Graduate Studies in Nursing
Debra B. Wollaber, Dean, College of Health Sciences
Leslie J. Higgins, Director, Graduate Studies in Nursing

Sharon Dowdy, Leigh Ann McInnis, Sheron Salyer, Lynne S. Shores

Master of Science in Nursing

The M.S.N. program of study is designed to build upon the generalist preparation of the B.S.N. program and leads to clinical specialization as a family nurse practitioner (F.N.P.). Program graduates are expected to demonstrate advanced practice skills for a variety of settings, leadership and management skills, competent research skills, and skills to function in the roles of administrator and educator. Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Demonstrate critical thinking in clinical decision making;
2. Demonstrate advanced practice skills in health promotion and disease management that incorporate theory and research;
3. Interpret and individualize culturally relevant care through advocacy, and the use of appropriate teaching/learning methodologies;
4. Demonstrate professional leadership in managing and negotiating health care delivery systems, and health care policy; 5. Incorporate essential professional components of performance improvement, ethical decision making, and lifelong learning.

In order to meet these objectives, the program of study is divided into three areas of concentration. The core courses include advanced research and theory courses common to graduate nursing programs. Specialty courses provide the in-depth clinical education for preparation as a beginning family nurse practitioner. The choice of an elective provides the student with the opportunity to pursue an individual area of interest.

The M.S.N. program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Academic Policies

Policies and Procedures for Admission

A. Requirements for Admission to Graduate Program

To be considered for acceptance as a graduate student, the applicant must submit the following items and/or meet these requirements:

1. A completed application form.
2. The $50 application fee.
3. Two official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an NLNAC accredited baccalaureate-granting institution should be mailed directly to the School of Nursing Graduate Office from the originating institution.
4. Two official transcripts from all institutions attended should be sent directly to the School of Nursing Graduate Office. (A student may transfer up to 6 graduate hours from another institution upon the recommendation of the Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee.)
5. Proof of a current RN license from the student's state of residence and/or practice. A Tennessee RN license is required for clinical experiences in Tennessee.
6. Scores for the Graduate Record Examination taken within the last five years.
7. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade-point average on a 4.0 scale for full admission.
8. Two references are required. One should be from a faculty member who is familiar with the applicant's undergraduate nursing work, and one should be from a current nursing clinical supervisor. Both letters should be on company letterhead and should be mailed directly to the Graduate Nursing Program.
9. Applicant's interview with faculty.

B. Departmental Screening

After a student submits an application form and undergraduate transcripts and meets all requirements for admission as defined in the admission guidelines, the applicant's file is forwarded to the Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee for review. The committee can make one of the following recommendations:

1. Full admission when the applicant has a B.S.N. degree and meets GPA and GRE requirements.
2. Conditional admission. Student must make a "B" in each course during graduate study.
3. Denial of admission.

C. Admission to Courses for Non-Degree Seeking Students

Students with a BSN degree are eligible to take 6 hours of graduate coursework as non-degree seeking students. Students with an M.S.N. may take courses in the clinical sequence necessary for specialty certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

D. Post Master's Option

Students who have an M.S.N. and desire specialty certification as a family nurse practitioner may take a 21-credit hour post master's option. Coursework for the post master's option includes NUR 500, 501, 503, 514, 530, 531, and 532. Post master's students must make at least a "B" in all courses to remain in the program. The post master's program can be completed in three consecutive semesters of full-time study, beginning in the fall. Students are awarded a certificate upon completion of their course of study.

E. Scholarly Work

The M.S.N. program culminates with a thesis or scholarly project. The student will work with mentors on the thesis or scholarly project.

F. Financial Aid

All students taking four (4) or more hours are eligible for graduate scholarships. In addition, students taking six (6) or more hours are eligible to apply for Professional Nurse Traineeship funding which is requested each year. Application forms for scholarship and traineeship financial aid may be obtained from the School of Nursing. Information on federal loan programs is on page 18.

G. Limitation on Completion of Requirements

A graduate student in the master's program must complete all degree requirements within a six (6) year period. Time limits shall be computed from and will include the first semester of credit applied to the degree program.

H. Graduation Requirement - Comprehensive Exam

All students are required to take a comprehensive exam during the final clinical semester they are enrolled in the MSN program. The comprehensive exam includes questions on all content areas in the MSN program. Students who are not successful on the first attempt may take the exam one additional time. Students who are unsuccessful on the exam two times will have their file reviewed by the Admission and Progression Committee. The student must complete any remedial work or retake any courses required by the Admission and Progression Committee prior to being approved to retake the comprehensive exam. Passing the comprehensive exam is required for graduation or post-masters certificate.

Readmission

Students who fail to register for courses during a given semester are required to apply for readmission in the subsequent semester in which they expect to enroll for courses. The abbreviated application for readmission may be completed during the registration period.

*May not be offered every semester.

Suggested Course of Study for Full-Time Student

Nursing Core Courses

NUR 501. Advanced Pathophysiology (3). The course is designed to provide the post-baccalaureate nurse with the opportunity to utilize undergraduate science background and clinical experiences in the examination of pathophysiologic mechanisms of certain disease processes. Selected client case studies will be utilized.

NUR 502. Nursing Theory (3). This course provides critical analysis of selected nursing theories/models. Students examine the theoretical basis of nursing by formulating an individualized model to use in their own nursing practice.

NUR 503. Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3). The course provides an exploration of the influence of current ethical, legal, economic, professional, and political factors on the practice of nursing.

NUR 504. Advanced Nursing Research (3). Prerequisite: NUR 505. Methodology including design, sampling, data collection, and data analysis is explored in depth. Quantitative and qualitative methods are studied. Application of knowledge is evidenced by critiques of current nursing and health-related literature and by proposal development. Emphasis also is placed on communication of research findings and computer applications for analysis of data.

NUR 505. Statistics in Health Care Research (3). This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics used in health care research. Emphasis is placed on how and when to use statistical techniques as well as interpretation of statistics. Computer applications also are explored.

NUR 514. Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3). Pharmacokinetics, dynamics and therapeutics of major drug classifications in current therapeutic use are discussed. Principles and prescribing practices for advanced practice nurses are emphasized.

NUR 562. Economic Aspects of the Health Care Delivery System (3). This course provides a study of financial, operational and marketing issues and strategies as they relate to health care administration. Economic influences on public health care policy are included in discussions.

Nursing Specialty Courses

NUR 500. Theoretical Foundations of Family Nursing (1). Theories of family development and family systems are presented from the perspective of promoting family health and well-being. Application of family theories to nursing care of primary care clients is emphasized.

NUR 530. Advanced Health Assessment (3). This course provides an opportunity for students to explore and practice advance health assessment techniques utilized by nurse practitioners. Students participate in class laboratory and clinical activities to enhance assessment skills. Health promotion and maintenance activities throughout the lifespan are discussed.

NUR 531. Disease Management and Health Promotion (4). Prerequisites: NUR 500, 514, 530. Students explore the management of acute and chronic illnesses throughout the lifespan. Emphasis is on diagnosis and management of client problems. Health promotion and disease prevention throughout the lifespan are discussed.

NUR 532. Family Nurse Practitioner Intensive Practicum (4). Prerequisites: NUR 530, 531. This clinical course provides opportunity to refine diagnosis and management skills. It allows integration of the role of nurse practitioner into the achievement of personal and professional goals. Synthesis of diagnostic, management, and evaluation skills is expected.

NUR 580. Scholarly Project I (2). In this course, students design and implement a scholarly project. Emphasis is placed on scholarship in clinical practice and community service.

NUR 581. Scholarly Project II (1). Prerequisite: NUR 580. This course is a continuation of NUR 580. In this course, students present their project in a public forum.

NUR 599. Thesis (3-5). Must register for this course each semester that is spent in writing proposal; collecting, analyzing, and writing final research report; or, in conducting final defense.

Nursing Electives

NUR 551. Curriculum Design (3). The course provides an exploration of the major influences on curriculum formation, and the issues and trends impacting curricula. The process of curriculum development is examined including the roles and responsibilities of the faculty and students in higher education.

NUR 552. Instructional Methods (3). This course provides opportunities to apply the teaching-learning process to nursing education. Emphasis is placed on media design and utilization, computer-assisted learning and on evaluation techniques for classroom and clinical teaching.

NUR 553. Nursing Informatics (3). Students will explore the use of computer technology in accessing, managing and analyzing information systems. Students will improve computer skills usage and will access and use various types of data.

NUR 560. Management in Advanced Practice Nursing (3). This course focuses on management issues and concepts related to those who will be practicing as advanced practitioners. An examination of intervening variables which affect organizations including structure, dynamics, and processes of change will be conducted. Seminars will focus on integrating organizational theory, nursing, clinical practice and research.

NUR 591. Independent Study (1-3). This course provides opportunity to pursue study to meet individual student needs.

NUR 592. International Health Care Delivery Systems (3). This course examines the health care delivery system of a selected country, its philosophy, and technology of the country (countries) visited. The system of the selected country is compared to the health care delivery system of the United States. Learning activities include immersion into the selected country, lecture, small group discussion, pertinent readings, and clinical practice.

NUR 593. Independent Study: Clinical Practice (1-3). This course provides the opportunity to pursue additional mentored clinical study to meet individual student needs.

NUR 598. Spirituality in Nursing (3). The concept of spirituality/religiosity will be explored in a three hour didactic and seminar format. The role of the nurse as a provider of spiritual care and as distinguished from religious care will be addressed. The course incorporates the School of Nursing¹s belief that all individuals are viewed holistically, an approach that takes into consideration the bio-pscho-social-spiritual needs of the client. Another outcome of the course will be a greater understanding of one¹s own spiritual nature.