NURS 6011: Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)

This course presents ideas associated with concept-formation, theory structure and development. Theories in nursing are explored, critically analyzed and evaluated. Each theory is examined for its practical application to improve nursing practice, nursing curricula, and nursing administration. Prerequisite or corequisite: N6250.

NURS 6012: Statistics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)

This course provides students with an understanding of foundational concepts in statistics and advanced statistical analysis methods commonly used in quantitative healthcare research. Students will learn how to critically appraise statistical methods utilized in published research/reports, and to identify issues with planning and conducting analysis in research. Links between research design and appropriateness of statistical analyses will be emphasized. In addition, students will utilize IBM SPSS Statistics to conduct and interpret statistical tests. Prerequisite or corequisite: N6250.

NURS 6013: Research Methods in Nursing (3 credits)

In this course, students will review the elements of the research process, including developing researchable questions for nursing problems, use of conceptual frameworks, operationalization of concepts, ethical conduct, sampling, data collection, data analysis and proposal writing. Methods, assumptions, and issues associated with common research designs will be discussed. The emphasis is on critical appraisal of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research studies and of a body of evidence. Prerequisite: N6250. 

NURS 6014: Leadership for Nurse Practitioners (3 credits)

This course focuses on knowledge and skills nurse practitioners need to strengthen their leadership capabilities. Students will explore the nature of leadership, population health trends and how to improve the health of individuals and populations through knowledge translation and policy at the individual and system level. They will also review how to promote and implement change, including application of teaching/learning principles and quality improvement programs. Self-reflection and application of key components of strengths-based nursing are integral to the course. 

NURS 6221: Population-Based Nursing (3 credits)

This course involves an examination of theoretical and research knowledge related to the key domains of the population health framework: influencing personal health practices, creating supportive environments and building community capacity, reorienting health services, and healthy public policy. Core concepts explored include risk, generating and interpreting rates from population health data to identify priority problems, and determinants of health. Emphasis is placed on the critical appraisal of population-based interventions, including screening programs, for selected high-priority population health problems, assessing their strengths, limitations, applicability to different problems, and effectiveness. The roles of nurses, advanced nursing practice and nursing leadership in population health will be explored. Prerequisite: N6250

NURS 6240: Nursing Individuals and Families Through Life Transitions (3 credits)

This course involves an examination of theoretical and research knowledge needed by advanced practice nurses for the provision of care to individuals and families experiencing life transitions. The core concepts addressed are life transitions (developmental, situational, and illness-related) and stress, coping, and health outcomes. Evidence-based interventions that advanced practice nurses use to assist individuals and families who are experiencing life transitions are explored. Pre-requisite: N6250.

NURS 6250: Writing for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)

This course will help students develop professional and academic skills required for success in graduate studies and for evidence-informed decision making in advanced nursing practice. One area of emphasis will be on developing writing competencies for scholarly work. Topics will include mechanics of writing, building and defending arguments, locating information, critical reading, evaluating various forms of knowledge, writing integrative literature reviews, and presenting the results of these in different formats. The second area of emphasis will be on in-depth exploration of the different competencies associated with, and their application to, advanced nursing practice.

Note: This course is a prerequisite to all other courses for MScN students, although students may take this course as a corequisite with others in the first term of the program.

NURS 6260: Knowledge Translation in Nursing (3 credits)

This course focuses on building students’ capacity for undertaking knowledge translation activities relevant to nursing and health care. Building on concepts and frameworks that define knowledge translation, students will discuss identifying knowledge gaps, strategies for knowledge translation and evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on application of concepts to practice. Prerequisite: N6250.

NURS 6270: Leading Change in Nursing (3 credits)

Using the Conceptual Model of Leading Change (Nelson-Brantly & Ford, 2016) as the course framework, students will take a critical, integrated view of the change phenomenon through the analysis and application of theories related to change, leadership, culture, reflection and others. Students will be guided through a learning process that will enable them to develop a deeper understanding of the values, beliefs and competencies they hold in relation to themselves as nurse leaders and change agents in the health system. Through participation in a combination of cognitive and affective teaching/learning opportunities, students will strengthen their leadership skills and abilities to affect positive change. Prerequisite: N6250.

NURS 6660: Practicum 1 (3 credits)

In the first practicum course, students propose a practicum project that will provide them with the opportunity for integration and synthesis of philosophical perspectives, theories, research and skills that have been acquired in the previous course work. The project also provides students with the opportunity for application of skills and material learned in previous course work and for development of further knowledge in a selected area of interest, as well as for demonstration of advanced nursing practicum competencies. Practicum projects will vary from student to student and are negotiated with the course professor.

In the first practicum course, students develop a written proposal for the project and conduct a comprehensive review of the literature. Depending on their project, they may consult with colleagues or assess available resources if they are developing educational materials or policies. If their project involves implementation of existing educational materials or policies, they may develop an implementation or evaluation plan.

An interim practicum report is expected at the end of the first practicum course which includes an outline of activities for the second course and a reflection of progress to date in terms of advanced nursing practice competencies. Students are expected to revise all documents (e.g., proposal, literature review, reports) during the term based on feedback.  Activities cannot be carried out until plans are approved by the course professor. Prerequisites: all required courses.

NURS 6661: Practicum 2 (3 credits)

In the second practicum course, students continue to implement their project, following the original proposal and the plans outlined in the interim report at the end of the first practicum course. For example, students will develop educational materials or policies based on their literature review and consultations with colleagues, or they will evaluate existing educational materials or policies based on their implementation and evaluation plan. They will share what they have done and accomplished in presentations to their colleagues, and they will write a final practicum report that includes all materials generated during the two courses, e.g., literature review, reports of consultations or evaluation, developed educational materials or policies, or evaluation report. The final report includes a summary of advanced nursing practice competencies demonstrated by the student, illustrated with examples. Prerequisite: N6660. 

NURS 6703: Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Practicum 1 (4 credits)

This course focuses on the role of the advanced practice nurse in performing comprehensive health assessments on clients across the lifespan. Analyses and critique of various frameworks essential to advanced health assessment will be discussed. Emphasis will be on comprehensive health assessments including history taking, physical examination, synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of health data. For their clinical component, students will be preceptored in a healthcare setting by either a nurse practitioner or physician. Please note students will be required to come on campus for one week as part of this course. (36 hours lecture, 104 hours clinical and 24-36 hours residency).

NURS 6704: Applied Pathophysiology and Clinical Practicum 2 (4 credits)

In this course students use an evidence-based conceptual approach to critically examine pathophysiological phenomena relevant to advanced nursing practice. The pathophysiology of common diseases and their impact on health in specific populations across the lifespan will be examined. Students will be preceptored in a healthcare setting by either a nurse practitioner or physician in completing focused health assessments. Please note students will be required to come on campus for one week as part of this course. (36 hours lecture, 104 hours clinical and 24-36 hours residency). Prerequisite: N6703. 

NURS 6705: Pharmacotheraphy and Therapeutics (3 credits)

In this course students will critically appraise and interpret concepts integral to pharmacotheraphy across the lifespan. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of selected classes of medications will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge required to prescribe and monitor medication use within the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. Integration of knowledge from pharmacology will be used in teaching and counseling patients in nutrition and complementary therapies for common disease conditions. Prerequisite: N6704. 

NURS 6706: Nurse Practitioner Roles and Practice Issues (3 credits)

The focus of this course is on the role of the advanced practice nurse in the context of current and future health care realities. The examination and critique of various advanced nursing practice models, and their implementation will be discussed. Models and methods for program development and evaluation will be explored.

NURS 6707: NP Roles and Issues (Part 1) (1 credit)

N6707 will provide an overview of the historical development of the nurse practitioner role in Canada and specifically in Newfoundland and Labrador (and other provinces as applicable). The course will then focus on reviewing the Standards for NP Practice in NL, including an exploration of the NP Scope of Practice at the present time and changes needed for clinical practice in the future. This course will focus on the pan-Canadian NP entry-level competencies by delving into details of each competency and the indicators necessary to achieve them upon graduation and beyond. Finally, learners will discuss strategies for role implementation and evaluation at the individual and systems level and explore current NP roles and practice issues. 

NURS 6708: NP Roles and Issues (Part 2) (1 credit)

N6708 will cover the therapeutic management of individuals, families and communities in various health care settings in the Canadian Health Care System. Focus will be on the federal and provincial legislation associated with NP prescribing and special consideration of the NP role in Medical Assistance in Dying will be addressed. The course content emphasizes safe prescribing of Controlled Drugs and Substances and deprescribing of psychoactive substances, especially for vulnerable populations. There will be a focus on self-reflection in clinical practice and the potential impact on care provided to individuals, families and communities. Strategies for effective therapeutic counseling by NPs in collaboration with individuals and families will be discussed in detail. Unique challenges related to management of individuals in the virtual care environment will be explored, including effective counseling skills in different populations. Prerequisite: N6707.

NURS 6709: NP Roles and Issues (Part 3) (1 credit)

N6709 will cover the roles and responsibilities of NPs in various health care settings and explore the issues related to current NP practice. Focus will be on the NP role as an independent practitioner as well as their role in the health care team at various levels. Students will be challenged to discuss effective strategies for a sustainable health system in the future by focusing on evaluation of current services and restructuring of health services can lead to improvements in quality of care delivered. Focusing on healthy public policy and the NP role in contributing to population health will be discussed. Consideration of current health trends and looking to the NP role in disaster management and pandemic planning will also be discussed. Finally, expectations of the new NP graduates according to the CRNNL regulations along with mentorship opportunities and the NP roles in the future will be explored. Prerequisite: N6708.

NURS 6802: Family/All Ages Clinical Decision Making 3 (4 credits)

The course will focus on the advanced practice nurse's role in the diagnosis and clinical management of health problems in individuals and families across the lifespan. Emphasis will be on the development of diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision making skills within the scope of practice of a primary care nurse practitioner. A systematic approach to patient assessment and management of health problems will be discussed. The course integrates knowledge acquired in previous courses. Content will also revolve around discussion and promotion of healthy lifestyle practices and coping strategies. Dialogue will occur around establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with the client and healthcare professionals in practice. Students will be preceptored in a healthcare setting by a physician or NP for the clinical component. (36 hours lecture, 104 hours clinical). Prerequisite: N6704. 

NURS 6803: Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis (4 credits)

This course focuses on the role of the advanced practice nurse in performing comprehensive health assessments on clients across the lifespan. Various frameworks essential to advanced health assessment will be analyzed and critiqued. Emphasis will be on comprehensive health assessments including history taking, physical examination, synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of health data. Students will be introduced to diagnostic tests and differential diagnosis, and will practice key clinical and health assessment skills in both online and in-person laboratory sessions. For the clinical component, students will be in a health care setting with either a nurse practitioner or physician preceptor and will focus on practicing advanced health assessment and formulating differential diagnoses. Includes theory, onsite week for skills labs, 48 hours clinical practice. Prerequisite: N6707.

NURS 6804: Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Part 1 (4 credits)

In this course, major pathophysiologic changes of common diseases, including associated etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations, will be examined, along with their impact on health in specific populations across the lifespan. Common illnesses are studied to illustrate these disease processes. Students will also critically appraise and interpret concepts integral to pharmacotherapy across the lifespan. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of selected drug classes will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge required to prescribe and monitor medication use within the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. Integration of knowledge from pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy will be used in teaching and counseling patients about nutritional and complementary therapies for common diseases and health conditions. Students will be preceptored in a healthcare setting by either a nurse practitioner or a physician. Includes theory, 96 hours clinical practice. Prerequisite: N6803.

NURS 6805: Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy Part 2 (4 credits)

In this course, students continue their examination of major pathophysiologic changes of common diseases, the impact on health in specific populations across the lifespan, and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of relevant selected drug classes. Emphasis will be placed on the application of knowledge required to prescribe and monitor medication use within the scope of practice of nurse practitioners. Integration of knowledge from pathophysiology and pharmacology will be used in teaching and counseling patients in nutrition and complementary therapies for common disease conditions. Students will complete a clinical practicum in a healthcare setting with a nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Includes theory, 96 hours clinical practice, onsite week for skills review, lab testing, and OSCE testing. Prerequisite: N6804.

NURS 6806: Advanced Clinical Decision Making Part 1 (4 credits)

N6806 Advanced Clinical Decision Making and Clinical Practicum 4 explores and allows the student to critically apply their understanding of prior learned concepts with the new knowledge of advanced clinical decision making and management of health issues. The focus of this course is on those individuals from birth, across the lifespan, to the older adult. The course focuses on the development of diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making skills within the scope of practice of a nurse practitioner (NP). You will be expected to recall previously learned concepts and knowledge from your NP program to assist you in developing your clinical decision-making skills and competencies. For the clinical component, the focus is on a systematic approach to patient assessment and management of health problems. Opportunities for students to acquire advanced skills to assist in the diagnosis and management of common health problems are emphasized. Includes theory, 80 hours of clinical practice. Prerequisite: N6805.

NURS 6807: Advanced Clinical Decision Making Part 2 (4 credits)

NURS-6807 encourages the student to critically apply their understanding of prior learned concepts with the new knowledge of advanced clinical decision-making and management of health issues to the care of individuals within special populations. The focus of this course is on those individuals requiring special consideration in different populations such as pediatrics, adolescents, child-bearing families, vulnerable circumstances, and the elderly. This course builds on knowledge of diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making skills within the scope of practice of a nurse practitioner (NP) learned in N6806. You will be expected to recall previously learned concepts and knowledge from other courses in the program to assist you in developing competencies in clinical decision-making skills and management while considering the determinants of health unique to unique populations. For the clinical component, the focus is on clinical where a systematic approach to patient assessment and management of health problems will be discussed and critiqued with consideration for the needs and circumstances of special populations. Includes theory, 80 hours of clinical practice. Prerequisite: N6806.

NURS 6808: NP Consolidated Clinical Practicum 6 (10 credits)

This course provides the student with the opportunity to integrate, synthesize and analyze previously learned knowledge and skills through intensive theoretical and clinical experiences. Students will integrate previously learned theoretical content and practical skills and competencies acquired throughout the Master of Science in Nursing Program, NP Option. Students will avail of opportunities to focus on specific client populations that complement and challenge previous experiences to ensure that all competencies of an entry-level graduate are fulfilled prior to graduation. Includes 400 hours of clinical practice, onsite week for OSCE testing, lab testing, and skills review, and comprehensive exam. Prerequisite: N6807.

NURS 690X: Advanced Clinical Practicum 4 (12 credits) 

This course provides the student with the opportunity to integrate, synthesize and analyze previously learned knowledge and skills in an intensive clinical experience. Students will choose their own client population and will work closely with a clinical preceptor negotiated by the student and professor. The advanced practice role will be developed as students gain expertise in health assessment, diagnostic testing and treatment planning while collaborating with clients, families and other health professionals. Please note students will be required to come on campus for one week as part of this course. (416 hours clinical, 24-36 hours residency).  Prerequisite: N6802.

NURS 7011: Nursing: The Science

This course enables a comprehensive and critical understanding of the science of nursing (i.e., nursing knowledge and how nursing has developed as a science from historical and contemporary perspectives). The course includes examination of major philosophical, theoretical, and methodological underpinnings that have influenced and continue to influence the science of nursing as well as some of the associated debates. Nursing science is considered within the political, social, and cultural contexts within which it has developed.

NURS 7100: Nursing Research I: Conceptualizing Research

This course explores and addresses the many conceptual, ethical, and practical issues that are critical to understand when designing a research study in nursing. It covers such topics as major research paradigms, devising a research question, use of theory in research, and searching and reviewing the literature. The course will cover the conceptual phase of research designs in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research. The purpose is to critically explore the principles that govern nursing research during the conceptual phase of any project.

NURS 7101: Nursing Research II: Conducting Research

This course builds on the content in Nursing 7100, Nursing Research I: Conceptualizing Research. The purpose of Nursing 7101 is to examine conceptual, ethical, and practical issues inherent in carrying out nursing research and to explore the principles and procedures involved in conducting a nursing research project. The main topics addressed are sampling, data collection, data analysis, quality of research, and communication and utilization of research findings for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research.

NURS 7012: Nursing: The Profession: Independent Study

This course is a critical examination of nursing as a profession including its political context and place in health care.  Priority issues facing the nursing profession will be analysed and policy solutions critiqued. The course provides an historical and a contemporary view of the profession and will compare/contrast Canadian nursing to the evolution and practice of nursing in other countries. What it means to be a professional nurse in our global society today will be analyzed.

NURS 7201: Special Topics in Nursing Research Methods

In this course, students will build on the knowledge and skills obtained in N7100 and N7101 and focus on learning, in more detail, the specific research methods to be used in their dissertation research. Topics will vary by student, according to the research problem and methods. Emphasis will be placed on designing a high-quality research study to address specific questions, including sample selection, data collection methods, appropriate analysis, and promoting scientific rigor. Guided by their PhD supervisors, students will select appropriate readings, discuss the methods and issues, and practice applying concepts and methods to their particular research questions. The proposal developed at the end of the course will form the basis of the dissertation research proposal.

NURS 7303: Special Topics in Nursing Substantive Area 

In this course, the student will build on the knowledge and skills obtained in the other PhD courses and focus on learning, in more detail, what is known and not known about their substantive area. Topics will vary by student, according to the content area. Emphasis will be placed on the issues relevant to the substantive area. Guided by the PhD supervisor, the student will select appropriate readings and discuss the issues.  The literature review developed at the end of the course will form the basis of the background for the student’s dissertation.