Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2014-2015 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing


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Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing Program is to prepare advanced practice nurses by expanding and refining a broad base of knowledge and skills of baccalaureate education incorporating the experiential background of the professional nurse. This purpose relates to the Mission of the University by providing professional education at the master’s level that emphasizes advanced academic preparation of specialized knowledge and competencies through the process of role mastery.

Philosophy

The Philosophy for the Master of Science in Nursing Program builds upon the philosophy of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program which can be found in the MUW Undergraduate Bulletin. In addition, the Master of Science in Nursing Program extends and refines the knowledge and skills of baccalaureate education incorporating the experiential background of the professional nurse. Attainment of advanced knowledge and competencies occurs through the process of role mastery, moving from novice to expert. The educational process is guided by three foci: primary care, advanced nursing practice, and evidence based practice. Primary care emphasizes health promotion and health maintenance for individuals, families, and communities in addition to managing and monitoring acute and chronic illnesses. This diversity of care is culturally sensitive and individualized. Advanced nursing practice is autonomous and focuses on knowledge and competencies for the specialized role of the nurse practitioner. In this role the advanced practice nurse may function independently or collaboratively and is accountable as a direct provider of care. Inherent in advanced nursing practice is leadership for the purposes of improving nursing and healthcare and influencing health policy. Advanced practice leadership involves self-evaluation for continuing scholarship, professional growth, and excellence in practice. Therefore, the advanced practice nurse is prepared to pursue doctoral education. Evidence based practice provides opportunity for integration of nursing research, primary care, and healthcare leadership, with the science of nursing. Advanced nursing practice in primary care includes application of evidence based practice to increase understanding of primary care nursing phenomena and develop improved modalities of care, and to provide the basis for health policy change.

Curriculum Objectives/Program Outcomes

The Master of Science in Nursing Program is designed to prepare Advanced Practice Nurses who will:

  1. Synthesize advanced knowledge of the humanities with biophysical and behavioral sciences as they influence the healthcare system and role development,
  2. Integrate theoretical and research knowledge from evidence based practice into primary healthcare,
  3. Conduct scientific investigation of issues relevant to primary healthcare and the advanced nurse practice role,
  4. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for provision of quality healthcare,
  5. Employ an interdisciplinary team approach for the improvement of healthcare delivery,
  6. Self-evaluate continuing scholarship, professional growth, and role mastery,
  7. Demonstrate advanced competencies for the specialized role of the nurse practitioner.

Admission Requirements for Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Master’s (MSN-RN) Certificate, and Post-Master’s (MSN-NP) Certificate:


See Graduate Admissions  in this Bulletin for information regarding admission.

Admission Dates/Procedures:


See Graduate Admissions  in this Bulletin for information regarding admission dates and procedures. 

Program Requirements

In addition to the general degree requirements (see 7. Academic Policies and Procedures  and curriculum requirements noted below, the student must successfully complete the following: 

  1. A minimum of 39 semester hours of approved graduate credit including (please see specific NP track requirements):
    1. A minimum of 10 hours of MSN core coursework,
    2. A minimum of 19 hours of FNP core coursework, (21 hours in GNP & PMHNP) 
    3. A minimum of 10 hours of role specialization coursework.
  2. A clinical research project or thesis;
  3. A written comprehensive examination.

Progression

The Master of Science in Nursing Program Progression policy is the following:

  1. An overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale must be maintained.
  2. A minimum grade of B is required in each clinical course. If the average of either the didactic or clinic component of a clinical course falls below B, the lower grade will be awarded and will be considered failing.
  3. A minimum grade of C in all non-clinical nursing courses is required. Students may not earn a C in more than two courses (6 hours) and remain in the program.
  4. The failure to progress satisfactorily according to the above policies will necessitate that the student obtain readmission to the program through the Graduate Nursing Program.
  5. Readmission will be considered only once.
  6. Continued compliance with admission requirements such as criminal background checks and drug/alcohol screens.

Course of Study

The post-master’s (MSN-RN) option requires satisfactory completion of the APN coursework designated with an asterisk (*). The post-master’s (MSN-NP) option requires satisfactory completion of the role specialization coursework designated by a pound sign (#). The distribution of didactic and clinic hours is indicated in parentheses following total course credits in the course listing at the back of this bulletin. The ratio of credit to contact hours for the FNP clinical courses is 1:4.5. The ratio of credit to contact hours for the GNP and PMHNP clinical courses is 1:3.The M.S.N. degree requires satisfactory completion of the following courses:

Prerequisite:


Family Nurse Practitioner Track:


Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Track:


Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track:


Nurse Practitioner Residency Track:


Nurse Practitioner Residency program in collaboration with North Mississippi Medical Center. This is located at the same site as the Family Physician Residency Center. This track is divided into three semesters. The student engages in 8 credit hours/405 clinical hours and 30 didactic hours each semester of additional primary care and specialty areas beyond the training required in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Application information is offered through North Mississippi Medical Center online at http://www.nmhs.net/fmrc.php.

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