Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership in Healthcare Systems Course Descriptions
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Online MSN Core Courses
NUR 510 – Nursing Theory & Research I
The purpose of this course is to develop a comprehensive knowledge about how nursing theories are formulated and their relationship to nursing research. Principles of theory development are applied toward critiquing theory from nursing and related fields. Students develop an integrated literature review and research framework on a topic of interest based on a critical examination of research literature and theories from nursing and related fields.
3 Credits
NUR 511 – Advanced Community Health
Three hours per week of theory. The purpose of this course is to explore factors that influence global public health. Epidemiological, sociopolitical, and cultural influences on the health and wellness of populations are investigated. The role of the Advanced Practice Nurse in population-based healthcare and public policy development is explored.
Prerequisite: Permission of nursing faculty
3 Credits
NUR 520 – Nursing Theory and Research II
The focus of the course is on the application of theory and research process in the design and implementation of a research-based project/thesis. Critical analysis of available literature and proposed research methods including quantitative and/or qualitative approaches to research, sampling procedures, data collection methods and data analysis plan are emphasized. Prepares students to use evidence-based practices in their specialized area of professional nursing and develop a proposal for a research-based project/thesis by the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: NUR 510 – Nursing Theory & Research I
3 Credits
NUR 536 – Nursing Topical Electives
Three hours per week. Variable. Taught or co-taught in the School of Education, College of Business or School of Nursing. Topical electives may be repeated for different topics in the semesters in which they are offered, and will cover a variety of subject matter as deemed appropriate by the graduate faculty to augment the graduate curriculum in nursing.
3 Credits (variable)
NUR 550 – Research-Based Project/Thesis
The course is pass/fail. Student will choose either a research-based project or thesis in their area of interest. The purpose of the research-based project/thesis is to operationalize theoretical principles in the investigation of a significant nursing problem within the graduate’s specialty area of practice. Major emphasis of the course is to implement proposed research methodology, analyze and interpret data, and make recommendations for the development of evidence-based nursing practice. The project/thesis facilitates in the integration of concepts and research principles learned throughout the educational experience.
Prerequisites: NUR 510 – Nursing Theory & Research I, NUR 520 – Nursing Theory and Research II, and all core/cognate classes
3 Credits
NUR 551 – Advanced Role Practicum
One hour per week theory/nine practicum hours per week for the nurse educator and administrator cognate. The purpose of the practicum experience is to operationalize theoretical principles within the graduate’s specialty area of practice. The practicum focuses on the synthesis and integration of concepts learned throughout the educational experience. Content regarding professional role development, advanced practice roles and relationships, and regulatory requirements for advanced practice are included. Effective participation in multidisciplinary, partnership and team relationships is an expected outcome. Professional advocacy, assertiveness and leadership in the specialty role are necessary for successful completion.
Prerequisites: All core/cognate courses
3 Credits
Leadership in Healthcare Systems Specialization Courses
NUR 506 – Nursing Leadership & Health Policy
The purpose of this course is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of how health policy is formulated, how to affect this process, and how it impacts clinical practice and healthcare delivery. Ethical decision-making related to health policy will be addressed. Professional role development related to leadership in advanced practice will be emphasized.
3 Credits
NUR 528 – Management of Information Technology
This course is intended to provide insight and understanding of the increasingly important area in business of information systems and the technology that drives those systems. It addresses the use of information in making strategy for the healthcare system. The course recognizes that information systems technology has greatly transformed the business landscape over the past decade and continues to be cited by many healthcare system leaders as critical to the future success of an individual healthcare system. Students obtain an understanding of the technology and also learn how healthcare system managers can leverage the technology to enhance their company’s chances of success in the increasingly competitive environment and global business.
3 Credits
NUR 530 – Financial Management of Nursing Systems
This course will focus on concepts related to financial management of patient care delivery. Topics include budgeting, staffing, forecasting and marketing and their impact on patient care decisions. Students will integrate knowledge and skills to design methods to manage financial resources and develop strategic plans in health care organizations.
3 Credits
Homework may consist of developing a business plan for a product line plus creating a staffing plan and operating budget for this line.
NUR 531 – Human Resource Management in Healthcare
Students will critique and analyze various aspects of human resource management in health care facilities. Included in this analysis are managing employees (hiring, counseling and terminating), and the training of staff. Issues involved in compensation and benefits will be analyzed. Topics will include discussion of applicable labor laws and nursing licensure issues.
3 Credits
Homework may consist of writing a position description and performance appraisal. There will also be a paper and presentation on legal regulations.
NUR 532 – Nursing Leadership and the Healthcare System
Students will explore and analyze the role of the nurse leader as it relates to the healthcare system. Included in this analysis is the delivery of safe, effective, and efficient patient care. Topics will include the healthcare environment, federal and state laws/regulations, and oversight of the magnet status journey.
3 Credits
NUR 533 – Quality and Safety in Healthcare
Students will examine and analyze quality management and safety for system effectiveness to improve the outcomes of healthcare. Topics will include quality improvement efforts, research and ethical issues, basic safety design principles, and national patient safety resources.
3 Credits
NUR 560 – Research-Based Project/Thesis Continuous Enrollment
This course is pass/fail. May be repeated for credit. Students must enroll in NUR 560 each subsequent semester until the completion of the research-based project/thesis. Faculty will periodically review individual student’s progress in meeting course goals and completing the project/thesis. Upon completion of the project/thesis, faculty will approve the final paper and arrange for final paper presentation sessions. Students are expected to complete all objectives for NUR 550 and finalize their projects for committee approval prior to their presentations.
Prerequisite: NUR 550 – Research-Based Project/Thesis
1 Credit
The current Jacksonville University Academic Catalog is your official guide to all programs.
