QUARTER CREDIT (Florida) Course Descriptions

This course provides the basic knowledge required for the analysis, presentation and application of data relevant to nursing and healthcare issues. Fundamental to these skills, students will study descriptive and inferential statistics, sample and data preparation, probability and hypothesis testing, levels of data, measure of central tendencies, t-tests, correlations, and ANOVA, chi square, and regression analysis. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply statistical knowledge in evidence-based nursing practice.

This course provides a basic understanding of pathophysiology as it pertains to human illness within a wellness-illness continuum. Critical thinking processes are emphasized as a basis of analysis of a client’s presenting symptoms in reference to his/her state of health and/or illness.

The basic principles and categories of pharmaco-therapeutic agents are introduced, organized by major pharmacological classifications. Clients are viewed holistically, with an emphasis on the education of both the client and the family in their use of pharmaco-therapeutic agents. Pharmacological principles, therapeutic effects, interactions, and side effects are examined, with a focus on assessment and evaluation of client outcomes.

This course provides the theoretical foundation for the beginning practice of nursing, emphasizing the theory and practice of essential psychomotor nursing skills and utilizing the nursing process as a basis of decision-making. The course introduces the student to the nursing profession, including its evolution, philosophy and contribution to the health care team within a legal-ethical framework. Topical areas include critical thinking, application of the nursing process, documentation, delivery of culturally sensitive care, asepsis, safety, diagnostic testing, mobility, skin integrity, sensory alterations, elimination, oxygenation and fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance.

Through a systems approach, the beginning level nursing student is introduced to theoretical and practical foundations to providing a holistic physical assessment for the child, adult and geriatric client. Information is presented within the continuum ranging from normal and expected findings to those that are abnormal and pathological. Students will have the opportunity to practice their assessment skills within a laboratory setting, applying therapeutic communication techniques.

This clinical course provides the student with practice and clinical application of nursing skill fundamentals. The emphasis is on skill attainment through mastery of beginning competency. Students must satisfactorily perform all assigned skills to successfully complete the course.

The clinical course provides the student with diverse clinical experiences in the care of the medical-surgical client experiencing complex alterations in health status within a multi-cultural environment. Emphasis is placed on utilizing critical inquiry to assist in clinical decision-making.

This course provides the theoretical foundation of medical-surgical nursing care to the adult population. The application of the nursing process is applied to diverse client scenarios experiencing complex alterations in health status within the context of current research findings and in the provision of holistic care to the client and their family.

This course provides the theoretical foundation for the study of public health nursing. The client is viewed as the individual, the family and the community within a social framework, with the goal of optimizing his or her functioning. Historical, socioeconomic, environmental, political, and cultural indicators of the health of a community are explored. The application of the nursing process is applied to diverse client scenarios with the emphasis on growth and development, health promotion and the provision of holistic care to the client and their family.

This clinical course provides the student with diverse clinical experiences in the care of the public health client experiencing complex alterations in health status within a multi-cultural environment. Community assessment is a focus, with the goal being the improvement of health for its members. Emphasis is placed on utilizing critical inquiry to assist in clinical decision-making.

This course covers topics significant to the profession of nursing. Application of nutritional concepts, genetics, genomics, informatics and health promotion are discussed. Health policy and the financial aspects of health care delivery systems are reviewed, with outcomes of care examined in relation to quality and safety.

This course focuses on the clinical application of pharmacology and builds upon the previous learning in the curriculum. The emphasis is on drugs commonly used for the treatment of chronic and acute illnesses and the application of the principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Case studies will be analyzed to explore therapeutic dosage patterns, adverse effects, drug interactions, precautions, contraindications, drug effect monitoring, therapeutic evaluation, patient teaching, and the use of drugs in special populations such as children and the elderly.

The clinical course provides the student with diverse clinical experiences in the care of the childbearing and pediatric client and their families experiencing complex alterations in health status within a multi-cultural environment. Emphasis is placed on utilizing critical inquiry to assist in clinical decision-making.

This clinical course provides the student with diverse clinical experiences in the care of the mental health client experiencing complex alterations in health status, with the goal being the improvement of health for its members. Emphasis is placed on utilizing critical inquiry to assist in clinical decision-making.

This course covers the essential principles of nursing research theory and methodology. Emphasis is on developing critical skills in critiquing nursing research and its application to practice, focusing on evidence-based outcomes.

This course provides the theoretical foundation for the nursing care of women, infants and children. The application of the nursing process is applied to diverse client scenarios with the emphasis on growth and development, health promotion and the provision of holistic care to the client and their family.

This course provides the theoretical foundation for the study of mental health nursing. The client is viewed as the individual, the family and the community within a social framework, with the goal of optimizing his or her functioning. Historical, socioeconomic, environmental, political, and cultural indicators of the health of a community are explored. The application of the nursing process is applied to diverse client scenarios with the emphasis on the provision of holistic care to the client and their family.

This course links leadership and management theories to functions within nursing practice in a health care environment. The role of the nurse leader is examined within the framework of historical, economic, social, political and cultural factors. An understanding of political and organizational structures, financial management, healthcare environments, and healthcare workforce management are emphasized.

This course provides the theoretical foundation for the study of the issues related to nursing care of older adults, focusing on the health care of well older adults and those with chronic health problems. Health promotion and preventive care are examined, as well as the implications of chronic illness, palliative and end-of-life care.

This clinical course provides the student with diverse clinical experiences in the care of the older adult client experiencing complex alterations in health status within a multi-cultural environment. Emphasis is placed on utilizing critical inquiry to assist in clinical decision-making.

This clinical capstone course uses a preceptor model of learning professional nursing practice, with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize previous learning experiences, applying therapeutic nursing interventions and beginning leadership skills into practice. Emphasis is placed on the transition of the student to the professional nursing role as an interdisciplinary team member and potential employee in a selected clinical setting.

Selected topics are reviewed including NCLEX preparation skills, role transition and current trends and issues within the health care environment. As one of the Senior Seminar course requirements, students must pass a comprehensive computerized examination provided by ATI, containing questions similar to those found on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (“NCLEX-RN”). Students who fail to achieve a passing score of 70 or greater on the exam, as graded by the testing service, will not pass the Senior Seminar course, and will not be eligible for graduation until they pass the Senior Seminar course. During the Senior Seminar course, students are given three (3) opportunities to achieve a passing score on the comprehensive computerized examination.  Students who do not achieve a passing score on the ATI comprehensive computerized examination during the Senior Seminar course, will receive a failing grade for the course. 

This course emphasizes complex nursing skills and judgement relevant to the graduate nurse generalist. A focus is placed on organizational skills, leadership, priority-setting, and timely pertinent assessments when presented with ah clinical situation in relation to: skills applicable to interdisciplinary care delivery, intravenous fluid and medication delivery, including calculations based on weight, and nursing management of urgent and emergent situations. This course utilizes simulation technology to place students in a clinical situation where they will utilize the above concepts and skills to assess, treat, and evaluate the client outcomes related to their interventions. Students will then arrive at conclusions that demonstrate synthesis of their knowledge of the above concepts and skills ultimately preparing the for them role of graduate nurse generalist.

This course provides the background for graduate nursing students to perform advanced health assessment skills utilizing a diagnostic process based on clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, evidence-based practice, and symptom analysis for advanced practice providers. Students will engage in clinical evaluation of common problems presented by case study method. Upon successful completion of this course, students will complete a health history and perform a physical assessment.

This course provides the knowledge and skills to perform a critical analysis of theories and acquire knowledge and skills necessary to utilize multidisciplinary models in advanced nursing practice. Student will explore systems theories, adult learning theories, theories associated with culture and diversity, bioethics, and the ecological model of social determinants of health. Upon successful completion of this course, students can apply theoretical models to nursing education or health systems leadership practice.

This course provides an understanding and application of basic epidemiological principles and methods to issues related to the health of populations. Topics include surveillance, environmental science, and population health analysis and program planning as well as global health issues, health disparities, illness prevention and health promotion and health behavior modification. Students will apply knowledge related to the concepts of public health practice and perform critical appraisal of relevant literature.

This course focuses on the exploration of social change theories and the role of technology as well as frameworks for community and political engagement, advocacy, and empowerment. Emphasis will be placed on the roles of key stakeholders who influence healthcare policy to include government, consumers, providers and payers. Students will examine general micro and macro issues, regulatory processes and quality control and policy making at various levels of government. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to participation policy, politics, and advocacy in healthcare settings.

This course provides the background for students to refine their skills and build their knowledge related to reading research, critiquing research, the research process and essential concepts related to nursing science development. Through the course, students will evaluate the quality and applicability of relevant research and discuss topics pertinent to nursing scholarship, ethics, and clinical outcomes. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to apply research concepts to proposals, critiques, and evidence-based practice guidelines in nursing.

This course provides a focus on the use of technology in the healthcare environment and nursing education programs. Topics discussed in this course include computer science, computer and information science, an introduction to regulatory standards for electronic data and monitoring systems, legal and ethical applications for nursing informatics, administrative information systems, tele-health, consumer information and education, simulation, emerging technologies and the future of nursing informatics. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply technology to solve nursing practice problems.

This course will focus on advanced concepts in pharmacology in direct care roles in nursing education. Students will review basic principles of pharmacology with emphasis on safe administration, the major drug classes, patient education, and student/staff education. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to clinical reasoning in relation to pharmacology.

This course provides the background for graduate students to discuss the complex nature of disease and abnormal physiological processes. Students will gain advanced understanding in diseases processes and analyze the underlying cause of various disorders. Topics in this course will include signs and symptomatology, underlying causes, risk factors, progression of disease and approaches to care. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply pathophysiology concepts to nursing practice and nursing education.

This course provides the background for graduate students to perform advanced health assessment skills utilizing a diagnostic process based on clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, evidenced-based practice, and symptom analysis for non-nurse practitioners. Students will engage in clinical evaluation of common problems presented by case study method. Upon successful completion of this course, students will complete a health history and perform a physical assessment.

This course will focus on advanced concepts in pharmacology in direct care roles in nursing education. Students will review basic principles of pharmacology with emphasis on safe administration, the major drug classes, patient education, and student/staff education. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to clinical reasoning in relation to pharmacology.

This course will focus on advanced procedures and diagnostic reasoning commonly performed by nurse practitioners. Students will practice differential diagnosis as well as perform selected patient procedures. Upon successful course completion, students will expand diagnostic reasoning, formulate comprehensive differential diagnoses based on presenting symptoms and physical evaluation, and determine the need for advanced procedures in patient care.

This course will focus on introducing students to the primary care of adults and older adults within the context of their families. Student will examine human development, health promotion, and acute and chronic disease management. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate assessment and management of health states, application of diagnostic techniques, and creation of evidence-based treatment plans for health restoration in adults and older adults.

This course will focus on the first practicum experience of family nurse practitioner students in the primary care setting with adults and older adults. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice in the assessment and management of health states, application of diagnostic techniques and creation of treatment plans for health restoration in adults and older adults.

This course will focus on the second practicum experience of family nurse practitioner students in the primary care setting with adults and older adults. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice in the assessment of health states, application of diagnostic reasoning, and creation of treatment plans for health restoration in adults and older adults.

This practicum course will focus on the care of families and continued development and mastery of evidence-based advanced practice skills in a primary care setting across the lifespan. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice in the assessment of health states, application of diagnostic reasoning, and creation of evidence-base treatment plans for health restoration in families.

This course will focus on primary care diagnosis and management of patients from birth through adolescence. Students will examine growth and development, health maintenance, management of acute and chronic illnesses and the influence of family, culture, and social dynamics on health care. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice to improve, enhance, and optimize the health of pediatric and adolescent patients within the context of their families.

This course will focus on the first practicum experience of family nurse practitioner students in primary care diagnosis and management of patients from birth through adolescence. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice to improve, enhance, and optimize the health of pediatric and adolescent patients within the context of families.

This course will focus on the second practicum experience for family nurse practitioner students in primary care diagnosis and management of patients from birth through adolescence. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice to improve, enhance, and optimize the health of pediatric and adolescent patients within the context of their families.

This course will focus on primary care of the woman and her family in the contexts of fertility control, childbearing, and parenting. Students will examine the physical, psychological, and social variations in health behaviors, illness prevention, and personal safety. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence-based practice in the primary care of the woman and her family including diagnosing abnormalities and developing comprehensive family-focused treatment plans.

This course will focus on the first practicum experience of family nurse practitioner students in primary care of the woman and her family in the contexts of fertility control, childbearing, and parenting. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence-based practice in assessment, patient management, diagnosis, and the development of comprehensive family-focused treatment plans.

This course will focus on the second practicum experience of family nurse practitioner students in primary care of the woman and her family in the contexts of fertility control, childbearing, and parenting. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will demonstrate evidence based practice in the assessment, management, diagnosis, and the development of comprehensive family-focused treatment plans.

This course provides the graduate student background on curriculum and program design. Students will learn how to plan a nursing program and appreciate the art of curriculum development. Topics will include theories and concepts related to curriculum design and process, creation of functional objectives, problem identification, and resource allocation. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have experience planning a nursing curriculum.

This practicum will provide application of knowledge. Students will work with a masters prepared preceptor that is a faculty member in a registered nursing program or a master prepared clinical educator to experience the role of the nurse educator related to curriculum planning and development. Student’s experiences will be documented in a reflective journal. Practicum hours will be tracked and documented each term. At the end of this course, students will be able to perform in the role of a nurse educator.

This course will focus on the study of the many roles of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Students will examine the advanced practice nurse as a leader and collaborator, analyze business practices, and quality initiatives. Upon successful course completion, students will be able to identify and explain multiple roles that advanced practice nurses can espouse as clinical leaders, and develop personal philosophies in advanced practice.

This course will provide an in-depth study of teaching and learning strategies and effective instructional methods. In this course, students examine the instructional process from a theoretical and practical perspective. Topics will focus on effective use of learning theories and technologies, the learning environment, and instructional strategies. Distance education modalities are included. Upon successful completion of this course, students will perform in the role of nurse educator.

This practicum course will provide application of knowledge. Students will work with a masters prepared preceptor that is a faculty member in a registered nursing program or a master prepared clinical educator to experience the role of the nurse educator related to teaching and learning strategies. Student’ experiences will be documented in a reflective journal. Practicum hours will be tracked and documented each term. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have continued implementation of the graduate project.

This course will provide an in-depth study on assessment strategies and evaluation processes that are relevant to nursing programs and the practice setting. Strategies to assess learning and evaluate program outcomes will be explored. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan for assessment, construct and analyze classroom tests, and assess clinical performance in various learning environments.

This practicum course will provide application of knowledge. Students will work with a masters prepared preceptor that is a faculty member in a registered nursing program or a master prepared clinical educator to experience the role of the nurse educator related to assessment and evaluation. Student’ experiences will be documented in a reflective journal. Practicum hours will be tracked and documented each term. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have completed and evaluated the graduate project.

This practicum course will focus on competent performance in the family nurse practitioner role by synthesizing coursework and advanced practice skills to develop as an independent practitioner. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum experience with an approved preceptor. Students will begin to care for a more complex patient population with the support of their preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will begin to function safely as a new graduate family nurse practitioner.

This course will provide students the opportunity to synthesize concepts learned across the curriculum and present the graduate project and the graduate portfolio. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have completed the graduate project and portfolio demonstrating the program outcomes.

This course will focus on synthesizing the knowledge and skills acquired in the nurse practitioner concentration by demonstrating mastery of the program outcomes and clinical competencies. Students will complete 60 hours of practicum, a graduate project with a standardized patient experience, and submit the graduate portfolio. Students will perform in the role of the nurse practitioner with a full patient schedule and the support of their preceptor. Upon successful course completion, students will be able to function safely as a new graduate nurse practitioner.