This course focuses on developing and enhancing the students ability to be inquisitive scholars, engaged healthcare practitioners, and ethical leaders through the synthesis, integration, and evaluation of evidence to determine best practice that informs nursing practice at an advanced level. Students engage in meaningful and creative inquiry, critique health-related research, explore the ethical principles, and develop insights into the methodologic processes involved in conducting research and quality improvement activities. Prerequisite: 501.
In this course students synthesize their Viterbo nursing education, skills and knowledge into strategies for successful transition to professional nursing practice. Students will be provided with multiple experiences for further formation of their professional identity. Experiences include faculty-led seminars and an overview of approaches/strategies to study for the NCLEX- RN. Students will explore personal awareness related to self-efficacy, barriers to transition, resiliency, self-care strategies, and holistic nursing practices related to the development of a professional identity.
Independent reading and/or research under the guidance of a faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. May be repeated for credit.
This course focuses on the holistic care of clients across the lifespan in a variety of high acuity inpatient settings and prepares students to coordinate and facilitate person-centered care for diverse patient populations. Emphasis will be on how the holistic nursing process, nursing theory and partnership principles are applied in acute care settings. Students will analyze the foundations of leadership and role development and explain how high-quality leadership at all levels in the healthcare system contribute to a culture of safety. Prerequisites: 521, 536, 537.
This course enhances the students understanding of complex disease processes and their manifestations in high-acuity care settings. Providing experiences that promote holism and person-centered care, this clinical course combines the application of the holistic nursing process and a systems-thinking approach with the management of complex client situations. Students optimize informatics and healthcare technologies to promote safe environments and prioritize holistic nursing care according to the clients wishes and condition. Prerequisites: 521, 536, 537.
This course addresses the components of advanced history taking, physical examination, and health assessment across the life span within a holistic framework. Differentiation of normal from abnormal/dysfunctional findings is emphasized. Health promotion/protection/prevention is integrated. Differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning are introduced .Prerequisites: a basic course in physical assessment at the undergraduate level or equivalent.
A course designed to enhance knowledge and skills in advanced assessment. An increased emphasis on abnormal findings in the setting of acute illness is stressed, along with diagnostic testing used to accompany physical assessment. Laboratory and technology-based diagnostic testing, along with X-ray and imaging study interpretation, advanced EKG interpretation, and hemodynamic monitoring are areas for skill development. Prerequisite: 540.
A course, on a special topic in the discipline at the post-baccalaureate or master degree level, offered on the basis of need, interest, or time lines. May be repeated for credit. See registrars office current class schedules Web page for specific semester description.
This clinical course provides students with the opportunity to integrate clinical and theoretical learning from previous nursing courses into clinical decision-making that facilitates interprofessional communication in the pursuit of quality health outcomes. Students incorporate the professional nursing role into their holistic nursing practice and adapt their care according to person-centered goals, evidence-informed interventions, diverse life experiences, and systemic restraints.
This course explicates the professional role development necessary to practice and provide leadership as an advanced practice nurse, particularly as a nurse practitioner. Relevant professional and health care issues affecting advanced practice nursing are examined with a focus on developing strategies for action. Interprofessional collaboration within the advanced practice role is emphasized.