LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

2024-2025 CATALOG

The Academic Catalog is the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies and degree requirements for Loyola University Chicago. It is published every year in advance of the next academic year.

Medical/Surgical Nursing (MSN)

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MSN 277  Medical/Surgical Nursing: Adult Health I  (4 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: Must have taken and passed PSYC 273 or PSYC 274 and GNUR 294 with a C- or better OR Must have taken and passed PSYC 273 or PSYC 274 with a C- or better and be enrolled in GNUR 294  
This course is designed to use levels of prevention to provide nursing care for adults with selected health issues. Emphasis is placed on health promotion, early detection and treatment and restoration of health for individuals, families and communities across the health care continuum.
MSN 277L  Medical/Surgical Nursing: Adult Health Lab I  (3 Credit Hours)  
Must also enroll in MSN 277. This course is designed to apply levels of prevention in nursing care for adults with selected health issues. Emphasis is placed on health promotion, early detection and treatment and restoration of health for individuals, families, and communities across the health care continuum.
MSN 377  Adult Health II - Advanced Medical-Surgical  (4 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: Must have taken and passed MSN 277, MSN 277L, GNUR 290, GNUR 294, GNUR 360,with a C- or better; Must also enroll in MSN 377L  
This course builds on MSN 277, Adult Health I, and focuses on the nursing care of adults experiencing selected critical health issues. Physical, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual assessments and health data are incorporated into the identification of interventions within the context of life-threatening conditions. Students incorporate evidence-based practice guidelines and interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize health outcomes.
Nursing care of adults experiencing selected critical health issues

Outcomes

Nursing care of adults experiencing selected critical health issues
MSN 377L  Adult Health II - Advanced Medical Surgical Clinical  (3 Credit Hours)  
Must also enroll in MSN 377. This course builds on MSN 277L, Adult Health I Clinical, and focuses on the nursing care of adults experiencing selected critical health issues. Physical, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual assessments and health data are obtained and interventions are provided within the context of life-threatening conditions. Students incorporate evidence-based practice guidelines and interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize health outcomes.
Nursing care of adults experiencing selected critical health issues - clinical

Outcomes

Nursing care of adults experiencing selected critical health issues - clinical
MSN 408  APN Practicum  (1-9 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: GNUR 413, GNUR 425 & GNUR 442 (minimum grade of B-)  
This course prepares the student to understand that scholarly inquiry, evaluation of evidence, and the development of evidence-based practices/protocols form the foundation for evidence-based practice. Methods of operationalizing scholarly inquiry include understanding relationships among nursing theory, research, principles of epidemiology and practice; formulating research questions and evidence-based practice questions; identifying and appraising existing literature; critically evaluating research methodologies used in the study of an issue or problem; and applying inquiry to practice. The importance of the translation of scientific evidence to improve practice is emphasized. Social, cultural, political and ethical issues related to research are addressed, consistent with the Jesuit values surrounding social justice.
MSN 431  12-Lead ECG Interpretation  (1 Credit Hour)  
12-Lead ECG Interpretation is a summer course that promotes in-depth exploration of the significant diagnostic ECG challenges encountered in the advanced practice nursing environment. An understanding of the importance of clinical assessment skills and clinical judgment associated with diagnosis of clients in a variety of settings is an underlying assumption of faculty teaching this course. Included in this course are techniques for interpreting a variety of basic and advanced dysrhythmias and the ECG changes associated with bundle branch block, myocardial ischemia and infarct, atrial and ventricular hypertrophy, electrolyte imbalance, drug effects on the ECG, and other miscellaneous changes. Diagnostic characteristics, causes of the disorder, clinical significance, and management strategies will be highlighted. The student will be provided with opportunities for practicing 12-lead ECG interpretation using a variety of media.
MSN 432  Diagnostic Imaging for Advanced Practice Nurses  (1 Credit Hour)  
This course offers the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) basic principles of radiographic interpretation. A systematic approach to interpret chest x-rays (CXR) will be discussed. Normal and abnormal findings commonly seen in emergency departments and critical care areas are presented. Correlation between symptoms and radiographs will be delineated. Common indications for obtaining a plain x-ray, CT, or MRI and orthopedic injury will be discussed in regard to patient safety, cost contained care and optimization of outcome.
MSN 433  Suturing and Acute Wound Management  (1 Credit Hour)  
This course is designed to enable the APRN student to obtain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to assess and manage acute wounds. This didactic/lab course discusses principles of wound care and teaches students techniques of wound closure including pain control, basic suturing and advanced skin closures; management of infections and injuries to the skin, hands and feet; and simple incision and drainage of abscesses. The student will be able to practice advanced skills that essential in the clinical management of the patient with acute wounds.
MSN 447  CNS Practice Across the Adult Age Spectrum  (3 Credit Hours)  
This course promotes in-depth exploration of significant clinical problems occurring in adult health patients from the vantage point of the advanced practice nurse prepared as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). This course will prepare the CNS student for expert clinical practice and the competencies to translate clinical expertise into quality, cost-effective outcomes for adult patients. A major focus of the course is to prepare CNS students to assume responsibility for coordination, management and assurance of safety and quality of care of adult patients across the three spheres of influence: patient/client, nurses and nursing practice, organization/system of adult health patients. Attention will be directed to identifying and analyzing selected problems, designing effective advanced nursing interventions and evaluating health care outcomes related to adult health patients. Special consideration with be given to the top Medicare diagnoses, National Patient Safety Goals, CMS core performance measures, and new models for healthcare delivery. Indications for leadership, collaboration and consultation with other health care professionals are emphasized to insure optimal clinical management and achievement of evidence-based outcomes for the hospitalized adult patient. Strategies for improving the quality of health care through patient safety interventions and strategies are incorporated into patient care protocols at the individual, group and system level. The subsequent APN practicum offers the student an opportunity to exercise critical judgment and implement theoretical knowledge in the coordinating and managing the care of adults experiencing acute and chronic health problems.
MSN 449  Management of Complex Adult Health Problems  (3 Credit Hours)  
One course of a three-course sequence, MSN 449 is designed to prepare the Nurse Practitioner to assume the responsibility for coordination and management of adult/older adult health care. A major focus of the course is to prepare the student to assess and manage selected complex health problems of adults/older adults in primary care settings. Indications for collaboration, consultation, and/or referral to other health care providers are emphasized as an integral part of the nurse practitioner's role. The accompanying practicum offers the student an opportunity to exercise critical judgment and implement theoretical knowledge in the management of care of adults/older adults who are experiencing complex health problems.
1) Analyze pathophysiologic and psychosocial components of complex health problems while doing client assessments; 2) Select appropriate and cost effective diagnostic tests and procedures for complex health problems; 3) Choose appropriate and cost effective traditional and alternative therapeutic approaches in the management of complex health problems, with emphasis on health restoration and maintenance; 4) Formulate prognoses and expected outcomes for persons with complex health problems; 5) Determine when consultation and collaboration with and referral to appropriate health care providers are necessary; 6) Design an appropriate plan of care for the adult /older adult with complex health problems synthesizing knowledge from ethics, research, and biological, behavioral, and nursing science; 7) Evaluate the management outcomes of adults with complex health problems and revise management as appropriate

Outcomes

1) Analyze pathophysiologic and psychosocial components of complex health problems while doing client assessments; 2) Select appropriate and cost effective diagnostic tests and procedures for complex health problems; 3) Choose appropriate and cost effective traditional and alternative therapeutic approaches in the management of complex health problems, with emphasis on health restoration and maintenance; 4) Formulate prognoses and expected outcomes for persons with complex health problems; 5) Determine when consultation and collaboration with and referral to appropriate health care providers are necessary; 6) Design an appropriate plan of care for the adult /older adult with complex health problems synthesizing knowledge from ethics, research, and biological, behavioral, and nursing science; 7) Evaluate the management outcomes of adults with complex health problems and revise management as appropriate
MSN 485  APN Practicum: Adult/Older Adult Acute Care NP  (1-12 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: GNUR 413, GNUR 425 & GNUR 442 (minimum grade of B-)  
This clinical practicum is designed to guide the student toward the development of scientific knowledge and advanced practice skills in the area of acute care nursing. The attainment of this advanced practice mastery involves the synthesis of concepts, knowledge and skills gained in the previous courses applied to the care of the acutely ill adult patient. Course content focuses primarily on the advanced practice of acute care nursing and guides the student toward an actualization of the role of the acute care practitioner. The student will care for the acute care patient from admission to the tertiary care center through discharge/rehabilitation when possible. Through the use of nursing frameworks, nursing diagnosis, the nursing process, application of advanced knowledge, and advanced practice skills, the student will develop strategies for the nursing management of the critically ill patient. Professional, legal, cultural and ethical implications are presented. The practicum offers the student opportunities to work with the interdisciplinary team and to develop skills necessary for advanced practice nursing, advanced management, and exploration of research in the area of acute care nursing. Clinical seminars will include discussion of concepts that have been introduced in previous courses and will be built upon with added depth. A grand rounds/case study approach will be utilized with cases cared for by students in the clinical arena. Other possible topics include: implementation of the advanced practice nursing role, social support, patient advocacy, vulnerable populations, cultural diversity, contracting, credentialing, privileging, etc. Seminars will also include identification of ethical issues in the students' practice, application of research findings, applying a Jesuit philosophy in the care of the acutely ill individual or family, and individual development of a philosophy of advanced practice nursing. Seminars will include student and faculty-led discussions.
MSN 510  Clinical Practicum for Advanced Practice in the CNS role  (2-4 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: MSN 447 CNS Practice Across the Adult Age Spectrum  
This practicum course guides the student toward a synthesis of concepts and content from nursing and related sciences, and toward the application of this knowledge to the advanced practice nursing of patients across the adult age spectrum. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) students are prepared to impact three spheres: client, nurse/ nursing practice and the healthcare system. This course prepares students to make important contributions to health care including: disseminating new knowledge; designing and evaluating innovative strategies to improve quality of care and safety in all settings; improving systems of care; providing leadership that promotes interprofessional collaboration; and influencing and shaping health policy. Clinical experiences are provided in clinical areas related to the student's population as well as area of specialization in order to demonstrate achievement of quality, cost-effective, patient focused outcomes across all three spheres of impact.
At the end of the course the student will be able to: 1) Apply nursing health related models in the clinical practice setting; 2) Collaborate with the interprofessional team to support and improve patient outcomes; 3) Demonstrate the role of the CNS across the three spheres of impact: client, nurse/ nursing practice, and the healthcare system; 4) Design, deliver and evaluate evidence-based solutions to health-care problems that represent translation of best evidence into practice; 5) Utilize technology to manage information, support decision-making, deliver care, and evaluate outcomes; 6) Incorporate teaching-learning principles in meeting the educational needs of patients, their families, professional nursing staff, and the community at large; and 7) Analyze psychosocial, legal, ethical, political, and spiritual factors relevant to advanced nursing practice across the three spheres of impact

Outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to: 1) Apply nursing health related models in the clinical practice setting; 2) Collaborate with the interprofessional team to support and improve patient outcomes; 3) Demonstrate the role of the CNS across the three spheres of impact: client, nurse/ nursing practice, and the healthcare system; 4) Design, deliver and evaluate evidence-based solutions to health-care problems that represent translation of best evidence into practice; 5) Utilize technology to manage information, support decision-making, deliver care, and evaluate outcomes; 6) Incorporate teaching-learning principles in meeting the educational needs of patients, their families, professional nursing staff, and the community at large; and 7) Analyze psychosocial, legal, ethical, political, and spiritual factors relevant to advanced nursing practice across the three spheres of impact
MSN 516  Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Practicum  (2-5 Credit Hours)  
Pre-requisites: GNUR 536 Mgmt of Adults with Acute/Critical Conditions I and 538 Mgmt of Adults with Acute/Critical Conditions II  
This practicum course guides the student toward a synthesis of content from nursing and related sciences and the application of this knowledge to the advanced practice role of the nurse practitioner in acute care. The practicum offers the student opportunities to work with the interprofessional team and to develop skills necessary for advanced practice nursing, including advanced management and exploration of evidence in the area of acute care nursing.
1) Assess acutely ill adults applying nursing, behavioral and natural sciences concepts; 2) Collaborate with an interprofessional team in providing care to acutely ill patients in primary, secondary and tertiary health care settings; 3) Apply evidence-based strategies to the management of acutely ill adults; 4) Utilize technology to manage information, support decision-making, deliver care, and evaluate outcomes; 5) Incorporate teaching-learning principles in meeting the educational needs of patients, families, and the community at large; 6) Examine quality improvement issues in the clinical setting, prioritizing patient safety and cost effectiveness; 7) Evaluate cultural, spiritual, ethical, legal, financial, and policy factors that influence care in the clinical environment through a social justice lens

Outcomes

1) Assess acutely ill adults applying nursing, behavioral and natural sciences concepts; 2) Collaborate with an interprofessional team in providing care to acutely ill patients in primary, secondary and tertiary health care settings; 3) Apply evidence-based strategies to the management of acutely ill adults; 4) Utilize technology to manage information, support decision-making, deliver care, and evaluate outcomes; 5) Incorporate teaching-learning principles in meeting the educational needs of patients, families, and the community at large; 6) Examine quality improvement issues in the clinical setting, prioritizing patient safety and cost effectiveness; 7) Evaluate cultural, spiritual, ethical, legal, financial, and policy factors that influence care in the clinical environment through a social justice lens