Clinical experiences focus on less complex situations that reflect an understanding of the nursing process and the nursing paradigm in health promotion and maintenance, illness care, and rehabilitation. The theoretical basis for practice is presented in the classroom and provides the scientific knowledge base needed to diagnose and treat human responses to actual or potential health problems. Non-clinical courses focus on the discipline of nursing in the areas of ethics, economics, politics, legal issues, and the heritage of nursing. The sequencing of the Bridge nursing courses is somewhat more flexible for R.N. students than for other students because of prior exposure to all clinical areas except Community Health. Specialty courses focus on advanced knowledge and skills in a given specialty area to equip graduates to function in complex situations and advanced practice roles, including those of clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner and nurse administrator.
Electives provide the opportunity to select course work that complements the students' career goals.
All students are expected to meet the above program goals whether they enter the M.S.N. program with a B.S.N. or through the three-semester Bridge component. Students who enter through the Bridge program, however, must also meet transitional objectives upon completion of the three semesters of Bridge nursing courses. Demonstrate skills in critical thinking, decision making, information management and use of the nursing process with individuals, families and groups experiencing complex health problems. Evaluate usefulness of and apply research findings to professional nursing practice. Teach and counsel individuals, families, communities, and other groups about health, illness, and health-seeking behaviors.