Nursing (M.S.N.)

Locations

The M.S.N. is offered at the following locations:

Continental United States

Program Description

The master of science in nursing (M.S.N.) program is designed for registered nurses with a B.S.N. who wish to pursue advanced nursing knowledge. A family centered nursing framework is used to prepare graduates for one of two roles: educator or leader. In addition to specific courses relevant to the student’s chosen area of emphasis, students take core courses in nursing theory, nursing research, policy and politics, and family systems nursing. All students complete a synthesis project. Graduates of the M.S.N. program are prepared for positions in nursing education or leadership roles in a variety of settings. The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours. Courses are scheduled in an eight-week format. The M.S.N. program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, New York, 10006, 212-363-5555. The program is available at the St. Louis and Kansas City campuses. It is designed to be a part-time program that students can complete in three years.

M.S.N. Program Outcomes

• Upon completion of the program, students should be able to:
• Analyze theories for application to research and practice.
• Analyze the impact of policy, organization, and financing of health care on systems.
• Apply family systems nursing with clients across the health illness continuum.
• Integrate cultural understanding in professional practice.
• Analyze ethical issues relevant to practice.
• Analyze research for application to practice.
• Integrate principles of effective communication in professional settings.
• Implement the role of nurse educator or nurse leader in professional practice.
• Synthesize concepts from theory, research, and practice into a final project.
• Contribute to the nursing profession through service and life long learning.

Program Curriculum

The 36 credit hours required for the M.S.N. must include the following courses:

NURN 5000 Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing (Requisite Course)
NURN 5050 Policy and Politics in Nursing
NURN 5550 Advanced Nursing Research
NURN 5800 Family Systems Nursing
NURN 5810 Families in Transition
NURN 5820 Families Experiencing Illness
NURN 6000 Integrated Studies in Nursing
In addition, the degree-seeking student must complete one of the following options:

Educator Focus
Students planning to pursue a position in nursing education and selecting this option must complete the following courses:

NURN 5210 Instructional Methods in Nursing
NURN 5220 Curriculum Development and Evaluation
NURN 5230 Teaching Practicum in Nursing I
NURN 5240 Teaching Practicum in Nursing II
An additional 3 credit hours are needed to complete the requirements for the M.S.N. These electives may include other nursing courses or courses from other programs with advisor approval.

or

Leader Focus
Students planning to pursue a position in nursing leadership and selecting this option must complete the following courses:

NURN 5410 Leadership in Nursing
NURN 5420 Financial Issues for Nurse Leaders
NURN 5430 Legal Issues for Nurse Leaders
NURN 5440 Leadership in Nursing Practicum I
NURN 5450 Leadership in Nursing Practicum II

General Requirements

The student in this graduate program is subject to the policies and procedures for graduate studies and the M.S.N. program.

Admission

Admission to the M.S.N. program is based on intellectual capacity, academic record, professional performance, clarity of goals, initiative, and other qualities appropriate to graduate study in nursing. These qualities are difficult to measure in absolute terms, and the decision to offer admission is based on appraisal of the total application record.

The requirements for admission to the M.S.N. program are as follows:

• a bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE);
• current licensure as a registered nurse in the United States and eligibility for licensure in Missouri;
• a minimum cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
• completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better;
• a minimum of one year of clinical experience in nursing;
• completion of the M.S.N. program application along with the application fee and official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and schools of nursing;
• three academic and/or professional recommendations;
• a curriculum vitae describing scope, responsibility, and function of all work experience;
• a brief essay (500 words or less) clearly describing the applicant’s educational and professional objectives for graduate study;
• a personal interview.

Continuous Enrollment

Students in the M.S.N. program must maintain continuous and consecutive enrollment in this program at Webster University. Students who do not enroll for three or more consecutive eight- or nine-week terms will be withdrawn from the program. The student may request a waiver of this requirement.

Certificate Programs

Two professional development certificates are offered through the Nursing Department.

Admission Requirements

• 2.5 grade point average
• B.S.N. required
• Proof of RN licensure
• Minimum of one year of clinical experience
• Resume describing scope, responsibility, and function of work experience
• Completion of application with fees
• Official transcripts
• Personal interview

Nurse Educator Certificate

The Nurse Educator certificate is a 12-credit-hour program designed for the Registered Nurse who has completed a B.S.N. or M.S.N. and is interested in a nursing education focus.

The program is offered at the St. Louis and Kansas City campuses.

Curriculum

NURN 5210 Instructional Methods in Nursing (3)
NURN 5220 Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3)
NURN 5230 Teaching Practicum in Nursing I (3)
NURS 5240 Teaching Practicum in Nursing II (3) **

**An elective which focuses on education may be substituted with the approval of the M.S.N. Coordinator.

Nurse Leader Certificate

The Nurse Leader certificate is a 12-credit-hour program designed for the Registered Nurse who has completed a B.S.N. or M.S.N. and is interested in a nursing leader focus.

The program is offered at the St. Louis and Kansas City campuses.

Curriculum

NURN 5410 Leadership in Nursing (3)
NURN 5420 Financial Issues for Nurse Leaders (3)
NURN 5230 Legal Issues for Nurse Leaders (3)
NURN 5440 Leadership in Nursing Practicum I (3)

 

Certificates in Healthcare Leadership and Healthcare Education

Admission Requirements

• 2.5 grade point average
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of one year of healthcare education experience
• Résumé describing scope, responsibility, and function of work experience
• Completion of application with fees
• Official transcripts
• Personal interview

Certificate in Healthcare Education

The Healthcare Education certificate is an 18-credit-hour program designed for those who hold educational positions in healthcare and who have completed a bachelor’s degree and are interested in a healthcare education focus.

The program is offered at the Geneva campus.

Curriculum

• HCED 5210 Instructional Methods (3 credit hours)
• HCED 5220 Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3 credit hours)
• HCED 5230 Teaching Practicum (3 credit hours)
• HEAL 5210 Program Development in Health Care (3 credit hours)
• HRDV 5610 Training and Development (3 credit hours)
• HCED 6000 Healthcare Education Case Studies

Certificate in Healthcare Leadership

The Healthcare Leader certificate is an 18-credit-hour program designed for those who hold leadership positions in healthcare, who have completed a bachelor’s degree and are interested in a healthcare leader focus.

The program is offered at the Geneva campus.

Curriculum

• HCLD 5410 Leadership in Healthcare (3 credit hours)
• HCLD 5420 Financial Issues for Healthcare Leaders (3 credit hours)
• HCLD 5230 Legal Issues for Healthcare Leaders (3 credit hours)
• HCLD 5440 Leadership in Healthcare Practicum I (3 credit hours)
• HRDV 5620 Interpersonal and Organizational Communications (3 credit hours)
• HCLD 6000 Healthcare Leader Case Studies (3 credit hours)

Certificate in Healthcare Education

The Healthcare Education certificate is an 18-credit-hour program designed for those who hold educational positions in healthcare and who have completed a bachelor's degree and are interested in a healthcare education focus.

The program is offered at the Geneva campus.

Curriculum

• HCED 5210 Instructional Methods (3 credit hours)
• HCED 5220 Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3 credit hours)
• HCED 5230 Teaching Practicum (3 credit hours)
• HEAL 5210 Program Development in Health Care (3 credit hours)
• HRDV 5610 Training and Development (3 credit hours)
• HCED 6000 Healthcare Education Case Studies

Certificate in Healthcare Leadership

The Healthcare Leader certificate is an 18-credit-hour program designed for those who hold leadership positions in healthcare, who have completed a bachelor's degree and are interested in a healthcare leader focus.

The program is offered at the Geneva campus.

Curriculum

• HCLD 5410 Leadership in Healthcare (3 credit hours)
• HCLD 5420 Financial Issues for Healthcare Leaders (3 credit hours)
• HCLD 5230 Legal Issues for Healthcare Leaders (3 credit hours)
• HCLD 5440 Leadership in Healthcare Practicum I (3 credit hours)
• HRDV 5620 Interpersonal and Organizational Communications (3 credit hours)
• HCLD 6000 Healthcare Leader Case Studies (3 credit hours)

 

 

 

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Course Descriptions

NURN 5000 Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing (Requisite Course) (3)
Students examine philosophical and theoretical foundations of nursing. Analysis of selected concepts and theories from nursing and related fields are emphasized.

NURN 5050 Policy and Politics in Nursing (3)
Students examine the role of nursing in a political environment and policy within the health care arena. Social, economic, ethical, and legislative issues influencing health care policy and nursing practice are addressed. Various models of financing and establishing health care delivery systems are explored. Nurses’ roles within these systems are reviewed in order to function effectively and assume a leadership role in the health care system.

NURN 5210 Instructional Methods in Nursing (3)
This course is designed to explore a variety of teching methods used by nurse educators in academia, staff development and/or community education. Learning theories, principles of adult learning and learning objectives are examined. Use of technology in nursing education is integrated throughout the course. Students develop, implement, and evaluate a lesson plan appropriate for adult learners. Prerequisites: NURN 5000 and NURN 5550 or permission of Coordinator.

NURN 5220 Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3)
Curriculum design, development, and evaluation are explored. The influence of research and societal, educational, ethical, and professional forces on the nursing curriculum is discussed. Students design a model curriculum, program evaluation, and outcome criteria to evaluate student achievement. Prerequisites: NURN 5000 and NURN 5550 or permission of Coordinator.

NURN 5230 Teaching Practicum in Nursing I (3)
Course content focuses on the development of lesson plans appropriate for defined learner populations. Students design, implement, and evaluate educational plans. Students collaborate with faculty and chosen preceptor on lesson plans. The role of the educator in a teaching setting is explored. Prerequisites: NURN 5210 and NURS 5220.

NURN 5240 Teaching Practicum in Nursing II (3)
A continuation of Practicum I. The student further designs, implements, and evaluates educational plans for selected student, staff, or client groups at the chosen practicum site. The role of the nurse educator in schools of nursing, staff development, and community settings is analyzed. Prerequisite: NURN 5230.

NURN 5410 Leadership in Nursing (3)
This course provides the student with a theoretical foundation of nursing leadership. Professional practice models and organizational philosophies will be explored within the context of current nursing issues.Competencies necessary for nurse leaders will be discussed. The role of communication will be examined across organization systems. The effect of diversity on practice will be discussed. Prerequisites: NURN 5000 and NURN 5550 or permission of Coordinator.

NURN 5420 Financial Issues for Nurse Leaders (3)
This course is based upon financial management framework important to nurse leaders. The primary focus is on the interpretation and application of basic financial information from a departmental or a general organizational point of view. Topics will include the general goals and functions of financial decision making, the role of money and financial markets in the economy, financial statement analysis, and the budget process. The course will include criteria for allocating resources that optimize quality cost effective care. Prerequisites: NURN 5000 and NURN 5550 or permission of Coordinator.

NURN 5430 Legal Issues for Nurse Leaders (3)
This course will examine legal issues important to nurse leaders. Legal issues such as labor relations, employment laws, privacy laws, patient rights, and risk management will be discussed. Requirements of governmental and accrediting bodies will be addressed. Prerequisites: NURN 5000 and NURN 5550 or permission of Coordinator.

NURN 5440 Leadership in Nursing Practicum I (3)
The practicum course is designed to explore the role of nurse leader in an organizational or community setting. Students collaborate with faculty and preceptors to examine the role of nurse leader. Prerequisites: NURN5410, NURN 5420, and NURN 5430 or permission of Coordinator.

NURN 5450 Leadership in Nursing Practicum II (3)
The practicum course continues the exploration of the role of nurse leader in an organizational or community setting. Students collaborate with faculty and preceptors to examine the role of nurse leader. Prerequisites:NURN 5410, NURN 5420, NURN 5430, and NURN 5440, or permission of Coordinator.

NURN 5500 Professional Seminars (1-3)
Students participate in seminars designed to examine contemporary issues in nursing. The professional seminar supplements the core or focus area courses by focusing on issues of current and special interest. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs. Graduate students may apply a maximum of 3 credit hours of these seminars to meet the credit-hour requirements for graduation.

NURN 5550 Advanced Nursing Research (3)
Students systematically explore and evaluate current nursing knowledge for scientific and clinical merit. Utilization of nursing research is emphasized as it relates to changing and improving nursing practice. Students identify clinical practice issues and examine research designs for their appropriateness in addressing various nursing problems. Students discern the role of researcher by completing a research utilization project related to a nursing practice issue. Prerequisite: NURN 5000.

NURN 5800 Family Systems Nursing (3)
This course provides the student with a theoretical foundation and model for family assessment and intervention. Students develop basic family interviewing skills through the use of taped interviews. Opportunities to practice nursing interventions in a supervised setting are provided. Prerequisite: NURN 5000, NURN 5550.

NURN 5810 Families in Transition (3)
Students focus on families experiencing common transitions. Students continue to practice family interviewing skills. The use of family systems interventions is emphasized. Prerequisites: NURN 5550 and NURN 5800.

NURN 5820 Families Experiencing Illness (3)
Students examine the interaction between family functioning and illness. The influence of beliefs on health and the healing process is addressed. Family interviewing skills and therapeutic nursing interventions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURN 5550 and NURN 5800.

NURN 5990 Advanced Studies in Nursing (1-3)
Students with special interests or needs not met by existing curricula may request that a faculty member supervise a directed study. Content of the study and evaluation criteria are mutually decided on by the student and faculty. This course may be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: permission of department chairperson.

NURN 6000 Integrated Studies in Nursing (3)
Students synthesize and integrate learning experiences from previous coursework through writing an in-depth, scholarly manuscript. The final manuscript will be suitable for possible publication and presentation. Prerequisite: completion of at least 30 credit hours.

HCED 5210 Instructional Methods (3)
A variety of teaching methods are explored. Learning theories, principles of adult learning and learning objectives are examined. Use of technology in healthcare education is integrated. Students develop, implement and evaluate a lesson plan appropriate for adult learners.

HCED 5220 Curriculum Development and Evaluation (3)
Curriculum design, development, and evaluation are explored. Societal, educational, ethical, research, and professional forces which affect healthcare curricula are discussed. Students design a model curriculum, program evaluation, and outcome criteria to evaluate student achievement.

HCED 5230 Teaching Practicum (3)
Course content focuses on the development of lesson plans appropriate for defined learner populations. Students design, implement, and evaluate educational plans. The role of the healthcare educator is analyzed.

HCED 6000 Healthcare Education Case Studies
Students synthesize and integrate learning experiences from previous coursework through an in-depth case study addressing healthcare education issues.

HCLD 5230 Legal Issues for Healthcare Leaders (3)
This course will examine legal issues important to healthcare leaders. Legal issues such as labor relations, employment laws, privacy laws, patient rights and risk management will be discussed. Requirements of governmental and accrediting bodies will be addressed.

HCLD 5410 Leadership in Healthcare (3)
This course will provide the student with a theoretical foundation of healthcare leadership. Professional practice models and organizational philosophies will be explored within the context of current healthcare issues. The leadership skills of negotiation, delegation, conflict management, coaching and mentoring will be applied to healthcare. The role of communication will be examined across organization systems. The effect of gender and cultural diversity on communication will be discussed.

HCLD 5420 Financial Issues for Healthcare Leaders (3)
This course is based upon financial issues important to non-financial healthcare leaders. The primary focus is on the interpretation and application of basic financial information from a departmental or a general organizational point of view. Topics will include the general goals and functions of financial decision-making, the role of money and financial markets in the economy, financial statement analysis and the budget process. Capital budgeting, including the time value of money, working capital management, cost and performance measures preparation and use with a departmental or organizational focus will be discussed. The class will include healthcare leader decision making criteria based upon the mission and goals of both for-profit and non-profit corporate health care delivery organizations.

HCLD 5440 Leadership in Healthcare Practicum I (3)
The practicum course is designed to explore the role of healthcare leader in an organizational or community setting. Students collaborate with faculty and preceptors to examine the role of the healthcare leader.

HCLD 6000 Healthcare Leader Case Studies (3)
Students synthesize and integrate learning experiences from previous coursework through an in-depth case study addressing healthcare leader issues.

HEAL 5210 Program Development in Health Care (3)
Course involves step-by step methods of program development in health care. Includes a study of conceptual frameworks, philosophical basis, the student, the setting, the knowledge component, learning strategies, and evaluation.

HRDV 5610 Training and Development (3)
Rapid changes in technology and job design, along with increasing importance of learning- and knowledge-based organizations, make training and development an increasingly important topic in human resources development. In this course, the student will learn how to 1) identify training and development through needs assessments, 2) analyze jobs and tasks to determine training and development objectives, 3) create appropriate training objectives 4) design effective training and development programs using different techniques or methods 5) implement a variety of different training and development activities, and 6) evaluate training and development programs.

HRDV 5620 Interpersonal and Organizational Communications (3)
Students in this course investigate the phenomenon of communication. Students learn the dynamics of the process of communication; the skills required to achieve successful communication; the importance of effective communication in work situations; methods of evaluating communication problems in the workplace; and methods for increasing productive communication in the workplace. The course affords students the opportunities to explore a variety of personal and organizational methods of enhancing communication.