Purdue University Calumet School of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Updated July, Purdue University Calumet School of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook Table of Contents Conceptual Organization of the Master s Program... p. 4 Purpose... p. 4 Philosophy of the Master s Program... p. 4 Objectives... p. 5 Curriculum Overview... p. 6 Curriculum Options... p. 8 Overview of Areas of Concentration... p. 8 Full-Time/Part-Time Study Options... p.8 Thesis Option... p. 9 Courses and Curriculum Plans for Students Entering the Program Prior to Fall, p. 9 Course Descriptions... p. 9 Course Delivery Format Didactic Courses (Table 1)... p. 10 Core Graduate Courses... p. 11 Clinical Nurse Specialist Area of Concentration Courses... p. 12 Family Nurse Practitioner Area of Concentration Courses... p. 15 Nurse Executive Area of Concentration Courses... p. 17 Online Cohort Program Curriculum Plans... p. 19 Courses and Curriculum Plans for Students Entering the Program As of Fall, p. 19 Overview... p. 19 CNS Program Changes... p. 20 FNP Program Changes... p. 21 Post Master s Certificate Options... p. 22 Types of Certificates Available... p. 22 Post-Master s Certificate in Nursing Education Overview... p. 22

2 Updated July, CNS Post-Master s Certificate Program Overview... p. 22 FNP Post-Master s Certificate Program Overview... p. 24 Admission Requirements/Criteria... p. 25 Applying to Post Master s Certificate Programs... p. 26 Admissions Policies and Procedures... p. 26 Study Options... p. 26 Admission Requirements/Criteria... p. 26 Required Admission Documents/Items... p. 26 Application Procedures... p. 27 School of Nursing Mailing Address for Application Materials... p. 29 Application Deadlines... p. 29 Notification of Admission... p. 30 Conditional Admission... p. 30 Transfer of Credits... p. 30 Appealing Denial of Admission Decisions... p. 30 Classification Status... p. 31 Master s (Degree Seeking) Graduate Students... p. 31 Non-Degree Enrollment Students... p. 31 Progression Policies... p. 31 Standards of Work... p. 31 Grade Requirements... p. 32 Clinical Experience Requirements... p. 32 Submitting the Electronic Plan of Study (EPOS)... p. 32 Probation/Dismissal... p. 33 Grade Appeals... p. 33 Program Dismissal Appeals... p. 34 Changing Areas of Specialization... p. 34 Progression Time Limits... p. 34 Withdrawal and Re-entry Procedures... p. 35 Registration Information... p. 35 Registration... p. 35 Priority Registration... p. 35 Open Registration... p. 36 Late Registration... p. 36

3 Updated July, Financial Aid... p. 36 Financial Aid Office... p. 36 Scholarships and Talent Awards... p. 36 Graduate Aide Positions... p. 36 School Activities and Resources... p. 37 Student Representation on School of Nursing Committees... p. 37 Program Announcements... p. 37 Computer Laboratory... p. 38 Practicum Requirements and Information... p. 38 Clinical Experience Requirements... p. 38 Required Practicum Forms and Information... p. 38 Liability Insurance... p. 39 Licensure Requirements... p. 39 Policies Regarding Health Screening and Communicable Disease... p. 39 Beginning a Practicum Experience... p. 40 Practicum Responsibilities: Student, Preceptor and Faculty... p. 41 Clinical Attire... p. 42 Attendance... p. 42 Writing Behavioral Objectives... p. 43

4 Updated July, 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 evidencebased 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

5 Updated July, 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 which affect their quality of life. Environment: Environment in 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 teachinglearning 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

6 Updated July, 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. 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.

7 Updated July, 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: 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 know-how 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

8 Updated July, 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. 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 School of Nursing offers three areas of concentration within the Master of Science program. These include Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Adult Health or Critical Care, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Nurse Executive. Note that after February, 2012, admissions to the Nurse Executive option were 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

9 Updated July, 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 698 Master s Thesis in addition to their required courses. Students interested in pursing 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. 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 Courses and Curriculum Plans for Students Entering the Program Prior to Fall, 2012 Course Descriptions 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:

10 Updated July, 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 Theoretical Constructs in Nursing Online only (Asynchronous) Foundations of Advanced Practice in Online only (Asynchronous) Nursing Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Online (Asynchronous) Classroom 2-way Video to IPFW Advanced Health Assessment Online (Asynchronous) Classroom 2-way Video to IPFW Sociocultural Influences on Health Online only (Asynchronous) Physiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing Online (Asynchronous) Classroom Nursing Research Online (Asynchronous) Classroom Health Promotion for Advanced Practice Online only (Asynchronous) in Nursing Informatics in Nursing Online only (Asynchronous) Ethics for Nurses in Advanced Practice Online only (Asynchronous) Adult Health CNS I Online (Combination of Synchronous/Asynchronous) Classroom with some Asynchronous Online Sessions Critical Care CNS I Online (Combination of Synchronous/Asynchronous) Classroom with some Asynchronous Online Sessions Primary Care of the Young Family Online (Asynchronous)

11 Updated July, Course # Course Title Delivery Format Classroom 2-way Video to IPFW Adult Health CNS II Online (Combination of Synchronous/Asynchronous) Classroom with some Asynchronous Online Sessions Primary Care of the Aging Family Online (Asynchronous) Classroom 2-way Video to IPFW Critical Care CNS II Online (Combination of Synchronous/Asynchronous) Concepts for the Nurse Executive Creating an Environment for Professional Practice Role of the Nursing Executive in Creating an Environment for Professional Practice Nursing Administration, Financial Management Classroom with some Asynchronous Online Sessions Online (Synchronous with Adobe Connect) from IPFW Online (Synchronous with Adobe Connect) from IPFW 2-way video from IPFW Advanced Practice in Nursing Seminar Online only (Asynchronous) Healthcare Organization, Policy and Online only (Asynchronous) Economics 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, nursing theory, research, sociocultural concepts, ethics, health promotion, 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 physiology, health assessment,

12 Updated July, and pharmacology. Following the advanced practice core, students may begin taking specialty coursework in the CNS or FNP options. CNS Area of Concentration Courses Students who choose the CNS area of concentration may opt for a focus in Adult Health Nursing or Critical Care Nursing. In addition to the core and advanced practice core courses, CNS specialty coursework consists of 6 credits of didactic courses and 6 credits of clinical practica courses. The combination of specialty clinical practica and the health promotion course practicum equals 500 clock hours. In addition to the specialty courses, CNS students are required to take a total of 2 hours of electives. The total number of credits in the CNS area of concentration equals 45. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take national certification exams for clinical nurse specialists in the areas of adult health or critical care nursing, depending on their specialty focus. The CNS full-time curriculum plan is listed below. Students will create individualized parttime curriculum plans through consultation with the Graduate Program Advisor. Table 2: Clinical Nurse Specialist Full Time Curriculum Plan Purdue University Calumet School of Nursing Master of Science Program, Full Time Plan of Study Clinical Nurse Specialist: Adult Health or Critical Care Course Requirements: (45 semester hours) Year1 Semester 1 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing Sociocultural Influences on Health Physiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing Clinical Contact Semester Hours/Week Hours/Semester Taken Fall Fall * Fall Totals * * Non-clinical lab hours Semester 2 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Nursing Research Spring

13 Updated July, Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Advanced Health * Spring Assessment Pharmacotherapeutics Spring for Advanced Practice Nursing Totals * * Non-clinical lab hours Semester 3 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Theoretical Constructs Summer in Nursing Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing Summer Totals Year 2 Semester 4 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Healthcare Organization, Policy and Economics Clinical Contact Semester Hours/Semester Taken Fall Adult Health CNS Fall Adult Health CNS Fall Practicum 1 OR Critical Care CNS Fall Critical Care CNS Fall Practicum 1 Totals Semester 5 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Ethics for Nurses in Spring Advanced Practice Adult Health CNS II Spring

14 Updated July, Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Adult Health CNS Spring Adlt Hlth Practicum II OR Critical Care CNS II Spring Critical Care CNS Spring Practicum II Totals Semester 6 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Elective Fall Spring Summer Advanced Practice in Summer Nursing Seminar Adult Health CNS Practicum III Clinical Synthesis Critical Care CNS Practicum III Clinical Synthesis Total Credits and Contact Hours OR Totals Summer Summer

15 Updated July, 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 45. 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 Graduate Program Advisor. Table 3: Family Nurse Practitioner Full Time Curriculum Plan Purdue University Calumet School of Nursing Master of Science Program, Full Time Plan of Study Family Nurse Practitioner Course Requirements: (45 semester hours) Year1 Semester 1 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing Sociocultural Influences on Health Physiologic Concepts for Advance Practice Nursing * Non-clinical lab hours Clinical Contact Semester Hours/Week Hours/Semester Taken Fall Fall * Fall Totals * Semester 2 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Nursing Research Spring Advanced Health * Spring Assessment Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Spring Totals * * Non-clinical lab hours

16 Updated July, Semester 3 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Theoretical Constructs Summer in Nursing Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing Summer Totals Year 2 Semester 4 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Primary Care of the Fall Young Family Primary Care of the Young Family Practicum Healthcare Organization, Policy and Economics Fall Fall Totals Semester 5 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Primary Care of the Spring Aging Family Primary Care of the Aging Family Practicum Spring Ethics for Nurses in Spring Advanced Practice Totals Semester 6 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken FNP Practicum: Summer Clinical Synthesis Advanced Practice in Summer Nursing Seminar Totals Total Credits and Contact Hours

17 Updated July, 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. Table 4: Nurse Executive Full Time Curriculum Plan Purdue University Calumet School of Nursing Master of Science Program - Nurse Executive Course Requirements: (43 semester hours) Year1 Semester 1 Course Course Title Credit Lecture SPEA V Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing Public Human Resources Management* Concepts for the Nurse Executive Creating an Environment for Professional Practice* (Even years only) Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Fall Spring Fall Fall Totals Semester 2 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Nursing Research Fall Role of the Nursing Executive in Creating an Environment for Professional Practice * (Odd years only) Sociocultural Influences on Health Spring Spring Fall Spring Totals 9 9 0

18 Updated July, Semester 3 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Theoretical Constructs Fall in Nursing Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing Summer Summer Totals Year 2 Semester 4 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Informatics in Nursing* Fall Healthcare Organization, Policy and Economics Nurse Executive Practicum I Fall Spring Fall Spring Summer Totals Semester 5 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Nursing Administration Financial Management* (Even years only) Ethics for Nurses in Advanced Practice Nurse Executive Practicum II Clinical Contact Semester Hours/Semester Taken Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Summer Totals Semester 6 Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Semester Taken Elective Fall Spring Summer Advanced Practice in Summer

19 Updated July, Course Course Title Credit Lecture Hours/Week Clinical Contact Hours/Semester Nursing Seminar Totals Total Credits and Contact Hours *Courses offered through IPFW Semester Taken Online Cohort Program Curriculum Plans Students can contact the Graduate Program Academic Advisor for curriculum plans for the online cohort programs as they vary depending on the semester in which a student will start their coursework and the courses offered online in any given semester. Courses and Curriculum Plans for Students Entering the Program as of Fall, 2012 Overview Due to upcoming changes in regulatory and certification requirements, the School of Nursing graduate faculty approved changes to courses and curriculum for CNS and FNP students effective Fall, The changes to each study option can be located below. Note that courses and course titles are in the development/revision process. As they are finalized, we will post a complete revised curriculum plans.

20 Updated July, Course Changes for Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult Health/Critical Care) Effective Fall 2012 Course # Course Title Current Credit Hours/ Clinical Contact Hours Changes Theoretical Constructs in Nursing 3 Theories and Ethics will be combined together for new number and title Ethics for Nurses in Advanced Practice 3 on the Plan of Study (3 credit hours total) Advanced Health Assessment Physiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing 4 Now 4 credit hours divided into 3 credits lecture and 1 credit lab (45 nonclinical hours). Converting into a two 3 credit hour course sequence with title and objective changes reflecting Pathophysiologic Concepts 1 and Informatics in Nursing Course has been added to new curriculum and is a 3 credit hour course or Adult Health or Critical Care CNS Practicum 1 2/ 150 Increasing by 1 credit hour (to 3) and 30 clinical contact hours (to equal 180) or Adult Health or Critical Care CNS Practicum 2 2/ 155 Increasing by 1 credit hour (to 3) and 25 clinical contact hours (to equal 180) Advanced Practice in Nursing Seminar 1 No longer a curriculum requirement. Elective (Relating to area of concentration) 2 No longer a curriculum requirement Courses With No Changes Total of 47 credit hours (increased by 2 credit hours) instead of 45 credit hours for the program. There is an increase in clinical contact hours from 500 to 555 total (non clinical lab hours excluded). Course # Course Title Current Credit Hours Current Clinical Contact Hours/Notes Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing 2 (pass/fail prerequisite course - no grade) Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Sociocultural Influences on Health Nursing Research Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing 3 45 clinical contact hours or Adult Health or Critical Care CNS Didactic Course or Adult Health or Critical Care CNS Didactic Course Health Care Organization, Policy and Economics or Adult Health or Critical Care CNS Practicum 3: Clinical Synthesis clinical contact hours

21 Updated July, Course Changes for Family Nurse Practitioner Effective Fall 2012 Course # Course Title Current Credit Hours Theoretical Constructs in Nursing Ethics for Nurses in Advanced Practice 3 Changes Theories and Ethics will be combined together for new number and title on Plan of Study (3 credit hours total) Advanced Health Assessment Physiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing 4 Now 4 credit hours divided into 3 credits lecture and 1 credit lab (45 nonclinical hours). Converting into a two 3 credit hour course sequence with title and objective changes reflecting Pathophysiologic Concepts 1 and Informatics in Nursing Course has been added to new curriculum and is a 3 credit hour course Advanced Practice in Nursing Seminar 1 No longer a curriculum requirement. Total of 47 credit hours (increased by 2 credit hours) instead of 45 credit hours for the program. Courses With No Changes Course # Course Title Current Credit Hours Current Clinical Contact Hours/Notes Foundations of Advanced Practice in Nursing 2 (pass/fail prerequisite course - no grade) Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Sociocultural Influences on Health Nursing Research Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing 3 45 clinical contact hours Primary Care of the Young Family Didactic Primary Care of the Young Family Practicum clinical contact hours Primary Care of the Aging Family Didactic Primary Care of the Aging Family Practicum clinical contact hours Health Care Organization, Policy and Economics FNP Practicum: Clinical Synthesis clinical contact hours No increase in clinical contact hours; 555 total (non clinical lab hours excluded)

22 Updated July, Post-Master s Certificate Options Types of Certificates Available There are four types of post-master s certificates available through the Purdue University Calumet School of Nursing. These are: Post-Master s Certificate in Nursing Education Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Post-Master s Certificate Critical Care 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) 66000: Curriculum Development in Nursing (3 credits, pattern) 66200: Teaching Strategies for Nursing (4 credits, pattern consisting of 2 didactic, 2 teaching, and a teaching practicum equivalent to 6 hours/week) Clinical Nurse Specialist Post-Master s Certificate Programs Overview Purpose The purpose of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate Programs at Purdue

23 Updated July, University Calumet is to provide Adult Health or Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) preparation to qualified Master s prepared nurses. CNSs are advanced practice nurses who are uniquely prepared to meet complex patients needs for expert nursing care. CNS educational preparation consists of content related to a patient-focused clinical specialty 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 evidencebased 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 12 hours and a maximum of 25 credit hours consisting of the following courses: Adult Health and Critical Care Students 50200: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing* 3 credits 50300: Advanced Health Assessment* 3 credits 50700: Physiologic Concepts for Advanced Practice Nursing* 4 credits 51100: Health Promotions for Advanced Practice in Nursing* 3 credits and 45 clinical contact hours Adult Health Students 60000: Adult Health CNS I - 3 credits 60100: Adult Health CNS Practicum I 2 credits and 150 clinical contact hours 61800: Adult Health CNS II 3 credits 62000: Adult Health CNS Practicum II 2 credits and 155 clinical contact hours 65800: Adult Health CNS Practicum III: Clinical Synthesis 2 credits and 150 clinical contact hours Critical Care Students 60200: Critical Care CNS I 3 credits 60300: Critical Care CNS Practicum I 2 credits and 150 clinical contact hours 63000: Critical Care CNS II 3 credits 63500: Critical Care CNS Practicum II 2 credits and 155 clinical contact hours 65900: Critical Care CNS Practicum III: Clinical Synthesis 2 credits and 150 clinical contact hours

24 Updated July, Changes to the required certificate program courses will take place during the next 3 years for those beginning the program in the Spring of 2013 or after. Contact the Graduate Program Advisor for further details. *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 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 27 credit hours consisting of the following courses: 50200: Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing* 3 credits 50300: Advanced Health Assessment* 3 credits 50700: Physiologic Concepts for advanced Practice Nursing* 4 credits 51100: Health Promotion for Advanced Practice in Nursing* 3 credits and 45 clinical contact hours 61100: Primary Care of the Young Family 3 credits 61300: Primary Care of the Young Family Practicum 3 credits and 180 clinical contact hours 62200: Primary Care of the Aging Family 3 credits 62300: Primary Care of the Aging Family Practicum 3 credits and 180 clinical contact hours 65700: FNP Practicum Clinical Synthesis 2 credits and 150 clinical contact hours +Changes to the required certificate program courses will take place during the next 3 years for those beginning the program in the Spring of 2013 or after. Contact the Graduate Program Advisor for further details. * 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

25 Updated July, 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 the PUC School 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 Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult Health or Critical Care) 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 School 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.

26 Updated July, 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. 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

27 Updated July, 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 School of Nursing Application Procedures Submit your application on-line using the graduate program application form. Following is specific information regarding the process for completing the application form. Location of Application You can locate the link to the application program by going to and click on ONLINE APPLICATION under the Application Process 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 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 School 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. Admission as a non-degree seeking student will depend on space availability. Master s You will select this option if you are applying for regular admission into the program. 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, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nursing Education post-master s certificate program. Admission deadlines are:

28 Updated July, 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 them to mail their recommendation form directly to the School 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 School 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 School 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 School 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 School of Nursing office. As an alternative you can

29 Updated July, your license number and state of licensure to the academic advisor for the graduate program 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) 3. 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 School 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 School of Nursing Mailing Address for Application Materials Heather M. Cook, MA Graduate Program Academic Advisor School 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