Bloomsburg University Academic Programs

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Administered by Department of Nursing

Effective Fall 2009

Admission - All admission requirements must be fulfilled no later than 3 credits or one semester of study into the program. All application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies.

I. B.S.N.-M.S.N. Program: In addition to meeting the general admission requirements for the School of Graduate Studies, applicants with a B.S.N. must comply with the following criteria:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally-accredited school program
2. A license to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania
3. A minimum of one year of direct care clinical practice (post baccalaureate) within the past two years in the selected clinical specialty area (for the adult nurse practitioner option, this direct care experience must be in adult health)
4. An undergraduate quality point average (QPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
5. Satisfactory completion of the following undergraduate courses: statistics, research and health assessment (as a separate course or integrated concept)
6. Three current letters of professional and/or academic recommendation
7. A resume which includes description of professional nursing or clinical experience
8. A narrative describing personal and professional goals for graduate education (rationale and goals for the selected area of advanced practice must be included)
9. Personal interview following submission of admission materials with option adviser and/or program coordinator.
10. Applications are due by August 1.

II. R.N.-M.S.N. Program: The Nursing Department also offers an R.N.-M.S.N. program. Applicants with an R.N. must meet criteria 2-4 and 6-10 above and must also meet the following criteria:

• Placement according to Bloomsburg University articulation model.
• Submission of an application that includes an official secondary school transcript and official college transcript from each school attended, regardless of whether credit was earned at the other institution(s).

III. M.S.N. to N.P. Program: Post master's applicants may apply to the nurse practitioner program in one of the following ways:

• If M.S.N. is from Bloomsburg University, write a letter requesting reactivation as a student. A narrative explaining the student's goals is required.
• If M.S.N. is from another university, follow admissions requirements for B.S.N.-M.S.N. applicant.

IV. M.S.N. to Certified School Nurse Program: Post master's applicants may apply to the school nurse certification program in one of the following ways:

• If M.S.N. is from Bloomsburg University, write a letter requesting reactivation as a student. A narrative explaining the student's goals is required.
• If M.S.N. is from another university, follow admissions requirements for B.S.N.-M.S.N. applicant.

V. C.R.N.A., C.R.N.P., C.N.M. to M.S.N. Program: C.R.N.A.'s, C.R.N.P.'s and C.N.M.'s may apply to the M.S.N. program by meeting all of the criteria stated under the B.S.N. to M.S.N. program above. Additionally, documentation of successful completion of a nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner or nurse midwifery program must be submitted.

VI. PA C.S.N. to M.S.N. Program: Certified School Nurses may apply to the M.S.N. program by meeting all of the criteria stated under the B.S.N. to M.S.N. program above. Documentation of successful completion of a school nurse program must be submitted.

VII. Nurse Anesthesia:

Completed applications are due to the Graduate Office no later than December 1 and will be reviewed by a joint Admissions Committee consisting of individuals from Bloomsburg University Department of Nursing and Geisinger Medical Center. This is a rolling admission process and interviews will be scheduled as files are reviewed. Admission requirements include:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally-accredited program.
2. A current unencumbered license to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania.
3. A minimum of one year of recent critical care experience (ICU, CCU, PICU, NICU).
4. A current ACLS and PALS certification.
5. An undergraduate quality point average (QPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
6. Three current letters of professional and/or academic recommendation including one from a CRNA.
7. A resume which includes description of professional nursing and clinical experience.
8. Narrative describing personal and professional goals for graduate education and CRNA option.
9. Applications for other options are due August 1.
10. Personal interview by the joint admission committee following a screening process Copy of current professional liability insurance minimum of $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 upon acceptance
11. Submission of criminal and child abuse background checks and FBI fingerprints (upon acceptance)
12. . Comprehensive health examination. (upon acceptance)

Applicants who have not fulfilled the identified requirements for admission will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants may be admitted on a provisional basis until potential abilities for graduate education are demonstrated. After students have been notified of admission to the graduate program, they are required to schedule a program planning session with their assigned graduate faculty adviser.

Progression and Retention. In order to progress within the program, students must receive a minimum grade of B in advanced clinical courses and maintain the QPA of 3.0 specified by the university. The department retention policy is the same as that of the university except any grade of C in a clinical course must be repeated.

Transfer of Credit. A maximum of nine semester hours in graduate courses taken at other approved colleges or universities may be transferred and credited toward the program if they are applicable to the requirements and are approved by the specialty area adviser and the assistant vice president and dean for graduate studies and research. Courses being transferred must have been assigned a grade of B or higher and must have covered content which is required for a particular program option or recommended by the clinical adviser for elective credit.

Graduate students must request permission for transfer of credit from the assistant vice president and dean for graduate studies and research once written approval has been obtained from the clinical option adviser.

Dismissal from the nursing program. The graduate faculty reserve the right to counsel or dismiss any student who, in their judgment, does not satisfy the requirements of scholarship, health, and personal suitability for advanced practice nursing. Students unable to continue in the program are those who do not meet the Department of Nursing's Performance Standards for Admission and Progression as stated in the preceding section or who are deemed unsuitable for personal reasons. Personal behaviors expected of students are based on standards from the American Nurses' Association Code for Nurses. Examples of nursing activities reflecting expected personal behaviors (not inclusive) include the following:

• Demonstrates personal responsibility, accountability, integrity and honesty;
• Demonstrates respect for clients and their rights;
• Avoids behavior inconsistent with professional standards such as chemical dependency and abuse or engaging in or supporting criminal behavior.

Graduation Requirements. Upon fulfillment of the following, the student is awarded a master of science in nursing degree:

• Completion of all coursework, attaining the grades required and maintaining a minimum cumulative QPA of 3.0
• Completion of a comprehensive examination offered at the conclusion of the final clinical course in each of the specialty areas. The exam is not included as part of any course grade and meets university guidelines.
• Completion of a comprehensive program assessment exit interview held with the program coordinator for the purposes of providing student input for program evaluation.

Degree requirements

Students may select either full-time or part-time study depending on their individual needs. Classes are scheduled in late afternoon and evening to facilitate progression in either type of study. In addition, many courses are offered online. Clinical courses usually require experiences held during the day as dictated by the work schedules of the clinical preceptors and the hours of operation of the clinical facility.

Core courses are required for all areas of specialization. This reflects the philosophy that advanced nursing practice shares a common theoretical basis regardless of specialization.

Core courses for all program options (12 credits)

82.501 Theoretical Bases for Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.502 Epidemiology: Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.503 Bases of Research for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.520 Community Assessment and Planning - 3

Sequence for Nurse Anesthesia

Additional Core Courses (12 credits)

82.504 Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.507 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.508 Adult Health Assessment and Promotion (clinical) - 6

Anesthesia Courses

82.518 Theoretical Foundations of Anesthesia Nursing 1 - 3

82.523 Scientific Foundations of Anesthesia Nursing I - 3

82.524 Scientific Foundations of Anesthesia Nursing II - 3

82.525 Pharmacology for Anesthesia - 3

82.526 Advanced Physiology for Anesthesia Nursing I - 3

82.527 Advanced Physiology for Anesthesia Nursing II - 3

82.528 Chemistry and Physics in Anesthesia Nursing - 4

82.535 Anesthesia Nursing Practicum I - 2

82.536 Anesthesia Nursing Practicum II - 3

82.537 Anesthesia Nursing Practicum III - 3

82.538 Advanced Anesthesia Nursing Practicum I - 4

82.539 Advanced Anesthesia Nursing Practicum II - 4

82.540 Advanced Anesthesia Nursing Practicum III - 4

Total Required Courses: 68

Sequence for Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization ( 30-41 additional credits)

Additional Core Courses for Adult and Family NP (12 credits)

82.504 Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.507 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.508 Adult Health Assessment and Promotion (clinical) - 6

Clinical Sequence for Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner (18 credits)

82.515 Diagnosis and Management of Health Problems in Adults I (clinical) - 6

82.516 Diagnosis and Management of Health Problems in Adults II (clinical) - 6

82.534 Adult Nurse Practitioner Practicum and Seminar (clinical) - 6

Additional courses for Family Nurse Practitioner (11 credits)

82.517 Diagnosis and Management of Children and Pregnant Women (clinical) - 8

82.522 Family Health Nursing Theory - 3

Sequence for Community Health Specialization (27 additional credits)

EITHER:

Required for Public Health Administration:

91.504 Introduction to Financial Accounting - 3

93.566 Organizational Behavior - 3

98.550 Law, Ethics & Public Policy

OR

Required for School Health:

70.516 Psychology of Exceptional Individuals - 3

82.509 Theory in School Nursing - 3

82.521 Nurse as Health Educator Within School System - 3

AND:

82.511 Community Health Nursing I (clinical) - 6

82.531 Community Health Nursing II (clinical) - 6

Elective - Graduate-level courses to fulfill elective requirements are chosen by the student and an adviser based on career needs, clinical requirements and role development of a clinical nurse specialist. Electives may be selected from graduate courses in psychology, political science, business, communication disorders, speech communication, education and nursing. (6-9)

Option for Post-Master's NP Certificate Program

I. Core Courses: (12 Credits)

82.502 Epidemiology: Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 crs.)

82.504 Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 crs.)

82.507 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 crs.)

82.520 Community Assessment and Planning (3 crs.)

II. Clinical Sequence: (24 Credits)

82.508 Adult Health Assessment and Promotion (6 crs.)

82.515 Diagnosis and Management of Health Problem in Adults I

(6 crs.)

82.516 Diagnosis and Management of Health Problems in Adults II

(6 crs.)

82.534 Adult Nurse Practitioner Practicum and Seminar (6 crs).

Total Credits: 24-36*

* Waiver of core courses will be determined on an individual basis following a review of the applicant’s academic transcripts.

Adult Health and Illness Specialization (27 additional credits)

Additional Core Courses for Adult Health and Illness CNS (12 credits)

82.504 Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.507 Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.508 Adult Health Assessment and Promotion (clinical) - 6

Clinical Courses (12 credits)

82.512 Adult Health and Illness I (clinical) - 6

82.532 Adult Health and Illness II (clinical) - 6

Elective - Elective requirements are as described under the community health specialization - 3

Nursing Administration Specialization (30 credits)

Business Courses (18 credits):

40.512 Economic Theory - 3

93.566 Organizational Behavior - 3

91.504 Introduction to Financial Accounting -3

93.500 Managerial Principles - 3

91.524 Managerial Accounting - 3

92.554 Management Information Systems - 3

Clinical Practicum (12 credits):

82.513 Management and Organizational Behavior in Nursing Administration (clinical) - 6

82.533 Management and Organizational Behavior in Health Care Delivery Systems (clinical) - 6

Optional completion of Master's in Business Administration (15 additional credits)

91.500 MBA Assessment -0

92.550 Law, Ethics and Public Policy - 3

97.551 Marketing Management - 3

93.560 Operational Management - 3

96.535 Financial Management - 3

93.581 Strategic Management - 3

Options for Certified Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives - (30 credits total)

Advanced placement credits are awarded to those individuals already certified and practicing as a CRNA, CRNP, or CNM.

Completion of the MSN requires 30 credits as described below:

82.501 Theoretical Bases for Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.502 Epidemiology: Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.503 Bases of Research for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.520 Community Assessment and Planning - 3

Education/Management Electives - 9

Independent Study, Clinical Project(s)/Thesis - 3-6

Electives - Elective requirements are as described under the community health specialization. - 3-6

Option for PA Certified School Nurses (33 credits total)

Advanced placement credits are awarded to those individuals already certified and practicing as a school nurse.

Completion of the M.S.N. requires 33 credits as described below:

82.501 Theoretical Bases for Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.502 Epidemiology: Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.503 Bases of Research for Advanced Nursing Practice - 3

82.520 Community Assessment and Planning - 3

82.509 Theory in Health School Nursing - 3

80.521 Nurse as Health Educator Within the School System - 3

70.516 Psychology of Exceptional Individuals - 3

82.531 Community Health Nursing II - 6

Electives - 6