2011-2012 Graduate Academic Catalog

Page 20 2011–12 Graduate Catalog Introduction Experience Admissions Academic Info. Financial Info. Campus Services M.Ed. M.S.N. Course Descriptions Appendix Mission The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program at Cedarville University prepares the graduate nurse for advanced practice in nursing. This M.S.N. degree provides in-depth, professional and advanced practice study for nurses to expand their knowledge of health care delivery, clinical expertise, nursing leadership, use of evidence-based research, and academic scholarship grounded in biblical truth. For more information about the M.S.N. program, please visit cedarville.edu/msn Areas of Focus Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) The Family Nurse Practitioner area of focus prepares advanced practice nurses to provide primary care across the human lifespan. The graduates are qualified to seek national certification and employment as family nurse practitioners. This advanced practice specialty includes assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of common acute and chronic health problems, health promotion, client and family education, and use of evidence based research for meeting the needs for primary care and prevention. Global Health Ministries (GHM) The Global Health Ministries area of focus prepares nurses with expertise in providing population-based care domestically and around the world. This area of focus is a natural fit with the mission of Cedarville University and the Department of Nursing. The nurse has advanced knowledge and skills based on world health problems and issues, environmental health, community development, societal structure and policy development. An emphasis is placed on using nursing as ministry through congregational health care, and professional ministries to address global health issues. The graduates are qualified to seek national certification and employment as public health nurses. Nurse Educator The Nurse Educator area of focus provides advanced knowledge, clinical expertise and use of evidence-based research as a foundation for preparation as a nurse educator. In addition, students are provided with study of the principles of education to be prepared to teach in health care or educational settings as nurse educators, staff educators, clinical faculty and continuing education providers. With this educational background, the graduates will be qualified to seek national certification as a nurse educator after two years of full-time employment in an academic faculty role. Program Outcomes Upon completion of the M.S.N. degree the graduate will: • Synthesize a biblical worldview underlying the advanced nursing practice roles and responsibilities. • Integrate knowledge from nursing science and related disciplines as a framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating holistic care, educational needs and program focus. • Implement scientific inquiry, evidence based practice and scholarly work to evaluate and improve practice and desired outcomes. • Demonstrate critical judgment, clinical decision making and effective communication skills for advanced nursing practice as part of multidisciplinary or educational team within various environmental contexts. • Integrate biblical principles into the legal practices and the professional and ethical values essential for advanced nursing practice. • Analyze cultural, social, economic and political perspectives that influence health care and advanced nursing practice. • Serve as a leader in advancing health care through use of best practice models. • Demonstrate competence in advanced nursing practice within the specific area of focus: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator or Global Health Ministries.