Course Descriptions

Emphasis is on the identification of the essentials of the Doctor of Nursing Practice role in preparation for the highest level of nursing leadership and application of evidenced based practice. The eight essentials that will be introduced are scientific underpinnings for practice, organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking, clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidenced based practice, information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care, health care policy for advocacy in health care, inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes, clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation’s health, and advanced nursing practice. Ultimately the course establishes fundamental bases wherein the nurse leader reflects and identifies an area of need in the practice setting.

This course focuses on principles and methods of biostatistics and epidemiology used to assess determinants, distribution, and deterrents of disease in populations. The course includes conceptual and analytical skills required to measure risk, incidence, and prevalence of morbidity and mortality and its impact on healthcare delivery.

This is a core course for students in the nurse practitioner and nursing education specialization tracks. The purpose is to establish differential diagnoses based on logical diagnostic reasoning for health maintenance, disease prevention and detection. Content builds upon previously acquired knowledge and skills of advanced physiology and pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and the domains and competencies common to the advanced practice roles.

This course focuses on the concepts of general, organic and biochemistry and their application and interrelationships to the understanding of basic physiologic and pharmacologic principles in anesthesiology. Modern concepts in physics related to the delivery of general anesthesia are delineated. In this course, the student will gain an extensive understanding of the synergic relationship of the principles of anesthesiology as it relates to the scientific foundations of biochemistry and physics.

This course will explore the development of nursing knowledge and theory; the philosophies of science and epistemologies, their influence on knowledge development for doctoral nursing practice, and strategies for theory development and analysis will be discussed.

This course will provide a knowledge and skills base related to information systems/technology to prepare the doctoral nurse to apply new knowledge, manage individual and aggregate information, and assess the efficacy of patient care technology appropriate to a specialized area of advanced nursing practice. Computer programs and software relevant to nursing administration, education, research, and practice will be explored.

This course offers doctoral students an in depth examination of select healthcare laws and ethical principles and the impact these have on healthcare delivery and advanced nursing practice. Case studies will be used to illustrate how the principles of ethics can guide the decision making process when clinical, research, and practice management dilemmas arise. Emphasis is placed on ethical and legal issues in practice, scholarly work and research. Exploration of selected topics will provide a practical and applicable framework to analyze the many complex issues and competing interests that arise in the modern healthcare industry.

This course introduces the nurse anesthesia student to concepts that are necessary to formulate a plan and implement a safe and individualized anesthetic in the perioperative setting. The focus of the course includes: preparation of the anesthetizing environment; patient assessment; physiologic monitoring; anesthetic techniques; prevention of complications; utilization of anesthesia equipment; pharmacologic agents; fluid and electrolyte monitoring; communication and documentation; formulation of an anesthesia care plan and evaluation.

This is a required course for students in the RN-to-BSN program and a core course for students in the nurse practitioner and nursing education specialization tracks. A system-focused approach delves into normal physiological processes and pathological changes that affect homeostasis of individuals including changes associated with individuals of different ethnic/racial origins, genders, and which occur across the lifespan. This knowledge provides the foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and disease management.

This course is designed to provide the basic pharmacologic concepts and foundations necessary for the studies of advanced pharmacology. Covered topics include pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacoeconomics, and their importance in the selection of proper pharmacotherapeutics and patient safety. In addition, the basic concepts of drug interactions and adverse reactions will be discussed together with pertinent examples and techniques to minimize potential risks to patient safety.

This course is designed to follow NUR 618 and provides the third semester anesthesia student with the necessary education in the advanced pharmacology of the primary agents used in anesthetic practice. Building on previously learned scientific knowledge of the general principles of pharmacology, this course provides an in-depth study of physiologic and pharmacotherapeutic principles and agents used in anesthesia including the inhalational and intravenous anesthetic agents and adjuncts, opioids, local anesthetics, and the cholinergic agonists and antagonists. In addition, other important anesthetic concepts such as the gas laws, acid-base chemistry, and selection criteria of the anesthetic agents will be discussed.

This course focuses on student simulation experiences and class discussions in conjunction with in-hospital observation experiences. Applications of concepts gleaned from Basics of Anesthesiology are integrated throughout the Practicum Competencies. An emphasis on patient safety and vigilance, perianesthesia topics of pre-operative evaluation, comprehensive equipment check and prevention of iatrogenic complications for general anesthesia are explored. Experiential learning reflects upon the construction of care plans and bridging of skills and knowledge taught in Basic Principles of Anesthesiology.

This course is the first of a two (2) semester sequence in pathopharmacology and provides an in-depth systems approach to pathophysiology and the pharmacotherapeutic agents used to treat specific disease states with an emphasis on their impact in anesthesia practice. Building on previously learned scientific knowledge, this course provides an in-depth study of human disease states and pharmacotherapeutic principles and agents used in the treatment of cardiovascular, pulmonary and central nervous system disorders. In addition, other important pathophysiologic topics such as shock and burns will be discussed and their anesthetic relevance explored.

This course introduces the nurse anesthesia student to the theoretical and practical principles that are necessary to formulate a plan and implement a safe and individualized anesthetic to the obstetric population. The focus of this course includes: patient assessment, anesthetic techniques and monitoring for the parturient, pharmacologic agents, fluid management, prevention of complications, communication with the parturient and family, and formulation of an anesthesia care plan and evaluation. A special emphasis is placed on recognizing, evaluating and appropriately managing physiological responses and complications that occur during the delivery of anesthesia care for the parturient

This course focuses on the theoretical and practical considerations involved in the administration and management of acute and chronic pain patients in the perioperative anesthesia environment. Multi-modal pain therapies and associated anatomy, physiology and pharmacology are reviewed and applied. Advanced regional anesthesia concepts and ultrasound techniques are integrated with principles of pain transmissions, chemical mediators and peripheral nerve blockade.

This is the second in a series of seven (7) courses. This course builds upon the clinical knowledge and foundational concepts developed in Clinical Practicum I and in-hospital experiences. Applications of clinical concepts specific to obstetrical anesthesia, regional anesthesia and pain management of these patients are fundamentally explored through simulation and hands on workshops. Students begin to incorporate evidence based research practices in the clinical arena. An emphasis is placed on patient safety and vigilance, culturally competent care of the patient throughout the perianesthesia continuum, interpersonal communication and integration of critical and reflective thinking of an anesthesia provider.

This course is the second of a two (2) semester sequence in pathopharmacology and provides an in-depth systems approach to pathophysiology and the pharmacotherapeutic agents used to treat specific disease states with an emphasis on their impact in anesthesia practice. Building on previously learned scientific knowledge, this course provides an in-depth study of human disease states and pharmacotherapeutic principles and agents used in the treatment of movement, endocrine, hematologic, renal, gastrointestinal, cancer and infective disorders. In addition, other important pathophysiologic topics such as nutrition, and pregnancy will be discussed together with relevant pharmacotherapy and their anesthetic relevance.

This course focuses on the advanced principles of anesthesia care for patients undergoing unique surgical, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Emphasis is placed on the pre-operative assessment, clinical management, and technology and monitoring of patients for specialty cases. Content includes anesthesia in emergencies and settings outside of the traditional surgical suites.

This course presents the theoretical and practical principles of anesthetic management of the pediatric population. There will be an emphasis on the examination of the anatomical and physiological transitions from birth to teenage years. Relevant pediatric disease states will be addressed and anesthetic implications studied. Students will learn the significance of a comprehensive history and physical, perioperative anesthetic management, and prevention of iatrogenic complications as it relates to the pediatric patient.

This course focuses on the methodological basis for translational research for the purpose of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of nursing care in diverse practice settings through critical evaluation, synthesis, transference, and application of appropriate evidence-based findings. Students will critically appraise the nature of the evidence for potential inclusion in the DNP scholarly proposal.

This is the third in a series of seven (7) courses. This course builds upon the clinical knowledge and foundational concepts developed in Clinical Practicums I and II and in-hospital experiences. Applications of clinical concepts specific to cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesia, neurosurgical anesthesia and more advanced anesthesia specialty cases are fundamentally explored through simulation and hands on workshops. Students begin to incorporate evidence based research practices in the clinical arena. An emphasis is placed on patient safety and vigilance, culturally competent care of the patient throughout the perianesthesia continuum, interpersonal communication and integration of critical and reflective thinking of an anesthesia provider.

Emphasis is on the identification of the essentials of the Doctor of Nursing Practice role in preparation for the highest level of nursing leadership and application of evidence based practice. The eight essentials that will be introduced are: scientific underpinnings for practice, organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking, clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice, information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care, health care policy for advocacy in health care, inter- professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes, clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation’s health, and advanced nursing practice. Ultimately the course establishes fundamental bases wherein the nurse leader reflects and identifies an area of need in the practice setting.  This seminar will focus on guiding the student through the organization of the Scholarly project proposal.  Emphasis is on the commitment to a clinical practice issue appropriate to the Scholarly project. Course content will guide the process of data exploration and substantiating and refining the rationale for issue selection, population and setting.  The Scholarly Project includes the translation of research in the clinical setting resulting in the potential for change in practice or outcome analysis.

This course entails the study of advanced principles of anesthesia care for patients undergoing cardiac, vascular, pulmonary and other thoracic procedures. An emphasis on assessment, clinical management and anesthesia equipment and technology is presented. The course content includes on and off bypass procedures, transesophageal echocardiography, one-lung ventilation techniques and minimally invasive cardiovascular and thoracic procedures. Course content builds upon knowledge of normal and alter3ed cardiac and respiratory physiology and pharmacology of vasoactive anesthetics

Study of the use of select leadership skills in the administration of healthcare organizations. A comprehensive overview of the components of the U.S. health care system, theories of change, political influences on practice, group/team process and communication patterns will be presented to foster development of negotiation skills. The course will also integrate the conceptual methodologies underlying health care policy development and implementation. Students will gain the skills necessary to analyze, synthesize, and enact healthcare policy in organizations and wider public venues.

This is the fourth in a series of (7) seven courses. This course builds upon the didactic and clinical principles and skills learned in Semesters I, II, and III and integrates the scientific and anesthetic principles introduced in didactic courses during Semester IV. Students use critical thinking skills and best practices in the synthesis and correlation of didactic information to the clinical practice of nurse anesthesia. Students develop, implement, and evaluate anesthesia care plans for all patient populations based on best evidence. Clinical experiences focus on anesthesia care of ASA I through IV patients across the lifespan undergoing elective and emergency surgical and diagnostic procedures. Emphasis on advanced health assessment and differential diagnosis, specialty surgical procedures, insertion of invasive pressure monitoring catheters, advanced airway management and safety and vigilance. Incorporates simulation and focuses upon culturally competent care of the patient throughout the perianesthesia continuum.

This seminar will focus on data exploration for the organization and refinement of all aspects of the Scholarly Project design, implementation, and evaluation.  Course content includes preparation for Scholarly Project defense with an emphasis on methodology, data analysis and oral presentation.

This course builds upon an understanding of leadership and health organizational structure to examine the financial and business aspects of healthcare practice as they relate to the delivery of anesthesia services and social justice. Exploration of basic economic theory, healthcare financing and reimbursement, cost/benefit analysis, and entrepreneurism

This is the fifth in a series of seven (7) courses. This course builds upon the didactic and clinical principles and skills learned in Semesters I, II, III, and IV and integrates the scientific and anesthetic principles introduced in didactic courses during Semester V. Students use critical reasoning skills, best practices and reflective thinking in the synthesis and correlation of didactic information to the clinical practice of nurse anesthesia. Students develop, implement, and evaluate anesthesia care plans for all patient populations based on best evidence. Clinical experiences focus on anesthesia care of ASA I through IV patients across the lifespan undergoing elective and emergency surgical and diagnostic procedures. Emphasis on acute and chronic pain management and crisis resource management. Incorporates simulation with a focus on safety, vigilance and culturally competent care of the patient throughout the perianesthesia continuum.

Completion and formal presentation of the scholarly project begun in Scholarly Projects I and II that demonstrates synthesis of the student’s work. The project will require students to engage in scholarly inquiry to analyze, evaluate, and/or transform a relevant aspect of nurse anesthesia clinical practice.  Dissemination of the student’s scholarly work is culminated by the oral podium presentation and poster presentation of the DNP Scholarly Project. 

This is the first in a series of two (2) clinical correlation courses. Selected topics and case studies will be applied in an advanced study of scientific principles, principles of therapeutics, and principles of anesthesia practice in order to further develop critical thinking skills and to foster continued integration of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. Recognition of culturally diverse populations and the influence on care throughout the perioperative environment is considered. This course reviews comprehensive topics encountered on the National Certification Examination (NCE).

An overview of the development of anesthesiology as an advanced practice nursing specialty. Emphasis is placed on those factors that shape the practice environment of the nurse anesthetist: U.S. legal system, bioethics, professional standards, global health issues, multiculturalism, and the concept of caring.

This is the sixth in a series of seven (7) courses. This course builds upon the didactic and clinical principles and skills learned in Semesters I, II, III, IV, and V and integrates the scientific and anesthetic principles introduced in didactic courses during Semester VI. Students use critical reasoning skills and best practices in the synthesis and correlation of didactic information to the clinical practice of nurse anesthesia. Students develop, implement, and evaluate anesthesia care plans for all patient populations based on best evidence. Clinical experiences focus on anesthesia care of ASA I through IV patients across the lifespan undergoing elective and emergency surgical and diagnostic procedures. Emphasis on therapeutic and technological advances in anesthesia practice. Incorporates simulation and builds upon the skills sets of interpersonal communication.

This course explores the theoretical and practical foundation of medical errors, patient safety, perioperative risk reduction, and quality improvement. A comprehensive overview of the human factors involved in errors, crew resource management techniques, simulation, and the impact of the team performance on safety is presented. This course will also integrate the theories, methods, and statistical tools underlying the quality improvement process. Students will gain the skills needed to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based practices that reduce risk and promote safety in their areas of practice.

This is the second in a series of two (2) clinical correlation courses. Selected topics and case studies will be utilized in an advanced study of scientific principles, principles of therapeutics, and principles of anesthesia practice in order to further develop critical thinking skills and to foster continued integration of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. This course reviews comprehensive topics encountered on the National Certification Examination (NCE).