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Course Catalog

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Associate Dean, Administration and Compliance, Chief Nurse Administrator: Joan Owens, PhD, RN 

Education Quality and Innovation: Christine Sloan 
Professors:S. Boysen (Emeritus), N. Crogan (Emeritus), M. McFarland (Emeritus), J. RamirezJ. TiedtM. Shaw
Associate Professors:C. KottwitzL. Murphy (Emeritus), J. OwensB. Senger
Assistant Professors:M. DeNysschen, E. Hennessey, J. Rock, M. Schiavenato, C. Sloan , 
Senior Lecturers:N. BeckhamJ. DerzayD. Smith
Lecturers:S. Edwards, S. Ellefson, J. Garrity, D. Jacobson, H. Newton, D. OgorekD. Peck, T. Redman, K. Slater
Cline, K., Evans, J., Hoving, B., Maefsky, K., Magee, D., Staaben, J., Todd, S., Tviet, T.


Introduction

The Department of Nursing offers two pathways to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree: post-baccalaureate DNP and post-master’s DNP. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree and a Registered Nurse license can apply for admission to the post-baccalaureate DNP (PBDNP) option and one of the specialty nurse practitioner tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (78 credits) or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (78 credits). PBDNP students are required to complete the MSN core and NP specialty courses prior to progressing to the DNP-level courses. Students earn an MSN degree, which allows them the option of taking the national certification exam for their selected NP specialty role and population focus;  once certified and licensed, begin  practice in their advanced practice role. After completing the MSN courses, PBDNP students begin the DNP courses and complete a DNP scholarly project.

Nurses with a master’s degree in nursing that prepared them as advanced practice nurses (e.g., as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist) or in an advanced role (e.g., as a nursing leader or nurse administrator) can apply for admission to the post-master's DNP option (28-31 credits).  The DNP program is consistent with the mission of Gonzaga University and the overall mission of the Department of Nursing, which is to prepare nurses for leadership in the service of others. Graduates of Gonzaga's DNP program are prepared to engage in systems thinking to solve complex problems, translate evidence to improve health care practices and population health, lead quality improvement and change initiatives, and demonstrate effective intra-professional collaboration.

Gonzaga's DNP 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 are unable 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. Nurse Practitioner graduates are prepared 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

Post-Baccalaureate DNP Option

This online program is available to Registered Nurses who have earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing or have a bachelor’s degree in another field and are licensed as Registered Nurses. Nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of four pre-requisite nursing courses prior to starting the MSN courses. The MSN and DNP courses are offered in a distance delivery format in fall, spring, and summer sessions.

The post-baccalaureate DNP (PBDNP) requires the completion of a minimum of 78 credit hours between the MSN and DNP degrees depending on the selected specialty track. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks require the completion of 78 credits. Students in all tracks must complete a minimum of 1000 practicum hours in order to earn the DNP degree. The majority of the practicum hours (approximately 660 hours) are spent learning the NP specialty role and the remaining 340 hours involve completion of a DNP project focused on improving an identified practice issue. Students are required to participate in a total of seven or eight on-campus immersions (depending on their specialty track).

Admission

  1. Students applying to Gonzaga University must submit Gonzaga’s Graduate Application, which can be accessed online at https://www.gonzaga.edu/gradapply
  2. Along with the application for graduate study, each program at Gonzaga has distinct admission requirements. Please refer to the table below to view that detailed information.

Program Name

How To Apply Link
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Post-Baccalaureate (Online)  https://www.gonzaga.edu/online-graduate-programs/online-programs/nursing-programs/doctor-of-nursing-practice-post-baccalaureate  
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Post-Masters (Online)  https://www.gonzaga.edu/online-graduate-programs/online-programs/nursing-programs/doctor-of-nursing-practice-post-masters/eligibility-criteria-admission-requirements  

Post-Baccalaureate DNP Track Options:

Family Nurse Practitioner (78 credits)

This track prepares nurse practitioners to provide a holistic approach to primary care for individuals across the life span, from infants to older adults, and to manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health problems. FNPs typically practice in primary care settings, such as private practices, clinics, urgent care centers, and community health centers. Students in this track must complete a total of 78 credits to earn a DNP degree. The didactic courses are offered online. Students complete the required 1000 hours of practicum in their home communities working at a site and with a preceptor approved by faculty.

When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in eight on-campus immersions. Six of the immersions are associated with the FNP practicum courses and emphasize health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, skill development, and the demonstration of competence in the NP role. These immersions are two to three days in length. . Two immersions are associated with orienting to the DNP role and DNP project. The student must participate in an orientation immersion during the first semester of DNP coursework (NURS 705) and a second immersion during the DNP project readiness course (NURS 760). Each immersion is two to three days in length. The first immersion provides an overview of the DNP program and courses, introduction to campus resources and Jesuit education, scholarly writing, foundations of the DNP role, and the DNP project. The second immersion covers development of a DNP project plan, expectations for the DNP project practicum courses, composition of the DNP Project Committee, Institutional Review Board requirements, the proposal defense, and an introduction to faculty and their specific research interests. The completion of a DNP project that improves practice is also a required component of the DNP program.

Students residing in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana have at least one site visit from a clinical faculty during each FNP 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.

At the successful completion of the MSN courses, students earn an MSN degree and are qualified to take the FNP certification exam, which, if passed, makes them eligible for an advanced practice license. Requirements for the MSN FNP degree can be found on the MSN degree page. Requirements for the DNP degree are listed below.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (78 credits)

This track prepares nurse practitioners to care for individuals across the life span in need of mental health care and treatment. PMHNPs are prepared to provide psychotherapy and prescribed medications and other psychiatric treatment interventions. PMHNPs typically practice in primary care settings, such as private practices, mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health centers. Students in this track must complete a total of 78 credits to earn a DNP degree. The didactic courses are offered online. Students complete the required 1000 hours of practicum in their home communities working at a site and with a preceptor approved by faculty.

When students begin their practicum courses, they are required to participate in seven on-campus immersions. Five of the immersions are associated with the PMHNP practicum courses and emphasize health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, development of skill in behavioral therapy, and the demonstration of competence in the NP role. These immersions are two days in length. Two immersions are associated with orienting to the DNP role and DNP project. The student must participate in an orientation immersion during the first semester of DNP coursework (NURS 705) and a second immersion during the DNP project readiness course (NURS 760). Each immersion is 2 to 3 days in length. The first immersion provides an overview of the DNP program and courses, introduction to campus resources and Jesuit education, scholarly writing, foundations of the DNP role and the DNP project. The second immersion covers development of a DNP project plan, expectations for the DNP project practicum courses, composition of the DNP Project Committee, Institutional Review Board requirements, the proposal defense, and an introduction to faculty and their specific research interests. The completion of a DNP project that improves practice is also a required component of the DNP program.

Students have a site visit from a clinical faculty during each of the three PMHNP practicum courses. At the successful completion of the MSN courses, students earn an MSN degree and are qualified to take the PMHNP certification exam, which, if passed, makes them eligible for an advanced practice license. Requirements for the MSN PMHNP degree can be found on the MSN degree page. Requirements for the DNP degree are listed below.

Post-Master’s DNP Option

At the time of application to the DNP program, the applicant also applies for admission to Gonzaga University. This online program is available to Registered Nurses who have earned a master's degree in a nursing specialty area as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, certified nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, or in nursing leadership/administration and want to advance their practice. The DNP courses are offered in a distance delivery format in fall, spring, and summer sessions, with the exception of the project courses which are not offered in the summer session.

The post-master's DNP requires the completion of a minimum of 28 credit hours. The total number of credits a student must take in order to complete degree requirements depends on the courses and practicum hours completed in the student's master's degree program. If an applicant was not required to complete an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) course during his or her master's degree program, or a Biostatistics or Inferential Statistics course in the past five years, these courses can be completed while enrolled in the DNP program. The EBP course must be completed either prior to beginning DNP coursework or during the first semester of the DNP Program. The graduate-level Biostatistics or Inferential Statistics course must be taken prior to starting the DNP project courses (701/761). The number of practicum hours that each student must complete is individualized (based on the number completed in the student's MSN program) so that each student meets the required 1,000 practicum hours by program completion (including practicum hours from the student's master's program). This means that a student may need to complete more than 28 total credits.

The program requires two on-campus immersions. The student must participate in an orientation immersion during the first semester of DNP coursework (NURS 705) and a second immersion during the DNP project readiness course (NURS 760). Each immersion is 2 to 3 days in length. The first immersion provides an overview of the DNP program and courses, introduction to campus resources and Jesuit education, scholarly writing, foundations of the DNP role and the DNP project. The second immersion covers development of a DNP project plan, expectations for the DNP project practicum courses, composition of the DNP Project Team, Institutional Review Board requirements, the proposal defense, and an introduction to faculty and their specific research interests.

The three practicum and seminar courses prepare the student to complete a scholarly DNP project that is aimed at improving some aspect of clinical or leadership practice, depending on the student’s focus. The student has the option of presenting the defense of his or her DNP project proposal and the final defense of the completed DNP scholarly project to faculty and students either in person or through video-conferencing.

 

Degree Requirements:

The DNP program requires completion of a minimum of 28 semester credits

NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice (if not taken in master’s degree program)
3 credits
NURS 705 Introduction to the DNP Role  1 credit
NURS 708 Inferential Statistics (if equivalent not taken within previous 5 years) 3 credits
NURS 711 Quality Improvement and Leadership in Health Care 3 credits
NURS 712 Translational Research in Advanced Practice 3 credits
NURS 713 Population Health Outcomes  3 credits
NURS 714 Theoretical Underpinnings of Adv Practice 3 credits
NURS 715 Health Policy, Ethics and Advocacy  3 credits
NURS 760 DNP Project Readiness  3 credits
NURS 761 DNP Project Seminar I 2 credits
NURS 762 DNP Project Seminar II 1 credit
NURS 763 DNP Project Seminar III 1 credit
DNP Practicum Courses: 1,000 hours required between the MSN & DNP degrees
 
 (minimum of 5 credits)
   
NURS 701 DNP Practicum I
1-3 credits
NURS 702 DNP Practicum II
1-3 credits 
NURS 703 DNP Practicum III
1-3 credits
NURS 704 DNP Practicum Extension (if needed) 
1-3 credits 
NURS 523 Adv Pathophysiology
3.00 credits
This course seeks to assist learners to understand the cellular pathophysiological basis of disease. The content emphasizes cellular, genetic, and biochemical processes. Pathophysiological and physiological concepts form the basis for critical thinking and decision making when assessing and treating individuals with various disease processes.
Equivalent:
NURS 533 - Successful completion
NURS 524 Adv Pharmacology
3.00 credits
The course is designed to prepare the learner for an advanced practice role with prescriptive authority. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles will be applied to the pharmacotherapeutic treatment of disease. Medications will be studied according to therapeutic categories and drug classes within the framework of organ-based pathophysiologic disease state processes. Emphasis will be placed on the medications that are commonly used (top 200 drugs) in primary care settings with special attention given to evidence-based medication selection, patient education, and medication monitoring.
Prerequisite:
NURS 523 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 561 Info Tech & Data Mgmt
3.00 credits
This course explores the many uses of information technology and data management. The course will provide learners with the knowledge and skills in information and healthcare technology needed to enhance communication and interprofessional collaboration in the current healthcare environment. The process of locating, accessing and analyzing information and data is applied to advanced practice roles, enhancing patient safety, quality and outcomes, and improving population health.
Equivalent:
NURS 554 - Taken before Fall 2014
NURS 562 Theor Fdn Hlthcare Improvement
3.00 credits
This course provides a theoretical orientation to become change agents in a variety of healthcare settings and diverse practice populations. The course will provide learners with a foundation in theories significant to nursing practice such as complex adaptive systems, organizational and change theory, leadership and team-building models, and quality improvement and care models needed to assess, design, plan, implement, and evaluation quality improvement project to promote patient-centered care and improve program outcomes.
Equivalent:
NURS 552 - Taken before Fall 2013
NURS 563 EBP for Quality & Safety
3.00 credits
This course will provide learners with a theoretical and practical foundation for identifying and critically appraising evidence from qualitative and quantitative research traditions. The emphasis is on the examination of the essential elements of evidence-based-practice, including the formulation of answerable questions to address quality improvement and safety in a variety of advance practice roles and the systematic search for research evidence that can be used to answer researchable questions.
Equivalent:
NURS 553 - Taken before Fall 2013
NURS 564 Contemp Hlthcare Env
3.00 credits
This course explores the ethical and legal principles of healthcare and their impact on accessible, affordable, and quality care. This course will provide learners with a framework for discussing ethical and legal issues with an emphasis on the ethical delivery of care to individuals, families and populations. The scope and standards of advanced nursing roles will be examined along with current issues and policies that address health care disparities, health care organizations, financing and quality. Strategies for analyzing and influencing public, professional and institutional policies related to health care and its delivery will be considered.
Equivalent:
NURS 551 - Taken before Summer 2014
NURS 565 Clin Prev for Diverse Pops
3.00 credits
The focus of this course is on the development of health promotion and disease prevention programs for diverse groups and populations. Selected concepts of epidemiology, broad determinants of health, population health, clinical prevention and cultural competence will be examined as they relate to the design and delivery of equitable clinical prevention and health promotion interventions and/or services to individuals, families, communities and aggregates/clinical populations.
Equivalent:
NURS 555 - Taken before Summer 2014
NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment
3.00 credits
This course is designed to extend and refine the assessment skills of the Registered Nurse in preparation for an advanced clinical practice role. The student will learn to perform physical, developmental, mental, emotional, cultural, social, and family assessments. Students will review anatomy and physiology related to each biological system being studied. The course emphasizes in-depth techniques for assessing each body system in individuals throughout the life span. Lectures will focus on the use of a variety of health assessment techniques, including history taking skills, physical assessment, and other diagnostic assessment tools. Application of diagnostic reasoning and patient education to the assessment process will be included in the content. This course incorporates approximately 13 hours of supervised laboratory experience and 60 hours of precepted clinical experience. Laboratory and clinical components of the course focus on helping the student to develop communication, observation, and psychomotor skills and to document history and physical examination findings. Two, 2-day on-campus immersions required. . NURS 600/NURS 601 must be taken concurrently, and is considered a full-time load for the semester.
Prerequisite:
NURS 523 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 524 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 601
NURS 601 Adv Health Assessment Pract I
1.00 credit
This course is the practicum course paired with NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment. The focus is on the practice of advanced assessment skills within a primary care setting. Students must complete 60 clinical hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner or physician.
Prerequisite:
NURS 523 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 524 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 600
NURS 634A Nursing Leadership Practicum
2.00- 3.00 credits
This practicum course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders with the opportunity to integrate leadership and theoretical knowledge from previous didactic courses to gain hands-on expertise. Students have the opportunity to achieve competencies as nurse leaders in the areas of communication, knowledge of the healthcare environment, leadership, professionalism, and business skills, as outlined by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). This individualized practicum experience will take place in one or more pre-approved healthcare settings under the guidance of an approved expert clinical preceptor for the completion of 120-180 clinical practicum hours. Students will develop objectives for learning and identify specific activities to meet these objectives; one objective will focus on a practicum project. Students are required to attend a two-day on-campus immersion.
Prerequisite:
NURS 642A Minimum Grade: C and NURS 644A Minimum Grade: C and NURS 645A Minimum Grade: C
NURS 642A HC Quality Impr & Safety Mgtmt
3.00 credits
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to acquire the essential skills, values, and principles necessary to facilitate an environment of quality and safety in a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Course content focuses on creating highly-reliable organizations and the establishment of a just-culture. The course emphasizes strategies and methodologies in the application of research and evidence-based practices to strive for excellence, improve quality, and increase patient safety in all aspects of healthcare. National initiatives and agencies responsible for quality outcome measures and organizational accountability will be explored.
Prerequisite:
NURS 561 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 563 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 565 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 644A Business of Healthcare Mngmnt
3.00 credits
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to acquire the skills essential to financially manage a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Course content focuses on the financial concepts of accounting, budgets, coding, cost allocation, reimbursement, productivity, and capital expenses.
NURS 645A Legal, Regulatory, & Ethic HC
3.00 credits
This course prepares nurses as healthcare leaders to apply legal, ethical, and regulatory principles in a variety of complex healthcare delivery settings. Systems theory provides a framework for examining legal and regulatory actions influencing delivery of care, patient and employee rights and responsibilities, quality management, accreditation, and patient safety and risk management. The course utilizes healthcare policy as a framework to analyze, monitor, and maintain legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance.
NURS 651P Gender Based
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the care of women and men with common pathophysiological alterations in gender related health. Focus is on clinical management of preventative, acute and chronic health problems in women and men who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the FNP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), and prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 652P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 662P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 661P
NURS 652M PMH Nurse Concepts I
3.00 credits
Designed as an induction into advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing. The scope of practice and standards of the psychiatric nurse practitioner are analyzed. Major emphasis is placed on building a therapeutic relationship, assessing, and diagnosing major psychiatric disorders mental health promotion/prevention strategies, and diagnostic decision-making is stressed. Risk assessments and formulating diagnoses using DSM V, are emphasized and other phenomena requiring clinical intervention, considering variations across the lifespan. Selected theories of interpersonal psychotherapy, human development, recovery, and trauma informed care across the lifespan are analyzed. The biological bases of psychosocial behavior and their implications in psychiatric care are explored. Integration of concepts and application in one's personal practice are stressed.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 670 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 661M
NURS 652P Infant, Child, Adolescence
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner in the clinical management of preventative, acute and chronic health problems in infants/children/adolescents who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the NP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment and treatment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), and prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions. The FNP’s role in management and referral to other health care professionals and community resources for individuals and families will be emphasized (e.g., coordination of care transitions within and between health care systems for children with developmental delay).
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 662P
NURS 653M PMH Nurse Concepts II
3.00 credits
The focus of this course is on the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic mental health issues. Emphasis is on individual and group psychotherapy across the lifespan. Development of therapeutic relationships and interpersonal processes in psychotherapy are examined. Continued development of therapeutic relationships, self-awareness, and skill in assessment, diagnosis, and care formulation are emphasized.
Prerequisite:
NURS 652M Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 662M
NURS 653P Adult/Gerontology I
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the clinical management of chronic and complex health problems in adults and elders who present for care in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the NP’s role in performing comprehensive health assessment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis) and treatment, prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions, and patient education, follow-up, co-management or referral.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 651P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 663P
NURS 654M PMH Nurse Concepts III
3.00 credits
Focuses on the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic mental health issues. The course will have an emphasis on individual, group and family psychotherapy interventions. Development of therapeutic relationships and interpersonal processes in psychotherapy are examined. Theoretical models for individual and group psychotherapy are analyzed for their application and presenting issues in therapy situations of patients/clients of varying ages and diagnoses are emphasized. Self-awareness; continuing development of knowledge and skill in assessment, diagnosis, and care formulation; and integration of theories and techniques of psychotherapy for application in one's personal practice are stressed. Strategies in treating chronic mental health disorders are considered. The indications for and selection of appropriate theoretical models, diagnostic strategies, and/or intervention techniques, and issues in treatment situations of patients/clients across the age span are emphasized.
Prerequisite:
NURS 652M Minimum Grade: C or NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 663M
NURS 654P Adult/Gerontology II
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the clinical management of chronic and complex health problems in adults and elders who present for care in primary care and other settings. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive health assessment and treatment (including ordering and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests), diagnostic reasoning (differential diagnosis), prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions, and patient education. The course also emphasizes the NP’s role when referring to other health care professionals, community resources, and interdisciplinary teams.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 653P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 663P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 664P
NURS 661M Psyc-Mntl Hlth Practicum I
1.00- 3.00 credits
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts I. Emphasis is on utilizing the theories, concepts, and skills necessary to assess and diagnose acute and chronic psychiatric disorders and the development of clinical intervention.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 670 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 652M
NURS 661P PC: Gender-Based Practicum
1.00- 3.00 credits
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Gender-Based. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete 60 to 180 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult male and female population with health concerns.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 652P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 662P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 651P
NURS 662M Psyc-Mntl Hlth Practicum II
1.00- 4.00 credits
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts II. Emphasis is on the application of treatment interventions including medication management, individual, group psychotherapy for the adult clients.
Prerequisite:
NURS 652M Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 653M
NURS 662P Infant, Child, Adoles Pract
2.00- 3.00 credits
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Infant, Child and Adolescent. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete 120 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the population of infant through adolescent with health concerns.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 652P
NURS 663M Psyc-Mntl Hlth Practicum III
1.00- 4.00 credits
This clinical course is paired with the didactic course Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts III. Emphasis is on the application of treatment interventions including medication management and individual and group psychotherapy for the child/adolescent and elderly client with acute, chronic, and co-occurring disorders.
Prerequisite:
NURS 652M Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 654M
NURS 663P Adult/Gerontology Pract I
3.00- 4.00 credits
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Adult/Geriatric I. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete a minimum of 180 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either a physician or NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult/gerontology population with health concerns in primary care settings.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 651P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 661P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 653P
NURS 664P Adult/Gerontology Pract II
2.00- 4.00 credits
This course is the clinical course paired with the didactic course Primary Care Adult/Gerontology II. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing. Students must complete a minimum 120 clinical clock hours in an approved clinical setting while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either a physician or NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the development of skills in caring for the adult/gerontology population with health concerns in primary care and other settings.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 653P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 663P Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 654P
NURS 670 Psychopharmacology
3.00 credits
The course covers the principles and theories of psychopharmacology, the examination of, epigenetics, genetics, neurochemical communication, circuits in psychopharmacology, the effects of various psychotropic drugs, and the actions of drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders. The course examines the actions and use of specific psychotropic medication, required monitoring and the management of behavior and mental illness.
Prerequisite:
NURS 523 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 524 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 671 Care of Frail Elder
3.00 credits
This course focuses on the clinical management of the elder in primary care. Emphasis is on principles of gerontological care, common syndromes, ethical issues, abuse/neglect, and care options within the long-term care (LTC) continuum. The course includes a clinical application experience in an internal medicine clinic or a LTC setting.
Prerequisite:
NURS 600 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 601 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 683P
NURS 672 Mental Hlth in Adv Practice
3.00 credits
This course is foundational for advanced practice nurses when providing care to patients with common mental health disorders. Content includes neurophysiologic, genomic, environmental, social, and developmental theories to understand the etiology and presentation of common mental health conditions. Psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological principles and modalities for treatment of common mental health problems will be explored.
NURS 683A Nursing Ldrshp Practicum Ext
1.00- 2.00 credits
This course provides Nursing Leadership in Healthcare students the opportunity to continue to apply nursing leadership and healthcare management concepts while completing required practicum hours. Students will complete 1-2 credits of practicum (60-120 hours) in approved clinical settings while supervised by approved clinical preceptors.
Prerequisite:
NURS 634A Minimum Grade: C
NURS 683M Psyc-Mntl Hlth Pract Extension
1.00- 3.00 credits
This course is an independent clinical course. It is not paired with a didactic course. It is designed to allow Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students to continue to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing in semesters when they are not enrolled in NP specialty didactic courses. Students will complete variable clinical clock hours in approved clinical settings while supervised by a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. The focus of this clinical experience is on the continuing development and refinement of treatment interventions including medication management and individual and group psychotherapy for any population.
Prerequisite:
NURS 661M Minimum Grade: C
NURS 683P Prim Care Pract Extension
1.00 credit
This course is an independent clinical course. It is not paired with a didactic course. It is designed to allow Nurse Practitioner students to continue to apply concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing in semesters following completion of the NP specialty didactic courses. Students will complete variable clinical clock hours in approved clinical settings while supervised by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician’s assistant (unless in a state that requires the preceptor to be either an MD or a NP). The focus of this clinical experience is on the continuing development and refinement of skills in caring for any population with health concerns in primary care or other approved settings.
Prerequisite:
NURS 654P Minimum Grade: C and NURS 664P Minimum Grade: C
NURS 690 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Courses designed to address special topics in nursing, based on student and faculty interests.
NURS 691 Special Topics
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
NURS 692 Independent Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Independent study requires completion of a form, and department permission and cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB. (Cannot be used to fulfill elective requirement).
NURS 701 DNP Practicum I
1.00- 3.00 credits
This practicum course provides the student an opportunity to work within a practice setting to begin to design his or her DNP project. The student also begins to establish the expanded advanced nursing DNP role focusing on a population of interest. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
Prerequisite:
NURS 760 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 761
NURS 702 DNP Practicum II
1.00- 3.00 credits
This practicum course provides the student an opportunity to work within a practice setting to implement his or her scholarly project. Emphasis is on intra- and interprofessional collaboration, demonstrating competency in the DNP Essentials, teamwork, and project management. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
Prerequisite:
NURS 701 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 761 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 762
NURS 703 DNP Practicum III
1.00- 3.00 credits
The practicum course focuses on evaluating and disseminating the results of the student's DNP project. The student continues to focus on the advanced nursing DNP role for a population of interest. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
Prerequisite:
NURS 702 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 762 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 763
NURS 704 DNP Practicum Extension
1.00- 3.00 credits
The practicum extension course allows the DNP student to work with a faculty mentor to develop a meaningful practicum experience. The practicum should be designed to help the student achieve specific learning objectives. Students develop an independent study plan in collaboration with their DNP project chair to work on areas to expand their knowledge, skills, and DNP competencies (60-180 hours).
NURS 705 Introduction to the DNP Role
1.00 credit
This course serves as the orientation to the DNP role. The Gonzaga mission, along with Jesuit values and principles are discovered and experienced. The DNP project is described and potential projects are delineated. Available resources are identified and explored.
Concurrent:
NURS 711
NURS 708 Inferential Statistics
3.00 credits
The purpose of this course is to review statistical concepts, such as descriptive statistics, probability distributions (binomial and normal), sampling distributions, inferences (point estimates and confidence intervals), hypotheses testing (one-sample tests, two-sample tests), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), as well as simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis. The course emphasizes the application of statistical concepts to analyze research for best available evidence to support quality nursing practice. The course also provides students with hands-on experience in using statistical software (Mega Stat) to assist in making effective decisions.
NURS 711 Qual Imprmnt & Ldrshp in HC
3.00 credits
This course emphasizes quality improvement and leadership in healthcare. It acquaints students with the processes, tools, and techniques that will enable them to develop the foundational framework for the DNP project. The course focuses on leadership knowledge, abilities, and skills in a complex adaptive health arena, emphasizing continuous process improvement as crucial to achieving high quality outcomes.
Concurrent:
NURS 705
NURS 712 Translational Rsrch Adv Pract
3.00 credits
This course will address the DNP role in translational research with emphasis on the examination of knowledge transformation. The course includes conducting a systematic search for research evidence to answer researchable questions and the synthesis of evidence for knowledge translation across a body of research in both qualitative and quantitative traditions.
Prerequisite:
NURS 705 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 711 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 713 Population Health Outcomes
3.00 credits
This course will explore utilization of information technology and data management for measuring and attaining population health outcomes. The DNP student will be prepared to use epidemiological data to identify the causes of disease and to evaluate health services for quality, safety and efficacy.
NURS 714 Theortcl Underpinning Adv Prct
3.00 credits
This course provides an overview of both general theoretical knowledge and specific theoretical perspectives. The emphasis is on the application of frameworks for advanced nursing roles such as nurse clinician and leader. This course particularly emphasizes selecting, analyzing, and applying nursing and integrative middle-range theories to efforts to improve population health and health care delivery.
NURS 715 Hlth Policy, Ethics & Advocacy
3.00 credits
This course emphasizes the leadership role of the DNP in influencing health policy makers and health policy development, emphasizing inter-professional collaboration. The effect of nursing scholarship on health policy and advocacy will be explored. The regulatory and ethical environments that impact DNP practice are examined considering social justice arid lgnatian values. Strategies for designing and leading the implementation of public, professional, and institutional policies relating to local, regional, national, and international health care and its delivery are considered.
Prerequisite:
NURS 705 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 711 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 712 Minimum Grade: C
NURS 760 DNP Project Readiness
3.00 credits
This course will serve as the vehicle to ensure readiness for beginning the DNP project and practicum courses.
NURS 761 DNP Project Seminar I
2.00 credits
This is the first of a series of three seminars that provide the DNP student with mentored opportunities to identify a practice issue and develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate an independent, analytic DNP project focusing on problems of advanced nursing practice within specific populations. Each seminar course builds on the knowledge and practice expertise of the DNP student, culminating in the completion of a final DNP project that demonstrates clinical scholarship. The range of projects will be varied as they relate to the DNP student's unique area of nursing, e.g., quality improvement, policy analysis, designing and using databases, designing and evaluating new models of care, collaboration with researchers to answer clinical questions, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Prerequisite:
NURS 760 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 701
NURS 762 DNP Project Seminar II
1.00 credit
During this course, the student implements the DNP project specific to a population of interest within a designated practice setting. Change management principles, leadership skills and interprofessional collaboration are emphasized. The student applies and integrates elements of the DNP Essentials.
Prerequisite:
NURS 701 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 761 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 702
NURS 763 DNP Project Seminar III
1.00 credit
In this final seminar course, the student will present the final defense of the DNP project through an oral presentation that addresses the topic of interest, the development and implementation of the project, how it addressed the needs of a selected population, and an evaluation of the project and its outcomes.
Prerequisite:
NURS 702 Minimum Grade: C and NURS 762 Minimum Grade: C
Concurrent:
NURS 703
NURS 790 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Courses designed to address special topics in nursing, based on student and faculty interests.
NURS 792 Independent Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Independent study requires completion of a form, and department permission and cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB. (Cannot be used to fulfill elective requirement).