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Master of Science in Nursing
Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing provides learning opportunities for
baccalaureate nursing graduates to extend their knowledge and skills in
clinical nursing and to develop a functional role in clinical nurse
specialist, nursing education, nursing administration or nurse
practitioner in health care delivery systems. Graduate education builds
upon the base of baccalaureate education in nursing, upon experiential
professional knowledge, attitudes and skills, and is concerned with the
educational preparation of nurses in advanced roles who can make
significant contributions to the improvement of healthcare and to the
advancement of nursing knowledge and practice. The Master of Science in
Nursing program is accredited by the (CCNE) Commission on Collegiate
Nursing Education One Dupont circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036,
phone number: 202-887-6791, Fax: 202-877 -8476,
www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/index.htm.
Master’s Curriculum Purpose
The Graduate Studies and Research in Nursing Program’s purpose is: to
provide learning opportunities for development of knowledge, intellectual skills,
and clinical competence necessary to fulfillment of the role for the practice
of advanced nursing, to provide learning opportunities for the development
of skills and knowledge to function as an educator, an administrator, a clinical
nurse specialist, or a nurse practitioner and to furnish a foundation for doctoral
study
Program Objectives
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1. Practice
nursing utilizing advanced knowledge and skills as evidenced by scientific
thinking in the use of theoretical formulations in the design of
nursing interventions, and self-direction in the exercise of leadership
involving health care problems.
2. Consider cultural diversity of clients and practice within ethical principles
and standards.
3. Function as an advanced practitioner of nursing with people of all ages
and their families, utilizing critical decision making, logical thinking
and reasoning through advanced knowledge, skills and clinical application.
4. Demonstrate independent-thought and action, professional autonomy, and
effective communication in collegial and collaborative relationships with
peers and with members of allied disciplines.
5. Function independently in providing nursing care and interdependently
with other health professionals in the coordination and delivery of health
care to individuals, families and communities.
6. Implement effective strategies for management and utilization of health
information to improve quality of care, contribute to the development of
nursing knowledge, and facilitate interdisciplinary communication in support
of the business of health care delivery.
7. Implement the research process within the context of Evidence-Based
Practice as a producer and consumer of research evidence to contribute
to nursing theory and improve nursing practice.
8. Analyze the needs of health care delivery systems at the national, state,
and local level, and evaluate and/or prescribe nursing's present and emerging
role in these systems.
9 Function as a consumer advocate in the delivery of health care by utilizing
knowledge of the sociocultural, economic, and political forces which influence
the health of humankind.
10. Analyze strategies to effect change relevant to the nursing profession
and the health of humankind for the betterment of health care and the improvement
of nursing education and nursing practice at the local, state, and national
level.
11. Utilize knowledge of organizational behavior and role theory for the
delineation and development of a functional role consonant with individual
career goals.
12. Implement professional standards of practice by serving as a role model
in the demonstration of responsibility and accountability to clients, to
the nursing profession, and to society.
13. Continue learning through further graduate study and/or other avenues
for post master's education. |
Program Requirements
Students desiring enrollment in the Master’s Degree Program in Nursing
must meet the eligibility requirement for Graduate Studies at Northwestern
State University. In addition, they must provide documentation of:
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1. Baccalaureate
Degree in nursing from an accredited college or university.
2. An undergraduate Grade Point Average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale..
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of at least 900 on the aptitude
(verbal and quantitative) tests for regular admission.4. Current
licensure to practice professional nursing in Louisiana.
5. Successful completion of a basic statistics course and a
physical assessment course.
6. A minimum of six months of clinical experience before enrolling in a
clinical nursing course.
7. Malpractice Insurance
8. Two letters of recommendation for graduate studies. |
Areas of
Concentration
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner clinical sequence has one functional area:
Role of the Nurse Practitioner. Students who pursue the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
sequence will take the MSN core courses, four clinical courses, clinical practicums,
role courses, an advanced assessment course, and Pharmacotherapeutics, in addition
to, a course in Family Dynamics. The sequence of studies requires a minimum
of 42 credits and leads to the MSN degree. In addition, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
graduates will be eligible to apply for the ANCC Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
certification examination and for other examinations as deemed appropriate
by certifying bodies. This clinical sequence will prepare Advanced Practice
Nurses in acute care nursing practice who can function in acute care settings
providing care to adults of all ages. Nurse practitioner students will complete
a thesis, research problem, or professional paper in lieu of thesis.
Adult Nursing
The clinical sequence in Adult Nursing has three functional areas as options:
teaching, leadership and clinical nurse specialist. Students who pursue the
Adult Nursing sequence will take the MSN core courses, 2-3 clinical courses,
and electives to support the functional role chosen. This curriculum option
will prepare graduate nurses for the practice of advanced nursing, such as
to function as teachers in institutions of higher education, as leaders in
clinical nursing settings or as clinical specialists in nursing of adults.
The program of studies leading to the MSN. with the clinical focus in Adult
Nursing requires a minimum of 39 credits. The adult nursing student will complete
a thesis, research problem, or professional paper in lieu of thesis.
Critical Care Nursing of an Adult
The clinical sequence in Critical-Care Nursing of the Adult has three functional
areas: teaching, leadership, and clinical specialization. Students who pursue
the Critical-Care sequence will take the MSN Core Courses, 2-3 clinical courses
and electives to support the functional role chosen. This curriculum option
will prepare nurse to practice in advanced roles: to function as teachers in
institutions of higher education, as leaders in clinical nursing settings,
or as clinical specialists in critical-care. The program of studies leading
to the MSN with a clinical focus in Critical-Care Nursing requires a minimum
of 39 credits for completion. The Critical Care of the Adult nursing student
will complete a thesis, research problem, or professional paper in lieu of
thesis.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The Family Nurse Practitioner clinical sequence has one functional area: Role
of the Nurse Practitioner. Students who pursue the Family Nurse Practitioner
sequence will take the MSN. core courses, four clinical courses, clinical practicums,
role courses, an advanced assessment course, and Pharmacotherapeutics, in addition
to, a course in Family Dynamics. The sequence of studies requires a minimum
of 42 credits and leads to the MSN degree. In addition, Family Nurse Practitioner
graduates will be eligible to apply for the American Nurses Credentialing Commission
(ANCC) Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination, the American Academy
of Nurse Practitioners’ Family Nurse Practitioner certification examination,
and for other examinations as deemed appropriate by certifying bodies. This
clinical sequence will prepare Advanced Practice Nurses in family nursing practice
who can function in primary care settings with people of all ages. Nurse practitioner
students will complete a thesis, research problem, or professional paper in
lieu of thesis.
Maternal Child Nursing
The clinical sequence in Maternal-Child Nursing has three functional areas:
teaching, leadership, and clinical specialization. Through implementation of
a clinical sequence in Maternal-Child Nursing at the graduate level, the Graduate
Studies and Research in Nursing Department will prepare nurses who are qualified
to function as teachers in institutions of higher education, as leaders in
client care settings, or as clinical nurse specialists. The program of studies
leading to the MSN with a clinical focus in Maternal-Child Nursing requires
a minimum of 39 credits for completion. The Maternal-Child nursing student
will complete a thesis, research problem, or professional paper in lieu of
thesis.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner clinical sequence has one functional area:
Role of the Nurse Practitioner. Students who pursue the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
sequence will take the MSN core courses, four clinical courses, clinical practicums,
role courses, an advanced assessment course, and Pharmacotherapeutics, in addition
to, a course in Family Dynamics. The sequence of studies requires a minimum
of 42 credits and leads to the MSN degree. In addition, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
graduates will be eligible to apply for the National Certification Board of
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners’ Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification
examination and for other examinations as deemed appropriate by certifying
bodies. This clinical sequence will prepare Advanced Practice Nurses in pediatric
nursing practice who can function in primary care settings with children of
all ages. Nurse practitioner students will complete a thesis, research problem,
or professional paper in lieu of thesis.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner clinical sequence has one functional area:
Role of the Nurse Practitioner. Students who pursue the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
sequence will take the MSN core courses, four clinical courses, clinical practicums,
role courses, an advanced assessment course, and Pharmacotherapeutics, in addition
to, a course in Family Dynamics. The sequence of studies requires a minimum
of 42 credits and leads to the MSN degree. In addition, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
graduates will be eligible to apply for the national certification examination
and for other examinations as deemed appropriate by certifying bodies. This
clinical sequence will prepare Advanced Practice Nurses in neonatal nursing
practice who can function in tertiary and acute care settings with neonates
and infants. Nurse practitioner students will complete a thesis, research problem,
or professional paper in lieu of thesis.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner clinical sequence has one functional
area: Role of the Nurse Practitioner. Students who pursue the Women’s
Health Nurse Practitioner sequence will take the MSN core courses, four clinical
courses, clinical practicums, role courses, an advanced assessment course,
and Pharmacotherapeutics, in addition to, a course in Family Dynamics. The
sequence of studies requires a minimum of 42 credits and leads to the MSN degree.
In addition, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduates will be eligible
to apply for the NCC Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner certification
examination and for other examinations as deemed appropriate by certifying
bodies. This clinical sequence will prepare Advanced Practice Nurses in women’s
health nursing practice who can function in primary care settings with women
of all ages. Nurse practitioner students will complete a thesis, research problem,
or professional paper in lieu of thesis .
Graduate preparation
Completion of the Master of Science in Nursing requires a minimum of 39-42
semester credits. A thesis, research seminar or research problems and satisfactory ratings on
a comprehensive examination are included in the requirements. Full or part-time
study is available.
Curriculum Patterns
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A.
Core (12 Hours): Nursing 5000, 5010, 5100, 5120, and 5280 or Psychology
5750 for Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing concentration.
B. Areas of Clinical Concentration
(6 – 9 hours)
1. Adult Nursing (Nursing 5040,
5050)
2. Critical Care Nursing of the Adult (Nursing 5150, 5160)
3. Family Nurse Practitioner (Nursing 5770, 5780, 5790)
4. Maternal Child and Family Nursing (Nursing 5310, 5320)
5. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Nursing 5850,5860,5870)
6. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (Nursing 5330,5340,5350)
7. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Nursing 5410,5420,5430)
8. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (Nursing5650,5660,5670)
C. Functional Role Concentrations:
(9-18 semester hours)
1. Administration (Nursing 5110,5140,5210)
2. Clinical Nurse Specialist (Nursing 5700,5710,5400,5170,5190)
3. Education (Nursing 5060,5070,5090,5220)
4. Nurse Practitioner (Nursing 5260,5270,5700,5710,5810,5820,5830,5840
and one of the following: 5360 or 5440 or 5800 or 5880). Exception: For
the Neonatal Nursing Practitioner(Nursing 5260,5270,5630,5640,5810,5820,5830,5840,
and 5680)
D. Support Courses (0–6
hours)
To be selected from courses which support the student’s clinical
and/or functional role concentrations.
E. Research Area (3 – 6
hours)
1. Thesis (Nursing 5980)
2. Research Problems (Nursing 5950)
3. Research Seminar (Nursing 5995) |
Program Contacts
Sally Cook
Director, Graduate Studies in Nursing
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Program, Maternal-Child Nursing Program
cooks@nsula.edu
(318) 677-3072
Terry Kevil
Family Nurse Practitioner Program Director, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
kevil@nsula.edu
(318) 677-3086
Bea Launius
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Director
launiusb@nsula.edu
(318) 677-3080
Debra Shelton
Adult Nursing & Critical Care Nursing of the Adult
sheltond@nsula.edu
(318) 677-3081
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