Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Updated December Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook

2 Updated December Table of Contents Conceptual Organization of the Master s Program... p. 5 Purpose... p. 5 Philosophy of the Master s Program... p. 5 Program Objectives... p. 6 Curriculum Overview... p. 7 Curriculum Options... p. 9 Overview of Areas of Concentration... p. 9 Full-Time/Part-Time Study Options... p.9 Thesis Option... p. 9 Courses and Curriculum Plans... p. 10 Course Descriptions... p. 10 Course Delivery Format Didactic Courses (Table 1)... p. 11 Core Graduate Courses... p. 12 Adult-Gerontology CNS Area of Concentration Courses... p. 12 Adult-Gerontology CNS Full Time Curriculum Plan (Table 2)... p. 12 Family Nurse Practitioner Area of Concentration Courses... p. 13 Family Nurse Practitioner Full Time Curriculum Plan (Table 3)... p. 14 Nurse Executive Area of Concentration Courses... p. 15 Nurse Executive Full Time Curriculum Plan (Table 4)... p. 15 Part Time Program Curriculum Plans... p. 16 Traditional Program Part Time Curriculum Plan (Table 5)... p. 16 Online Cohort Program Part Time Curriculum Plan (Table 6)... p. 17 Post Master s Certificate Options... p. 18 Types of Certificates Available... p. 18 Post-Master s Certificate in Nursing Education Overview... p. 18 Adult-Gerontology CNS Post-Master s Certificate Program Overview p. 18 FNP Post-Master s Certificate Program Overview... p. 19 Admission Requirements/Criteria: Post-Master s Certificate Programs p. 20 Applying to Post Master s Certificate Programs... p. 21 Admissions Policies and Procedures... p. 21 Study Options... p. 21 Admission Requirements/Criteria... p. 21 Required Admission Documents/Items... p. 22

3 Updated December Application Procedures... p. 22 College of Nursing Mailing Address for Application Materials... p. 25 Application Deadlines... p. 25 Notification of Admission... p. 25 Conditional Admission... p. 25 Transfer of Credits... p. 26 Appealing Denial of Admission Decisions... p. 26 Classification Status... p. 26 Master s (Degree Seeking) Graduate Students... p. 26 Non-Degree Enrollment Students... p. 26 Progression Policies... p. 27 Standards of Work... p. 27 Grade Requirements... p. 28 Clinical Experience Requirements... p. 28 Submitting the Electronic Plan of Study (EPOS)... p. 28 Probation/Dismissal... p. 28 Grade Appeals... p. 29 Program Dismissal Appeals... p. 29 Changing Areas of Specialization... p. 30 Progression Time Limits... p. 30 Withdrawal and Re-entry Procedures... p. 30 Registration Information... p. 31 Registration... p. 31 Priority Registration... p. 31 Open Registration... p. 31 Late Registration... p. 31 Financial Aid... p. 32 Financial Aid Office... p. 32 Scholarships and Talent Awards... p. 32 Graduate Aide Positions... p. 32 College Activities and Resources... p. 33 Student Representation on College of Nursing Committees... p. 33 Program Announcements... p. 33 Computer Laboratory... p. 33

4 Updated December Practicum Requirements and Information... p. 34 Clinical Experience Requirements... p. 34 Required Practicum Forms and Information... p. 34 Liability Insurance... p. 35 Licensure Requirements... p. 35 Policies Regarding Health Screening and Communicable Disease... p. 35 Beginning a Practicum Experience... p. 36 Practicum Responsibilities: Student, Preceptor and Faculty... p. 37 Clinical Attire... p. 38 Attendance... p. 38 Writing Behavioral Objectives... p. 39

5 Updated December Conceptual Organization of the Master s Program Purpose The primary purpose of the graduate program in nursing is to prepare students for advanced practice in nursing. The program aims to prepare a graduate capable of assuming diverse leadership roles in clinical practice, thereby contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession while enhancing the quality of life for those that we serve. The program has a strong clinical emphasis and provides an opportunity for continuing career development. An educational environment is created in which scientific inquiry, role development and leadership behavior are synthesized to facilitate the implementation and advancement of nursing theory and to contribute to the scientific knowledge base needed for advanced clinical practice. The graduate program builds on the foundation established by undergraduate nursing education by providing experiences designed to increase the knowledge base necessary for advanced practice in nursing. This increased knowledge base includes developing expertise in scientific inquiry, specialized practice, and leadership skills. Philosophy of the Master s Program The faculty believes that all students begin graduate study with a basic understanding of the metaparadigm concepts of Person, Environment, Health and Nursing. These are conceptual areas commonly addressed in baccalaureate nursing education programs. Graduate study enables students to better understand and operationalize these concepts. The faculty respects the uniqueness of students basic preparation for professional nursing practice. Further, the faculty encourages them to build upon this foundation and to reflect, refine and evolve a professional philosophy and evidence-based framework for advanced practice in nursing. Universe. The synthesis of the major concepts of Person, Environment, Health, and Nursing. Together, these concepts provide the main focus for advanced practice of nursing, and define the contextual arena in which all professional activity occurs. Person: Persons are viewed as developing across the life span and are dynamic, complex and autonomous. As citizens of the world and members of a larger network of families, groups and communities, individuals strive to meet their basic human needs. Individuals are in constant interaction with other open systems and interpret the world according to their own contextual reality. In doing so, persons create their own subjective meanings about health, illness and well-being. As a result they have the right to fully participate in health care decisions that affect their quality of life.

6 Updated December Environment: Environment is the arena for human development and provides the conditions of persons to grow, change and meet (or not meet) their basic human needs. Additionally, the environment exerts social, cultural, political and religious norms that influence the behavior of individuals, families, groups and communities. Reciprocally, individuals, families, groups and communities influence the nature of the environment. Nursing: Nursing is a profession rooted in a humanistic philosophy and encompasses ethical standards resulting in a commitment to advocacy and social justice. Central to the practice of professional nursing is respect for the autonomy and dignity of all individuals without regard to gender, ethnicity, religion or class. Advanced practice in nursing is based on the synthesis of scientific, experiential, aesthetic and interpersonal knowledge. It is through the application of this synthesis that the profession advances for the purpose of meeting the healthcare needs of those served. Health: Health is a subjective state, rooted in experiences, values, and beliefs and is culturally defined and practiced. Health is influenced by life events that are biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual. Health is reflected in a person s ability to pursue their goals and desires and achieve a quality of life that produces satisfaction and happiness. Teaching-Learning Process: The primary mission of the Purdue University Calumet graduate program in nursing is to engage students in the teaching-learning process relevant to advanced practice in nursing. The faculty believes that this dynamic process is mutual, constantly evolving and provides the opportunity to both inspire and empower students. Through faculty and preceptor interactions and role modeling, students are challenged to implement critical thinking skills relevant to advanced practice decision making in the provision of evidence-based therapeutic intervention, to communicate effectively and to provide leadership that supports positive change. Furthermore, students are encouraged to value and assume responsibility for life-long learning. Program Objectives Advanced practice in nursing students are educated to: 1. Synthesize advanced nursing knowledge, patient preferences and best available evidence to make decisions for practice. 2. Provide leadership to influence delivery of healthcare to diverse populations in increasingly complex environments. 3. Operationalize role competencies appropriate to the area of nursing specialization. 4. Evolve a professional philosophy that reflects the humanistic values of nursing and a commitment to the discipline.

7 Updated December Curriculum Overview Concepts are ordered and related within the curriculum systematically. The core knowledge of nursing theory, sociocultural theory, evidence-based nursing practice, health promotion, ethics, and health policy form the basis of the curriculum. Grounding in the core concepts prepares students to move through the program to the advanced practice core and specialty courses. The faculty believes that this sequencing of curricular content best enables students to acquire the knowledge, attitudes and abilities necessary for advanced practice in nursing in an increasingly complex health care environment (see Figure 1). Figure 1 Conceptual Model for the Graduate Program Organizing Concepts Advanced Knowledge Base: Graduate education knowledge that builds upon the foundational nursing education and is informed by theory, evidence-based nursing practice, critical thinking, and humanistic values. Leadership: The ability to influence, guide and instill vision in people in order to effect practice change in professional, social, political and ethical situations that affect clients and the nursing universe. Decision Making for Practice: Selecting interventions and actions from alternatives that move patients/clients from a specified or desired outcome state in a clinical context of uncertainty. Core Concepts/Threads The program at the graduate level is built upon and includes the following major conceptual areas:

8 Updated December Theory: Systematically organized information from nursing and related disciplines. Theory enables the individual to understand conceptual relationships, to rationally view and critically analyze predictable as well as unpredictable nursing practice situations, and to effectively act upon the nursing universe at an advanced level. Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: The process by which nurses make practice decisions using the best available evidence, their clinical expertise, and patient preferences in the context of available resources. Best available evidence: Findings from the highest quality research and/or other sources of evidence that are appropriately designed to answer a question relevant to nursing practice and forms the basis of therapeutic intervention. The type of evidence, and therefore what is best, depends on the nature of the question, activity and the purpose. Clinical expertise: Knowledge that forms professional craft knowhow that arises from formal as well as informal experiences and reflection upon those experiences, externalized to others, analyzed and critiqued. Patient preferences: The relative value and meaning that patients place on varying health states that influence their autonomous choices regarding their healthcare. Available resources: Sociocultural, economic and human resources coupled with the political will within the context that nurses deliver care. Critical Thinking: The integration of a disposition toward inquiry with the processes of analyzing, evaluating and synthesizing relevant knowledge for the purpose of problem solving and developing creative approaches to nursing. Humanistic Values: A belief in the worth and dignity of every person in our universe. A commitment to humanistic values in nursing encourages compassion, reasoning and a striving to address issues of social injustice in order to make the world a better place to live for all humans regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status. Therapeutic Intervention: A rational and deliberate nursing action based on theory, best available evidence, clinical expertise, patient preferences and available resources performed to enhance or support health. Communication: Dynamic process whereby participants transact ideas, information, and/or feelings through verbal, nonverbal, written or technological methods.

9 Updated December Role development: The process of attaining advanced practice in nursing role competencies/standards as defined by national organizations related to specific areas of specialization. Curriculum Options Overview of Areas of Concentration The College of Nursing offers three areas of concentration within the Master of Science program. These include Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Nurse Executive. Note that after February, 2012, admission to the Nurse Executive option was closed. We encourage potential Nurse Executive students to inquire about online Nurse Executive program options through the Department of Nursing at Indiana University/Purdue University Ft. Wayne: Full-Time/Part-Time Study Options Students in the traditional, non-online option, may choose to pursue their program on either a full-time or part-time basis. Students may switch from fulltime to part-time status and vice versa depending on space availability. Full-Time Study The full-time curriculum plan takes two years to complete beginning in fall semesters and ending with summer sessions. For students that opt to follow the full-time curriculum plan, we strongly advise them not to work full-time. Note that the full-time option is not currently available for the online students. Part-Time Study Many students opt to pursue their education on a part-time basis, taking one to two classes a semester. Most part-time students finish the program in three to four years. Note that the time limit to complete the program is 6 years from the term of admission. Students pursuing their program on a part-time basis must talk about their curriculum plan with their academic advisor in order to be certain they are taking courses in the correct sequence. Thesis Option Students may elect to complete NUR 698 Master s Thesis in addition to their required courses. Students interested in pursuing the thesis option should discuss this with their advisor. The thesis work will consist of assigned research, which will be recorded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. The student must have three members of the graduate faculty serve on an examining committee, one of whom serves as chair of the committee.

10 Updated December The chair of the examining committee is responsible for guiding the student through the thesis process including proposal development and implementation of the research study. After the research is completed and the thesis written, the candidate will be given an oral examination in which he or she defends the thesis. The thesis must be prepared according to the University format described in the Manual for the Preparation of Graduate Theses, a copy of which may be obtained online at Course Descriptions Courses and Curriculum Plans Students can obtain course descriptions for all graduate courses by accessing the Course Descriptions link located under the student tab on the PUC website. The link to access course descriptions is:

11 Updated December Course Delivery Format Didactic Courses (Table 1) Some of the graduate program didactic courses are only available in an online format whereas others may also be available in the classroom. The following list of courses includes information regarding the delivery format. Contact the Graduate Program Advisor for more specific information regarding the sequencing of courses and any eligibility requirements. Course # Course Title Delivery Format NUR 59900/ Theory and Ethics for Advanced Practice Online only (Asynchronous) NUR 5XX00 Nursing NUR Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing Online only (Asynchronous) NUR Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Online (Asynchronous) Classroom NUR Advanced Health Assessment Online (Asynchronous) Classroom NUR Sociocultural Influences on Health Online only (Asynchronous) NUR 59900/ NUR 5XX00 Pathophysiologic Concepts I Online (Asynchronous) Classroom NUR 59900/ NUR 5XX00 Pathophysiologic Concepts II Online (Asynchronous) Classroom NUR Research & Evidence Based Nursing Online (Asynchronous) Classroom NUR Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Online only (Asynchronous) Nursing NUR Informatics in Nursing Online only (Asynchronous) NUR Adult Health CNS I (The new name for this course will be Adult-Gerontology CNS I) Online (Combination of Synchronous/Asynchronous) Classroom with some Asynchronous Online Sessions NUR Primary Care of the Young Family Online (Asynchronous) NUR Adult Health CNS II (The new name for this course will be Adult-Gerontology CNS II) Classroom Online (Combination of Synchronous/Asynchronous) Classroom with some Asynchronous Online Sessions NUR Primary Care of the Aging Family Online (Asynchronous) Classroom NUR Concepts for the Nurse Executive Creating an Environment for Professional Practice Online (Synchronous with Adobe Connect) from IPFW NUR Role of the Nursing Executive in Creating an Environment for Professional Practice Online (Synchronous with Adobe Connect) from IPFW NUR Nursing Administration, Financial Management 2-way video from IPFW NUR Advanced Practice in Nursing Seminar Online only (Asynchronous) NUR Healthcare Organization, Policy and Economics Online only (Asynchronous)

12 Updated December Core Graduate Courses Core Courses for All Areas of Concentration All graduate students complete a series of core courses that are common to all three areas of concentration. These courses include content related to foundations of advanced practice in nursing, theory/ethics, research & evidence based nursing, sociocultural influences on health, informatics, health policy and issues affecting advanced practice in nursing. Advanced Practice Core Courses: CNS and FNP In addition to the core courses, all CNS and FNP students take advanced practice core courses. These courses include pathophysiologic concepts 1 and 2, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and health promotion. Following the advanced practice core, students may begin taking specialty coursework in the CNS or FNP options. Adult-Gerontology CNS Area of Concentration Courses In addition to the core and advanced practice core courses, Adult-Gerontology CNS coursework consists of 6 credits of didactic courses and 8 credits of clinical practica courses. The combination of specialty clinical practica and the health promotion course practicum equals 555 clock hours. The total number of credits in the CNS area of concentration equals 47. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take adult-gerontology CNS national certification exams. The full-time curriculum plan is listed below. Students will create individualized part-time curriculum plans through consultation with the Nursing Graduate Program Advisor. Students admitted prior to Fall, 2012 that would like to see their curriculum plan should contact the Nursing Graduate Program Advisor. Table 2: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Full Time Curriculum Plan First Year First Semester Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing Master of Science Program, Full Time Plan of Study (Traditional, Non-online Option) Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Cr. Lecture Hours/ Week Clinical Contact Hrs. Semester NUR 50100: Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing Fall NUR 51000: Research & Evidence Based Nursing (Statistics prerequisite) Fall NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts I Fall First Year Second Semester NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts II Spring

13 Updated December NUR 50200: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing (Pathophysiologic Concepts prerequisite/corequisite) NUR 50300: Advanced Health Assessment (Pathophysiologic Concepts prerequisite/corequisite) First Year Third Semester Spring * Spring NUR 51100: Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing (Adv. Health Assessment Summer prerequisite) NUR 52500: Nursing Informatics Summer Second Year Fourth Semester NUR 60000: Adult-Gerontology CNS I Fall NUR 60100: Adult-Gerontology CNS Practicum I Fall NUR 50500: Sociocultural Influences on Health Fall Second Year Fifth Semester NUR 61800: Adult-Gero CNS II Spring NUR62000: Adult-Gero CNS Practicum II Spring NUR 59900/5XX00: Theory & Ethics Spring Second Year Sixth Semester NUR 65800: Adult-Gero CNS Practicum III Clin Synthesis Summer NUR 65600: Health Care Organization, Policy & Economics Summer Total Credits and Contact Hours: FNP Area of Concentration Courses In addition to the core and advanced practice core courses, the FNP specialty coursework consists of 6 credits of didactic courses and 8 credits of clinical practica courses. The combination of specialty clinical practica and the health promotion course practicum equals 555 clock hours. The total number of credits in the FNP option equals 47. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take national certification exams for family nurse practitioners. The FNP full-time curriculum plan is listed below. Students will create individualized part-time curriculum plans through consultation with the Nursing Graduate Program Advisor. Students admitted prior to Fall, 2012 that would like to see their curriculum plan should contact the Nursing Graduate Program Advisor.

14 Updated December Table 3: Family Nurse Practitioner Full Time Curriculum Plan First Year First Semester Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing Master of Science Program, Full Time Plan of Study (Traditional Non-online Option) Family Nurse Practitioner Cr. Lecture Hours/ Week Clinical Contact Hrs. Semester NUR 50100: Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing Fall NUR 51000: Research & Evidence Based Nursing (Statistics prerequisite) Fall NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts I Fall First Year Second Semester NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts II Spring NUR 50200: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing (Pathophysiologic Concepts Spring prerequisite/corequisite) NUR 50300: Advanced Health Assessment (Pathophysiologic Concepts prerequisite/corequisite) * Spring First Year Third Semester NUR 51100: Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing (Adv. Health Assessment Summer prerequisite) NUR 52500: Nursing Informatics Summer Second Year Fourth Semester NUR 62200: Primary Care of the Aging Family Fall NUR 62300: Primary Care Aging Family Practicum Fall NUR 50500: Sociocultural Influences on Health Fall Second Year Fifth Semester NUR 61100: Primary Care of the Young Family Spring NUR 61300: Primary Care Young Family Practicum Spring NUR 59900/5XX00: Theory & Ethics Spring Second Year Sixth Semester NUR 65700: FNP Practicum: Clinical Synthesis Summer NUR 65600: Health Care Organization, Policy & Economics Summer Total Credits and Contact Hours:

15 Updated December Nurse Executive Area of Concentration Courses In addition to the core graduate courses, the Nurse Executive specialty coursework consists of 15 credits of didactic courses and 5 credits of clinical practica courses. There are 225 clock hours associated with the clinical practica courses. The total number of credits in the nurse executive option equals 43. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam for nurse executives. The Nurse Executive full-time curriculum plan is listed below. Year 1 Semester 1 Table 4: Nurse Executive Full Time Curriculum Plan Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing Master of Science Program Nurse Executive Cr. Lecture Hours/ Week Clinical Contact Hrs. Semester NUR 50100: Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing Fall SPEA V561: Public Human Resources Management Fall NUR 65000: Concepts for the Nurse Executive Creating an Environment for Professional Practice* (Even Fall years only) Year 1 Semester 2 NUR 51000: Research & Evidence Based Nursing (Statistics prerequisite) Spring NUR 65100: Role of the Nursing Executive in Creating an Environment for Professional Practice * Spring (Odd years only) NUR 50500: Sociocultural Influences on Health Spring Year 1 Semester 3 NUR 51100: Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing (Adv. Health Assessment prerequisite) Summer NUR 50000: Theoretical Constructs in Nursing Summer Year 2 Semester 4 NUR 52500: Informatics in Nursing Fall NUR 65600: Health Care Organization, Policy & Economics Fall NUR 67100: Sociocultural Influences on Health Fall Year 2 Semester 5 NUR 65300: Nursing Administration Financial Management*(Even years only) Spring NUR 52700: Ethics for Nurses in Advanced Practice Spring NUR 67200: Nurse Executive Practicum II Spring Year 2 Semester 6 NUR 65500: Advanced Practice in Nursing Seminar Summer Elective: Approved by Graduate Advisor Summer *Courses offered through IPFW Total Credits and Contact Hours:

16 Updated December Part Time Program Curriculum Plans Traditional, non-online cohort students are encouraged to complete the program at a part time pace if they are working more than 20 hours per week. The online program is only available part-time. Students can contact the Graduate Program Academic Advisor for a plan of progression as they vary depending on the semester in which a student will start their coursework and the course delivery format in any given semester. Table 5: Traditional Program Part Time Curriculum Plan Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing Master of Science Program Part Time Traditional Option MS Core Courses Cr. Lecture Hours/ Week Clinical Contact Hrs. Semester Available NUR 50100: Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing F & SP NUR 50500: Sociocultural Influences on Health F & SP NUR 51000: Research & Evidence Based Nursing F & limited (Statistics prerequisite) Sum NUR 59900/5XX00 (50000/52700): Theory & Ethics SP & Sum NUR 52500: Nursing Informatics F, SP & limited Sum NUR 65600: Health Care Organization, Policy & Economics F & Sum Advanced Practice Nursing Core Courses NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts I F only NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts II SP only NUR 50200: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing (Pathophys prerequisite) SP only NUR 50300: Advanced Health Assessment (Pathophys prerequisite/corequisite) * SP only NUR 51100: Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing (Adv. Health Assessment SP & Sum prerequisite) APN Specialty Clinical & Didactic Courses FNP Track NUR 62200: Prim Care of the Aging Family CNS Track NUR 60000: Adult-Gero CNS I F only FNP Track NUR 62300: Prim Care Aging Family Pract CNS Track NUR 60100: Adult-Gero CNS Practicum I F only FNP Track NUR 61100: Prim Care of the Young Family CNS Track NUR 61800: Adult-Gero CNS II SP only FNP Track NUR 61300: Prim Care Young Family Pract CNS Track NUR 62000: Adult-Gero CNS Practicum II SP only FNP Track NUR 65700: FNP Practicum: Clin Synthesis CNS Track NUR 65800: Adult-Gero CNS Practicum III: Sum only Clin Synthesis Total Credits and Contact Hours:

17 Updated December Table 6: Online Program Part Time Curriculum Plan Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing Master of Science Program Part Time Online Option MS Core Courses Cr. Lecture Hours/ Week Clinical Contact Hrs. Semester Available NUR 50100: Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing F & SP NUR 50500: Sociocultural Influences on Health F & SP SP & NUR 51000: Research & Evidence Based Nursing limited (Statistics prerequisite) Sum NUR 59900/5XX00 (50000/52700): Theory & Ethics SP & Sum NUR 52500: Nursing Informatics NUR 65600: Health Care Organization, Policy & Economics Advanced Practice Nursing Core Courses F, SP & limited Sum F & Sum NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts I F only NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts II SP only NUR 50200: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing (Pathophys prerequisite) SP only NUR 50300: Advanced Health Assessment (Pathophys pre/corequisite - 3 days on * F only campus) NUR 51100: Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing (Adv. Health Assessment prerequisite) SP & Sum FNP Track CNS Track FNP Track CNS Track FNP Track CNS Track FNP Track CNS Track FNP Track CNS Track APN Specialty Clinical & Didactic Courses NUR 61100: Prim Care of the Young Family NUR 60000: Adult-Gero CNS I F only NUR 61300: Prim Care Young Family Pract NUR 60100: Adult-Gero CNS Practicum I F only NUR 62200: Prim Care of the Aging Family NUR 61800: Adult-Gero CNS II SP only NUR 62300: Prim Care Aging Family Pract NUR 62000: Adult-Gero CNS Practicum II SP only NUR 65700: FNP Practicum: Clin Synthesis NUR65800: Adult-Gero CNS Practicum III: Sum only Clin Synthesis Total Credits and Contact Hours:

18 Updated December Post-Master s Certificate Options Types of Certificates Available There are three types of post-master s certificates available through the Purdue University Calumet College of Nursing. These are: Post-Master s Certificate in Nursing Education Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Post-Master s Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master s Certificate (Note: Admission for this certificate program is currently closed effective Summer, 2011) Post-Master s Certificate in Nursing Education Overview Purpose The purpose of the Post-Master s Certificate in Nursing Education Program at Purdue University Calumet is to increase the numbers of nurse educators and improve the quality of nursing education. This purpose is accomplished by: providing knowledge and experience in curriculum development; teaching methods to enable qualified master s prepared nurses to assume the role of beginning faculty; and providing faculty who wish to acquire formal academic preparation in teaching the means to do so. The target audience for this program consists of master s students and master s prepared advanced practice nurses, as well as faculty interested in continuing their formal education in teaching. Credit Hour Requirements The certificate requires students to complete 10 credit hours consisting of the following existing courses: EDCI 57200: Introduction to Learning Systems Design (3 credits, 3 3 pattern) NUR 66000: Curriculum Development in Nursing (3 credits, pattern) NUR 66200: Teaching Strategies for Nursing (4 credits, pattern consisting of 2 didactic, 2 teaching, and a teaching practicum equivalent to 6 hours/week) Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Post- Master s Certificate Programs Overview Purpose The purpose of the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate Program at Purdue University Calumet is to prepare qualified Master s prepared nurses as CNSs caring for the Adult-Gerontology population. Clinical nurse

19 Updated December specialists are advanced practice nurses who are uniquely prepared to meet complex patients needs for expert nursing care. Educational preparation consists of content related to a managing complex adult-gerontology patients as well as content that prepares students to influence nursing personnel and the healthcare system for the purpose of achieving safe, quality patient care. Graduates of CNS programs are able to advance the practice of nursing through expertise in their specialty and through their skills as leaders, collaborators, consultants, mentors, and innovators. They are also experts at effecting change and introducing evidence-based practice protocols into the healthcare environment. As a result of their educational preparation and skills, CNSs exert a significant, positive influence on patient, nurse, and healthcare organizational outcomes. Credit Hour and Clinical Contact Hour Requirements+: The certificate requires students to complete a minimum of 14 hours and a maximum of 30 credit hours consisting of the following courses: NUR 50200: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing* 3 credits NUR 50300: Advanced Health Assessment* 4 credits NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing I* 3 credits NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing II* - 3 credits NUR 51100: Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing* 3 credits and 45 clinical contact hours NUR 60000: Adult-Gerontology CNS I - 3 credits NUR 60100: Adult-Gerontology CNS Practicum I 3 credits and 180 clinical contact hours NUR 61800: Adult-Gerontology CNS II 3 credits NUR 62000: Adult-Gerontology CNS Practicum II 3 credits and 180 clinical contact hours NUR 65800: Adult-Gerontology CNS Practicum III: Clinical Synthesis 2 credits and 150 clinical contact hours *May be waived if student has taken a comparable graduate course at Purdue University Calumet or at another accredited nursing program within 5 years prior to application to this program. Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master s Certificate Program Overview (Admission to this Program is Currently Closed) Purpose The purpose of the Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program at Purdue University Calumet is to increase the numbers of family nurse practitioners

20 Updated December prepared to provide primary care. Primary care is currently undergoing a period of expansion in order to meet the increasing healthcare needs of our nation s citizens. The post-master s certificate program at Purdue University Calumet exists to address the need for increased numbers of primary care providers. The target audience for this program includes mater s prepared nurses that are interested in becoming family nurse practitioners. Credit Hour and Clinical Contact Hour Requirements+ The certificate requires students to complete a minimum of 14 credits and a maximum of 30 credit hours consisting of the following courses: NUR 50200: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing* 3 credits NUR 50300: Advanced Health Assessment* 4 credits NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing I* 3 credits NUR 59900/5XX00: Pathophysiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing II* - 3 credits NUR 51100: Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing* 3 credits and 45 clinical contact hours NUR 61100: Primary Care of the Young Family 3 credits NUR 61300: Primary Care of the Young Family Practicum 3 credits and 180 clinical contact hours NUR 62200: Primary Care of the Aging Family 3 credits NUR 62300: Primary Care of the Aging Family Practicum 3 credits and 180 clinical contact hours NUR 65700: FNP Practicum Clinical Synthesis 2 credits and 150 clinical contact hours * May be waived if student has taken a comparable course at Purdue University Calumet or another accredited nursing program with 5 years prior to application to this program. Admission Requirements/Criteria for Post-Master s Certificate Programs The admission process for the Certificate in Nursing Education parallels that for students seeking a Master s Degree in Nursing. Specific requirements are: 1. Master s degree in nursing from an accredited institution or admission and enrollment in a masters degree program in nursing. 2. Minimum graduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 with the possibility of conditional admission for applicants who do not meet this requirement. 3. Graduate School requirements for non-native speakers of English. 4. Evidence of current registered nurse licensure within the United States of America. 5. Criminal background check clearance from the company approved for use by

21 Updated December the PUC College of Nursing. The application can be found through the on-line application program described in the section on Application Procedures. The admission process for the Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate Program parallels that for students seeking a Master s Degree in Nursing. Specific requirements are: 1. Master s degree in nursing from an accredited institution or admission and enrollment in a masters degree program in nursing. 2. Minimum graduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 with the possibility of conditional admission for applicants who do not meet this requirement. 3. Graduate School requirements for non-native speakers of English. 4. Evidence of current registered nurse licensure within the United States of America. 5. A minimum of one year or 1,500 hours of experience as a registered nurse. 6. Criminal background check clearance from the company approved for use by the PUC College of Nursing. The application can be found through the on-line application program described in the section on Application Procedures. Applying to Post Master s Certificate Programs The application process and procedure is the same as the process used for admission to the master s program. Please see Application Procedures in this handbook for specific information. Study Options Admission Policies and Procedures Full-time study or part-time study is available for traditional students and part-time study is available for online cohort students. Students are admitted based on academic qualifications and Graduate Admission Committee recommendation. Admission Requirements/Criteria In order to be considered for admission into the graduate program, applicants must have: Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program in nursing. A minimum undergraduate nursing cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0, on a 4 point scale, or equivalent B average. Note: Applicants not meeting this criterion may be considered for conditional admission status.

22 Updated December Current registered nurse licensure within the United States of America. Evidence of successful completion of an introductory statistics course taken within the last 5 years. Evidence of successful completion of a physical assessment course or equivalent. International non-native speakers of English must achieve a TOEFL score of 550 or higher on the paper-based examination or 213 or higher on the computerbased test, or 77 or higher on the Internet-based test, to be considered for admission to a degree program. In addition, applicants who take the TOEFL ibt must achieve the following minimum test scores, in addition to the overall required score: reading, 19; listening, 14; speaking, 18, and writing, 18. As an alternative to the TOEFL, the Graduate School accepts IELTS (Academic Module) scores of 6.5 or higher. (Non-native speakers of English who are U.S. citizens or who hold permanent visas are not required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores.) The scores must be documented by an official report from Educational Testing Service or IELTS and must be no more than 24 months old at the time the application credentials are reviewed in the Graduate School. Required Admission Documents/Items The documents/items that we will need to process your application include: A completed application form using the Online Application button found on the Graduate School website for Degree-Seeking Admissions 3 recommendations using the university s recommendation format evaluating your scholarly potential with at least one from a former instructor A statement of words concerning your purpose for undertaking graduate study, your professional plans, career goals, and research interests Two transcripts from each university/college ever attended A copy of your U.S. RN license Your resume Criminal background check clearance from the company approved for use by the PUC College of Nursing Application Procedures Submit your application on-line using the graduate program application form. If you are interested in applying for the online MS program, please onlinemsprogram@purduecal.edu with your name, state of residency, and state of RN licensure before applying. Online instruction is not currently available in every state. If you reside or hold your RN license in a state other than Indiana or Illinois where you may complete your clinical hours, please confirm your state s status with us before submitting your application and fee. Following is specific information regarding the process for completing the application form.

23 Updated December Location of Application You can locate the link to the application program by going to and click on Apply in the How to Apply Now section. Select an Enrollment Objective on the Application Form After accessing the application form, you will be asked to select your enrollment objective. Your options will be non degree, master s, or one of the post-master s certificate programs. Non-Degree Admission as a non-degree seeking student will depend on space availability. You will select non-degree if you are not ready to seek formal admission into the graduate program. This option is useful when there is not enough time to apply for regular admission, or if you are interested in taking just a few courses. If you select this option, you will only need to submit to the College of Nursing proof of your baccalaureate degree (e.g. a copy of your transcript or diploma). You will not be required to submit the remaining admission materials including the recommendations, statement of purpose, resume, license, or official transcripts. A criminal background check will also not be required at this time. Master s You will select this option if you are applying for regular admission into the program for either the Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track. Admission deadlines are: September 15 for Spring admission February 15 for Summer or Fall admission Post Master s Certificate You will select this option if you are applying for the Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nursing Education post-master s certificate program. Admission deadlines are: September 15 for Spring admission February 15 for Summer or Fall admission Submitting Recommendations through the Application System In order to process your admission, you are required to submit three recommendations evaluating your scholarly potential and ability to pursue graduate study. At least one recommendation should be from a former professor of nursing. Recommendations may be completed directly through the application system. You will just need the address of the people that will give your recommendations, and the system will contact them to complete the form. As an alternative, you can also print the recommendation form, give the form to each recommender and ask

24 Updated December them to mail their recommendation form directly to the College of Nursing office. The mailing address is listed below. Submitting a Statement of Purpose through the Application System The statement of purpose consists of words that address your purpose for undertaking graduate study, your reasons for choosing Purdue, career goals and research interests. We suggest that you submit the statement of purpose directly through the application program. As an alternative you can upload a document stating that you intend to submit this at a later date and then mail your statement to the College of Nursing office or it to the academic advisor for the graduate program. You will not be able to submit your application without uploading some form of documentation. Submitting a Resume through the Application System We suggest that you submit your curriculum vita or resume directly through the application program. As an alternative, you can upload a document stating that you intend to submit this at a later date and then mail it to the College of Nursing office or it to the academic advisor for the graduate program. You will not be able to submit your application without uploading some form of documentation. Completing the Process of Submitting the Application Form Prior to submitting the application form, you will be asked to pay an application fee. When you are satisfied that the application form is complete, hit the submit button. Transcripts Submit two official (original) transcripts from each university or college you have ever attended, even if you did not complete a degree at that college. Please ask the colleges to send your transcripts to the College of Nursing at the address below. If you attended any campus of Purdue University in the past, you can check the box on the application that gives us permission to access your records. If you do this, we can directly request your Purdue Transcripts. License Submit a copy of your current registered nurse license(s) from within the United States of America to the College of Nursing office. As an alternative you can your license number and state of licensure to the graduate program academic advisor who will access that license from the appropriate database to confirm your status as current. Criminal Background Check Please follow these instructions to complete your criminal background check. Note that we cannot accept criminal background checks from other companies. 1. Go to and click on Students 2. In the Package Code box, enter package code: CH00 (note, the last 2 digits are zeros)

25 Updated December Select a method of payment: Visa, MasterCard or money order. After you submit your order, the company will send you a password to view the results of your background check. The results will be available in approximately hours. After your background check is complete, please call the College of Nursing graduate program secretary at and provide the password and the last four digits of your social security number. The graduate program secretary will then use this information to obtain the report. If you have questions, please call College of Nursing Mailing Address for Application Materials Heather M. Cook, MA Graduate Program Academic Advisor College of Nursing Purdue University Calumet th Street Hammond, Indiana Application Deadlines There are 2 application deadlines throughout the year. Additionally, those students who clearly meet all admission requirements may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis at other times pending space availability. Note that no action pertaining to admission can be taken until all admission documents have been received. Summer or Fall admission: February 15 Spring admission: September 15 Notification of Admission After the Graduate Admissions Committee reviews your materials, you will receive a letter informing you of the Committee s decision. You can consider yourself officially admitted to the Master s program after you receive a letter of welcome from the Dean of the Graduate School. Conditional Admission If you do not meet one or more of the admission requirements you may be considered for conditional admission. However, you need to be aware that admissions are competitive and there is no guarantee of admission on a conditional basis. Additionally, all conditionally admitted students must take all courses, with the exception of NUR 65600, Health Policy and Economics, at the Calumet campus for their full tenure in the program. Conditionally admitted students who fail to meet the specified conditions of admission may be dismissed from the program.

26 Updated December Transfer of Credits A maximum of nine semester hours or equivalent of graduate credit may be used as transfer credit from another university. To be accepted, courses must fulfill curriculum requirements and must have been taken at a university that has national nursing accreditation. Additionally, a grade of the equivalent of 3.0 (on a 4 point scale) or higher must be present for any transfer course. All specialty and advanced core courses, including NUR 51000, Research and Evidence Based Nursing must be taken at PUC. A request for an exception to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Other core courses will be evaluated for equivalency and transferability. You will need to submit the syllabi for all courses you wish to have considered for transfer credit by the application deadline date. Appealing Denial of Admission Decisions Applicants that are denied admission or readmission into the Graduate Program are allowed to appeal these decisions. Applicants who wish to appeal an admission or readmission decision should contact the Chairperson of the Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee. The Chairperson will review the appeals process with the student. This process includes a written notification of the desire to appeal and an appearance at the next scheduled Admission Progression and Graduation Committee meeting. If the decision to deny admission is upheld by the Committee, applicants may submit a written appeal to the Dean of the College of Nursing. If applicants are not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal to the College of Nursing Dean, a written appeal may be sent to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Classification Status Master s (Degree Seeking) Students Degree seeking applicants must submit applications online. You can locate the link to the application program by going to and click on Apply in the How to Apply Now section. Specific requirements for admission can be found in the Application Procedures section of this handbook. The Admission, Progression and Graduation Subcommittee of the Graduate Committee of the College reviews completed application materials. The College forwards its recommendation and admission conditions if applicable to the Graduate School Office for review and final action. Students receive from the Graduate School official notification of the action taken. Non-Degree Enrollment Students This classification is intended for those who wish to pursue study beyond the