leaders with the ability to manage and solve complex patient problems within a systems framework. As part of the CNL curriculum, students study master's level research in health promotion and illness management. Students complete a clinical immersion experience of approximately 300 clinical hours. Students conclude their CNL master's preparation in a clinical nurse leader capstone.
The Department of Nursing offers the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate for students who have completed a master of science degree in nursing.
Admission Requirements
All applicants who are not native English speakers are required to demonstrate a sufficient level of proficiency in the English language to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School. Proficiency can be demonstrated by the receipt of a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university in another country where English is the primary language of instruction. All other non-native speakers must achieve a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are not required. The Student Affairs Council in the Department of Nursing reviews completed applications throughout the academic year (rolling admission). Individuals apply to the University of New Hampshire Graduate School.
Graduate Program in Nursing: Registered nurses (RNs) who have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN, currently hold an unencumbered active RN license in the United States, and who hold a baccalaureate degree in either nursing or another field can be considered for admission. Applicants are required to have a good academic record and completion of coursework in statistics and research.
RNs whose baccalaureate degree is in a discipline other than nursing may apply to the Evidence-Based Nursing track. Once the master of science degree in nursing (M.S.) is conferred, the student may apply to the Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program, if desired.
Letters of recommendation should be substantial, with at least one academic reference from a nursing program and two references from current nursing professionals with graduate education background. Letters of recommendation from family or friends are not acceptable. The application deadline for fall admission is April 1st. The deadline for spring admission is November 1st. An interview may be requested.
Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing: A grade point average of 3.0 or better is suggested. Previous coursework and professional experience is taken into consideration. Prerequisite courses must be complete at the time the application is reviewed. These include Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II with lab, Microbiology at the cellular level, and Statistics with a grade of B or better.
Knowledge of the basic processes and methods of research is necessary for students entering the DEMN program. While many undergraduate programs include a research methods course, not all programs do so. If a student does not have a background in research, he or she should enroll in an introductory research course or self-study this content prior to matriculation in the DEMN program. The following are introductory nursing research textbooks that may be used for self-study:
- Boswell, C. & Cannon, S. (2009). Introduction to Nursing Research: Incorporating Evidence Based Practice 2nd ed. Jones & Bartlett Publishers;
- Fain, J. (2009). Reading, Understanding, and Applying Nursing Research 3rd ed. F. A. Davis Company; and
- Polit, D. & Tatano, B. (2009). Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice 7th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Letters of recommendation should be substantial with at least one academic reference and two references from current professionals with graduate education background. Letters of recommendation from family or friends are not acceptable. The completed application deadline is September 1st. The Student Affairs Council in the Department of Nursing reviews completed applications after July 1st for early decision and after September 1st for regular decision, and the program begins the following January. An interview may be requested. Students can check their application status by logging in to their MyUNH account.
Degree Requirements: Graduate Program in Nursing
Clinical Nurse Leader, 34 Credits
Students graduate as an advanced generalist as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) with a master of science degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Clinical Nurse Leader national certification examination. The CNL is a new role in the field of nursing designed to provide master's-prepared, point-of-care nurse leaders with the ability to manage and solve complex patient problems within a systems framework.
Fall
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 900 | The Discipline of Nursing | 3 |
| NURS | 908 | Clinical Application of Human Physiology | 3 |
| NURS | 951 | Clinical Epidemiology & Decision Analysis | 3 |
Spring
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 925 | Health Care Systems & Leadership | 3 |
| NURS | 952 | Clinical Nursing Leadership I | 8 |
| NURS | 960 | Translating Research for Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
Summer
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 901 | Nursing & Change in Health Services | 3 |
| NURS | 953 | Promoting Quality Management | 2 |
| NURS | 958 | Clinical Nurse Leader Capstone | 6 |
Evidence-Based Nursing, 32 Credits
The evidence-based nursing track focuses on developing advanced generalist nursing practice in a focused area of study, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering life-long learning, and preparing students for the leading edge of health care knowledge and delivery. Students strengthen knowledge and skills in clinical decision making, the application of nursing interventions, and their ability to critique and appropriately use evidence as a foundation for practice. In this graduate track, students study nursing as an applied discipline, advancing their knowledge of theoretical perspectives for clinical practice, with an emphasis on leadership; the cultural, social, and political context of health and illness; and quality improvement methodologies. Students are mentored in the enactment of leadership strategies to improve quality care in nursing practice through an intensive clinical practicum. In NURS 956, the capstone course for the evidence-based nursing track, the student will be required to complete a scholarly project under the direction of a faculty member in collaboration with agency preceptor. A formal presentation is required.
Fall I
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 900 | The Discipline of Nursing | 3 |
| NURS | 908 | Clinical Application of Human Physiology | 3 |
| NURS | 944 | Population Health Promotion and Risk Reduction | 3 |
| NURS | 951 | Clinical Epidemiology & Decision Analysis | 3 |
Spring
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 925 | Health Care Systems & Leadership | 3 |
| NURS | 960 | Translating Research for Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
Summer
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 901 | Nursing & Change in Health Services | 3 |
| NURS | 953 | Promoting Quality Management | 2 |
Fall II
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 909 | Health & Illness Appraisal | 3 |
| NURS | 955 | Practicum in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS | 956 | Capstone Project Seminar | 3 |
Family Nurse Practitioner, 48 Credits
This program prepares family nurse practitioners (FNPs) with specialized knowledge and clinical competency to practice as licensed independent practitioners across the life span. FNPs practice in ambulatory, acute, and long-term care as primary and/or specialty providers to individuals, families, and groups. The UNH program prepares these advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to diagnose and manage acute episodic and chronic illnesses across the life span and simple-to-complex continuum. Health promotion, disease prevention, teaching, counseling, and coaching are emphasized. The capstone course, NURS 939, is the final integrated clinical practicum. At the completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for national certification as a family nurse practitioner. Students are also prepared to enter doctoral study. Upon licensure, FNPs may practice autonomously as well as in collaboration with other health professionals.
Fall I
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 900 | The Discipline of Nursing | 3 |
| NURS | 908 | Clinical Application of Human Physiology | 3 |
| NURS | 909 | Health & Illness Appraisal | 3 |
| NURS | 951 | Clinical Epidemiology & Decision Analysis | 3 |
Spring I
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 907 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS | 935 | Primary Care of Families I | 3 |
| NURS | 936 | Practicum in the Primary Care of Families I | 3 |
| NURS | 960 | Translating Research for Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
Summer
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 901 | Nursing & Change in Health Services | 3 |
| NURS | 925 | Health Care Systems & Leadership | 3 |
Fall II
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 937 | Primary Care of Families II | 3 |
| NURS | 938 | Practicum in the Primary Care of Families II | 3 |
| NURS | 944 | Population Health Promotion & Risk Reduction | 3 |
Spring II
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 810 | Families in Health & Illness | 3 |
| NURS | 939 | Seminar & Practicum in Primary Care of Families III | 6 |
Direct Entry Master's in Nursing Degree Requirements
Spring I
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 806 | Clinical Inquiry | 4 |
| NURS | 807 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 4 |
| NURS | 813 | Health Assessment and Clinical Nursing | 5 |
| NURS | 825 | Collaborative Care I: Care of Older Adult | 3 |
| NURS | 900 | The Discipline of Nursing | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
Summer I
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 826 | Caring for People with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness | 4 |
| NURS | 827 | Collaborative Care II: Managing Acute and Complex Care of Individuals | 6 |
| NURS | 953 | Promoting Quality Management | 2 |
| Total | 12 |
Fall
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 828 | Public Health Nursing | 5 |
| NURS | 829A | Collaborative Care III: Childbearing Families | 2 |
| NURS | 829B | Collaborative Care III: Childrearing Families | 2 |
| NURS | 829C | Collaborative Care III: Clinical | 2 |
| NURS | 908 | Clinical Application of Human Physiology | 3 |
| NURS | 951 | Clinical Epidemiology & Decision Analysis | 3 |
| Total | 17 |
Spring II
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 925 | Health Care Systems & Leadership | 3 |
| NURS | 952 | Clinical Nursing Leadership I | 10 |
| NURS | 960 | Translating Research for Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Summer II
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 901 | Nursing & Change in Health Services | 3 |
| NURS | 958 | Clinical Nurse Leader Capstone | 6 |
| Total | 9 |
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|
Concluding Experience for All Graduate Nursing Tracks
For clinical nurse leader (CNL), the capstone course, NURS 958, requires students to complete 112 clinical hours plus a scholarly project, which synthesizes advanced practice knowledge and skills to address substantive nursing practice issues. For evidenced-based nursing (EBN), the capstone course, NURS 956, requires students to complete a scholarly project. CNL and FNP students may elect to complete Master's Thesis, NURS 899 (6 credits). EBN students may elect to complete a thesis and register for 6 credits of NURS 899 as the capstone in place of NURS 956. If a student opts to do a thesis, the student should discuss this option with a faculty adviser early in the program of study. For family nurse practitioner students, the capstone course, NURS 939, is the final integrated clinical practicum.
Research and Scholarly Activities
The graduate faculty of the University’s nursing program believe learning is a creative process wherein students are active participants in their education, growth, and development. Faculty members are facilitators and mentors to students within a supportive scholarly environment. Students are prepared to be skilled, knowledgeable, and reflective leaders in health care who practice as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, or clinical educators.
The generation, dissemination, and application of evidenced-based nursing knowledge and practice are a central mission for the nursing department. Health care of vulnerable populations is the research focus among the faculty. Faculty engage in scholarly inquiry across diverse topics such as care-giving, acute symptom management, clinical decision-making, adolescent pregnancy, elder care-giving, and cultural diversity. Faculty publications, research, public policy initiatives, and other consultative/professional activities may be viewed at the department’s website.
Certificate in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (post-master's)
The Department of Nursing offers the Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program for students who completed a master of science degree in nursing and who wish to expand their practice into the role of a family nurse practitioner. The PM-FNP specialty area prepares nurses to provide comprehensive care that includes health promotion, maintenance, and restoration for persons across the life span.
Depending on their educational background and previous coursework in their master's program, students accepted into the PM-FNP certificate program are required to take as few as four and as many as twelve courses or 12-39 credits. Successful completion of the required curriculum qualifies the RN to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination.
The department's nurse practitioner graduates continue to excel on the national certification exam and are well received in the regional community. The department plans to continue to provide premier nurse practitioner education. For more information please contact the Nursing Department at (603) 862-2299.
Applying
In addition to the standard graduate school requirements, the following requirements are required:
- The applicant must hold an unencumbered, active RN license in the United States and have a master's degree in nursing.
- The applicant must submit two letters of reference. References should be substantial with one academic, if available, and one current professional with graduate education background.
- The GRE and MAT are not required.
Please visit the Graduate School website for more instructions about applying to the certificate program.
Post-Master's FNP Certificate Program 12-39 Credits
Fall I
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 908* | Clinical Application of Human Physiology | 3 |
| NURS | 909* | Health & Illness Appraisal | 3 |
| NURS | 951 | Clinical Epidemiology & Decision Analysis | 3 |
Spring I
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 907* | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS | 935 | Primary Care of Families I | 3 |
| NURS | 936 | Practicum in the Primary Care of Families I | 3 |
Summer
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 925 | Health Care Systems & Leadership | 3 |
Fall II
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 937 | Primary Care of Families II | 3 |
| NURS | 938 | Practicum in the Primary Care of Families II | 3 |
| NURS | 944 | Population Health Promotion & Risk Reduction | 3 |
Spring II
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 810 | Families in Health & Illness | 3 |
| NURS | 939 | Seminar & Practicum in Primary Care of Families III | 6 |
*These courses may be waived if taken in a master's in nursing program.
Courses
Courses
| Abbreviation | Course Number | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS | 806 | Clinical Inquiry | 4 |
| NURS | 807 | Pathophysiology and Pharmacology | 4 |
| NURS | 810 | Families in Health and Illness | 3 |
| NURS | 813 | Health Assessment and Clinical Nursing | 5 |
| NURS | 825 | Collaborative Care I: Care of Older Adult | 3 |
| NURS | 826 | Caring for People with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness | 4 |
| NURS | 827 | Collaborative Care II: Managing Acute and Complex Care of Individuals | 6 |
| NURS | 828 | Public Health Nursing | 5 |
| NURS | 829A | Collaborative Care III: Childbearing Families | 2 |
| NURS | 829B | Collaborative Care III: Childbearing Families | 2 |
| NURS | 829C | Collaborative Care III: Clinical | 2 |
| NURS | 894 | Special Topics | 1 TO 4 |
| NURS | 899 | Master's Thesis | 1 TO 6 |
| NURS | 900 | Discipline of Nursing | 3 |
| NURS | 901 | Nursing and Change in Health Services | 3 |
| NURS | 905 | Research | 3 |
| NURS | 907 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS | 908 | Advanced Clinical Application of Human Physiology | 3 |
| NURS | 909 | Advanced Health and Illness Appraisal | 3 |
| NURS | 925 | Health Care Systems and Leadership | 3 |
| NURS | 935 | Primary Care Families I | 3 |
| NURS | 936 | Practicum in the Primary Care Families I | 3 |
| NURS | 937 | Primary Care of Families II | 3 |
| NURS | 938 | Practicum in the Primary Care of Families II | 3 |
| NURS | 939 | Seminar and Practicum in the Primary Care of Families III | 6 |
| NURS | 941 | Population Focused Practicum | 3 |
| NURS | 944 | Population Health Promotion and Risk Reduction | 3 |
| NURS | 946 | Practicum in Adult Health Care | 6 |
| NURS | 950 | Reading and Research in Advanced Nursing | 2 TO 8 |
| NURS | 951 | Clinical Epidemiology and Decision Analysis | 3 |
| NURS | 952 | Clinical Nursing Leadership I | 8 OR 10 |
| NURS | 953 | Promoting Quality Management | 2 |
| NURS | 954 | Clinical Nursing Leadership II | 3 |
| NURS | 955 | Practicum in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 TO 12 |
| NURS | 956 | Capstone Project Seminar | 3 |
| NURS | 958 | Clinical Nurse Leader Capstone | 6 |
| NURS | 960 | Trans Research Evid Based Pract | 3 |
| NURS | 996 | Independent Study | 1 TO 3 |
