Course Descriptions
NURS 538 : Program Development
Integrates theoretical models, clinical parameters, and program planning principles through the construction of a detailed program for care and outcomes management education track. (3) (3 credits didactic)
NURS 550 : Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation
Examination of the theory and practice of curriculum planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. Theoretical and philosophical principles of the teaching/learning process. Analysis of adult teaching strategies and the process of self and student evaluations. (3) (3 credits didactic)
NURS 640 : ENP Procedures
Provides the Emergency Nurse Practitioner student with a range of diagnostic and interventional skills used in urgent care and emergency settings; including, the ability to understand, manage, and safely perform these procedures. (2) (2 credits lab/seminar)
NURS 641 : ENP I: Lifespan Emergency Care
This course covers the skills of assessment, interpretation of diagnostic studies, interventions, and treatments unique to the Emergency Clinician Specialist (ECS). Students are taught the skills of assessment, interpretation of diagnostic studies, interventions, and treatments unique to the ECS at an advanced level, thereby enhancing clinical decision making for urgent/emergent illness and injury across the lifespan. (4) (2 seminar, 2 clinical - 120 hours)
NURS 642 : ENP II: Trauma & Critical Illness
Building upon prior clinical ENP experiences, this course teacher the student how to care for patients of the highest acuity levels. Topics of pre-hospital care, initiation of care to the trauma and critically ill patient, and transport of patients to a higher level of care. (4) (2 didactic, 2 lab simulation)
NURS 643 : ENP III: Immersion & Seminar
This is the final specialized clinical and seminar course facilitating application of previously learned concepts and skills, demonstration of ENP competency achievement, and assimilation into the ENP role. The culmination of the ENP education and transition into the ENP role is also covered. (4) (1 seminar, 3 clinical - 180 hours)
NURS 651 : Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan
Focuses on the principles of psychiatric pharmacotherapy across the lifespan, biological mechanisms of action of psychotropic drugs, and the role of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse prescriber. The neurobiological underpinnings of symptom etiology and treatment will form the basis of clinical decision-making in all phases of psychopharmacological treatment for child/adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Prerequisite: NURS 731. (3)
NURS 652 : Management of Substance-related and Addictive Disorders
Provides an integrated approach to the neurobiology, assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management of substance-related and addictive disorders across the lifespan. Prerequisite: approval of course faculty. (2)
NURS 653 : PMHNP I: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan
Provides an integrated approach to the assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management of psychopathology across the lifespan. An in-depth exploration of the neurobiological underpinnings of mental health problems and psychiatric disorders will serve as the framework of the course. Students will apply principles of neurodevelopment to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals across the lifespan with anxiety disorders; depressive disorders; obsessive-compulsive and related disorders; bipolar and related disorders; sleep-wake disorders; feeding and eating disorders; elimination disorders; and trauma - and stressor-related disorders. The role and scope of advanced psychiatric nursing practice including foundational legal and ethical issues are incorporated throughout the course. Prerequisites: NURS 730, 732. Corequisite: NURS 651 (7) (Didactic 3.5 credits, lab/seminar 0.5 credits, clinical 3 credits) (180 hours clinical)
NURS 654 : PMHNP II: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan
Provides an integrated approach to the assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management of complex psychopathology across the lifespan. Students will apply concepts covered in PMHNP I to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals across the lifespan with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders; neurocognitive disorders; disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders; personality disorders; dissociative disorders; somatic symptoms and related disorders; and sexual, gender, and paraphilic disorders. The role and scope of advanced psychiatric nursing practice is expanded from what is covered in PMHNP I to include forensic mental health care. Prerequisite: NURS 653. (7) (Didactic 3 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 3 credits) (180 hours clinical)
NURS 655 : PMHNP III: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan
Examines methods and major conceptual frameworks of group and family psychotherapy. Group dynamics, systems theory and group therapy models will be applied to the treatment of psychiatric disorders in a variety of settings. An overview and critical analysis of family theories and conceptual models will inform psychotherapy with children, adolescents, adults, elders, and their families. Prerequisite: NURS 654. (5) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 2 credits) (120 hours clinical)
NURS 656 : PMHNP IV: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan
An overview of the major schools of personality theory, psychological development, and derived individual psychotherapy treatment modalities, to better understand the dynamics of the patient and the therapeutic 1:1 relationship. Students will engage in the therapy process with individuals across the lifespan by implementing selected psychotherapeutic techniques. Prerequisite: NURS 655. (5) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 2 credits) (120 hours clinical)
NURS 657 : PMHNP Capstone
In this culminating clinical course students will demonstrate increased competency and accountability in the provision of comprehensive psychiatric-mental health care. Students will gain expertise by working with an identified population of choice and implementing selected psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions. Students will develop an individual learning plan to address any gaps in the attainment of required Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner competencies. Professional practice issues including contract negotiation and requirements for certification and licensure are included. Prerequisite: NURS 656. (4) (Seminar 1 credit, clinical 3 credits ) (180 hours clinical)
NURS 684 : D.N.P. Scholarly Project: Evaluation and Dissemination
D.N.P. students will systematically organize and interpret data employing quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies to evaluate the project’s impact on health outcomes. Students will disseminate their findings through an oral presentation to the key stakeholders and by submitting an abstract to a relevant professional organization. Students will complete 120 + clinical hours related to project evaluation and dissemination. Prerequisite: NURS 683. (4) [2 credits didactic and 2 credits clinical]
NURS 691 : Independent Study
Opportunities for advanced study in selected topic related to student's area of interest. Consent of the Dean required. (1-4)
NURS 700 : Advanced Practice Roles
This course is designed to provide the student a foundational understanding of the roles of the DNP prepared Advanced Practice Nurse and educator within healthcare. The student will explore advanced practice nursing roles through the analysis of ethical, professional, social and practice perspectives. (2)
NURS 701 : Theoretical Foundations and Evidence Based Practice
This course is designed to advance student understanding of the foundational nursing, scientific and theoretical underpinnings of advanced practice. Students in this course will explore, critique, integrate, and apply relevant theories from nursing and other disciplines. These theories provide guiding perspectives for the provision of evidence based, patient-centered, clinically measurable healthcare outcomes. (3)
NURS 702 : Information Systems and Patient Care Technology
This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills regarding the uses of information technology to support evidence-based nursing practice. The course focuses on the development of knowledge and technical skills to use data management systems and technological resources for decision-making, implementation of quality improvement initiatives, and evaluation of patient care technologies. The course includes use of systems analysis, decision theory, consumer use of informatics for health care information, and consideration of ethical, regulatory, and legal issues. (3)
NURS 703 : Organizational and Systems Leadership
This course is designed to provide the student with organizational and systems leadership knowledge. This course explores leadership and organizational structure, models, and principles within the context of healthcare delivery models and organizational, political, cultural, and economic policies and sustainability. Designed to prepare the student for provision of quality cost-effective care, participation in the design and implementation of care, assumption of the leadership role, and managing resources within a healthcare organizational setting. (3)
NURS 704 : Policy and Politics: Implications for Health Care
This course focuses on the principles of policy and the influence of the political process as a systematic approach to health care in the United States and internationally. The interdependence of policy and practice will be evaluated, with a focus on the challenges of engaging and influencing health policy locally, nationally and globally. Students will analyze the ethical, legal, economic, and sociocultural factors influencing policy development. Health policy frameworks are analyzed from governmental, organizational, and clinical practice perspectives. (3)
NURS 705 : Clinical Resource Management
This course builds upon the resource management concepts first explored in Leadership and develops foundational financial cost and budgeting concepts necessary to enact an advance clinical practice role, including awareness of reimbursement and population health initiatives. (3)
NURS 712 : Trauma Informed Care
This course is designed to provide care providers an understanding of trauma informed care. (3)
NURS 720 : Analytical Methods (Research I)
Students will develop and demonstrate skills in the use of analytical methods required to distinguish research design and analytical methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed) and quality improvement, and critique and evaluate validity and applicability or research to guide evidence based practice. Student locate, critically evaluate and synthesize evidence from research studies that support the improvement of outcomes in diverse populations. Students will identify practice questions and determine the appropriate method(s) to design and evaluate outcomes. Pre- or corequisite: NURS 721. (3)
NURS 721 : Epidemiology and Biostatistics
This course develops the student's ability to analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, occupational, and environmental data in the development, implementation and evaluation of clinical prevention and population health. Students will analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and other appropriate data related to infectious diseases, emergency/disaster, and individual, aggregate, and population health as it relates to local, regional, national, and international goals of improving global health. (3)
NURS 730 : Advanced Pathophysiology
This course is designed for the advanced practice student and focuses on normal physiologic and pathologic mechanisms of disease. It provides primary components of the foundation for clinical assessment, decision-making and management of patients across the lifespan. (3)
NURS 731 : Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
This course prepares the advanced practice student for prescriptive authority and focuses on the pharmacokinetic basis for and pharmacotherapeutic management of simple and complex disease processes. Includes ethical, legal, and procedural aspects of prescriptive authority. Pre- or Corequisite: NURS 730. (3)
NURS 732 : Advanced Physical Assessment
Development and performance of the skills needed for advanced health assessment of individuals, families, or communities throughout the lifespan. Prerequisite: Basic health assessment skills. (4) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 2 credits)
NURS 733 : Advanced Health Promotion
This course is designed to focus on identification of health risks and protective strategies for diverse populations as an advanced practice nurse and clinician. (2)
NURS 734 : Evaluation and Outcomes (Research II)
This course prepares the student with the knowledge and skills to measure and assess the impact of interventions on healthcare. Students explore the development and use of relevant outcome measures to evaluate research, quality improvement, and programs in order to inform and use new knowledge to provide, change, and evaluate delivery of healthcare initiatives focused on client-centered, clinically demonstrable care. Prerequisite: NURS 720. (3)
NURS 750 : Primary Care Essentials for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Provides the PMHNP DNP student knowledge and skills to assist in the primary care management of co-morbid medical conditions commonly occurring in patients with psychiatric-mental health disorders. This course builds on the foundations of advanced pathophysiology, advanced clinical pharmacotherapeutics, and advanced health assessment and focuses on the attainment of positive clinical outcomes for the major chronic illnesses of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, hypothyroidism, and congestive heart failure. (2)
NURS 770 : Primary Care Procedures and Diagnostics
Provide the family nurse practitioner student with a range of office-based skills including the ability to understand, manage and perform common primary care procedures. (3) (Didactic 1 credit, lab/seminar 2 credits)
NURS 771 : Psych for Primary Care
This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills to facilitate recognition and management of mental health conditions in the primary care setting. Focuses on the evaluation and management of common mental health issues in primary care including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, substance use/abuse, suicidal intent, self-injurious behavior, etc. Assessment tools, primary care management and criteria for referral to be included. (2)
NURS 772 : FNP I: Diagnosis and Management of Common Episodic and/or Stable Chronic Illnesses
This course is the first of four courses designed to teach the application of theory and research, diagnostic reasoning related to health care conditions, and the management of health problems across the lifespan. (5) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 2 credits)
NURS 773 : FNP II: Diagnosis and Management of Acute and Complex Health Problems
This course is the second of four designed to teach the application of theory and research, diagnostic reasoning related to health care conditions, and the management of health problems across the lifespan. Prerequisite: NURS 772 (5) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 2 credits)
NURS 774 : Women and Children in Primary Care
This course covers common problems unique to women and children (pregnancy, postpartum care, gynecological conditions, perimenopausal, menopausal care, well-child, adolescent care, preventive care), common behavioral and developmental problems in children & adolescents (developmental delay, learning disabilities, autism, school issues, etc.), and cultural variations in parenting. Family and role transitions across the lifespan are explored. Prerequisite: NURS 772, 773. (4) (Didactic 2 credits, clinical 2 credits)
NURS 775 : FNP III: Diagnosis and Management of Chronic and Complex Health Problems
This course is the third of four courses designed to teach the application of theory and research, diagnostic reasoning related to health care conditions, and the management of health problems across the lifespan. Prerequisite: NURS 773. (5) (Didactic 3 credits, clinical 2 credits)
NURS 776 : FNP IV: Diagnosis and Management of Complex Comorbid Patients
This course is the fourth of four courses designed to teach the application of theory and research, diagnostic reasoning related to health care conditions, and the management of health problems across the lifespan. It is designed as the culminating clinical course in the Family Nurse Practitioner program. Students will demonstrate the ability to provide novice-level primary care to chronic, complex patients with multiple co-morbidities. Prerequisite: NURS 774, 775. (4) (seminar 2 credits, clinical 2 credits)
NURS 790 : Translating Research (Research III)
This course is designed to build upon previous courses and provide students a structured environment to begin the DNP project proposal. Students will develop strategies for translating research findings into sustainable improvements in patient and clinical outcomes for a diverse population. The use of information technology and interprofessional collaboration will be emphasized. Models used to guide the process of implementing and evaluating evidence based practice change will be examined. This course runs concurrently with DNP Scholarly Project I which serves to inform the translational research project proposal developed within this course. (3)
NURS 791 : Proposal Seminar
This is the proposal planning course for the DNP Scholarly Project series. This course is taken in conjunction with Translating Research (790). Students will identify their practice area and location. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. (1) (Didactic 0.5 credits, clinical 0.5 credits)
NURS 792 : DNP Scholarly Project I
This is the first course in the DNP Scholarly Project series. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. Prerequisite: NURS 791. (2) (Didactic 0.5 credits, clinical 1.5 credits)
NURS 793 : DNP Scholarly Project II
This is the second course in the DNP Scholarly Project series. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. Prerequisite: NURS 792. (2) (Didactic 0.5 credits, clinical 1.5 credits)
NURS 794 : DNP Scholarly Project III
This is the third course in the DNP Scholarly Project series. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. Prerequisite: NURS 793. (2) (Didactic 0.5 credits, clinical 1.5 credits)
NURS 795 : Transition to DNP Practice
Transition and socialization into the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) role is explored. Role transition includes the DNP's professional responsibility and accountability for advancing professional nursing practice. The DNP scholarship portfolio will be completed and evaluated. The portfolio will include reflection on evidence that demonstrates the student is a clinical scholar and documents competency in all domains of DNP practice as outlined in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral education for Advanced Nurse Practice, the DNP Core Competencies by the National Association of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and PLU School of Nursing Doctoral Program Outcomes. Prerequisite: All other DNP coursework. Taken concurrently with NURS 775 and 799 for FNP students. Taken concurrently with NURS 657 and 799 for PMHNP students. (1)
NURS 796 : DNP Clinical Practicum
The DNP student will develop further practice or DNP competencies through clinical practicum experience. May be repeated up to 3 times. Pass/Fail grading. Consent of the dean and associate dean of graduate nursing programs. (1-4)
NURS 799 : DNP Scholarly Project IV
This is the final course in the DNP Scholarly Project series. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. A primary focus of this class will be dissemination of results including final scholarly paper, presentation of results to community organization, and creation of a manuscript for submission for publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal. Prerequisite: NURS 794. (3) (Didactic 1 credit, clinical 2 credits)