This course prepares learners for master’s-level coursework in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Throughout the course, learners analyze how the role of the practitioner-scholar guides leadership in the health care field and determine the ways in which they can effectively use communication strategies expected of health care professionals. In particular, learners examine the attributes that contribute to effective and ethical health care leadership, including professional collaboration, communication, inclusion, and decision making. Must be taken by learners in their first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners examine the political, legal, and regulatory issues impacting health care organizations and environments. Learners analyze the effects of health care policy on health care practice and service delivery, with particular emphasis on the strategies used to monitor and maintain legal and regulatory compliance. Learners also identify and apply health care policy and law concepts that promote organizational improvement.

This course helps learners develop and demonstrate concepts, principles, issues, and trends in health care economics and the economic decision-making practices employed in the health care environment. Learners analyze the political, legal, regulatory, organizational, demographical, and multicultural implications of business decisions on health care economics; explore the ways economic and stakeholder influences affect operational planning and decision making; and practice applying performance monitoring and process management measures as part of the decision-making process. Learners also examine cost-effective problem solving; community- and population-based orientation; and effective use of health care market research, analysis, and assessment.

Learners in this course acquire an understanding of the nature of evidence and its relative value and weight in making clinical decisions that impact patient and population outcomes. In particular, learners assess appropriate methods and analytic approaches in order to investigate, evaluate, and synthesize the best available evidence for potential solutions and innovations.  For Accelerated Master’s Pathway, BSN/MSN and MSN, FlexPath option learners only.

In this course, learners develop and demonstrate competence in the design, implementation, and evaluation of interprofessional quality improvement initiatives. Learners investigate models for quality improvement, with an emphasis on outcome identification and measurement. Learners also examine quality within the context of patient safety through adverse event and near-miss analyses.  For Accelerated Master’s Pathway, BSN/MSN and MSN,​ FlexPath option learners only.

Learners in this course develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to integrate select biopsychosocial concepts into professional processes that promote quality and cost-effective patient and systems outcomes, with particular emphasis on the ways in which these concepts impact the National Academy of Medicine’s six aims of health care improvement: Safe, Effective, Patient-centered, Timely, Efficient, and Equitable.  For MSN, FlexPath option learners only.

Learners in this course develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to integrate select biopsychosocial concepts into professional processes that promote quality and cost-effective patient and systems outcomes, with particular emphasis on the ways in which these concepts impact population health, as defined by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.  For MSN, FlexPath option learners only.

Learners in this course develop their critical thinking skills and gain advanced nursing knowledge in preparation for master’s-level nursing practice in a designated specialization. Learners create and implement a personalized practicum experience under the supervision of a preceptor at a site of their choice and demonstrate synthesis of professional and academic growth and practice. Throughout the practicum, learners also develop and maintain an electronic portfolio that includes coursework products, demonstrations of competency and outcome achievement, and practice experience documentation (number of hours, preceptor evaluations, achievement of objectives, and contributions to the organization). For MSN, FlexPath option learners only.  Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Throughout the course, learners analyze the roles, theories, ethical implications, and standards of nursing informatics practice. Learners identify the rules, regulations, and current trends that govern professionals in the field. In addition, learners examine the evolution and perspectives of nursing informatics and apply knowledge and skills needed to lead and support improvements in health care.  For MSN, FlexPath option learners only.

In this course, learners analyze the various aspects of clinical information systems to deliver quality health care. In particular, learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to effectively plan, design, and implement health/clinical information systems within nursing practice. Learners also apply evidence-based informatics strategies to effect improved clinical outcomes.  For MSN, FlexPath option learners only.

Learners in this course analyze and validate data and demonstrate the ability to act as key drivers in nursing informatics. Throughout the course, learners develop databases to enhance decision-making capabilities that improve clinical outcomes in multiple health care environments. In addition, learners examine the implications of data use related to responsibility, accountability, and dissemination.  For MSN, FlexPath option learners only.

In this course, learners evaluate the typical life cycle of implementation, testing, evaluating, and supporting both hardware and software applications. Learners also apply project and change management principles in relation to the life cycle of a health care information system. For MSN, FlexPath option learners only.

Learners in this course develop their critical thinking skills and gain advanced nursing knowledge in preparation for master’s-level nursing practice in a designated specialization. Learners create and implement a personalized practice immersion experience under the supervision of a preceptor at a site of their choice and demonstrate synthesis of professional and academic growth and practice by participating in a community of collaboration, sharing resources, experiences, and practice tips with their fellow learners. Throughout the practice immersion, learners also develop and maintain an electronic portfolio that includes coursework products, demonstrations of competency and outcome achievement, and practice experience documentation (number of hours, preceptor evaluations, achievement of objectives, and contributions to the organization). For MSN, FlexPath option learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.