WCSU Graduate Catalog 2023-2024 : SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Nursing

NUR 501 Theoretical Basis of Nursing Practice    3 SH

This course offers an analysis of theories from nursing and other disciplines as a conceptual basis for advancing nursing knowledge and practice. Application of theories to nursing practice, management, education, and research.

NUR 502 Contemporary Issues in Health Care Delivery    2 SH

This course offers an overview of contemporary issues related to the organization and financing of health care delivery, with an analysis of the development and implementation of health care policy and its impact in shaping health care delivery. The course involves analysis of ethical issues within the context of a changing health care delivery system, with an emphasis on the impact of technological advances and cost-containment measures on ethical issues and decision making.

NUR 504 Evidence Based Nursing Research    3 SH

This course prepares the student to understand scholarly inquiry, evaluate research evidence, develop advanced nursing evidence-based practices/protocols, and generate knowledge for evidence-based practice. NUR 501 is a pre- or corequisite to NUR 504.

NUR 507 Diganostics for Advanced Nursing Practice    2 SH

This Course provides a foundation for the development and understanding of diagnostic reasoning, and diagnostic testing across the lifespan in advanced practice nursing.

NUR 511 Foundations of Clinical Nursing Practice    3 SH

Exploration and application of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse’s (APRN) role in relation to the purpose and delivery of APRN’s role in health promotion, disease prevention, management of acute and chronic health problems, and the development and impact of health policy on the role.  

NUR 515 Advanced Pathophysiology    3 SH

The study of human physiology and pathophysiology with application to advanced nursing interventions and evaluation of outcomes by the advanced practice nurse. This course builds upon a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, emphasizing alterations in cellular structure and function, and alterations in biochemical processes, and the integration of the effects of disease on body systems.

NUR 516  Psychopathology 3 SH
This course provides foundation for understanding psychopathology of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems from various perspectives as it applies to nursing assessment, diagnosis, interventions, and evaluation of outcomes. Theoretical base of psychopathology will be explored according to the current diagnostic criteria. Prerequisite: NUR 515, 570, 575 or permission of the nursing department chair.

NUR 570 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology    3 SH

This course focuses on pharmacotherapeutic principles, mechanisms of action, and selection of pharmaceutical agents in advanced clinical nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on drug therapy and the identification and avoidance of adverse drug reactions and interactions. Prerequisite: NUR 515 or permission of the Nursing Department chair.

NUR 571 Psychopharmacology 3 SH
This course focuses on psychopharmacology principles, mechanism of action and selection of pharmaceutical agents in treatment of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. Emphasis is on neurobiology, the biologic actions of psychotropic drugs and identifying how medications can induce brain chemistry, mood, and behavior. Prerequisite: NUR 515, 570, 575 or permission of the nursing department chair.

NUR 575 Advanced Health Assessment    3 SH

Content and application of skills in advanced nursing practice necessary to complete a comprehensive client history and perform a physical and psychological assessment of signs and symptoms, pharmacological and pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations in the young adult- gerontological client.  Prerequisites: NUR 515 or permission of the Nursing Department chair. Basic physical assessment course within the past 5 years or successful performance on a physical assessment examination with a grade of 85% or better.

NUR 580 The Advanced Nursing Management of the Acutely Ill Adult-Gerontology Populations    2 SH

The development and management by the advanced practice nurse of diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion in the young adult-gerontological populations experiencing acute and multisystem illnesses. Prerequisites: All Foundational Core and all Role development.

NUR 581 The Advanced Nursing Management of Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions Across Lifespan Populations-Therapeutic Modalities I   2 SH
This is an introduction to and the development of nursing expertise in assessing, diagnosis, treatment, prevention of complications and promotion of optimal mental health in populations across lifespan at risk for developing and/or having a diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. Emphasis is on the development of therapeutic relationship through examination of selected psychotherapeutic treatment modalities and application of psychopharmacology in psychotherapy. Prerequisite: NUR 501, 504, 511, 515, 516, 570, 571, 575; Corequisite: NUR 584.

NUR 582 The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners Management of the Acutely Ill Adult Populations (180 clinical hours)    5 SH

Focus is on the role of the primary care nurse practitioner in health promotion, diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex and acute illness affecting the young adult-gerontological populations. Prerequisites:All Foundational Core and all Role development or permission of the graduate coordinator. 

NUR 583 The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists Management of the Acutely Ill Adult Populations (180 clinical hours)    5 SH

Focus is on the role of the clinical nurse specialist in health promotion, diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex and acute illness affecting the young adult-gerontological populations. Prerequisites: All Foundational Core and all Role development or permission of the graduate coordinator.

NUR 584 The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Management of the Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions Across Lifespan Populations (180 clinical hours)    5 SH
This course develops and refines the nursing expertise in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and integration of psychopharmacology with selected psychotherapy treatment modalities in populations across lifespan at risk for developing and/or having a diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. Prerequisite: NUR 501, 504, 511, 515, 516, 570, 571, 575; Co-requisite: NUR 581.

NUR 585 The Advanced Nursing Management of the Chronically Ill Adult-Gerontology Populations    2 SH

The development and management by the advanced practice nurse of diagnoses, treatments, and health promotion in the young adult-gerontological populations experiencing complex chronic illness. Prerequisite: All Foundational Core and all Role development.

NUR 586 Advanced Nursing Management of the Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions Groups and Families-Treatment Modalities II    2 SH

This course explores the development of nursing expertise in assessing, diagnosis, treatment, prevention of complications and promotion of optimal mental health in populations across the lifespan at risk for developing and/or having diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems, with an emphasis on the examination of group and family therapy.

NUR 587 The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists Management of the Chronically Ill Adult Populations (180 clinical hours)    5 SH

Focus is on the role of the clinical nurse specialist in health promotion, diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex chronic illnesses affecting the young adult-gerontological populations.Prerequisites: All Foundational Core and all Role development or permission by the graduate coordinator.

NUR 588 The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners Management of the Chronically Ill Adult Populations (180 clinical hours)     5 SH

Focus is on the role of the primary care nurse practitioner in health promotion, diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex chronic illnesses affecting the young adult-gerontological populations. Prerequisite: All Foundational Core and all Role development or permission by the graduate coordinator.

NUR 589 The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Management of the Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions Groups and Families (180 clinical hours)   5 SH
This course further develops nursing expertise in assessing, diagnosis, treatment, prevention of complications and promotion of optimal mental health in populations across lifespan at risk for developing and/or having a diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. Emphasis is on the examination of group and family therapy approaches, and application of psychopharmacology. Prerequisite: NUR 501, 504, 511, 515, 516, 570, 571, 575, 581, 584; Corequisite: NUR 586.

NUR 590 Professional Role Enactment (180 clinical hours)    7 SH

Analysis of ethical, legal, financial and technological advances and issues in health care and the impact on the role of the advance practice nurse.  Prerequisite: Completion of foundational core and role requirements.

NUR 598 Faculty-Developed Course

This experimental course is offered by the Nursing Department as a means of determining its value to the total department program or in response to a particular request of a group of students. 

NUR 599 Student-Developed Study

This vehicle is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop his/her own learning experience. A student will design a project and secure a faculty sponsor. The vehicle may be utilized more than once. Prerequisite: written permission of faculty sponsor and department. Registration through the Office of Graduate Admissions is required.

NUR 800 Ethical/Legal, Political, and Social Issues Affecting Higher Education
   3 SH

This course examines traditional values that shaped the academy and are changing in response to societal, legal, and ethical concerns.  The course explores current dynamics affecting systems of higher education: political, social, and economic trends shaping the university experience.

NUR 801 Theories of Teaching and Learning in Adult and Higher Education    3 SH

Teaching and learning theories are examined as they apply to adult and higher education.  Components of the psychology of learning are analyzed.  Cultural, racial, gender, and generational dynamics are discussed.

NUR 802 Methods of Teaching and Evaluation
   3 SH

This course prepares educators to identify and apply appropriate teaching methods and evaluate student learning, teacher, and program effectiveness.  Topics include teaching, evaluation, integration of new and emerging technology, assessment methods, interpretation, reporting, and application.

NUR 803 Curriculum Development, Implementation, and Evaluation in Nursing    3 SH

Doctoral learners apply concepts and theories basic to curriculum development and evaluation in academic settings.  Learners analyze the influence of accreditation processes on curriculum development and evaluation.

NUR 804 Nursing Faculty Role in Higher Education
   3 SH

This course provides preparation for the nursing faculty role in a community of scholars.  Topics include models of the professoriate, comparing and contrasting the role while providing the groundwork to develop a philosophy of teaching and portfolio development.

NUR 805 Classroom, Clinical Teaching, and Evaluation in Nursing Education    3 SH

This course builds upon the learners’ professional experience as educators. Best practices in the classroom, clinical teaching, and student evaluations are explored.  The legal and ethical implications of teaching/learning and the evaluative process are considered.

NUR 806 Leadership Theories and Concepts    3 SH

Classic and contemporary leadership and management theories and concepts are analyzed with applications made to the faculty/administrative leadership roles in academic settings.  Building upon professional education and experience of learners, various models, essential skills, core competencies, and best practices in leadership are explored in depth with special emphasis on leadership in academic settings.

NUR 807 Leadership in Nursing Education    3 SH

The various leadership roles in academic nursing are examined.  Classic and contemporary leadership and management theories and research in academic administration are used as a basis to discuss the leadership challenges and opportunities inherent in faculty and in administrative roles such as academic program administrator, department chairperson, director, or dean.  Traditional and emerging roles and responsibilities in the various leadership positions will be explored in depth.

NUR 808 Doctoral Synthesis     3 SH

This synthesis experience provides multiple opportunities for doctoral students to explore, analyze, and actualize the multiple roles of nurse faculty in a guided/mentored practicum.  Students will self-assess learning goals based on professional experience and select the guided learning experiences to meet these goals and the student learning outcomes of the course under the coaching and supervision of the course faculty member.

NUR 809 State of the Science of Nursing Education Research     3 SH

This course will prepare nurse educators to identify and apply the science of nursing education research to nursing education.  Discovery and development of pedagogies for nursing education and nursing practice will be explored.  Conventional, critical, feminist, post-modern, and phenomenological perspectives of teaching and ways of knowing will be analyzed.

NUR 810 Quantitative Methods in Nursing Education Research
    3 SH

This course is an in-depth analysis of quantitative research designs, methods, instrumentation, data analysis, and interpretation from the viewpoint of a positivistic paradigm.  Emphasis is placed on rigorous designs appropriate for the assessment of outcomes in nursing education.

NUR 811 Qualitative Methods in Nursing Education Research     3 SH
An in-depth analysis of the methodologies congruent with selected qualitative research traditions.  Strategies for selecting appropriate research questions, sampling, data collection, and data-analysis plans from the viewpoint of a naturalistic paradigm are highlighted.
NUR 812 Statistical Analysis in Educational Research
   3 SH

Learners develop knowledge and skills to effectively use statistics in different educational research designs.  Topics include selection-appropriate statistical analyses, including descriptive and inferential statistics.  Students are also prepared to utilize statistical software packages.

NUR 813 Dissertation Seminar I

Learners will be guided through the research process as they develop their dissertation proposals.  By the end of the course, students will produce the first draft of the proposal for the course faculty and dissertation adviser.

NUR 814 Dissertation Advisement II

Learners will be guided through the process as they await Institutional Research Board approval and will begin the data collection phase.  In this seminar approach, learners will work individually with their dissertation adviser.

NUR 815 Dissertation Advisement III

Learners will continue to work with their dissertation advisers as they complete the data-collection phase and begin to analyze their data.

NUR 816 Dissertation Advisement IV

Learners will continue to work with their dissertation advisers to complete writing the dissertation and conducting the dissertation defense.

NUR 817 Continuing Nursing Education Research

This course will be offered with variable credit as needed for students who need additional time to complete the dissertation.