May not be offered every semester. The course is designed to provide the post-baccalaureate nurse with the opportunity to utilize undergraduate science background and clinical experiences in the examination of pathophysiologic mechanisms of certain disease processes. Selected client case studies will be utilized. Students examine the theoretical basis of nursing by formulating an individualized model to use in their own nursing practice. The course provides an exploration of the influence of current ethical, legal, economic, professional, and political factors on the practice of nursing.
Methodology including design, sampling, data collection, and data analysis is explored in depth.
Quantitative and qualitative methods are studied. Application of knowledge is evidenced by critiques of current nursing and health-related literature and by proposal development. Emphasis also is placed on communication of research findings and computer applications for analysis of data. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics used in health care research. Emphasis is placed on how and when to use statistical techniques as well as interpretation of statistics.