Online RN-BSN-MSN: Curriculum

Validation of Prior Learning Students may be awarded 30-36 Nursing credits through the State of Connecticut Nursing Articulation Plan. Students who graduate from schools in other states can be awarded 30 credits through endorsement of these courses. Students will be advised of their status by the Nursing faculty with credits shown as NU 290.

This course is for RNs and requires the completion of CIT 202 as a prerequisite. The Human Journey in Nursing utilizes the four questions posed in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition Seminars to address nursing’s role in building a just society. Concepts such as human vulnerability, resiliency, spirituality, and cultural diversity will provide the platform from which discussions about the professions and the professional nurse’s role in shaping past, current, and future healthcare will be based. Reflection on service-learning experiences will personalize and professionalize the meaning and responsibility for addressing health inequities within the workplace and the perpetuation of health disparities in society. A prerequisite to NU 376 and NU 38.

Utilizing the conceptual framework of the Nursing program, this course focuses on comprehensive health assessment. Adequate data collection and careful analysis for diagnostic and planning purposes is stressed. The student will use the diagnostic reasoning process to formulate nursing diagnoses. Videotaping assessment skills is a required course component. A prerequisite to NU376 and NU 387.

Students in the following tracks will take NU 335: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education, Nursing Management and Executive Leadership

This course is for RNs and provides an introduction to information and technology needed for the practice of nursing today. It will focus on providing material to enable nurses to be computer literate by exploring the use of emerging information sources and communication technology and their impact on healthcare. Emphasis will be placed on trends and issues in clinical technology. It will also examine key issues such as security and the use of databases. A prerequisite to NU376 and NU 387.

Students in the following tracks will take NU 575: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This core course focuses on history, policy, and ethics in nursing and health care. It examines health care policy, including global health considerations, health care financing, quality and safety in health care, and the ethics of health care. Current practices in nursing and health care are viewed from the past and present as a way to contemplate the future. The course builds on a framework of critical thinking, as students explore aspects of the history of nursing and medicine, analysis of current policy development, and implications of the past for present and future actions in nursing and health care.

This course is one of the graduate core classes that provides the foundation for advanced practice nursing. The role of the advance practice nurse as a member of the profession will be emphasized. Students will be introduced to theories from nursing, natural, social, biological and organizational sciences to frame their future practice. Further, students consider issues of cultural diversity and competence to assure the delivery of culturally competent care and minimization of health disparities.

This course examines the field of research and its relationship to problems related to nursing and health care. Each step of the research process is explored in-depth to develop the skills to apply research to practice. Students apply critical analysis to relevant research literature to determine its usefulness and application. Statistical methods and concepts are reviewed and integrated throughout the course to promote an understanding of those concepts within the context of health care research. Emphasis is placed on evaluating research evidence for nursing practice. Prerequisite: MA 131

The primary focus of this course is on learning the process of evidence-based practice and how to incorporate it into nursing practice to achieve quality outcomes of care. Students will learn how to differentiate among evidence-based practice, research, and quality improvement methods of inquiry. Select evidence-based practice models will be explored as a basis for development of an evidence-based practice project in a practice setting.
Prerequisite: NU 601

Students in the following tracks will take NU 575: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Informatics combines knowledge and skills from nursing science, computer science, information science, and cognitive science to identify, define, manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. Core concepts will be discussed in relation to the application of nursing informatics to support nursing practice and enhance outcomes of care. Major topics related to nursing informatics will be explored. The use of informatics to enhance patient care delivery, quality, and safety in healthcare systems will be emphasized.

Students in the following tracks will take NU 335: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education, Nursing Management and Executive Leadership

This course is for the registered nurse student and is focused on the elements of care management of individuals and families across the health care continuum. This course will expand upon the concepts of care transitions from hospital to the community setting with an emphasis on the challenges related to transitioning such as financial management, resource utilization, and overall care coordination. Care management for individuals and families requires an understanding of family systems and the interaction of individuals with their family during healthy actual or potential health issues. A family assessment will be utilized to allow the registered nurse student the opportunity to develop a plan that will promote a safe and productive transition to the community. Students will engage in analytic discussions to further develop their understanding of family systems, systems of care, clinical practice and community nursing roles. Personal reflection on one’s own practice in contemporary nursing will be included in order to allow the student to think holistically, ethically and morally as they grapple with real-world challenges and contemporary care management issues in our healthcare environment. Pre-Requisites: Acceptance to the nursing major, NU305, NU315, NU325, NU335, NU345, NU355. Acceptance to the RN-MSN nursing major, NU305, NU315, NU325, NU335, NU345, NU355, NU401, NU430, NU 431, NU 433.

This course is for RNs and focuses on global communities as consumers of health services. The different perspectives, sensitivities and application of knowledge unique to nursing of populations, communities, and societies are identified. Effectiveness of nursing practice is explored in relation to the problems, priorities, attitudes, culture and resources of aggregates, groups, the community, and global health needs. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the RN to BSN Nursing Major, NU 305, 315, 325, 335, 345, and 355 or acceptance to the RN-MSN Nursing Major, NU 325, 401, 430, 431, 433, 475 and 376

Coursework covers descriptive statistics, probability distributions, confidence intervals, correlation and hypothesis testing. Students will study the applications of computer software to statistics.

These two seminars are Sacred Heart University’s academic signature common core. They are a direct reflection of the University’s Mission. These seminars provide students with an understanding of the roots and development of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition as an interdisciplinary, ongoing 2,000 year conversation between the great writers, thinkers, and artists of the Tradition and the cultures in which they lived, asking fundamental questions about God, humanity, nature, and society. Using seminar pedagogy, these seminars ask students to join in this conversation and relate the texts and ideas of the seminars to students own lives and to the world in which they live.

This course, the first within the Family, Primary Care, and Community sequence, addresses selected family, primary care, and community theories within the context of advanced practice nursing and clinical leadership roles. The family system is viewed as both unique and dynamic, existing interdependently with the community and the environment and requiring advanced nursing expertise and caring at various times across the life cycle. Particular emphasis is placed on family and community assessment strategies, the impact of culture upon the family and community systems, and the impact of various primary care-oriented health problems on family roles and functions. In addition, relevant concepts and principles of epidemiology are applied to the current and emerging health status of families and communities. Faculty collaborate with students as they apply advanced clinical knowledge to the family system in a community setting. Students function interdependently with other health team members in the care of families and evaluate a plan of care using standards for advanced clinical practice.

This course further prepares each student to assess in-depth the pathophysiology of common disease states. Clinical pathology content addresses alterations in major body systems that are commonly found in the primary care settings, as well as common testing used in the diagnostic process. This course assists the student in the role of advanced practice nurse with the preparation to assess clients across the lifespan.

This course prepares the learner to assess in depth the biopsychosocial health status of clients across the lifespan by obtaining a complete and accurate health history and by performing a systematic physical examination. Acquired data will be used to formulate a comprehensive problem list for the client and to refine documentation skills. Content will be designed to provide correlation of assessment strategies with an understanding of the mechanisms of illness and health problems of the main body systems. Health and wellness in the context of disability will be addressed. This course assists in the socialization of the learner into the role of the clinical nurse leader or nurse educator in the current healthcare delivery system. The simulation component enables the learner to develop comprehensive assessment and patient education skills and empathy.
Prerequisite: NU 602

This course will focus on the pharmacotherapeutic principles of drugs most commonly used and evaluated by Master’s prepared nurse across healthcare settings. Basic pharmacological concepts, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, as well as the principle classifications of drugs in clinical use today are discussed in relation to physiologic and psychologic concepts. The role of the Master’s prepared nurse in teaching patients safe and effective medication administration and assessment of medication management and patients with chronic disease is emphasized. A variety of interactive and experiential activities will be utilized to enable the student to apply pharmacological theory to clinical situations and patient education.

Reviews the basic approaches to care or case management and utilization in their evolution, driving factors, and contemporary roles within a variety of health care settings. The role of practice guidelines and key relationships among nursing roles and interprofessional team members is considered along with the contributions of technology and financial considerations.

Introduces the concept of disease management as an evolution of case management and explores the benefits of a comprehensive case and disease management program in selected settings. Health priorities, models of chronic illness and important concepts related to health status (including quality of life and functional status) are discussed. Research on the outcomes of case and disease management is covered along with strategies for identifying and measuring outcomes of care.

This is the first course in the nursing sequence for the clinical nurse leader role practicum providing the opportunity for in-depth analysis of the CNL role within various health care settings and specialties through a guided role immersion practicum experience. Integration of prior coursework related to advanced assessment and pathophysiology, pharmacology, information systems, ethics, research, evidence-based practice and health care systems occurs through clinical role practice, case studies, and student presentations. A team of preceptors provide guidance and support as CNL students identify and enact the role components of the CNL role while analyzing the organizational context for this new role.

This is the second and final course in the nursing sequence for the role immersion experience for the Clinical Nurse Leader. Integration of prior coursework related to advanced assessment and pathophysiology, pharmacology, information systems, ethics, research, evidence-based practice and health care systems occurs through clinical role practice, with a preceptor. Through this experience the student will develop an evidence-based improvement project. The course provides the opportunity for in- depth analysis of the CNL role within various health care settings and specialties. The immersion experience focuses on the role of the clinical nurse leader as clinician, outcomes manager, client manager, client advocate, educator, information manager, systems analyst/risk anticipator, team member, member of the profession, and lifelong learner. The preceptor provides guidance and support as CNL students identify and confirm the role components of the CNL while analyzing the organizational context for this new role.
Prerequisite: NU 680

This course further prepares each student to assess in-depth the pathophysiology of common disease states. Clinical pathology content addresses alterations in major body systems that are commonly found in the primary care settings, as well as common testing used in the diagnostic process. This course assists the student in the role of advanced practice nurse with the preparation to assess clients across the lifespan.

This course prepares the learner to assess in depth the biopsychosocial health status of clients across the lifespan by obtaining a complete and accurate health history and by performing a systematic physical examination. Acquired data will be used to formulate a comprehensive problem list for the client and to refine documentation skills. Content will be designed to provide correlation of assessment strategies with an understanding of the mechanisms of illness and health problems of the main body systems. Health and wellness in the context of disability will be addressed. This course assists in the socialization of the learner into the role of the clinical nurse leader or nurse educator in the current healthcare delivery system. The simulation component enables the learner to develop comprehensive assessment and patient education skills and empathy.
Prerequisite: NU 602

This course will focus on the pharmacotherapeutic principles of drugs most commonly used and evaluated by Master’s prepared nurse across healthcare settings. Basic pharmacological concepts, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, as well as the principle classifications of drugs in clinical use today are discussed in relation to physiologic and psychologic concepts. The role of the Master’s prepared nurse in teaching patients safe and effective medication administration and assessment of medication management and patients with chronic disease is emphasized. A variety of interactive and experiential activities will be utilized to enable the student to apply pharmacological theory to clinical situations and patient education.

This course covers research-based educational theory and evidence-based teaching/learning strategies. The theories will be examined for their application in a variety of settings, level of education, and for the adult learner. This course will introduce the impact of diversity and emphasis is placed on who the learner is and how he/she learns. External issues and trends impacting nursing education in a variety of teaching settings (face-to-face, virtual, and clinical) will be explored including ethical/legal considerations in course curriculum design and implementation.

This course prepares the student to design and implement curriculum based on evidence-based teaching/learning theory. Focus is on the process of curriculum development for an individual course including course objectives, content, learning activities, delivery of the content and student evaluation. The role of the faculty in program evaluation of the curriculum is explored.

The focus of the course is to explore the master’s prepared nurse’s role in education in a hospital or clinical setting. Theory and research based knowledge in the design, coordination, and evaluation of the delivery of patient care and staff education will be reviewed. Communication skills and strategies necessary to interact and collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary health care team in addition to develop a therapeutic alliance with the patient will be discussed.

This is the first course in the nursing sequence for the role immersion experience in nursing education. Students apply and analyze the theories, competencies, and concepts of the previous courses in a designated role practicum experience using a preceptor. Through this experience, the student will develop an evidence-based improvement teaching project. Current issues and trends in health care and nursing are integrated within each topical area. A practicum experience, that may involve direct patient care, is a required part of this course.
Prerequisite: NU 619

This is the final course in the nursing sequence for the role immersion experience in nursing education. Students apply and analyze the theories, competencies, and concepts of the previous courses in a designated role practicum experience using a preceptor. Through this experience the student will develop an evidence-based improvement teaching project. Current issues and trends in health care and nursing are integrated within each topical area. A practicum experience, that may involve direct patient care, is a required part of this course.
Prerequisite NU 690

This course focuses on the current health care delivery system and the impact on patient care. An evaluation of the health care delivery system will incorporate the impact of social issues, economics, politics, culture, education and technology on the health care system. Past, future and contemporary trends in health care delivery will be incorporated into the analysis of organizational Micro and Macro systems.

This course introduces the student to contemporary theories of leadership, change, complexity science and organizational structure and design. The underlying framework of the course is transformational leadership and complexity science. Concepts such the clinical microsystems, nursing care innovations, strategic planning, and change, are covered. Students will be introduced to the concept of evidence based management and encourage to support their ideas with evidence. Students will complete an assessment of their leadership strengths and weaknesses and develop a professional leadership plan which will guide their progress throughout the rest of the program.

This course provides an overview to the process of budgeting in the Health Care setting. This course will explore the building blocks that are utilized to secure sound budget projections. This course will also review and explore the Health Care System and the multiple payers and their impact on the ability to utilize information systems in the development and ongoing analysis of financial data.

In this course the student will appreciate the rationale for and strategies for creating a positive work environment for nursing and the interprofessional team. Topics will include organizational culture, structural empowerment, shared governance, and the adoption of Magnet Hospital tenets (no matter the setting) among others. Human resource management principle such as selection, development, performant appraisal and nurse satisfaction will be considered within the framework of creating an environment of professional practice. Further how a positive work environment supports quality and safety will be discussed based on evidence. Fostering high performance from individuals and well as the team will be stressed.

During this course the students will proceed in a step by step progression through the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process. This approach prepares the student with the necessary skills to complete a CQI capstone project in the practicum courses. The student will review the historical background and theory of quality improvement and apply it to the current health care environment. After a review of the national and regulatory issues of patient safety, the student will identify one issue to use in the course to apply CQI methods.

This is the next to the last course in the nursing sequence for the Nursing Management and Executive Leadership track. Nursing 672 will focus at the larger organization’s macro-system level. Students will apply and analyze the theories, competencies and concepts of previous courses in a designated role practicum experience using a preceptor. Further, students will examine the application of theories / evidence from scholarly readings and their application to practice through a (private) weekly journal entry to the professor that will be appropriately referenced. They will also share their reflections with other course participants through a weekly discussion using appreciative inquiry to describe a significant learning on the strengths of their clinical site focused on the course objectives. The core role competencies for the nurse manager and executive leader frame the course activities including managing client needs and expectations, marketing, managing financial resources, assessing quality and safety, visioning and strategic planning, designing care management systems, and developing operational plans for accountability and ethical practice. Leadership strategies for accomplishing this work are explored. Current issues and trends in health care, nursing management and executive leadership are covered in course readings and integrated into the course assessments/project. In this course, the student will perform an organizational assessment and evaluation (macro-system level) in two parts and complete Part I of the capstone project.

This is the last course in the nursing sequence for the Nursing Management and Executive Leadership track. Nursing 673 will focus on the larger organization’s macro-system level. Students will apply and analyze the theories, competencies and concepts of previous courses in a designated role practicum experience using a preceptor. Further, students will examine the application of theories/evidence from scholarly readings and their application to practice through a (private) weekly journal entry to the professor that will be appropriately referenced. Students will also be sharing their reflections with other course participants through a weekly discussion using appreciative inquiry to describe a significant learning on the strengths of their clinical site focused on the course objectives. The core role competencies for the nurse manager and executive leader frame the course activities and include assessing the following areas: human resource management, workforce development, succession planning, culture of safety, The Joint Commission (TJC) national patient safety goals, public reporting and accountability, automation in healthcare and redesign of workflow, meaningful use, accountability care organizations, healthcare reform, care across the continuum, and raising the bar – learning from excellence. Current issues and trends in health care, nursing management and executive leadership and are covered in course readings and integrated into the course assessments/project. In this course, students will complete their capstone project and the organizational assessment and evaluation (macro-system level).

This course, the first within the Family, Primary Care, and Community sequence, addresses selected family, primary care, and community theories within the context of advanced practice nursing and clinical leadership roles. The family system is viewed as both unique and dynamic, existing interdependently with the community and the environment and requiring advanced nursing expertise and caring at various times across the life cycle. Particular emphasis is placed on family and community assessment strategies, the impact of culture upon the family and community systems, and the impact of various primary care-oriented health problems on family roles and functions. In addition, relevant concepts and principles of epidemiology are applied to the current and emerging health status of families and communities. Faculty collaborate with students as they apply advanced clinical knowledge to the family system in a community setting. Students function interdependently with other health team members in the care of families and evaluate a plan of care using standards for advanced clinical practice.

This class focuses on the pharmacotherapeutic principles of drugs most commonly used in the primary care setting. Topics include the pharmacologic effects and clinical uses of various drug groups and classifications. Emphasis is placed on rational drug therapy for agent selection, monitoring drug therapies, identification and avoidance of adverse drug reactions and interactions, and extensive patient education and counseling.

Students learn to assess in the biopsychosocial health status of clients across the life span in depth by obtaining a complete and accurate health history and by performing a thorough physical examination, then using the acquired data to formulate a working medical diagnosis. Content is designed to provide correlation of assessment strategies with an understanding of the mechanisms of illness and health problems of the main body systems, as well as to address the integration of common medical testing. Students explore role of the advanced practice nurse in the current health care delivery system. The laboratory component enables students to develop advanced assessment skills.

This course supports a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological disease processes mostly commonly seen afflicting patients across the lifespan. Clinical pathology content addresses alterations in major body systems that are commonly found in primary care settings, as well as common testing used in the diagnostic process.

This is the first of four clinical courses in this online nurse practitioner program designed to enable students to learn problem-solving skills and clinical strategies necessary to socialize into the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner. Coursework introduces students to a systematic approach to understanding the delivery of primary health care to the well adult. Various principles of illness prevention and health maintenance are introduced, as well as methodologies used to diagnose and treat common primary care problems. Emphasis is on the consultation role component of the nurse practitioner as well as on the direct provision of primary care and health promotion.

Primary Care of Children applies knowledge of wellness and prevention to children, focusing on birth through adolescence. Topics include health promotion/maintenance, growth and development, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common acute and chronic illnesses in diverse infant, child, and adolescent populations. Emphasis is placed on a primary, collaborative, community approach with interprofessional teams as a foundation for clinical practice. In addition to didactic, students participate in clinical experiences.

Primary Women’s Healthcare introduces the Family Nurse Practitioner student to well woman care and care of the antepartum woman. The course will enable students to participate in clinical decision making in the primary care of women, from adolescents through the menopause transition. Gynecologic and antepartum management including cervical and breast cancer screenings, contraceptive care, acute and chronic gynecologic pathologies, and healthy prenatal examinations will be covered. In addition to didactic, students participate in clinical experiences.

Primary Care II: Advanced Primary Care of Families in Complex Systems
The fourth of four clinical courses designed to enable graduate FNP students to learn problem-solving skills and clinical strategies necessary to diagnose and treat common and complex primary care problems found in complex adult families and their members. Emphasis is on the leadership role component of the nurse practitioner as well as on the direct provision of primary care. In addition to classes, students participate in clinical experiences.
Prerequisites: NU 566, NU 551, NU 552, NU 561, NU 606, and NU 607

This course supports a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological disease processes mostly commonly seen afflicting patients across the lifespan. Clinical pathology content addresses alterations in major body systems that are commonly found in primary care settings, as well as common testing used in the diagnostic process.

This class focuses on the pharmacotherapeutic principles of drugs most commonly used in the primary care setting. Topics include the pharmacologic effects and clinical uses of various drug groups and classifications. Emphasis is placed on rational drug therapy for agent selection, monitoring drug therapies, identification and avoidance of adverse drug reactions and interactions, and extensive patient education and counseling.

Students learn to assess in the biopsychosocial health status of clients across the life span in depth by obtaining a complete and accurate health history and by performing a thorough physical examination, then using the acquired data to formulate a working medical diagnosis. Content is designed to provide correlation of assessment strategies with an understanding of the mechanisms of illness and health problems of the main body systems, as well as to address the integration of common medical testing. Students explore role of the advanced practice nurse in the current health care delivery system. The laboratory component enables students to develop advanced assessment skills.

This course, the first within the Family, Primary Care, and Community sequence, addresses selected family, primary care, and community theories within the context of advanced practice nursing and clinical leadership roles. The family system is viewed as both unique and dynamic, existing interdependently with the community and the environment and requiring advanced nursing expertise and caring at various times across the life cycle. Particular emphasis is placed on family and community assessment strategies, the impact of culture upon the family and community systems, and the impact of various primary care-oriented health problems on family roles and functions. In addition, relevant concepts and principles of epidemiology are applied to the current and emerging health status of families and communities. Faculty collaborate with students as they apply advanced clinical knowledge to the family system in a community setting. Students function interdependently with other health team members in the care of families and evaluate a plan of care using standards for advanced clinical practice.

This course provides theoretical and clinical content, including 180 supervised required hours of advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing care across the lifespan with emphasis on late adolescence through adulthood, within a variety of behavioral health settings.

The focus is on clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment decision-making for commonly encountered behavioral health disorders in adults. From the patient interview and assessment to the diagnostic work-up and treatment planning, students learn to apply concepts from prior coursework to understand patients’ underlying psychopathological processes and develop differential diagnoses and management plans, including psychopharmacologic treatments and psychotherapeutic modalities.

This course requires theoretical and clinical content, including a total of 180 supervised required hours of care across the lifespan with emphasis on pediatric and adolescent patients within a variety of behavioral health settings. A minimum of 100 hours of clinical practicum is specifically devoted to the care of patients under age 18. The focus is on refining and developing increased competency as a PMHNP in diagnostic and clinical interventions with an increasingly diverse and complex caseload, including crisis intervention and managing psychiatric emergencies. Identification and treatment of developmental and age-specific disorders, genetic aspects of disease presentation and treatment, as well as interdisciplinary perspectives and community resources are emphasized. 180 hours of supervised required hours of care.

This course provides theoretical and clinical content, including 180 supervised required hours of advanced psychiatric mental health nursing care across the lifespan with emphasis on individuals, including older adults, couples, and families, within a variety of behavioral health settings. Students examine multi-factorial influences of individual and family functioning and coping, among patients of all ages from pediatric to older adults, including those with co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions. By also incorporating knowledge of the generational impact of behavioral health conditions on families, students learn strategies to promote effective assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for psychiatric disorders affecting individuals and families. Further refinement of clinical diagnostic and treatment competencies, including a focus on outcomes evaluation for acute and chronic mental health conditions, termination, and increased independence within the role of the PMHNP are emphasized. 180 required hours of advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing care.

This course builds on knowledge of advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment by examining safe and effective use of medications used to treat mental health disorders across the lifespan. Topics will include the examination of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and drug interactions of these medications in congruence with the most recent evidence. Underlying pathophysiologic processes of mental health disorders are examined to provide context for differential diagnosis and pharmacological management. These disorders include major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, bipolar illness, and psychosis across the lifespan, including medications used in special populations such as pediatrics, the geriatrics, and pregnancy. Additional focus is the impact of the psychoactive medications on the client, family and community. Content is presented in relation to the role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse who functions in an advanced role. Students learn important considerations for selecting medications to include best practices and clinical guidelines, patient preference, safety profile, setting, monitoring requirements, and long-term patient management.