Graduate Programs in Nursing

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Master of Science in Nursing

Director: Julie Harrison-Swartz

Department of Nursing Mission and Purposes

The Department of Nursing is dedicated to carrying out the mission of the College of Arts and Sciences and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). As an integral academic unit of the University, the Department of Nursing is committed to the tripartite roles of teaching, research, and community service that contribute to the cultural, intellectual, and social development of professional nurses in North Carolina and the nation. Students are provided the opportunity to obtain a multicultural education that is grounded in the arts, sciences and humanities; that is congruent with standards for professional nursing practice; and that prepares them for lifelong learning, professional development, and service to others.

The primary purposes of the UNCP Department of Nursing program are to

1. Provide accessible, seamless, high quality undergraduate and graduate nursing education to diverse student populations to shape nursing graduates who are leaders in professional nursing practice.
2. Prepare graduates to provide high quality, cost-effective professional nursing services, to improve health outcomes across the life span, for individuals, families, groups, and communities.

The Department of Nursing is committed to the recruitment of a diverse, achievement‐oriented, and socially responsible student body that will enrich the intellectual, cultural and social community of the University and the community at large. The graduate program in nursing aims to prepare graduates to take on leadership or educator roles and be qualified to face the challenges of the future in nursing to improve the quality of client care and client outcomes. The master’s level program in nursing provides students with an opportunity to build expertise in a specialized area of practice while enhancing their skills in theory and research for use in professional practice.

MSN Program Outcomes

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates to

1. Synthesize evidence‐based knowledge, theories and principles from nursing, the arts and humanities, biopsychosocial and applied sciences which support advanced nursing practice and role development.
2. Assume a leadership role in coordinating, managing, and improving health services for culturally diverse populations by using knowledge of political, economic, organizational, and regulatory systems.
3. Direct organizational and systems leadership initiatives for the improvement of health outcomes and safety for diverse individuals, families, groups, populations, and communities across the continuum of care.
4. Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare providers and consumers in designing, implementing, and evaluating health services for the attainment of shared health care goals that focus on clinical prevention and population health.
5. Integrate information technology for evidence‐based care management, education, collaboration, and decision‐making to improve health outcomes.
6. Demonstrate beginning competence in applying research principles to clinical practice that will impact advanced nursing practice and education as well as health programs and services.
7. Assume accountability for ethical values, principles, and personal beliefs that acknowledge human diversity and influence professional practice decisions and nursing interventions.
8. Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory mandates and professional standards for advanced nursing practice.
9. Engage in professional behaviors that reflect a commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in advanced nursing practice.

The Department of Nursing holds membership in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The Department of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; 202/887‐6791.

Program Description

The UNCP Department of Nursing is dedicated to providing students the opportunity for seamless transition to graduate studies. There are two entry pathways into the graduate program with both full- time and part‐time study options available for students. The direct entry Master of Science pathway is for registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The degree requires 39 semester hours of graduate‐level coursework, including 15 semester hours in Nursing Core coursework and 24 semester hours in Specialty Concentration coursework.

The second entry pathway is the RN‐MSN program. This program provides educational mobility for registered nurses, with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, seeking a Master of Science in Nursing. The RN‐MSN program provides the opportunity to earn both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Combined credit toward the BSN and MSN degrees is earned. Two courses (six semester hours) in the Master of Science in Nursing program may be substituted for two courses in the RN‐BSN program, allowing students to graduate with a BSN degree and complete the MSN degree in 33 additional semester hours of graduate-level coursework. The RN‐BSN and MSN can be completed separately for those not wishing to apply to the RN‐MSN program.

Both pathways are offered in a hybrid format which blends online instruction with face‐to‐face class meetings and direct faculty/student interaction. Through a blend of face‐to‐face and online classes as well as practicum experiences, the graduate program offers three areas of specialty concentration: Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Rural Case Manager.

Program-Specific Admissions Standards

Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN)

Admission Criteria for MSN:

Application for admission to the MSN program will be made through The Graduate School. Applications should be completed by July 31 for fall consideration and December 1 for spring consideration.  Only applications with all necessary materials will be considered. The Director of the Graduate Program, in collaboration with graduate faculty, will review all applications and make a final recommendation regarding admission. Each applicant will be notified in writing regarding the admission decision.

To enroll students with the greatest potential for successfully completing the program, the Department of Nursing will consider the following criteria for full acceptance, in addition to the general requirements for admission to The Graduate School:

• Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited NLN or CCNE School of Nursing.
• Current, valid North Carolina nursing license or a license with multistate practice privileges by authority of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale).
• Nursing practice experience (one year recommended).
• Completed application and official transcripts of all postsecondary coursework sent directly from each institution to The Graduate School.
• Completion of a course is Descriptive/Inferential Statistics with a minimum grade of “C” or higher.
• A personal statement describing the applicant’s experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in the chosen specialty. The personal statement should describe
  • The development of applicant’s interest in graduate education in nursing;
  • The reason for the specialty area to which s/he is applying;
  • Applicant’s professional goals and how this specialization will help achieve them;
  • Applicant’s academic strengths and areas needing further development;
  • Any special circumstances that applicant believes require further clarification. 
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae of educational and work experience.
• Three letters of recommendation from instructors, supervisors or professional colleagues, two of which must come from individuals with a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing, who are qualified to evaluate your professional nursing experience, academic competence, and potential to undertake a master’s degree program.
• For graduates of BSN programs of greater than 5 years, it is recommended that an additional course or continuing education offering be completed prior to enrolling in the following graduate courses: Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology.

Enrollment Requirements for MSN:

If offered admission, student must provide the following before starting the program:

• Copy of physical health examination and immunizations as required by the University and Department of Nursing
• Copy of current BCLS certification by the American Heart Association
• Copy of professional liability insurance - all students must present evidence of coverage 18 annually in the amounts of $1 million/$6 million
• Copy of personal health insurance coverage
• Results of a Criminal History Database Check and Drug Screen clearance as specified by the Department of Nursing

RN-MSN Program

Admission Criteria for RN-MSN:

Students interested in the RN‐MSN program must successfully complete the required undergraduate pre‐requisite coursework, 25 semester hours of RN‐BSN upper‐division coursework, and meet admission requirements of the UNCP Graduate School as well as the Department of Nursing to continue seamlessly into the MSN program. Students must be in the last semester of required RN-BSN upper-division coursework before they are eligible to apply to The Graduate School to be considered for full admission to the MSN program. Applications should be completed by July 31 for fall consideration and December 1 for spring consideration.  Only applications with all necessary materials will be considered. The Director of the Graduate Program, in collaboration with graduate faculty, will review all applications and make a final recommendation regarding admission. Each applicant will be notified in writing regarding the admission decision. To enroll students with the greatest potential for successfully completing the program, the Department of Nursing will consider the following criteria for full acceptance, in addition to the general requirements for admission to The Graduate School:

• Earned associate degree or diploma in nursing from an approved nursing program
• Current, valid North Carolina nursing license or a license with multistate practice privileges by authority of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale).
• Nursing practice experience (one year recommended).
• Meet minimum requirements as specified in the current undergraduate catalog.
• Complete required 25 semester hours of RN-BSN coursework before or during semester of application to MSN program through The Graduate School.
• Complete required undergraduate prerequisite general education and RN-BSN coursework with a grade of C or higher.
• In semester prior to anticipated enrollment in the MSN program, students will submit an application packet to the UNCP Graduate School that includes the following:
  • Three letters of recommendation from instructors, supervisors or professional colleagues, two of which must come from individuals with a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing, who are qualified to evaluate your professional nursing experience, academic competence and potential to undertake a master’s degree program.
  • Current résumé or curriculum vitae of educational and work experience.
  • A personal statement describing applicant’s experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in chosen specialty. The personal statement should describe
    • The development of applicant’s interest in graduate education in nursing;
    • The reason for the specialty area to which s/he is applying;
    • Applicant’s professional goals and how this specialization will help achieve them;
    • Applicant’s academic strengths and areas needing further development;
    • Any special circumstances that applicant believes require further clarification.
  • Official transcripts of all postsecondary coursework sent directly from each institution to The Graduate School
• For graduates of basic nursing education programs of greater than 5 years, it is recommended that an additional course or continuing education offering be completed prior to enrolling in the following graduate course: Advanced Pharmacology.
• Admission to the RN-MSN Pathway does not guarantee admission to a specific MSN area of specialization.

Pre-requisite Course Requirements:

Prior to admission to the RN‐MSN program, all but nine (9) of the following pre‐requisite academic courses must be completed. The pre‐requisite coursework may be taken at UNCP or other accredited college or university. Academic credits from other accredited institutions may be accepted by UNCP if a grade of C or higher is earned. There is no time limit for acceptance of general education academic credits. Advanced placement and the College‐Level Examination Program (CLEP) are other avenues to meet these requirements.

English Composition-ENG 1060 or equivalent (3 credits)

Arts/Humanities (Fine Art, Literature, History, Logic) (12 credits)

Social Sciences (Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology) (9 credits)

Biological Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology) (12 credits)

Natural Sciences/Math (CHM 1400, 1410, 1120, 1130, MAT 1070 or higher) (11 credits)

Statistics (Math, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or Criminal Justice) (3 credits)

Physical Education (1 credit)

NUR 2000 (1 credit)

Electives (8 credits)

RN-BSN/MSN Course Requirements Prior to Enrolling in MSN Program:

RN‐MSN students complete 25 semester hours of upper‐division nursing coursework that reflect the baccalaureate nursing program outcomes and prepare students for achieving success in graduate study. RN-MSN students will earn 30 semester hours of validation credit for previous nursing education upon successful completion of the required upper‐division courses.

NUR 3000. Transition to Professional Nursing - This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse, an overview of the delivery of professional nursing practice and role transition. 

NUR 3200. Health Assessment across the Lifespan-This course prepares students to conduct 34 comprehensive health assessments.

NUR 3250. Pathophysiology across the Lifespan-This course prepares the student to systematically approach complex clinical situations.

NUR 3300. Gerontological Nursing-This course examines the process of aging.

NUR 4000. Nursing Research and Theory-This course provides students with an overview of the role of theory and research in the development of nursing as a profession.

NUR 4350. Community Health Nursing-This course focuses on care of the culturally diverse populations and aggregates within the community.

NUR 4120. Leadership in Nursing-The course focuses on the professional nurse’s role as a leader in the profession and health care delivery.

All requirements for the baccalaureate degree must be met before the BSN is awarded. Students may opt to “stop‐out” of the RN‐MSN program after meeting all requirements for the baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Programs

• Post-master’s Certificate in Nursing Education

• Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader Specialization, M.S.N.
• Nursing, Nurse Educator Specialization, M.S.N.
• Nursing, Rural Case Manager Specialization, M.S.N.

Courses

The curriculum consists of two components: the professional core and the advanced nursing practice courses. The professional core courses (NUR 5000 , NUR 5010 , NUR 5020 , NUR 5030 , and NUR 5040 ) are required of all MSN students. The advanced practice area courses focus on the student’s area of specialization and role preparation. The following list includes a description of all courses for the MSN program.

• NUR 5000. Advanced Nursing Concepts in Theory and Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 5010. Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
• NUR 5020. Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
• NUR 5030. Advanced Concepts of Pharmacology in Nursing (3 credits)
• NUR 5040. Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making (3 credits)
• NUR 5100. Rural Health Care: Theoretical Foundations (2 credits)
• NUR 5110. Policy, Organization, and Financing of Health Care (3 credits)
• NUR 5120. Human Relations Management (3 credits)
• NUR 5130. Nursing Case Management Process (4 credits)
• NUR 5140. Epidemiology and Global Health (3 credits)
• NUR 5150. Case Management Capstone Practicum (6 credits)
• NUR 5160. Master’s Rural Case Manager Research or Action Project (3 credits)
• NUR 5200. Issues in Community Health for Rural Populations (2-2-0 credits)
• NUR 5210. Leadership in Clinical Microsystems (4 credits)
• NUR 5220. Care Environment and Clinical Outcomes Management (3-2-1 credits)
• NUR 5230. Clinical Nurse Leader Capstone Practicum (6 credits)
• NUR 5240. Master’s Clinical Nurse Leader Research or Action Project (3 credits)
• NUR 5300. Educating Diverse Populations (3 credits)
• NUR 5310. Curriculum Theory and Design in Nursing Education (3 credits)
• NUR 5320. Classroom Teaching and Integration of Technology (3 credits)
• NUR 5330. Clinical Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators (3 credits)
• NUR 5340. Measurement and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 credits)
• NUR 5350. Nurse Educator Capstone Practicum (6 credits)
• NUR 5360. Master’s Nurse Educator Research or Action Project (3 credits)

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