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 issuesMSN 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 - clinicalMSN 408 APN Practicum (1-9 Credit Hours)
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 422 Adult Health Nursing I: Foundations of Medical-Surgical Care (3 Credit Hours)
This didactic course prepares nursing students to deliver evidence-based, person-centered care to adults with common acute and chronic conditions affecting multiple body systems. Through interactive lectures, case-based analysis, clinical reasoning activities, and integration of informatics and quality-improvement concepts, students apply the nursing process while synthesizing pathophysiological and pharmacological knowledge to promote safe, effective, and equitable care across diverse healthcare settings. Grounded in Jesuit values of cura personalis and social justice, learning experiences emphasize the influence of health systems, social determinants of health, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while highlighting the ethical responsibilities and essential role of human judgment in clinical decision-making. By the end of the course, learners will be able to analyze complex adult health conditions, prioritize and coordinate nursing care using evidence and clinical judgment, collaborate effectively within interprofessional teams, and apply systems-based and informatics-informed strategies to optimize adult health outcomes.
Analyze assessment data using pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical decision tools to prioritize nursing care for adults with acute and chronic conditions; Design evidence-based, person-centered nursing care plans that integrate clinical reasoning and prioritize patient safety to achieve effective outcomes for adults with acute and chronic conditions; Evaluate interprofessional collaboration frameworks and therapeutic communication strategies to support culturally responsive, team-based care for adults and their families; Analyze healthcare delivery systems, care coordination processes, and health information technologies to determine their influence on health equity, access, and quality of care for adult populations; Develop patient- and family-centered education strategies that promote health literacy, self-management, and shared decision-making for adults with acute and chronic condition
Outcomes
Analyze assessment data using pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical decision tools to prioritize nursing care for adults with acute and chronic conditions; Design evidence-based, person-centered nursing care plans that integrate clinical reasoning and prioritize patient safety to achieve effective outcomes for adults with acute and chronic conditions; Evaluate interprofessional collaboration frameworks and therapeutic communication strategies to support culturally responsive, team-based care for adults and their families; Analyze healthcare delivery systems, care coordination processes, and health information technologies to determine their influence on health equity, access, and quality of care for adult populations; Develop patient- and family-centered education strategies that promote health literacy, self-management, and shared decision-making for adults with acute and chronic conditionMSN 422L Adult Health Nursing I: Foundations of Medical-Surgical Care Clinical (2 Credit Hours)
This clinical course provides pre-licensure nursing students with supervised experiential learning opportunities to apply evidence-based, person-centered nursing care for adults with common acute and chronic conditions across healthcare settings. Building on concurrent didactic content, students actively integrate pathophysiologic and pharmacologic knowledge, clinical judgment, and the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care for adults with complex health needs. Through direct patient care, interprofessional collaboration, and reflective practice, students examine how health systems, social determinants of health, and emerging technologies influence care delivery and outcomes. Grounded in Jesuit values of cura personalis and social justice, the clinical experience emphasizes ethical practice, patient safety, health equity, and accountability within scope of practice. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to deliver safe, compassionate, and coordinated nursing care, communicate effectively within interprofessional teams, and reflect on their development as professional nurses in adult healthcare environments.
Apply comprehensive assessment skills and clinical judgment to deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care for adults with common acute and chronic conditions under faculty or preceptor supervision; Implement evidence-based, person-centered nursing care plans that reflect clinical priorities, patient goals, and quality and safety principles in diverse adult health care settings; Demonstrate effective interprofessional communication and teamwork, including timely documentation and SBAR handoffs, to support coordinated, culturally responsive care for adults and families; Integrate health systems knowledge, care coordination processes, and health information technologies to support continuity of care, patient safety, and equitable access to services; Educate patients and families using health-literacy-responsive strategies that promote self-management, shared decision-making, and safe transitions of care
Outcomes
Apply comprehensive assessment skills and clinical judgment to deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care for adults with common acute and chronic conditions under faculty or preceptor supervision; Implement evidence-based, person-centered nursing care plans that reflect clinical priorities, patient goals, and quality and safety principles in diverse adult health care settings; Demonstrate effective interprofessional communication and teamwork, including timely documentation and SBAR handoffs, to support coordinated, culturally responsive care for adults and families; Integrate health systems knowledge, care coordination processes, and health information technologies to support continuity of care, patient safety, and equitable access to services; Educate patients and families using health-literacy-responsive strategies that promote self-management, shared decision-making, and safe transitions of careMSN 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 465 Adult Health Nursing II: Complex and High Acuity Care (3 Credit Hours)
This concept-based course prepares nursing students to plan care for adults with complex, acute, and life-threatening conditions through advanced clinical reasoning across interacting physiological, professional, and psychosocial concepts. Using case-based learning, concept mapping, and unfolding high-acuity scenarios, students examine how multisystem interactions drive patient deterioration, how professional practice addresses systems-level challenges, and how ethical, cultural, and end-of-life considerations shape crisis care. Grounded in Jesuit values of cura personalis and social justice, learners evaluate quality and safety initiatives, healthcare systems, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, with emphasis on equity, advocacy, and the nurse's role in improving outcomes. By course completion, students will recognize and respond to complex patient deterioration, coordinate care in high-acuity environments, and apply systems-based, ethical, person-centered decision-making to support safe, equitable care for critically ill adults and those facing end-of-life transitions.
Synthesize advanced pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts to plan evidence-based nursing care for adults with complex, multisystem, and life-threatening conditions; Analyze clinical data and patterns of deterioration, and safety risks to guide nursing responses for adults with complex health needs; Design interprofessional collaboration and care coordination strategies that support effective teamwork and safe transitions of care in high-acuity and complex clinical environments; Appraise health policies, informatics applications, and organizational structures to propose system-level improvements that enhance equity, efficiency, and patient safety; Integrate ethical principles, psychosocial considerations, and evidence-based palliative approaches to plan compassionate, person-centered care for adults experiencing serious illness and end-of-life transitions
Outcomes
Synthesize advanced pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts to plan evidence-based nursing care for adults with complex, multisystem, and life-threatening conditions; Analyze clinical data and patterns of deterioration, and safety risks to guide nursing responses for adults with complex health needs; Design interprofessional collaboration and care coordination strategies that support effective teamwork and safe transitions of care in high-acuity and complex clinical environments; Appraise health policies, informatics applications, and organizational structures to propose system-level improvements that enhance equity, efficiency, and patient safety; Integrate ethical principles, psychosocial considerations, and evidence-based palliative approaches to plan compassionate, person-centered care for adults experiencing serious illness and end-of-life transitionsMSN 465L Adult Health Nursing II: Complex and High Acuity Care Clinical (2 Credit Hours)
This clinical course provides nursing students with supervised experiential learning focused on the care of adults with complex, multisystem, and life-threatening conditions in high-acuity healthcare settings. Building on concurrent Adult Health II didactic content, students apply advanced clinical judgment, prioritize care for deteriorating patients, and integrate pathophysiologic, pharmacologic, psychosocial, and ethical considerations into nursing practice. Through direct patient care, interprofessional collaboration, documentation, and reflective practice, students examine how health systems, technology, policy, and equity influence outcomes for critically ill and dying patients. Grounded in Jesuit values of cura personalis and social justice, the clinical experience emphasizes compassionate, ethical, and accountable nursing care across acute, transitional, and community-linked settings. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate readiness to safely manage complex patient assignments, communicate effectively within interprofessional teams, and provide person-centered care in high-acuity and end-of-life contexts.
Apply advanced assessment skills and clinical judgment to deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care for adults with complex, multisystem, and high-acuity health conditions; Prioritize and manage care for deteriorating patients by integrating physiologic data, medication effects, and safety indicators within scope of practice; Demonstrate effective interprofessional communication, including SBAR handoffs and professional documentation, to support coordinated care across high-acuity settings and transitions; Integrate systems awareness, informatics tools, and safety principles to support quality care, risk mitigation, and equitable outcomes for complex adult patients; Provide compassionate, person-centered nursing care that incorporates ethical principles, psychosocial support, and palliative approaches for adults experiencing serious illness and end-of-life transitions
Outcomes
Apply advanced assessment skills and clinical judgment to deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care for adults with complex, multisystem, and high-acuity health conditions; Prioritize and manage care for deteriorating patients by integrating physiologic data, medication effects, and safety indicators within scope of practice; Demonstrate effective interprofessional communication, including SBAR handoffs and professional documentation, to support coordinated care across high-acuity settings and transitions; Integrate systems awareness, informatics tools, and safety principles to support quality care, risk mitigation, and equitable outcomes for complex adult patients; Provide compassionate, person-centered nursing care that incorporates ethical principles, psychosocial support, and palliative approaches for adults experiencing serious illness and end-of-life transitionsMSN 485 APN Practicum: Adult/Older Adult Acute Care NP (1-12 Credit Hours)
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 impactMSN 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 lensMSN 520 Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum I (3 Credit Hours)
This practicum introduces students to the role and functions of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in the systematic delivery of advanced practice nursing within organizations. Students will demonstrate initial role development as a CNS in the care of patients across the adult age spectrum. Competencies and components of the role of CNS are explored in the three spheres of impact (Patient Care, Nurses and Nursing, Organization and Systems).
Apply current evidence to guide CNS practice; Generate clinical decisions based on integrated pathophysiological, pharmacological, and psychosocial knowledge; Collaborate with the interprofessional team to support and improve patient outcomes; Identify the role of the CNS across the three spheres of impact: client, nurse/ nursing practice, and the healthcare system; Operationalize the CNS role in direct patient care and consultation
Outcomes
Apply current evidence to guide CNS practice; Generate clinical decisions based on integrated pathophysiological, pharmacological, and psychosocial knowledge; Collaborate with the interprofessional team to support and improve patient outcomes; Identify the role of the CNS across the three spheres of impact: client, nurse/ nursing practice, and the healthcare system; Operationalize the CNS role in direct patient care and consultationMSN 522 Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum II (3 Credit Hours)
In this practicum the CNS student will continue to develop CNS role competencies. Students will employ data-driven decision-making to enhance clinical and organizational outcomes. Students will demonstrate leadership in care delivery, safety, and quality improvement at the system level.
Assess the practice environment and processes for improvement opportunities; Participate in systematic quality improvement and safety initiatives; Mentor nurses and nursing staff in using evidence-based practice principles; Participate in the process of selecting, integrating, managing, and evaluating technology and products to promote safety, quality, efficiency; Incorporate teaching-learning principles in meeting the educational needs of patients, their families, professional nursing staff, and the community at large; Facilitate interprofessional collaboration to address practice gaps
Outcomes
Assess the practice environment and processes for improvement opportunities; Participate in systematic quality improvement and safety initiatives; Mentor nurses and nursing staff in using evidence-based practice principles; Participate in the process of selecting, integrating, managing, and evaluating technology and products to promote safety, quality, efficiency; Incorporate teaching-learning principles in meeting the educational needs of patients, their families, professional nursing staff, and the community at large; Facilitate interprofessional collaboration to address practice gapsMSN 523 Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum III (3 Credit Hours)
This practicum continues student growth in CNS role development actualizing functions and competencies of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in the systematic delivery of advanced practice nursing within complex organizations. Competencies and components of the role of the CNS are explored in the care of patients across the adult age spectrum to demonstrate assessment and intervention strategies, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, to address acute and chronic health conditions and human responses to illness. Students are expected to exhibit professional accountability and role identity as CNS.
Design evidence-based interventions, including advanced nursing therapies, to meet the needs of complex patients; Incorporate determinants of health and health equity assessments and perspectives into practice; Prescribe medications, therapeutics, diagnostic studies, equipment, and procedures to manage the health issues of patients; Lead quality improvement and safety initiatives; Apply clinical practice guidelines and evidence to inform CNS-led interventions
Outcomes
Design evidence-based interventions, including advanced nursing therapies, to meet the needs of complex patients; Incorporate determinants of health and health equity assessments and perspectives into practice; Prescribe medications, therapeutics, diagnostic studies, equipment, and procedures to manage the health issues of patients; Lead quality improvement and safety initiatives; Apply clinical practice guidelines and evidence to inform CNS-led interventionsMSN 524 Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum IV (3 Credit Hours)
This final CNS practicum offers CNS students the opportunity to fully enact CNS role competencies in all spheres of impact (patient, nurse, system). Students will achieve competency in 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. This course provides the student an opportunity to demonstrate a synthesis of previous coursework and clinical practicum in preparation for independent advanced practice as a clinical and professional leader. Students are expected to exhibit professional accountability and role identity as CNS.
Implement advanced CNS role competencies across the client, nurse/nursing practice, and healthcare system spheres of impact; Demonstrate CNS practice and fiscal outcomes to internal stakeholders; Design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based solutions to health-care problems that represent translation of best evidence into practice; Utilize technology to manage information, support decision-making, deliver care, and evaluate outcomes; Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to advocate for patients/families, nurses, other healthcare providers, populations, and the community; Demonstrate leadership in interprofessional collaboration for evidence-based care; Integrate scholarship, leadership, and clinical expertise to improve health outcomes