Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration and Leadership

Contemporary issues in theory development and the social production of knowledge for nursing are explored in this course. The social and historical context of knowledge development in nursing are examined with an emphasis on the relationship between theory, research, interprofessional collaboration, and nursing practice.

The appraisal and use of research and other evidence to provide high quality health care, to initiate change, and to improve nursing practice are the foci for this course. Emphasis is on developing relevant clinical questions, searching for evidence, systematic appraisal of evidence, and determining whether and how to apply the findings. Commonly used research designs and ethical principles to ensure human subject protection are examined. Strategies for organizing evidence and implementing evidenced-based practice changes are explored.

This course examines the complexity of the U.S. Health Care System, international systems, and current efforts directed at health care reform. Past, current, and potential roles of graduate prepared nurses, related to access, equity, and the goals of healthy people are examined. Socio-political, economic, and ethical issues embedded in public policy decisions are explored. Attention is given to the role of graduate-prepared nurses in influencing, creating, and implementing policy for diverse populations across the lifespan.

This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies required of an effective interprofessional leader working in complex health care environments. Leadership theories are explored that account for individual traits and behaviors, as well as the situational context within the work environment. Principles of management and leadership are contrasted. Leadership practices are appraised that support a culture of caring and mutual respect, vision and innovation, accountability, integrity, and high-quality, patient-centered care. Reflection and appraisal of personal leadership attributes and behaviors are emphasized.

An interprofessional approach to caring for communities and populations across the lifespan. Major components include concepts of health, levels of prevention, epidemiology, culturally responsive care, global health issues, emergency preparedness, and control of health problems. Community assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation applied to complex health issues.

In this course the human factors that exist within a complex health care workplace are explored. Organizational behavior theories and concepts are studied in order to gain insight into individual and group behavior. Among the topics covered are individual perceptions and attitudes, organizational culture, diversity, communication, motivation, leadership, management, power, stress, conflict, group dynamics, and change. Root causes of behavioral workplace problems such as poor communication, lack of employee motivation, poor performance, high turnover, conflict, resistance to change, and stress are examined.

This course examines operational issues in health care management inclusive of human resource management, and legal and ethical issues facing nurse leaders. A range of current legal and ethical issues will be explored. Emphasis is placed on planning, performance, and compliance in the health care environment. The goals are to provide students with practical knowledge to effectively manage at the micro, meso, or macro level.

In this course the student will explore essential tools for financial leadership in the contemporary health care arena. Principles of health care economics, third party reimbursement, budget development, variance, and economic evaluation methods, are explored. The relationship between organizational mission, fiscal responsibility, and strategic financial concepts unique to the complex health care environment are examined. Key elements of inter-professional strategic financial planning and budgeting processes will be emphasized. The student will apply financial leadership skills to developing program initiatives to improve quality and address population health needs.

This course provides an overview of the role of information systems and technology in health care. The emphasis is on how information system/technology can improve the quality and delivery of patient care in a variety of health care settings. Factors that contribute to the adoption of health care information technologies and the challenges regarding their successful utilization are examined. Prerequisite: NUR 606.

This is the first in a sequence of two practicum experiences framed by core role competencies of the nurse leader. Students will explore, analyze, and apply specific theories and strategies of management and leadership to the administrative roles of the nurse across health care systems at the micro, meso, or macro level. A system level organizational assessment and evaluation will be initiated as phase one of the project and students will identify a issue/problem to address in practicum II. Supervision of a preceptor for a minimum of 60 hours in the practice setting is required. Self-reflection on the evolving leader role is emphasized.

This is the second in a sequence of two practicum experiences framed by core role competencies of the nurse leader. Students will explore, analyze, and apply specific theories and strategies of management and leadership to the administrative roles of nurses across health care systems at the micro, meso, or macro level. With interprofessional collaboration students will complete the implementation and evaluation phase of their project based on the assessment and problem identification completed in NUR 661. Supervision of a preceptor for a minimum of 60 hours in the practice setting is required. Self-reflection on the evolving leader role is emphasized.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles and practice of quality improvement as practiced by health care providers, systems of care, community health and public health agencies. The course integrates theory, evidence about treatment effectiveness, and systems thinking. The content focuses on describing, measuring, improving, and evaluating the quality and safety of health services for consumers and populations. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice and opportunities and challenges for quality improvement in specific health care settings. Students develop competencies in identifying opportunities for quality improvement, selecting and using quality improvement tools and methods, and presenting their work in a professional context. Learning occurs through assigned readings, lectures, guest speaker interviews, discussions and exercises, and an individual quality improvement.