Chairperson: Lin Murphy
Professor: N. Crogan-Pomilla, S. Norwood
Associate Professor: N. Beckham, A. Dupler
Assistant Professors: D. Abendroth, M. Gorski, L. Miklush, L. Murphy, J. Ramirez, J. Tiedt
Senior Lecturer: D. Smith
Lecturers: S. Harrison, A. Hedger, K. Manion, J. Miller, B. Senger, L. Tochterman, N. Tucker
Introduction
The Department of Nursing offers three advanced education nursing programs: the accelerated RN to MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program, the MSN program, and Second Master's degree in Nursing program. These programs emphasize leadership, the integration of theoretical concepts from nursing and related disciplines, and the application of these theories to practice. Both role development and preparation in a specialty focus area are emphasized. Grounded in Jesuit and nursing values, the MSN program prepares Registered Nurses to assume roles as Family Nurse Practitioners, Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Educators, or Health Systems Leaders. With Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) as the organizing framework for the curriculum, the program builds on the themes of servant leadership, social justice, community, and reflective practice. Gonzaga's MSN program is offered in an online distance delivery format with scheduled on-campus immersions. This format enables nurses in geographically isolated areas and those who would not be able to attend an on-campus program to pursue advanced nursing education and still continue to provide much-needed nursing services in their home communities while completing graduate studies. Graduates are qualified to take the national certification examinations for their areas of specialization. National certification is a requirement for licensure as a Nurse Practitioner in most states. Students are responsible for checking state mandates for practice while in the student role and in an advanced nursing role.
Program Overview
Students apply for admission to one of four specialty tracks in the MSN program: Family Nurse Practitioner (44 credits), Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (47 credits), Nurse Educator (36 credits), and Health Systems Leadership (36 credits).
Students who enter the Master's program through the accelerated RN to MSN pathway complete a total of ten courses (30 credits) that "bridge" them to the graduate-level courses. After completing these "bridge" courses, they progress directly to the Leadership Core courses and then have the option of pursuing either the Health Systems Leadership or the Nurse Educator track in the MSN program.
The students admitted directly into the MSN program complete the Leadership Core courses (15 credits) prior to advancing to the specialty tracks (additional 21-32 credits). They then progress through one of the four specialty options. Two of the MSN options or specialty tracks provide the theoretical foundation for advanced practice as either a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or a Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and the other two prepare students to assume advanced roles as Nurse Educators (NE) or Health Systems Leaders (HSL). In both of the Nurse Practitioner options, students complete courses in advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and the direct care core courses that prepare them for advanced practice. Students in these pathways complete 600 hours (10 credits) of practicum or clinical experience. Students preparing for the advanced role specialties of Nurse Educator and Health Systems Leader complete the core courses for those specialty tracks as well as 360 hours of practicum (6 credits).
The Second Master's degree program enables a Registered Nurse with a Master's degree in nursing to expand his or her practice into an additional specialty area. After faculty review the student's transcript and determine the courses needed to complete the student's chosen specialty pathway, the student typically completes between 21 to 35 credits, depending on the pathway, in order to obtain a second Master's degree in Nursing.
RN to MSN Program (for Registered Nurses)
The RN to MSN program offers the licensed Registered Nurse with a diploma or an Associate's degree in Nursing the opportunity to earn a Master's degree in nursing in less time and with fewer credits than would be required if completing separate BSN and MSN degrees. The MSN is the degree awarded, and there is no option for earning a separate BSN degree. In an effort to meet the needs of working registered nurses, the program is offered in a flexible distance delivery online format. Students complete ten courses (30 credits) that "bridge" them to the Master's level courses. Once the "bridge" courses have been completed, students progress immediately to the graduate level courses. There is an emphasis on preparation for an advanced role as either a Nurse Educator or Health Systems Leader.
Admission Requirements RN to MSN Program
At the time of application to the RN to MSN program, the applicant also applies for admission to Gonzaga University. The applicant must have an Associate's degree in Nursing from an accredited college or a diploma in nursing from a state-approved program and must submit one official transcript from each college, university, and nursing program attended. The decision to admit an applicant to the RN to MSN program is based on consideration of the individual's overall portfolio including:
1) Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale)
2) Evidence of a current unencumbered RN license
3) One official transcript from every college and university or nursing school attended. Only degrees and courses from a regionally accredited institution will be accepted.
4) Current curriculum vitae (CV)
5) Two letters of recommendation from individuals such as employers, colleagues, or professors who can attest to the applicant’s leadership, interpersonal skills, professional practice, critical thinking and judgment, and potential foradvanced study
6) Satisfactory score on the Miller Analogy Test or the Graduate Record Exam within the last five years
7) Typewritten statement (maximum 500 words) that describes the applicant’s:
a) interest in the RN to MSN Program and specific MSN option, e.g., Nurse Educator or Health Systems Leader
b) professional goals
c) personal and professional strengths
d) professional experiences
8) Non-native English speakers are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Gonzaga University accepts the following:
a) score of 6.5 or better on the IELTS
b) official TOEFL score of at least 88 ibt or 580 pbt
c) completion of an Associate's degree in Nursing or a diploma in Nursing from an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction.
9) Submission of a financial declaration and supporting documentation by international applicants
Degree Requirements
The RN to MSN program requires the completion of ten "bridge" courses (30 credits) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to progress to MSN-level course work.
Bridge Courses: 30 Credits| PHIL 280 Person and Conduct (Nursing) |
3 credits | |
| Religious Studies course |
3 credits | |
| NURS 312 | Professional Concepts in Nursing | 3 credits |
| NURS 321 | Statistics | 3 credits |
| NURS 354 | Creating Healthy Workplace Environments | 3 credits |
| NURS 355 |
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology |
3 credits |
| NURS 360 | Holistic Health Assessment/Health Promotion |
3 credits |
| NURS 406 |
Nursing Research | 3 credits |
| NURS 463 | Community Health | 3 credits |
| NURS 464 | Community Health Practicum | 3 credits |
Graduate (MSN) Courses:
Students who have successfully completed the "bridge" courses and have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 progress directly to the MSN level courses.
Admissions Requirements to the MSN Program
At the time of application to the MSN program, the applicant also applies for admission to Gonzaga University. The applicant must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, be licensed as a Registered Nurse and submit one official transcript from each college, university, and/or nursing program attended. The decision to admit an applicant to the MSN program is based on consideration of the individual's overall portfolio including:
1) Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale)advanced study
2) Evidence of a current unencumbered RN license
3) One official transcript from every college and university or nursing school attended. Only degrees and courses from a regionally accredited institution will be accepted.
4) Current curriculum vitae (CV)
5) Two letters of recommendation from individuals such as employers, colleagues, or professors who can attest to the applicant’s leadership, interpersonal skills, professional practice, critical thinking and judgment, and potential for
6) Satisfactory score on the Miller Analogy Test or the Graduate Record Exam within the last five years
7) Typewritten statement (maximum 500 words) that describes the applicant’s:
a) interest in the RN to MSN Program and specific MSN option, e.g., Nurse Educator or Health Systems Leader
b) professional goals
c) personal and professional strengths
d) professional experiences
8) Non-native English speakers are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Gonzaga University accepts the following:
a) score of 6.5 or better on the IELTS
b) official TOEFL score of at least 88 ibt or 580 pbt
c) completion of an Associate's degree in Nursing or a diploma in Nursing from an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction.
9) Submission of a financial declaration and supporting documentation by international applicants
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Leadership Core Required for All Four MSN Options: 15 Credits
All of the Leadership Core courses are offered online and must be completed for all of the specialty options. These courses provide the theoretical foundation for role development and expose the students to concepts and issues that undergird all areas of advanced nursing practice. Courses include content in health policy analysis and development, health care ethics, evidence-based practice, advanced role theory and concepts, and leadership.
NURS 551 Contemporary Delivery of Health Care 3 credits NURS 552 Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing 3 credits NURS 553 Evidenced-Based Practice 3 credits NURS 554 Professional Relationships in Advanced Nursing Roles 3 credits NURS 555 Nursing Ethics 3 credits
Health Systems Leadership (HSL) Option: 36 Credits (including Leadership Core)
This option prepares registered nurses to assume leadership and administrative positions in inpatient, outpatient, community-based, and academic settings. Students gain knowledge and competency in financial and human capital management, as well as strategies for responding to the ethical and legal issues encountered in administrative roles. The HSL core courses are offered online. Practicum experiences are arranged by the student to meet identified learning needs. There is a required two-day, on-campus immersion during the last practicum course.
Health Systems Leadership Core: 15 Credits NURS 641A Nursing Leadership Development 3 credits NURS 642A Quality and Information Management 3 credits NURS 643A Communication and Relationship Management 3 credits NURS 644A Health Care Management
3 credits NURS 645A Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Healthcare Environments 3 credits Health Systems Leadership Practicum: 6 Credits (360 hours) NURS 631A Health Systems Leadership Practicum I 1-3 credits NURS 632A Health Systems Leadership Practicum II 1-3 credits NURS 633A Health Systems Leadership Practicum III 1-3 credits
Nurse Educator (NE) Option: 36 Credits (including Leadership Core)
This option prepares registered nurses to work as educators in academic, hospital, and community-based settings. Students develop an area of clinical specialization as well as competency in curriculum development, teaching-learning strategies, and assessment of student learning. Particular emphasis is placed on tailoring content and practicum experiences to individual needs. The NE core courses are offered online. Practicum experiences take place in a variety of educational settings. There is a required two-day, on-campus immersion during the last practicum course.
Nurse Educator Core: 15 Credits NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits NURS 641E Curriculum Development 3 credits NURS 642E Teaching-Learning Strategies 3 credits NURS 643E Assessment of Student Learning and Evaluation 3 credits NURS 644E Transition to the Nurse Educator Role 3 credits Nurse Educator Practicum: 6 Credits (360 hours) NURS 631E Nurse Educator Practicum I 1-3 credits NURS 632E Nurse Educator Practicum II 1-3 credits NURS 633E Nurse Educator Practicum III 1-3 credits
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Option: 44 Credits (including Leadership Core)
This option prepares students to provide a holistic approach to primary care for individuals and families of all ages and to manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health problems. Family Nurse Practitioners work in independent as well as collaborative practice settings, such as private practices, urgent care centers, health maintenance organizations, clinics, health departments, student health centers, and clinics for the homeless or uninsured. The FNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in two on-campus immersions during each of the three practicum courses as well as when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course. These immersions are two days in length. Students residing in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana also have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each practicum course. Students living outside of this four-state region are required to arrange for an additional on-campus day in conjunction with one of the immersion experiences during each practicum course in order to complete the faculty site visit requirement.
Family Nurse Practitioner Core: 19 Credits NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits NURS 600 Health Assessment: Advanced Nurse Practicum
4 credits NURS 635P Primary Health Care I 3 credits NURS 636P Primary Health Care II 3 credits NURS 637P Primary Health Care III 3 credits Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: 10 Credits (600 hours) NURS 605P Practicum in Primary Health Care I 2-3 credits NURS 606P Practicum in Primary Health Care II 2-4 credits NURS 607P Practicum in Primary Health Care III 2-4 credits
Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Option: 47 Credits (including Leadership Core)
This option prepares students to work as Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. They are prepared to provide the full range of services that comprise primary mental health care in diverse settings with a variety of clients/patients, to provide clinical and professional leadership, and facilitate system improvements. Their clinical practice focuses on persons of all ages with diagnosed psychiatric disorders and individuals, families, or populations at risk for mental illness. The PMHNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the four practicum courses and two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course. These immersions are two days in length. Students also have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during two of the practicum courses. Additional site visits are arranged as needed.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Core: 22 Credits NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits NURS 525 Advanced Psychopharmacology (optional) 3 credits NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment: Advanced Nurse Practicum
4 credits NURS 621M Dynamic Care Formulation 3 credits NURS 642M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts I 3 credits NURS 643M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts II 3 credits NURS 644M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts III 3 Credits Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum: 10 Credits (600 hours) NURS 601M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice I 1 credit NURS 631M Advanced Psychiatric -Mental Health Nursing Practice II 2-3 credits NURS 632M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice III 2-3 credits NURS 633M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice IV 2-3 credits
Second Master's Degree in Nursing Program
The Second Master's Degree program is designed for the Registered Nurse who already possesses a Master’s degree in Nursing but desires additional preparation in another specialty area. The program is structured to meet the needs and schedules of working Registered Nurses through the same distributive learning formats used in the MSN program. The total credits required may vary depending on each student’s background and preparation.
Admission Requirements for Second Master's Degree in Nursing Program
At the time of application to the Second Master's Degree program, the applicant also applies for admission to Gonzaga University. The applicant must have a Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university, be licensed as a Registered Nurse, and submit one official transcript from each college, university, and/or nursing program attended. The decision to admit an applicant to the Second Master's Degree program is based on consideration of the individual's overall portfolio including:
1) Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale)
2) Evidence of a current unencumbered RN license
3) One official transcript from every college and university or nursing school attended. Only degrees and courses from a regionally accredited institution will be accepted.
4) Current curriculum vitae (CV)
5) Two letters of recommendation from individuals such as employers, colleagues, or professors who can attest to the applicant’s leadership, interpersonal skills, professional practice, critical thinking and judgment, and potential for - advanced study
6) Satisfactory score on the Miller Analogy Test or the Graduate Record Exam within the last five years
7) Typewritten statement (maximum 500 words) that describes the applicant’s:
a) professional goals
c) personal and professional strengths
d) professional experiences
8) Non-native English speakers are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Gonzaga University accepts the following:
a) score of 6.5 or better on the IELTS
b) official TOEFL score of at least 88 ibt or 580 pbt
9) Submission of a financial declaration and supporting documentation by international applicants
Second Master's Degree Program Options:
Health Systems Leadership Option: 21-24 Credits
This option prepares registered nurses to assume leadership and administrative positions in inpatient, outpatient, community-based, and academic settings. Students gain knowledge and competency in financial and human capital management, as well as strategies for responding to the ethical and legal issues encountered in administrative roles. The HSL core courses are offered online. Practicum experiences are arranged by the student to meet identified learning needs. There is a required two-day, on-campus immersion during the last practicum course.
Required Courses or Equivalency: 15-18 Credits NURS 555 Nursing Ethics 3 credits NURS 641A Nursing Leadership Development 3 credits NURS 642A Quality and Information Management 3 credits NURS 643A Communication and Relationship Management 3 credits NURS 644A Health Care Management
3 credits NURS 645A Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Healthcare Environments 3 credits Health Systems Leadership Practicum: 6 Credits (360 hours) NURS 631A Health System Leadership Practicum I 1-3 credits NURS 632A Health System Leadership Practicum II 1-3 credits NURS 633A Health System Leadership Practicum III 1-3 credits
Nurse Educator Option: 21-24 CreditsThis option prepares Registered Nurses to work as educators in academic, hospital, and community-based settings. Students develop an area of clinical specialization as well as competency in curriculum development, teaching-learning strategies, and assessment of student learning. Particular emphasis is placed on tailoring content and practicum experiences to individual needs. The NE core courses are offered online. Practicum experiences take place in a variety of educational settings. There is a required two-day, on-campus immersion during the last practicum course.
Required Courses or Equivalency: 15-18 Credits NURS 555 Nursing Ethics 3 credits NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits NURS 641E Curriculum Development 3 credits NURS 642E Teaching Learning Strategies 3 credits NURS 643E Assessment of Student Learning and Evaluation 3 credits NURS 644E Transition to the Nurse Educator Role 3 credits Nurse Educator Practicum: 6 Credits (360 hours) NURS 631E Nurse Educator Practicum I 1-3 credits NURS 632E Nurse Educator Practicum II 1-3 credits NURS 633E Nurse Educator Practicum III 1-3 credits
Family Nurse Practitioner Option: 29-32 CreditsThis option prepares students to provide a holistic approach to primary care for individuals and families of all ages and to manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health problems. Family Nurse Practitioners work in independent as well as collaborative practice settings, such as private practices, urgent care centers, health maintenance organizations, clinics, health departments, student health centers, and clinics for the homeless or uninsured. The FNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in two on-campus immersions during each of the three practicum courses as well as when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course. These immersions are two days in length. Students residing in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana also have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each practicum course. Students living outside of this four-state region are required to arrange for an additional on-campus day in conjunction with one of the immersions during each practicum course in order to complete the faculty site visit requirement.
Required Courses or Equivalency: 19-22 Credits NURS 555 Nursing Ethics 3 credits NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment: Nursing Practicum
4 credits NURS 635P Primary Health Care I 3 credits NURS 636P Primary Health Care II 3 credits NURS 637P Primary Health Care III 3 credits Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum: 10 Credits (600 hours) NURS 605P Practicum in Primary Health Care I 2-3 credits NURS 606P Practicum in Primary Health Care II 2-4 credits NURS 607P Practicum in Primary Health Care III 2-4 credits
Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 35-38 CreditsThis option prepares students to work as Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. They are prepared to provide the full range of services that comprise primary mental health care in diverse settings with a variety of clients/patients, to provide clinical and professional leadership, and facilitate system improvements. Their clinical practice focuses on persons of all ages with diagnosed psychiatric disorders and individuals, families, or populations at risk for mental illness. The PMHNP core courses are offered online. When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in one on-campus immersion during each of the four practicum courses and two on-campus immersions when taking the Advanced Health Assessment course. These immersions are two days in length. Students also have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during two of the practicum courses. Additional site visits are arranged as needed.
Required Courses or Equivalency: 25-28 Credits NURS 555 Nursing Ethics 3 credits NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 credits NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 credits NURS 525 Advanced Psychopharmacology (optional) 3 credits NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment: Nursing Practicum 4 credits NURS 621M Dynamic Care Formulation 3 credits NURS 642M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts I 3 credits NURS 643M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts II 3 credits NURS 644M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts III 3 credits Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum: 10 Credits (600 hours) NURS 601M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice I 1 credit NURS 631M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice II 2-3 credits NURS 632M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice III 2-3 credits NURS 633M Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice IV 2-3 credits