Adult Advanced Practice Nursing Specialty
The Adult Advanced Practice Nursing (AAPN) curriculum is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses as clinical nurse specialists (cardiovascular or oncology), and acute care or oncology nurse practitioners. In-depth knowledge of a specialty area enables the advanced practice nurse to manage collaboratively the care for patients in a variety of settings: acute care, critical care, intermediate care, long-term care, ambulatory care, and home care. Specialization also provides the opportunity to deliver continuity of care through assessment, teaching, case management, and evaluation. The scope of advanced practice is further enhanced by the ability to identify the need for and to participate in the development of clinical nursing research. The uniqueness of the curriculum lies in its emphasis on the development of clinical expertise based on an understanding of nursing practice, research, and theory. The curriculum aims to prepare leaders who will improve clinical practice, apply new knowledge, and further the goals of the nursing profession. The student elects the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Oncology Nurse Practitioner track.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) track prepares acute care nurse practitioners to assess and manage collaboratively the needs of patients who are acutely and critically ill across the full continuum of acute care services . The core body of knowledge provided in the track is derived from the full spectrum of high-acuity patient care needs. On completion of the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track, students are eligible for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification through the American Nurses' Credentialing Center.
In the second year of study, the focus is on history taking, physical assessment, differential diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and management of patients. Courses in assessing the acutely ill individual, diagnostic reasoning, nursing theory, research, and statistics are also featured in the first year. Clinical conferences focus on the diagnosis and management of problems seen in acutely ill patients, as well as pharmacology.
During the final year of study, emphasis is placed on the differential diagnosis and management of complex problems seen in the acutely ill patient population. Courses also include content on pharmacology, health promotion, acute and chronic disease management, and the role of the nurse practitioner. Clinical placement sites expose the student to a variety of acute care settings and patient populations. Clinical conferences focus on the diagnosis and management of complex acute care problems.
*Year-long course; credits awarded at year's end.
The course plan for part-time study can be obtained from the Student Affairs Office.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Track
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) track prepares clinical nurse specialists to manage collaboratively the care for patients in a variety of settings: acute care, critical care, intermediate care, long-term care, ambulatory care, and home care. Specialization provides for not only in-depth knowledge of a specialty area (cardiovascular or oncology), but also the opportunity to deliver continuity of care through assessment, teaching, case management, and evaluation.
In the first year of study, emphasis is placed on developing skill in health history taking, physical assessment, pathophysiology, and assessment of the elected specialty population. Students study research and theory as a basis for developing conceptual models for advanced nursing practice. During the final year the focus is on clinical nursing management and role development as an advanced practice nurse. Leadership, change, case management, and consultation are emphasized. On completion of the Clinical Nurse Specialist track, students are eligible for Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification through the American Nurses' Credentialing Center.
*Year-long course; credits awarded at year's end.
**40 credits total are required for the degree. Students should select elective courses to reach this total.
The course plan for part-time study can be obtained from the Student Affairs Office.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner Track
The Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP) track is designed to prepare advanced practice oncology nurses to assess and manage the care of patients with cancer and their families across the continuum of the illness. Principles of holistic care are integrated throughout the core body of specialty oncology knowledge in the curriculum. On completion of the Oncology Nurse Practitioner track, students are eligible for Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification through the American Nurses' Credentialing Center.
In the first year of study, the clinical emphasis is on history taking, physical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and management of primary health problems in adults. Specialty oncology knowledge, research, and statistics are the required didactic content. During the final year of study, the focus is on managing complex oncologic problems and developing a model of evidence-based practice as an advanced oncology nurse. Courses include speciality pharmacology, symptom management, health promotion, and clinical practica in diverse sites and settings. Clinical conferences focus on the integration of knowledge and research into practice, specifically applied to the management of the individual patient and family, and to management of populations of specialty patients.
*Year-long course; credits awarded at year's end.
The course plan for part-time study can be obtained from the Student Affairs Office.
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Adult Advanced Practice Nursing Specialty Tracks
Applying to the Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing Program
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