Post-BSN to DNP - Nurse Anesthesia

CSAT 5022. Clinically-Oriented Human Anatomy. 5.5 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of whole-body human anatomy as it applies to clinical practice. This course teaches foundational anatomical relationships and common variations following a regional approach, with select topics receiving regional systemic emphasis. This includes correlating anatomy with clinical pathologies, procedures, and imaging through didactic lectures, gross anatomy prosection laboratory, and active learning sessions. Clinical cases will be incorporated in lecture and in laboratory to foster critical thinking skills necessary for students to use their anatomical knowledge to solve clinical problems. Humanism and professionalism, including compassion and empathy, are integrated into the course to help students form a healthy professional identity in the medical field. Course fees: Cadaver Fee $843, Lab Fee $30, Technology Fee $50.

NURS 6110. Advanced Health Assessment: Clinical Application. 1 Credit Hour.

In this course, students will demonstrate obtaining a comprehensive person-centered health history and perform both comprehensive and focused physical and mental health examinations of patients across the lifespan. Students will develop clinical reasoning skills to formulate differential diagnoses based on analysis of history and physical examination data. Prerequisites: NURS 6338 Corequisites: NURS 6210.

NURS 6210. Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning. 2 Credit Hours.

This course will build upon health assessment skills developed in the professional nurse's basic educational program. The theoretical and clinical basis for health assessment by the advanced clinician will be developed. The process whereby the advanced clinician utilizes comprehensive history, physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessment across the lifespan to gather specific data relevant to common health problems is demonstrated. Students will develop clinical reasoning skills to begin to formulate differential diagnoses. Corequisites: NURS 6110. Prerequisites: NURS 6338.

NURS 6250. Advanced Health Promotion and Population Health. 2 Credit Hours.

In this course, students analyze health promotion theories, epidemiological and biostatistical data sources to design interdisciplinary strategies to reduce disease risk and improve health and wellness for individuals, families, and communities. Students explore population and global health with a focus on health equity, social determinants of health and effective disaster response.

NURS 6302. Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course, students develop knowledge and skills for the therapeutic use of pharmacologic agents to address patients health problems in a safe, evidence-based, cost-effective manner. Students demonstrate clinical judgement of drug selection based on principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics. They focus on prescriptive practice and monitoring therapeutic response for patients across the lifespan. The prerequisite does not apply to CRNA track students. Prerequisites: NURS 6338 Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

NURS 6315. Informatics & Health Care Technologies. 3 Credit Hours.

This course equips students with advanced clinical leadership skills to appraise and optimize information systems and patient care technology. Students will learn to generate knowledge through information and communication technology (ICT) and design system improvement strategies based on quality metrics and performance indicators, ensuring safe and effective care for diverse populations across various settings. The course emphasizes the usability of ICT for accurate and efficient documentation of care, optimal stakeholder engagement, continuous monitoring of outcomes, and seamless communication among healthcare providers, patients, and system levels. Key focus areas include the application of ethical, legal, professional, IT, regulatory, engagement, and usability standards, as well as national and workplace policies. National strategic roadmaps for digital health ecosystems and their influence on shaping the national digital health landscape will also be explored and evaluated. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

NURS 6320. Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course students explore and consider theories from nursing and related disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the role of theory to guide practice and care improvement. This course is a foundation for the advanced practice nurse to choose and use theories. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.

NURS 6380. Epidemiology & Statistical Methods in Population Health. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course, students learn and apply statistical and epidemiological methods to health-related data. They assess quantitative data, interpret public health statistics, and use these insights to inform clinical practice and enhance population health outcomes. Students explore key topics including surveillance principles, statistical inference, study design, data collection techniques, and the practical application of statistical methods to address real-world health issues. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

NURS 6413. Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology I. 4 Credit Hours.

This course will provide an in-depth analysis of the advanced principles related to the physiological and pathophysiological processes of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and central nervous system for anesthetic management. Evident-based practice resulting from relevant research of pathophysiological disease states will be incorporate to develop interventions and a plan of care for patients with health status alterations throughout the lifespan and special populations. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.

NURS 6431. Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesia. 4 Credit Hours.

This course applies the principles of pharmacology to anesthesia practice for an in-depth understanding. The course progresses to detailed exploration of the uptake, distribution, biotransformation, and elimination of currently used clinical anesthesia pharmacotherapeutics. Specific properties of anesthetic agents and commonly used adjunctive drugs are discussed and evaluated for appropriate application in clinical situations. Pharmacogenetic disorders with specific anesthesia implications are examined. Prerequisites: NURS 6210, NURS 6110, NURS 6302 and NURS 6413.

NURS 6432. Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology II. 4 Credit Hours.

This course will provide an in-depth analysis of the advanced principles related to the physiological and pathophysiological processes of the endocrine, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, peripheral vascular, immune, and related organs for anesthetic management. Evident-based practice resulting from relevant research of pathophysiological disease states will be incorporate to develop interventions and a plan of care for patients with health status alterations throughout the lifespan and special populations. Prerequisites: NURS 6413, CSAT 5502, NURS 6210, NURS 6110.

NURS 7227. Introduction to Anesthesia Equipment, Technology & Clinical Practice. 2 Credit Hours.

The course will introduce students to the preparation of the anesthetizing environment, physiologic monitoring, utilization of anesthesia equipment, fluid and electrolyte monitoring, communication and documentation. This course integrates chemistry and physics to provide the student with a foundation to understand anesthesia equipment, such as the various delivery systems, ventilators, and the anesthesia machine. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.

NURS 7230. Nurse Anesthesia Principles III. 2 Credit Hours.

This course will reinforce and build on principles learned in Nurse Anesthesia Principles I and II. Concepts unique to pediatric and obstetrical anesthesia will be the focus of the course. Learners will incorporate physiological and pathophysiological concepts unique to this population with anesthesia principles previously explored in Nurse Anesthesia Principles I and II. New psychomotor skills needed for pediatric and obstetrical anesthesia will be introduced and correlated to specific cases throughout the course. A lab setting will be utilized by learners to take anesthesia concepts and techniques taught during the course and correlate them to specific anesthetic management of cases. Prerequisites: NURS 7326 and NURS 7410.

NURS 7231. Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. 2 Credit Hours.

This course provides an in-depth investigation of the historical and professional role of the certified registered nurse anesthetist. Students will explore concepts related to the CRNAs Scope of Practice, standards of care, adherence to an ethical code of conduct, legal and regulatory aspects of the profession, and variations of practices between states. The optimization and challenges of wellness and work/life balance of the nurse anesthetist will be addressed. The student must be in graduate standing to register for this course.

NURS 7302. Leadership in Healthcare. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course, students focus on theoretical underpinnings of effective leadership, organizational development, complex adaptive systems, quality, safety, and interprofessional collaboration within healthcare systems through change management, communication, team building, conflict management, decision-making and collaborative skills. They will examine national initiatives focused on quality management and patient safety. Students will examine strategies for leadership skill development, including personal resilience, well-being, and professional maturity. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

NURS 7303. Knowledge Translation: Searching, Appraising and Synthesizing Evidence. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course, students build a foundation for clinical scholarship in advanced nursing practice. Students will analyze various models of evidence-based practice (EBP) and knowledge translation. They will critically appraise and synthesize primary research, systematic reviews, and best practice guidelines to address a clinical issue related to a knowledge-practice gap. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

NURS 7304. Knowledge Translation: Designing and Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions. 3 Credit Hours.

In this course, students learn how to translate knowledge into practice using research and other forms of evidence to enhance quality and safety in healthcare. They will apply knowledge translation models, implementation designs, evaluation models, and analytical approaches to improve practice, patient, population, and system-level outcomes. Additionally, students will select context-specific implementation and change strategies that facilitate and sustain evidence-based interventions in complex healthcare delivery systems, aiming for safe, timely, effective, efficient, and patient-centered care. Students will address ethical issues related to knowledge translation and implementation. Prerequisites: NURS 7303 Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

NURS 7305. DNP Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar focuses on the DNP project development. This seminar includes activities related to developing the DNP project proposal: identifying the opportunity for improvement, review of the literature for significance and background, selecting the appropriate theoretical model(s) that will guide the assessment and implementation of the project, and identifying the project goal. The student synthesizes the literature to guide the evidence-based project proposal. During this seminar, students will work with the mentoring team (faculty chair and the project site preceptor). Prerequisites: NURS 6315; NURS 6320; NURS 6380; NURS 7302, NURS 7303, NURS 7304, NURS 7320, NURS 7322, NURS 7324.

NURS 7306. DNP Project. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with clinical specialty immersion experience to plan, design, implement, and evaluate the DNP Project. Students will demonstrate the role of the DNP as leader and innovator in complex organizational systems as it relates to knowledge translation, implementation, and evaluation. Milestones for project completion are determined for each semester. Prerequisites: NURS 6320, NURS 6315, NURS 6380, NURS 7302, NURS 7303, NURS 7304, NURS 7305, NURS 7320, NURS 7324, NURS 7322. Corequisites: NURS 6235, NURS 6254, NURS 6219, NURS 6224.

NURS 7307. DNP Dissemination. 3 Credit Hours.

The student will disseminate DNP project outcomes, recommendations, and lessons learned through scholarly writing and presentations. Additionally, students will address practice implications with system leaders and communities of interest. Prerequisites: NURS 6320, NURS 7302, NURS 7303, NURS 6315, NURS 6380, NURS 7324, NURS 7322, NURS 7304, NURS 7305, NURS 7306, NURS 7320, 7309, and 7308.

NURS 7319. Seminars in Nurse Anesthesia I. 3 Credit Hours.

This is the first in a series of two (2) clinical correlation courses. The course is designed to be a comprehensive review of the body of knowledge necessary to enter Nurse Anesthesia practice. Selected topics and case studies will be applied in an advanced study of scientific principles, principles of therapeutics, and principles of anesthesia practice to further develop critical thinking skills, and to foster continued integration of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. A series of seminars and presentations interspersed with comprehensive, computerized examinations will be administered to allow students to evaluate their knowledge level and their test taking skills. Nurse Anesthesia student preparation for both the DNP Comprehensive Examination and the NBCRNA National Certification Examination will be enhanced. Prerequisites: NURS 7340 and NURS 7530.

NURS 7320. Statistical Process Control and Quality Improvement Methods. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will use data analytical and visualization methods for knowledge translation and implementation to evaluate processes that impact system, practice, and patient-level outcomes. They will develop skills to analyze patient, practice, and outcome data using descriptive statistics and quality improvement analytics and visualization tools. Students will explore appropriate models, methods, measures, data sources, and analyses to evaluate healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Students will interpret, visualize and present data to advance practice and patient outcomes. Prerequisites: NURS 6380 and NURS 7302. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

NURS 7322. Healthcare Policy Analysis and Advocacy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course prepares the nurse leader to advance the agenda of the rapidly changing care environment by examination of health policy research and analysis. Students will focus on policy process and develop and implement policy agendas. They will participate in collective decision-making, identifying roles and key stakeholders. The course will address how to identify gaps in policy knowledge and provide opportunity for nurse leaders to engage in processes that influence policy decisions at the institutional, local, state, regional, national and/ or international levels. The course will prepare the nurse leader to analyze the policy process and engage in politically competent care. There are no prerequisites for Post-MSN to PhD students. However, DNP students do have a prerequisite. Prerequisites: NURS 7302.

NURS 7324. Healthcare Economics And Policy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course prepares the student to lead improvements in health care and shape health policy through an understanding of macroeconomic principles in the health care market. Students will be given the opportunity to apply theoretical and empirical economic analysis to business and public policy issues in health care. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis. Prerequisites: NURS 6320.

NURS 7326. Nurse Anesthesia Principles II. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will expand on the concepts learned in Nurse Anesthesia Principles I. Various anesthesia techniques and the physiological effects of those techniques on complex co-morbidities will be the emphasis of the course. Special consideration of the geriatric population and the physiological effects of the various anesthesia techniques will also be explored. The psychomotor skills introduced in Nurse Anesthesia Principles I will be refined and enhanced. New psychomotor skills needed for higher level anesthesia techniques will be introduced and correlated to specific cases throughout the course. A lab setting will be utilized by learners to take concepts and anesthesia techniques taught during the course and correlate them to specific anesthetic management of cases. Prerequisites: NURS 7227 and NURS 7210.

NURS 7327. Seminars in Nurse Anesthesia II. 3 Credit Hours.

This is the second in a series of two (2) clinical correlation courses. The course is designed to be a comprehensive review of the body of knowledge necessary to enter Nurse Anesthesia practice. Selected topics and case studies will be applied in an advanced study of scientific principles, principles of therapeutics, and principles of anesthesia practice in order to further develop critical thinking skills, and to foster continued integration of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. A series of seminars and presentations interspersed with comprehensive, computerized examinations will be administered to allow students to evaluate their knowledge level and their test taking skills. Nurse Anesthesia student preparation for both the DNP Comprehensive Examination and the NBCRNA National Certification Examination will be enhanced. Prerequisites: NURS 7319 and NURS 7540.

NURS 7340. Nurse Anesthesia Principles IV. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will reinforce and expand on the concepts learned in Nurse Anesthesia Principles I II and II. Various anesthesia techniques and the physiological effects of those techniques on concepts unique to cardiothoracic anesthesia will be the focus of the course. Learners will incorporate physiological and pathophysiological concepts unique to this population with anesthesia principles previous explored in Nurse Anesthesia Principles I, II, and III. New psychomotor skills needed for cardiothoracic anesthesia will be introduced and correlated to specific cases throughout the course. A lab setting will be utilized by learners to take anesthesia concepts and techniques taught during the course and correlate them to specific anesthetic management of cases. Prerequisites: NURS 7230 and NURS 7520.

NURS 7410. Clinical Anesthesia Residency I. 4 Credit Hours.

This course will introduce the nurse anesthesia student to the clinical experience. The course is designed to integrate didactic course work and basic level anesthesia technology and equipment, medications, monitoring, procedures, and the perioperative environment. The student will be assigned to affiliated clinical sites and anesthesia related specialty areas. Experience will begin with simple cases and techniques and build to more complex cases throughout the course. Clinical experiences will be guided by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and/or Anesthesiologist. Ongoing assessments will be conducted to evaluate the students ability to apply basic didactic coursework into the clinical setting. Prerequisites: NURS 7210 and NURS 7227.

NURS 7520. Clinical Anesthesia Residency II. 5 Credit Hours.

This course will incorporate evidence-based knowledge and skills in the management of increasingly complex clinical experiences designed to provide the nurse anesthesia student with clinical application of the foundational principles in anesthesia. Experiences will continue the integration of advanced anesthesia principles into practice. The student will continue to develop competencies with monitoring, use of equipment, and administration of medications with an emphasis on patient safety and vigilance. Clinical experiences will be guided by the CRNA and/or anesthesiologist. Prerequisites: NURS 7326 and NURS 7410.

NURS 7530. Clinical Anesthesia Residency III. 5 Credit Hours.

This course will continue to incorporate evidence-based knowledge and skills in the management of increasingly complex clinical experiences designed to provide the nurse anesthesia student with clinical application of the foundational principles in anesthesia. Experiences will build on knowledge and skills gained in the first three principles courses. This course will emphasize continued management of general and specialty anesthetic techniques for patients with complex co-morbidities and broaden experience for particular surgical procedures including: intracranial, vascular, neuro-skeletal, diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, organ procurement, and laser procedures. Principles and ethical concepts for organ procurement will also be discussed. Clinical experiences will be guided by the CRNA and/or anesthesiologist. Prerequisites: NURS 7230, NURS 7520.

NURS 7540. Clinical Anesthesia Residency IV. 5 Credit Hours.

This course will incorporate evidence-based knowledge and skills in the management of more advanced anesthesia specialty cases including cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, and organ transplant procedures. Experiences will build on the knowledge and skills gained in the first three clinical residency courses. Emphasis will be on the delivery of personalized care across the disease spectrum integrating evidence-based research practices, critical thinking, patient safety and vigilance, inter-professional communication, and culturally competent care. Clinical experiences will be guided by the CRNA and/or anesthesiologist. Prerequisites: NURS 7340 and NURS 7530.

NURS 7550. Clinical Anesthesia Residency V. 5 Credit Hours.

This course will incorporate evidence-based knowledge and skills in the management of advanced anesthesia specialty cases involving the pediatric and obstetrical patient population. Emphasis will be on the delivery of personalized care to the pediatric and obstetrical patient population integrating evidence-based research practices, critical thinking, patient safety and vigilance, inter-professional communication, and culturally competent care. Clinical experiences will be guided by the CRNA and/or anesthesiologist. Prerequisites: NURS 7340 and NURS 7540.