Catalog 12-13.indd - McMurry University

MSN DegreePatty Hanks SheltonSchool of NursingNina Ouimette, Associate Professor and DeanIndira Tyler, Interim Graduate DirectorValerie Miller, FNP CoordinatorOffi ces located at:2149 Hickory StreetAbilene, Texas 79601Phone: 325-671-2361Fax: 325-671-2386Email: atoone@phssn.eduWeb: www.acu.edu/grad • www.phssn.eduFacultyJeanne Tucker, InstructorJanet Viola, Associate ProfessorAndrea Cheek, InstructorIntroductionThe mission of the School of Nursing graduateprogram is based on the underlying philosophy andobjectives of the consortium universities. The schoolexists for the purpose of preparing advanced practicenurses equipped with an understanding and conceptualintegration of nursing’s role in today’s complexhealth care environments worldwide.The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursingprogram is to prepare nurses to assume leadershiproles in advanced family nurse practitioner positions,educators, or managers of patient care services withina variety of institutions or health care agencies. In addition,students are guided to incorporate theory andthe research process in a variety of roles and practicalsettings.The graduate program of the Patty Hanks SheltonSchool of Nursing (PHSSN) functions within thestructure of an educational consortium consistingof Abilene Christian University, Hardin SimmonsUniversity. and McMurry University. It offers a Masterof Science in Nursing degree (MSN) with a focus oneducation and administration or family nurse practitioner.The program faculty accepts the underlying philosophyand objectives of the consortium universitiesthat individuals be educationally prepared in a mannerthat promotes the development of intellectual, cultural,moral and religious values.Faculty believe that nursing is a profession that isresponsive to the changing health care needs ofindividuals and is supported by an expanding body ofknowledge. Graduate students, through study andinterdisciplinary collaboration, expand their understandingof health, environment, person and nursingroles.Building upon a baccalaureate nursing education, thefaculty believes that development of critical thinking,communication, clinical skills, creativityand self-direction are essential elements in graduatenursing education. Through the educational processfaculty seek to promote awareness of social, culturaland ethnic diversity, believing it enriches professionalgrowth and development. The collaborativeeducational process between the faculty and studentspromotes progressive mastery and increased learnermaturity. Implicit in advanced practice nursing is theacceptance of accountability for lifelong learning,professional growth, competent practice and effectiveleadership.Program Outcomes1. Demonstrate profi ciency in a specifi c practicearea;2. Develop strategies that incorporate theories andmodels from nursing and related disciplines foradvanced practice;3. Implement scientifi c inquiry to replicate, validateand test theories relevant to nursing;4. Analyze cultural, social, ethical, economic andpolitical perspectives that infl uence the healthcare delivery system;5. Integrate the multi-roles of the nurse for interdisciplinarypractice and advancement of optimumhealth care delivery;6. Integrate critical thinking skills into oral and writtencommunications.Additional Outcomes for the Family NursePractitionerThe program outcomes of the nurse practitioner clinicalconcentration are to prepare nurses to provideprimary care to clients of all ages in a variety of settings.The nurse practitioner has advanced expertisein the promotion and maintenance of optimal wellnessand in the management of acute and chronic commonhealth problems and chronic illnesses. Graduates ofthe MSN program who complete the nurse practitionerclinical concentration should be able to:1. Use the nursing process to deliver advanced,comprehensive primary care to individuals andfamilies throughout the life cycle in a variety ofsettings.2. Assess community health education and serviceneeds and resources and implement appropriateinterventions and programs.3. Collaborate with other health care providers todevelop and implement appropriate treatmentplans for individuals and families in primary settings.4. Establish and implement protocols for consultationwith and referral to physicians.5. Prepare to take a national certifi cation exam andpetition the Board of Nurse Examiners for recognitionas an Advanced Practice Nurse.Applicants for the Master of Science in Nursing degreemust hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degreefrom a regionally accredited school or universitywhose nursing program is NLN or CCNEaccredited.152