Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

Faculty

Denise Pope, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Nursing, Chief Nursing Officer
Dr. Intima Alrimawai, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Denyse Barkley, Ph.D., RN, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Carrie O’Reilly, Ph.D, RN, Director of Clinical Simulation and Laboratory Operations; Associate Professor of Nursing

Description

Nursing leadership necessitates advanced degrees.  Trinity’s Master of Science in Nursing offers two pathways: Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. MSN students will analyze and synthesize information to participate in collaborative planning across settings. Nursing Administration and Nursing Education students take both a participant and a lead role in formal seminars, and conduct a content specific project based on research. The degree program requires thirty-six (36) credits for the Nurse Administration pathway and thirty-nine (39) credits for the Nurse Education pathway and may be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Students in the Nurse Education track learn teaching strategies through: a) scholarly papers based on requirements in the syllabus. b) team work in the classroom, c) seminars, d) classroom and practicum presentations, e) use of technology to enhance presentations, f) interviews with health care executives and middle managers, and g) the inclusion of expert lecturers in the classroom.  Students in the Administration track use a wide variety of communication techniques, re-engineer complex health delivery problems, apply general systems theory, and apply congruency theory to health care delivery programs.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Nursing offers two pathways: Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. The degree program requires thirty-six (36) credits for the Nurse Administration pathway and thirty-nine (39) credits for the Nurse Education pathway and may be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Nursing Administration Curriculum Plan

Courses can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

NURS 515 Advanced Pathophysiology & PharmacologyBuilding on a foundation of normal physiology, students are exposed to the major disturbances of normal function and the basic mechanisms involved in disease of the major organ systems. The course includes discussion of the general aspects of the common human pathophysiological conditions and syndromes. This course focuses on the integration of general physiological principles that apply across the lifespan. Content relative to each life state is integrated with each topical area. Physical manifestations are correlated with pathological inferences. Emphasis is given to recognizing changes in client status, interpreting physiological data, and using this information for primary care. This course also focuses on the study of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs prescribed across the lifespan. Classifications of pharmaceuticals are examined in relation to indication for use and evidence of efficacy. This course is designed to build on prior pharmacologic study of actions and effects of drugs on the human system across the life span. Students will study pharmacologic mechanisms of action, effects on organ systems, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, considerations related to age and physiologic state, adverse reactions, contraindications, and drop interactions. The legalities and regulations concerning prescription writing privileges are addressed so as to lay the foundation for the knowledge and skills to manage pharmacotherapeutics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 625 Administrative Theory in Nursing IIExplores roles and functions of the nurse in management as the nurse manager develops patterns of nursing care, articulating nursing education, and nursing service.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 562
NURS 605 Administrative Theory in Nursing IUses administrative theory and management principles and processes as related to roles and functions of the nurse in management in health-related agencies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 645 Practicum in Nursing AdministrationThe practicum will integrate previous knowledge from MSN core and administration courses and provide a guided practicum experience for the student. This course is designed for application, demonstration, and synthesis of theory and competencies related to the role of nurse administrator. Learning experiences are planned and negotiated to meet individual learning goals in the context of preceptor supervised experiences. Students will complete a project in collaboration with their preceptor and approval of the course faculty. The practicum requires 100 hours with an approved preceptorship in the speciality role.
6 credits
Prerequisites: SNHP 501, SNHP 630, NURS 510, NURS 562, and NURS 625
SNHP 501
SNHP 530 Quantitative Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores quantitative research methodologies utilized for observation and data collection, including analysis and interpretation of collected data. This course provides an exploration of research concepts, literature review, research methods, designs, data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in quantitative research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with quantitative analyses. This course is designed to provide graduate students with the skills necessary to evaluate the relationship between practice and published research. This course provides opportunities to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based research project. Each student will develop and evaluate a plan for the translation of the research into their practice. (3 credits)
SNHP 601
SNHP 630 Qualitative and Outcomes Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores qualitative and outcomes research methodologies. Students interpret findings and learn how to critically appraise the evidence and its impact on practice with a focus on evaluation methods, epidemiology, and economic theory. This course provides opportunities to integrate theory, evidence, clinical judgment, cultural preferences, and research to improve health care practice and outcomes. The student will conduct efficient literature reviews and evaluate the quality of that research through the appraisal of research design, methodology, and data analysis. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in qualitative and outcomes research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the analysis process of data gathered in qualitative and outcome research methodologies, the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with qualitative analyses. (3 credits)
ADMN 607 Accounting and Finance for Evaluation and ControlThe Accounting and Finance for Managerial Evaluation and Control course emphasizes the use of accounting and financial information to fa cilitate effective management decisions. Topics include the accounting process, the accounting cycle, accounting systems, inventories, investments, cost determination, cost control and analysis, budgeting, analysis of financial statements, and capital investment analysis. Students in this course will use spreadsheet software to develop and analyze data. This course requires computer literacy and access outside the classroom to a computer with spreadsheet software. Formerly ADMN 607 Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
HADV 621 Health Advocacy: Access and NavigationIn this course students determine the appropriate roles a health practitioner might adopt to promote an individual or community's health care experience and to improve health outcomes. In an increasingly complex healthcare market and range of treatments it is important for the health care advocate to be able to assess a patient's diagnosis, risks, needs, and recommended treatment to direct individuals or communities to the best experiences and outcomes. This is critically important for minority, disadvantaged, or special populations who are often unaware of the severity of their conditions and potential health outcomes. Students demonstrate the ability to inform and educate individuals or communities of their health status, treatm ent plan s, access to quality care, community health services, and to advocate to insurance systems and health institutions in an ethical and caring manner to improve health outcomes and social inequalities.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None

Nursing Education Curriculum Plan

Courses can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

NURS 515 Advanced Pathophysiology & PharmacologyBuilding on a foundation of normal physiology, students are exposed to the major disturbances of normal function and the basic mechanisms involved in disease of the major organ systems. The course includes discussion of the general aspects of the common human pathophysiological conditions and syndromes. This course focuses on the integration of general physiological principles that apply across the lifespan. Content relative to each life state is integrated with each topical area. Physical manifestations are correlated with pathological inferences. Emphasis is given to recognizing changes in client status, interpreting physiological data, and using this information for primary care. This course also focuses on the study of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs prescribed across the lifespan. Classifications of pharmaceuticals are examined in relation to indication for use and evidence of efficacy. This course is designed to build on prior pharmacologic study of actions and effects of drugs on the human system across the life span. Students will study pharmacologic mechanisms of action, effects on organ systems, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, considerations related to age and physiologic state, adverse reactions, contraindications, and drop interactions. The legalities and regulations concerning prescription writing privileges are addressed so as to lay the foundation for the knowledge and skills to manage pharmacotherapeutics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 620 Curriculum Development and EvaluationApplications in Nursing curriculum design, including the development of a teaching/learning philosophy, mission statement, programmatic goals, learning objectives, teaching plans, and individual courses. This course explores the theories, principles and practices that underpin the measurement and evaluation of educational settings. This course includes content on approaches to assessing and evaluating student outcomes, giving feedback, test construction and psychometrics evaluation, development and grading of written assignments, evaluation of clinical performance and self-evaluation for personal teaching effectiveness. This course provides an overview of nursing curriculum development in nursing education. Influential factors in curriculum design decisions are discussed. Students are introduced to program assessment, institutional philosophy, theory, and concepts of general education. Topics include an introduction to curricular design and the importance of considering the stakeholders. Program assessment and change theories are explored as they pertain to evaluating for the possibility of a curricular redesign.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 562
SNHP 501
SNHP 530 Quantitative Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores quantitative research methodologies utilized for observation and data collection, including analysis and interpretation of collected data. This course provides an exploration of research concepts, literature review, research methods, designs, data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in quantitative research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with quantitative analyses. This course is designed to provide graduate students with the skills necessary to evaluate the relationship between practice and published research. This course provides opportunities to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based research project. Each student will develop and evaluate a plan for the translation of the research into their practice. (3 credits)
SNHP 600 Instructional Strategies for Effective TeachingResearch based pedagogical theory and practice strategies for instruction; technology and technological devices with a focus on the utilization of applications software and internet data sites for research, data analysis and reports; utilization of effective teaching models to improve student achievement. This course provides an overview of teaching methods utilized within nursing education to support student learning in clinical, didactic and online learning and simulation teaching environments. Students will examine various teaching/learning technologies, including simulation, and integrate these technologies with select teaching methods in the design of coursework to support learning. Academic policies, protocols, and legal aspects of education will be explored. Campus relationships, prospective and current student issues, as well as laws affecting students will be examined. Situational events that occur in the classroom and clinical settings will be highlighted for students to research, discuss and develop a format for applying case law to student faculty issues.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 601
SNHP 630 Qualitative and Outcomes Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores qualitative and outcomes research methodologies. Students interpret findings and learn how to critically appraise the evidence and its impact on practice with a focus on evaluation methods, epidemiology, and economic theory. This course provides opportunities to integrate theory, evidence, clinical judgment, cultural preferences, and research to improve health care practice and outcomes. The student will conduct efficient literature reviews and evaluate the quality of that research through the appraisal of research design, methodology, and data analysis. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in qualitative and outcomes research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the analysis process of data gathered in qualitative and outcome research methodologies, the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with qualitative analyses. (3 credits)
SNHP 640 Teaching and Clinical PracticumThis course focuses the student on the role of the nurse educator in either academic or agency settings. Students will have the opportunity to apply all of the content from prior course work in a precepted situation and a required residency.
6 credits
Prerequisites: SNHP 600 and SNHP 501
SNHP 651 EthicsThe American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics will be used as one example of a guide for ethical decision-making. Health-care related legal/ethical issues arising from selected theoretical/research appro aches ar e examined. A variety of ethical decision-making frameworks will be evaluated for the advanced nurse to use as tools in the decision-making process.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
HADV 621 Health Advocacy: Access and NavigationIn this course students determine the appropriate roles a health practitioner might adopt to promote an individual or community's health care experience and to improve health outcomes. In an increasingly complex healthcare market and range of treatments it is important for the health care advocate to be able to assess a patient's diagnosis, risks, needs, and recommended treatment to direct individuals or communities to the best experiences and outcomes. This is critically important for minority, disadvantaged, or special populations who are often unaware of the severity of their conditions and potential health outcomes. Students demonstrate the ability to inform and educate individuals or communities of their health status, treatm ent plan s, access to quality care, community health services, and to advocate to insurance systems and health institutions in an ethical and caring manner to improve health outcomes and social inequalities.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 650 Adv Clin Prac Spec for Nurse EducatorThis direct care clinical experience will strengthen patient care delivery skills at the master's level for the nurse educator student to prepare them for advanced nursing practice care in a health care specialty. The course provides specialized clinical experiences as students synthesize theory, knowledge and skills from previous courses to develop advanced nursing practice skills to provide evidenced-based, ethical care to individuals, groups, communities and systems. In collaboration with their faculty, students will select a direct care experience that is consistent with their area of practice. Students can select from a range of clinical settings which can include; acute and critical care, long-term care, home health, community-based settings and educational settings. This course requires 100 hours in an immersion, direct care clinical experience with an approved preceptor.

Prerequisites: SNHP 501, SNHP 530, SNHP 600, SNHP 620, SNHP 630, NURS 515, NURS 562

MPH/MSN Dual Degree Program

The dual MSN/MPH degree plan allows for nine credits to overlap the two curricula and three more MSN credits will meet the MPH elective.  Twelve total MSN credits count toward the MPH degree. Students will complete the degree requirements for the MSN and MPH programs. See MPH Curriculum.

Program Policies

Program Presentations and Assessments
Students in the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Program are required to earn a minimum grade of B or passing on all required end-of-program presentations and assessments. Students who do not demonstrate mastery will register to repeat SNHP 640 Teaching and Clinical PracticumThis course focuses the student on the role of the nurse educator in either academic or agency settings. Students will have the opportunity to apply all of the content from prior course work in a precepted situation and a required residency.
6 credits
Prerequisites: SNHP 600 and SNHP 501 or NURS 645 Practicum in Nursing AdministrationThe practicum will integrate previous knowledge from MSN core and administration courses and provide a guided practicum experience for the student. This course is designed for application, demonstration, and synthesis of theory and competencies related to the role of nurse administrator. Learning experiences are planned and negotiated to meet individual learning goals in the context of preceptor supervised experiences. Students will complete a project in collaboration with their preceptor and approval of the course faculty. The practicum requires 100 hours with an approved preceptorship in the speciality role.
6 credits
Prerequisites: SNHP 501, SNHP 630, NURS 510, NURS 562, and NURS 625.

Experiential Learning Policy (TELL): 
Graduate students who can demonstrate by submission of a portfolio that they have already acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies taught in a Trinity graduate program course may receive credit for that course. A maximum of six (6) credits can be considered and cannot be used for the Practicum course. All cases involving experiential learning credit will be considered on an individual basis by the student’s academic advisor, Chief Nursing Officer, and the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Grades in Graduate Courses:
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate. No student who has more than 3 credits below a “B” on his/her transcript may graduate and receive a degree.

Pass/No Pass:
Graduate students may not take courses on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Transfer Policy:
Students may transfer up to six (6) graduate credits from other appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning toward the degree with approval from the program director. See course catalog academic policies for specific requirements and approval protocol.

Accreditation

The master’s degree program in nursing at Trinity is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Course Descriptions

ADMN 607 Accounting and Finance for Evaluation and ControlThe Accounting and Finance for Managerial Evaluation and Control course emphasizes the use of accounting and financial information to fa cilitate effective management decisions. Topics include the accounting process, the accounting cycle, accounting systems, inventories, investments, cost determination, cost control and analysis, budgeting, analysis of financial statements, and capital investment analysis. Students in this course will use spreadsheet software to develop and analyze data. This course requires computer literacy and access outside the classroom to a computer with spreadsheet software. Formerly ADMN 607 Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
HADV 621 Health Advocacy: Access and NavigationIn this course students determine the appropriate roles a health practitioner might adopt to promote an individual or community's health care experience and to improve health outcomes. In an increasingly complex healthcare market and range of treatments it is important for the health care advocate to be able to assess a patient's diagnosis, risks, needs, and recommended treatment to direct individuals or communities to the best experiences and outcomes. This is critically important for minority, disadvantaged, or special populations who are often unaware of the severity of their conditions and potential health outcomes. Students demonstrate the ability to inform and educate individuals or communities of their health status, treatm ent plan s, access to quality care, community health services, and to advocate to insurance systems and health institutions in an ethical and caring manner to improve health outcomes and social inequalities.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 515 Advanced Pathophysiology & PharmacologyBuilding on a foundation of normal physiology, students are exposed to the major disturbances of normal function and the basic mechanisms involved in disease of the major organ systems. The course includes discussion of the general aspects of the common human pathophysiological conditions and syndromes. This course focuses on the integration of general physiological principles that apply across the lifespan. Content relative to each life state is integrated with each topical area. Physical manifestations are correlated with pathological inferences. Emphasis is given to recognizing changes in client status, interpreting physiological data, and using this information for primary care. This course also focuses on the study of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs prescribed across the lifespan. Classifications of pharmaceuticals are examined in relation to indication for use and evidence of efficacy. This course is designed to build on prior pharmacologic study of actions and effects of drugs on the human system across the life span. Students will study pharmacologic mechanisms of action, effects on organ systems, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, considerations related to age and physiologic state, adverse reactions, contraindications, and drop interactions. The legalities and regulations concerning prescription writing privileges are addressed so as to lay the foundation for the knowledge and skills to manage pharmacotherapeutics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 562
NURS 605 Administrative Theory in Nursing IUses administrative theory and management principles and processes as related to roles and functions of the nurse in management in health-related agencies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 625 Administrative Theory in Nursing IIExplores roles and functions of the nurse in management as the nurse manager develops patterns of nursing care, articulating nursing education, and nursing service.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
NURS 645 Practicum in Nursing AdministrationThe practicum will integrate previous knowledge from MSN core and administration courses and provide a guided practicum experience for the student. This course is designed for application, demonstration, and synthesis of theory and competencies related to the role of nurse administrator. Learning experiences are planned and negotiated to meet individual learning goals in the context of preceptor supervised experiences. Students will complete a project in collaboration with their preceptor and approval of the course faculty. The practicum requires 100 hours with an approved preceptorship in the speciality role.
6 credits
Prerequisites: SNHP 501, SNHP 630, NURS 510, NURS 562, and NURS 625
NURS 650 Adv Clin Prac Spec for Nurse EducatorThis direct care clinical experience will strengthen patient care delivery skills at the master's level for the nurse educator student to prepare them for advanced nursing practice care in a health care specialty. The course provides specialized clinical experiences as students synthesize theory, knowledge and skills from previous courses to develop advanced nursing practice skills to provide evidenced-based, ethical care to individuals, groups, communities and systems. In collaboration with their faculty, students will select a direct care experience that is consistent with their area of practice. Students can select from a range of clinical settings which can include; acute and critical care, long-term care, home health, community-based settings and educational settings. This course requires 100 hours in an immersion, direct care clinical experience with an approved preceptor.

Prerequisites: SNHP 501, SNHP 530, SNHP 600, SNHP 620, SNHP 630, NURS 515, NURS 562
SNHP 501
SNHP 530 Quantitative Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores quantitative research methodologies utilized for observation and data collection, including analysis and interpretation of collected data. This course provides an exploration of research concepts, literature review, research methods, designs, data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in quantitative research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with quantitative analyses. This course is designed to provide graduate students with the skills necessary to evaluate the relationship between practice and published research. This course provides opportunities to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based research project. Each student will develop and evaluate a plan for the translation of the research into their practice. (3 credits)
SNHP 600 Instructional Strategies for Effective TeachingResearch based pedagogical theory and practice strategies for instruction; technology and technological devices with a focus on the utilization of applications software and internet data sites for research, data analysis and reports; utilization of effective teaching models to improve student achievement. This course provides an overview of teaching methods utilized within nursing education to support student learning in clinical, didactic and online learning and simulation teaching environments. Students will examine various teaching/learning technologies, including simulation, and integrate these technologies with select teaching methods in the design of coursework to support learning. Academic policies, protocols, and legal aspects of education will be explored. Campus relationships, prospective and current student issues, as well as laws affecting students will be examined. Situational events that occur in the classroom and clinical settings will be highlighted for students to research, discuss and develop a format for applying case law to student faculty issues.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 601
SNHP 620 Curriculum Development and EvaluationApplications in Nursing curriculum design, including the development of a teaching/learning philosophy, mission statement, programmatic goals, learning objectives, teaching plans, and individual courses. This course explores the theories, principles and practices that underpin the measurement and evaluation of educational settings. This course includes content on approaches to assessing and evaluating student outcomes, giving feedback, test construction and psychometrics evaluation, development and grading of written assignments, evaluation of clinical performance and self-evaluation for personal teaching effectiveness. This course provides an overview of nursing curriculum development in nursing education. Influential factors in curriculum design decisions are discussed. Students are introduced to program assessment, institutional philosophy, theory, and concepts of general education. Topics include an introduction to curricular design and the importance of considering the stakeholders. Program assessment and change theories are explored as they pertain to evaluating for the possibility of a curricular redesign.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
SNHP 630 Qualitative and Outcomes Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores qualitative and outcomes research methodologies. Students interpret findings and learn how to critically appraise the evidence and its impact on practice with a focus on evaluation methods, epidemiology, and economic theory. This course provides opportunities to integrate theory, evidence, clinical judgment, cultural preferences, and research to improve health care practice and outcomes. The student will conduct efficient literature reviews and evaluate the quality of that research through the appraisal of research design, methodology, and data analysis. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in qualitative and outcomes research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the analysis process of data gathered in qualitative and outcome research methodologies, the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with qualitative analyses. (3 credits)
SNHP 640 Teaching and Clinical PracticumThis course focuses the student on the role of the nurse educator in either academic or agency settings. Students will have the opportunity to apply all of the content from prior course work in a precepted situation and a required residency.
6 credits
Prerequisites: SNHP 600 and SNHP 501
SNHP 651 EthicsThe American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics will be used as one example of a guide for ethical decision-making. Health-care related legal/ethical issues arising from selected theoretical/research appro aches ar e examined. A variety of ethical decision-making frameworks will be evaluated for the advanced nurse to use as tools in the decision-making process.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None