MSN in Nursing

Healthcare reform places a demand for nurse leaders in the area of population health in community and global settings. The program of study includes the science of public health, foundations of public health theory, and healthcare policy and politics. Nurses are prepared to synthesize nursing practice and public health theory to promote and preserve the health of families, aggregates, communities, and populations.  

Graduates assume roles in public health and community settings, including public health departments, community and global health agencies, home care, schools, and occupational health settings.

As the demand for nursing instructors and clinical educators continues, many nurses consider educator roles. They may be interested in teaching in a school of nursing, working in professional development, or focusing on the education of a specific patient/community population.

This curriculum prepares nurses to assume advanced roles as instructors in academic and service settings. Our program focuses on curriculum development and foundational knowledge in theories of teaching and learning, and provides flexible and practical experience in academic and healthcare settings. Graduates assume leadership roles in clinical nursing education, academic faculty appointments, and staff development.

In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, there is a compelling need for nurse leaders in all aspects of healthcare. The nursing management focus centers on principles of leadership and administration. We provide a theoretical and practical approach to prepare you for advanced positions as nurse leaders/managers in acute care, long-term care, and community settings.

Mission
To prepare future nurse leaders and advance the level of education of registered nurses while fostering their professional and personal development.
 
Philosophy
We emphasize quality teaching complemented by scholarly and creative expression, clinical expertise, dedicated community service, and service to the profession of nursing. We are dedicated to the preparation of persons who enrich the nursing profession by responding flexibly and creatively to both professional and societal issues.

We believe that students seek relevant learning experiences grounded in experiential learning and have a clear commitment to the identity of the professional nurse. We believe that the best learning takes place in an environment of support where students are respected, and their life experiences honored. The ideal education setting is a learning community that allows student to realize their full potential as reflective, active, and life-long learners. Because we are committed to the idea that active involvement is essential to effective learning, we foster an environment of interaction among students and faculty. We expect all students to participate in their own learning and to facilitate the learning of others by participating in collaborative learning groups and partnerships, respecting each other’s opinions and questions, and by establishing a commitment to learning and critical and creative thinking. We strive to create a global community of scholarly caring.

1. Assimilate the intersection of nursing expertise and the broader knowledge of science and the humanities to improve care for diverse populations.
2. Apply knowledge of systems, organizations, and leadership skills in effecting change that improve the care environment.
3. Analyze the principles of safety and quality improvement initiatives in order to promote a culture of safety and high quality health care delivery.
4. Synthesize translational research principles in creating and integrating evidence-based practice.
5. Proficiently utilize current technologies in health care delivery, communication and data management.
6. Integrate the impact of healthcare policy in the nurse’s role as advocate for patients, families, and populations.
7. Apply principles of communication, cooperation and collaboration to develop, participate, and lead inter-professional health care teams.
8. Influence and advocate for healthcare policies and practices that best serve the health-promotion and disease-prevention needs of individuals, groups, and populations.
9. Integrate clinical expertise with advanced nursing knowledge to prepare for leadership roles in Nursing Education, Management or Public Health.