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MSN Georgetown

Georgetown Master’s in Nursing Core Courses

Course Requirements for all Specialties:

For Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty

For Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty

For Nurse Educator Specialty

For Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialty

 

Course Requirements for all Specialties:

NURS-528 Advanced Health Assessment
This course focuses on providing students with the advanced knowledge and skills in the health assessment of individuals across the lifespan within the context of the advanced practice role. Emphasis is placed on the collection, interpretation, and synthesis of relevant historical, genetic, biological, cultural, psychosocial, and physical data for the development of a comprehensive and holistic heath assessment. Evidence based practice concepts related to health promotion/disease prevention are addressed. Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills are developed.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
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NURS-546 Advanced Concepts in Physiology and Pathophysiology
This course presupposes a knowledge of human anatomy and undergraduate physiology. Subjects are covered from a molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and system perspective, and related to issues of nursing practice. Since an exhaustive treatment of physiology is not possible in the time allotted, the philosophy of this course is to impart concepts of pathophysiology which can be used by the student to study any aspect of pathophysiology they might wish to acquire in the future. Emphasis is also placed on acquiring skill in the use of scientific literature and in conceptualizing information gained from many sources.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
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NURS-544 Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology
This course focuses on the pharmacologic concepts important to advanced practice nurses. These concepts include receptor theory, receptor-effector coupling, dose-response relationships, mechanisms of action of important classes of drugs, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Course content is geared toward providing the student with an understanding of basic pharmacologic principles that can be applied to new drugs as they become available in the future. Application of these principles to real-world situations will also be highlighted.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 546
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NURS-530 Research Methods & Biostatistics for Healthcare Providers
This course provides students with an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods commonly used by the health care provider in systematic clinical inquiry. Use of research design and methodology along with analytic tools will assist the learner to evaluate clinical issues. Emphasis is given to the application of statistical methods in the evaluation of clinical questions, focusing on selection and application of appropriate statistical procedures.

The course will provide a broad framework for understanding and applying commonly used research methodologies and data analysis techniques in health care research. Basic concepts of interpretation and application of statistics are included, such as types of distributions, concepts of significance testing, and discussion of basic descriptive statistics. The student is introduced to common non-parametric and parametric statistical tests of association and trend analysis, including a practical experience with various methods to manage a data set. Qualitative techniques of data analysis based on ethnography, critical social theory, phenomenology, and grounded theory are also applied.
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: None
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NURS-518 Biomedical Ethics
Bioethics is a field of study directed to the interdisciplinary ethical analysis of the moral dimensions of health professional practice; this includes an analysis of moral character and vision, judgment, decision-making, clinical practices, health policies, etc. Toward this end, the goals of this course are:

  1. to introduce the wide range of ethical issues in health care;
  2. to familiarize students with the bioethical literature that addresses these issues;
  3. to develop the basic skills of analysis, interpretation, moral communication, and argument used in bioethics, especially as it affects nurses and physicians, functioning separately and jointly, and
  4. to facilitate the application of those habits of thought that integrate bioethics into the intellectual and moral life of physicians and nurses.

Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
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NURS – 540 Research Evidence and Best Practices in Health Care
This course is designed to prepare the master’s level nursing student to critically evaluate knowledge, research and evidence for implementation of best practices in health care. Students will formulate and conceptualize clinical research questions, critically appraise the evidence, and synthesize research findings to develop an innovative evidence based practice and design an implementation plan.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 530
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HESY-621 Health Policy
This course examines the complex political, economic, and social forces that shape health care systems. It provides an introduction to general principles of health care organization, financing and regulation, and then sets forth a dynamic comparison of various approaches to health care delivery systems in different parts of the world. Current policy initiatives are analyzed for their impact on cost, quality, access and the health of populations. Students develop beginning skills in the epidemiological approach to population-based health care systems.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
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NURS-538 Professional Aspects of Advanced Practice Nursing course focuses on advanced roles for professional nursing practice. Emphasis is on philosophical inquiry, theory analysis, and the development of leadership skills for working with individuals and groups in advanced nursing practice.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
* NOTE: This course is not required for Nurse Education students
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For Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty

NURS-687 Primary Care of the Family I
The first primary care course focuses on analysis of family health. Students explore family concepts and theories for their relevance to nursing practice and research. Emphasis is placed on utilizing advanced health assessment skills, preventive health care practices, and health promotion throughout the lifespan. The concepts of family systems, development, culture, environment, learning, and the objectives of Healthy People 2020, are integrated into the principles and practices of primary and secondary prevention. Experiences are provided in clinical decision-making and the implementation of scientifically based therapeutic regimens.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: NURS-546; NURS-528; NURS-544
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NURS-691 Primary Care of the Family II
The second course in primary care of the family focuses on the theoretical and clinical basis for the advanced nursing management of health care problems common to families and family members of all ages. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and management of acute episodic and chronic conditions of families in the context of the primary care setting and the community. The student’s collaborative role with other health care providers is promoted. Clinical experiences include a variety of primary care settings under the supervision of faculty and preceptors.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: NURS-546; NURS-544; NURS-687; NURS-528
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NURS-714 Primary Care of the Family III
This nursing practicum provides the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skill in developing advanced competency as a family nurse practitioner. Emphasis will be on prevention, diagnosis and management of psychological/behavioral problems within the family. Student clinical experiences will be in a variety of settings with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Structured clinical laboratories and clinical projects will assist students to synthesize knowledge gained in core, specialty, and elective courses.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: NURS-528; NURS-544; NURS-546; NURS-687; NURS-691
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NURS-752 Primary Care of the Family IV
This course is the final integration and synthesis of advanced practice in primary care of the family. There will be integration of professional role and practice issues, and updates on legislation and health policy affecting Nurse Practitioners. All necessary clinical experiences specified for Family Nurse Practitioner certification are completed. Individualized and selected family-centered practice settings are identified according to student needs. Faculty and preceptors provide guidance for this experience.
Credits: 6
Prerequisites: NURS-544; NURS-546; NURS-528; NURS-687; NURS-691; NURS-714
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For Family Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty

NURS-501 Introduction to Reproductive Healthcare for Women
Introduction to well woman gynecology and care of the pregnant woman. Appropriate anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and common deviations from normal are taught. Includes conduct of annual examinations, assessment and management of STDs, contraceptive methods, preconception care and prenatal care and management in the ambulatory setting. No Prerequisites.
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: NURS-544; NURS-546; NURS-528
Concurrently: NURS-502
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NURS-502 PRIMARY CARE OF WOMEN
The student builds on the assessment skills acquired in Advanced Health Assessment. A review of the major organ systems is carried out with emphasis on common disorders that are managed in the primary health care setting. Open to Nurse-Midwifery Program students only.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: NURS-544; NURS-546; NURS-528
Concurrently: NURS-501
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NURS-522 Intrapartum, Postpartum and Newborn Care
The student continues to build on primary care and management skills acquired in Nurse-Midwifery I, and begins to care for the family in the perinatal period. Newborn assessment is added. The nurse-midwifery management process continues to be the organizing framework for clinical practice.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: NURS-501; NURS-502; NURS-544; NURS-546; NURS-528
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NURS-538 Professional Aspects of Advanced Practice Nursing
course focuses on advanced roles for professional nursing practice. Emphasis is on philosophical inquiry, theory analysis, and the development of leadership skills for working with individuals and groups in advanced nursing practice.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
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NURS-620 Complex Reproductive Health Care of Women
The focus of this course is on the collaborative management between the nurse-midwife and other health care providers in complex clinical situations. The student collaboratively manages the care of women who have or develop medical, obstetrical, or gynecological complications. Newborn complications are considered. Primary care of women and newborns is also addressed. The nurse-midwife as case manager is the focus of this course.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: NURS-501; NURS-502; NURS-522; NURS-528; NURS-538; NURS-544; NURS-546
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NURS-720 Integrated Reproductive Health Care of Women
This course provides the student with the opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and skills in advanced practice. Emphasis is placed on the integration of all previous coursework into full scope nurse-midwifery practice in appropriate nurse-midwifery settings. Students will have the opportunity to practice leadership and participate in the professing role.
Credits: 6
Prerequisites: NURS-501; NURS-502; NURS-522; NURS-528; NURS-538; NURS-544; NURS-546; NURS-620
Concurrently: NURS-731
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NURS-731 Seminars in Advanced Women’s Health Care
Students will build on their basic understanding of well-woman gynecological care and expand their knowledge and skills base to include the wide diversity of ages, psycho-social needs, specific acute health issues, and the need for specialized procedures and case management.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: NURS-501; NURS-502; NURS-522; NURS-620, NURS-544, NURS-546, NURS-528
Concurrently: NURS-720
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For Nurse Educator Speciality

Education I:
Focuses on philosophical/theoretical foundations of nursing education; pedagogy, nursing theory; examine development of conceptual frameworks, curriculum and the teaching-learning process; adult learning theory, undergrad nursing curriculum.
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Education II:
Builds on theoretical foundations of Education I, bringing them into planning, implementation, evaluation processes; teaching strategies aimed at promoting critical thinking and active student learning; includes 1 credit hour of experiences working with a preceptor culminating in classroom instruction, lesson planning, test construction, student evaluation for an undergraduate level course.
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Education III:
Focuses on incorporating new technologies into teaching (simulation, web-based instruction, distance ed technology, multimedia, handheld computer devices; emphasis on excellence in teaching and technology as a tool/methodology used to meet student needs/objectives; students work in simlation lab, elluminate – students design a course to be delivered online).
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Education IV:
128 hours of teaching practicum with preceptor; practical application of Ed I-III; students develop course goals for this course related to the area in which they wish to specialize (traditional nursing education in baccalaureate and community college programs, nursing education within vocational schools that prepare practical nurses and certified nursing assistants, staff development and professional continuing education, or patient education)
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For Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/ Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialty

NURS-469 Anatomy for Health Care Professionals
This course provides the student with an overview of the human body by the exploration of the human dissected cadaver. The students will examine organ systems by region following a brief lecture on the topic. The lecture will focus on the relationship between form and function, while the lab will allow the student to relate his/her previous clinical knowledge to the 3-dimensional aspects of anatomy.
Credits: 1
Corequisites: None
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NURS-670 Diagnostic Reasoning & Clinical Decision Making
This course applies the principles learned in advanced health assessment by teaching diagnostic reasoning skills needed to assess and manage the care of acutely ill adult and geriatric patients. The student will evaluate diagnostic studies and develop differential diagnoses for the acutely ill population and develop safe clinical decision-making strategies. Successful students will demonstrate skilled communication to improve quality patient outcomes and ensure safe patient care. The scope of practice of the advanced practice nurse will be introduced through the AACN’s Synergy Model and ACNP and CNS Scope and Standards of Practice.
Credits: 3
Corequisites: NURS-546; NURS-528

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NURS-676 Adult Gerontology ACNP/CNS I
The first ACNP/CNS course focuses on the theoretical and clinical foundation of advanced practice nursing management of acute and chronic health care problems common to adult and geriatric patients. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and management of acute episodic and chronic conditions of adult and geriatric patients, while integrating the AACN’s Synergy Model as a basis for advanced practice. Students utilize clinical practice guidelines to ensure safe evidence-based care. Case studies are used to challenge students to think critically and improve quality outcomes for patients. Interdisciplinary collaboration among health care providers is promoted. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of direct patient settings.
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: NURS-546; NURS-528; NURS-544; NURS-469

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NURS-678 Adult Gerontology ACNP/CNS II
This course focuses on the progressive development of the adult gerontology ACNP/CNS nurse in health promotion, prevention, diagnosis and management of acute episodic and chronic conditions common to adult and geriatric patients. Emphasis is placed on progressing competency in the formation and evaluation of comprehensive evidence-based plans of care for complex and multi-system disorders. Student clinical experiences are provided in a variety of direct patient care and acute care settings, with an emphasis on collaborative partnerships among healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and quality patient outcomes.
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: NURS-546; NURS-528; NURS-544; NURS-469; NURS-676
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NURS-696 Adult Gerontology ACNP/CNS III
The third AG-ACNP/CNS course focuses on the advanced synthesis of the theoretical and clinical foundation of advanced practice nursing in the care and management of acute and chronically ill adult and geriatric patients. Emphasis is placed on advancing competency in the formation and evaluation of comprehensive evidence-based plans of care for complex and multi-system disorders in adult and geriatric patients. Content addresses the professional and ethical aspects of advanced clinical practice. Extensive clinical experiences prepare the student to assume the role and professional responsibilities of the entry-level adult gerontology ACNP/CNS.
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: NURS-546; NURS-528; NURS-544; NURS-469; NURS-676; NURS-678
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NURS-716 Adult Gerontology ACNP/CNS IV
In this final course for the AG-ACNP/CNS Program, the student will refine their knowledge and skills in evidence-based practice and evaluate patient outcomes for complex adult and gerontology patients within a system. Emphasis is placed on conducting a unit culture assessment, implementing a change project within a system, and assuming the role of consultant regarding aspects of advanced clinical nursing practice. Extensive clinical experiences prepare the student to assume the professional responsibilities of the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist role.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: NURS-546; NURS-528; NURS-544; NURS-469; NURS-676; NURS-678; NURS-696
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