Course Descriptions Immersions

NURS 700: DNP Practicum Readiness - 1 Credit
This introductory practicum integrates Jesuit values with foundational DNP competencies. Students are introduced to expectations of the DNP role, doctoral studies, and Jesuit education. Students begin developing their DNP project by identifying a community-driven, practice-based gap and establishing a practicum site. Emphasis is placed on ethical inquiry, reflective leadership, and scholarly discernment.

NURS 760: DNP Project Readiness: Scholarly Inquiry and Knowledge Translation - 3 Credits
This seminar course introduces foundations of scholarly inquiry and knowledge translation through the DNP project process using the lens of nursology. Students begin to cultivate their scholarly identity and understand the role of nursing knowledge in shaping practice and systems-level change. Emphasis is placed on identifying practice gaps, appraising evidence for the DNP project, and establishing a practicum site.

NURS 708: Inferential Statistics - 3 Credits
Reviews descriptive and inferential statistical concepts including probability distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, regression analysis, and non-parametric testing. Emphasizes application of statistical methods to nursing research and quality improvement using software such as Excel or Mega Stat.

NURS 713: Population Health Outcomes - 3 Credits
Equips students with epidemiological and informatics tools to assess and improve population health outcomes. Students evaluate health disparities, develop evidence-based interventions, and address ethical considerations in data use.

NURS 761: DNP Project Seminar I: Project Design and Methodology - 2 Credits
This seminar course provides the DNP student with the knowledge and skills to expand the practice issue and develop an independent, analytic DNP project focusing on problems of advanced practice nursing within specific populations. Students refine their clinical question, select appropriate methodologies, and integrate informatics and data science tools. Emphasis is placed on ethical implementation, stakeholder engagement, and aligning project goals with health system priorities.

NURS 701: DNP Practicum 2 - Credit
In this practicum course, students are introduced to scholarly practice through conceptual exploration, population analysis, and translational inquiry. Students continue to engage with mentors and agency liaisons to assess systems and identify practice gaps. The student begins to establish an expanded advanced nursing role focusing on a population of interest. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.
 
NURS 715: Health Policy, Law, Ethics, and Advocacy - 3 Credits
This course prepares DNP nurse leaders to analyze and shape policy that improves quality, safety, person-centered care, and health equity. Students master policy application, analysis, economics, ethics, legislation, and interprofessional advocacy to address social determinants of health, systemic bias, and health inequities while engaging in real-world policy activities.

NURS 709: Leadership, Entrepreneurial Engagement, and Systems Innovation - 3 Credits
This course prepares DNP students to embrace innovation, explore entrepreneurial opportunities, and apply leadership strategies within diverse healthcare settings. Students will cultivate a mindset to lead strategic initiatives that address health system challenges, health outcomes, and emerging opportunities in healthcare transformation. Strategies will be used to explore the feasibility of innovative ideas and practical application for sustainability of nurse-led, system-based initiatives that improve quality, safety, and access. The course provides practical and achievable preparation for leading innovation without excessive workload, focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and applied leadership skills. For the clinical DNP, this course introduces foundational concepts in business ownership and independent practice management, including regulatory, financial, operational, and strategic growth considerations.

NURS 762: DNP Project Seminar II: Implementation & Change Leadership - 2 Credits
This seminar supports students in the implementation phase of their DNP project, emphasizing nursing’s unique contributions to health improvement. Students operationalize their project design, engage stakeholders, and apply theories to guide decision-making, adaptation, and leadership throughout the implementation process. Emphasis is placed on project management, system-based leadership, change management, ethical oversight, and real-time data monitoring to ensure fidelity and impact.

NURS 702: DNP Practicum II - 2 Credits
This practicum course provides students with the opportunity to work within a practice setting to implement their scholarly project. Students collaborate with interprofessional teams to explore quality improvement, program evaluation or policy and safety practices using evidence translation. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.

NURS 710: Healthcare Informatics and Data Science for Quality Improvement - 3 Credits
Prepares students to recognize and lead data-driven improvements through integration of data science, informatics, artificial intelligence (AI), and systems leadership. Focuses on health information systems, data governance, analytics, AI foundations, ethical and legal frameworks, and global impact.

Nurse 703: DNP Practicum III - 1 Credit
Supports students in implementing their DNP project through leadership and change management. Students apply leadership principles, evaluate outcomes, and communicate findings. The student is required to submit an individualized practicum proposal and objectives for the practicum experience.

NURS 763: DNP Project Seminar III: Evaluation and Dissemination - 2 Credits
This capstone seminar focuses on theory-guided practice, outcome evaluation, and dissemination through the lens of nursology – the study of nursing as a discipline. Students present project findings, engage in scholarly dialogue, and reflect on their evolving professional identity as nurse scholars. Emphasis is placed on promoting a translational research agenda and communicating findings to diverse audiences.