This course explores theoretical foundations in nursing along with the process for critique and utilization of appropriate theories in health care. The relationships between nursing theory, nursing research, and nursing practice are examined. The use of theory and research in the construction of a scientific knowledge base for nursing practice will also be examined. Emphasis will be on the importance of research as a process for developing and examining practice-based questions and evidence-based practice. The research process, with emphasis on the logic and processes of inquiry, design, data collection and analysis, and the interpretation, dissemination, and application of findings appropriate to nursing practice, will be reviewed. A critical analysis of nursing research and the methodological approaches utilized in the practice of nursing care will be conducted. Students will develop a proposal for an individual or group research project relevant to their area of interest. Prerequisites: This course builds on the content covered in the student’s undergraduate courses in statistics and upper division nursing research; graduate status. (3 crs.)

This course is intended to familiarize graduate nursing students with current health care policy and the roles and responsibilities, processes and strategies that create and support policy-based initiatives in health care today, and the impact of policy on health care. Topics include Medicare and Medicaid, and care of the uninsured and the underinsured. Students will apply the fundamentals gained in this course in advocacy and leadership roles in search of creative solutions to pervasive issues in health care to an intercultural population. Prerequisite: graduate status. (3 crs.)

This course is designed to introduce students to information systems in health care organizations. Students will examine, evaluate, and utilize a variety of information systems available to the nurse administrator and leader in health care organizations. Use of information systems, standardized databases, and statistics needed for population analysis is presented. During the course, students will compare and interact with information management applications related to administration, education, practice and research. Multimedia technology and software will be used for projects related to the student’s area of interest. Prerequisite: graduate status. (3 crs.)

This course addresses the health of populations from a systems perspective in today’s health care environment. Applying epidemiological concepts, students investigate the leading causes of illness and injury. Using a multilevel-intervention model, students plan and evaluate programs that address the leading health problems. Prerequisite: graduate status. (3 crs.)

This course is designed to assist graduate nursing students understand the theories of organizational design and management and decision making of managers and leaders in health care organizations. Emerging trends in health care, including ethical and legal aspects of management, evidence-based care, quality management, patient safety and health care services, will serve as a backdrop for this course. Strategic planning process, including the elements required to successfully develop and implement short- and long-term plans and marketing health care services, will be incorporated. Prerequisites: This course builds on the content covered in the student’s undergraduate course in leadership; graduate status. (3 crs.)

This course is designed to assist the student in developing problem-solving skills, personal and interpersonal effectiveness, and appreciation for others’ leadership styles to forge collaborations that are essential to accomplishing the mission and goals of health care organizations. Theories of leadership, motivation, power, communication, conflict, and change management will also be examined and applied. The course also focuses on the development of skills necessary for transformational leadership in which to practice in a management role and produce effective results and in creating a culture of total quality management and patient safety within health care organizations. Analysis and operations are provided via case study leaning methods. The student will be challenged to develop a profile of oneself as a leader and create an action plan for leadership development. A personal inventory will set the foundation for planned personal and role change. Prerequisites: This course builds on the content covered in the student’s undergraduate course in leadership and graduate course NUR 711; graduate status. (3 crs.)

An introduction to the laws, regulations and court decisions covering the employment relationship, including labor-management relations, OSHA, EEOC, ERISA, ADA, etc. Health care law and an overview of practical ways to improve the quality and safe delivery of nursing care in health care organizations will also be reviewed. This course explores the most pressing legal and ethical issues and concerns related to the delivery of patient care, and the administration of nursing services. This course is structured to present theories of ethical practice, as well as issues of the law related to health care delivery. Students will study both specialties of practice in a blended manner, as the text provides for both to be examined among board-based issues. Prerequisite: graduate status. (3 crs.)

This course is intended to prepare the student to effectively interact with financial management staff and participate in various aspects of financial control and planning. Included will be a historical perspective of financial management in health care, identifying trends in the industry and the forces that influence the financing of health care organizations. Financial statements, the interpretation and analysis of financial reports, and topics such as cost-benefit analysis, budgeting and capital management will also be addressed. Consideration will be given to the cost effectiveness and financial future of health care organizations. Prerequisite: graduate status. (3 crs.)

This course provides students with the opportunity to synthesize and apply their understanding of nursing administration and leadership 150 within and across complex integrated organizational and institutional boundaries. In this culminating experience, students plan, execute, and evaluate nursing practice within the context of the practice setting(s) or among a specific population of interest within the organization or in communities. Within the practice situation, students enact leadership roles to expand, enhance, and optimize positive outcomes. The practicum experience consists of an administrative practicum and an online seminar. This culminating experience of the graduate program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and competencies acquired throughout the program of study to actual and simulated clinical situations. Prerequisites: NUR 603, 604, 711, 712, 714 and 715; graduate status. (6 crs.)