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Applications and Information
For applications and additional information, please write or call:
School of Nursing
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06430-5195
Telephone: (203)254-4150
Fax: (203)254-4126
E-Mail: KWHEELER@FAIR1.FAIRFIELD.EDU
Web site: http://www.fairfield.edu
The provisions of this bulletin are not an irrevocable contract between Fairfield University and the student. The University reserves the right to change any provision or any requirement at any time.
Fairfield University admits students of any sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, disability or handicap to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the University. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, disability or handicap in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs or other University-administered programs.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES — It is Fairfield University's policy that no qualified disabled student shall, on the basis of disability, be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of any academic program, activities, or services. The University provides support sen/ices and arranges reasonable accommodations for disabled students. However, the University will not alter the essential academic elements of courses or programs. Students who require support services or other accommodations should contact the Director of Student Support Services, Dolan 210. Arrangements for appropriate accommo- dations may be made in a cooperative effort between the student, the faculty member, and student support services. The University may require documentation of learning disability.
Fairfield University complies with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act." This report contains a summary of Fairfield University Security Department's policies and procedures along with crime statistics as required. Anyone wanting a copy of the report may obtain one by contacting Fairfield's Security Department at (203) 254- 4090, or by stopping at the office in Loyola Hall, Room 2. The office is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Title II Higher Education Reauthorization Act Report is available online at www.fairfield.edu/academic/gradedu/acadinfo.htm
SCHOOL OF NURSING
GRADUATE PROGRAM
Master of Science and Post-Master's Certificate Program Options
Practitioner:
Adult Nurse Practice
Family Nurse Practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practice
Healthcare Systems:
Healthcare Law Healthcare Management
2001-2002
Table of Contents
Welcome to the School of Nursing 4
The Mission of Fairfield University 5
The School of Nursing Philosophy 6
The University 8
Accreditation 9
A Message to Students 10
Calendar 11
Admission Requirements 12
Academic Regulations 14
Tuition and Fees 16
General Information 17
The School of Nursing Graduate Program 23
Graduate Program Objectives 25
Scholarly Project 25
Curricula 26
Course Descriptions 37
Faculty 45
University Administration 46
Welcome
A Message to Students from the Dean
Welcome to the School of Nursing
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and to share with you my vision for the continued progress and future plans of the School of Nursing. I am honored to have been selected as your new Dean and look forward to getting to know each of you. My professional back- ground includes a wide-range of experiences in clinical practice, education, and administration, which should help during this period of transition. I have been fortunate
to have had a number of opportunities to apply nursing knowledge at locations as diverse as the bedside of a community hospital to communities in the far-reaching corners of the world. As a result, I am confident that with the support of a dedicated faculty, staff, Academic Vice President, President of the University, we can move successfully through this period of change.
My intent is to continue the School of Nursing's focus on strong academic programs and the need for increasing enrollments. I plan to pay special attention to the further development of collaborative relationships with other organizations and to seek new opportunities for expansion and recognition of the school, faculty and students. Our baccalaureate and graduate programs will continue to prepare graduates for leadership roles in health care throughout the nation and the world. I will explore ways to facilitate the entry of students into our baccalaureate and graduate programs and to develop connections with larger universities for our graduates interested in doctoral study. I also want to emphasize my commitment to individual faculty development and support of career objectives.
To quote the nurse theorist. Dr. Martha Rogers: "Nursing's story is a magnificent epic of service to mankind. It is about people— how they are born, live and die. Its mission is the translation of knowledge into human service." I cannot think of an academic discipline that fits so beautifully with the Jesuit mission of service and social responsibility and am delighted to be joining the school and the university in the achievement of this goal.
It is a time of great possibilities. The tradition of excellence established by the faculty will serve as a base for a wider vision and mission. I look forward to working with all of you as we build a future rich with opportunities.
Jeanne L. Novotny, Ph.D., B.S.N. Dean, School of Nursing
University Mission
The Mission of Fairfield University
Fairfield University, founded by the Society of Jesus, is a coeducational institution of higher learning whose primary objectives are to develop the creative intellec- tual potential of its students and to foster in them ethical and religious values and a sense of social responsibility. Jesuit Education, which began in 1547, is committed today to the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice is an absolute requirement.
Fairfield is Catholic in both tradition and spirit. It celebrates the God-given dignity of every human per- son. As a Catholic university it welcomes those of all beliefs and traditions who share its concerns for schol- arship, justice, truth, and freedom, and it values the diversity which their membership brings to the univer- sity community.
Fairfield educates its students through a variety of scholarly and professional disciplines. All of its schools share a liberal and humanistic perspective and a commitment to excellence. Fairfield encourages a respect for all the disciplines — their similarities, their differences, and their interrelationships. In particular, in its undergraduate schools it provides all students with a broadly based general education curriculum with a special emphasis on the traditional humanities as a complement to the more specialized preparation in disciplines and professions provided by the major programs. Fairfield is also committed to the needs of society for liberally educated professionals. It meets the needs of its students to assume positions in this society through its undergraduate and graduate pro- fessional schools and programs.
A Fairfield education is a liberal education, character- ized by its breadth and depth. It offers opportunities for individual and common reflection, and it provides training in such essential human skills as analysis, synthesis, and communication. The liberally educated person is able to assimilate and organize facts, to evaluate knowledge, to identify issues, to use appro- priate methods of reasoning, and to convey conclu- sions persuasively in written and spoken word. Equally essential to liberal education is the development of the aesthetic dimension of human nature, the power to image, to intuit, to create, and to appreciate. In its fullest sense liberal education initiates students at a mature level into their culture, its past, its present, and its future.
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Fairfield recognizes that learning is a lifelong process and sees the education that it provides as a foundation upon which its students may continue to build within their chosen areas of scholarly study or professional development. It also seeks to foster in its students a continuing intellectual curiosity and a desire for self- education that will extend to the broad range of areas to which they have been introduced in their studies.
As a community of scholars, Fairfield gladly joins in the broader task of expanding human knowledge and deepening human understanding, and to this end it encourages and supports the scholarly research and artistic production of its faculty and students.
Fairfield has a further obligation to the wider commu- nity of which it is a part, to share with its neighbors its resources and its special expertise for the betterment of the community as a whole. Faculty and students are encouraged to participate in the larger community through service and academic activities. But most of all, Fairfield serves the wider community by educating its students to be socially aware and morally respon- sible persons.
Fairfield University values each of its students as an individual with unique abilities and potentials, and it respects the personal and academic freedom of all its members. At the same time it seeks to develop a greater sense of community within itself, a sense that all of its members belong to and are involved in the University, sharing common goals and a common commitment to truth and justice, and manifesting in their lives the common concern for others which is the obligation of all educated, mature human beings.
School of Nursing Philosophy
The School of Nursing Philosophy
The Philosophy of the School of Nursing flows from the Mission Statement of Fairfield University, and gives definition to the Jesuit ideals of social responsibility, truth and justice. This statement addresses basic tenets held by the faculty for baccalaureate and gradu- ate nursing education. Concepts central to individuals, health, nursing, education, and practice are defined and placed in the context of rapid technological and demographic change which interacts with a health care system that is moving from hospital to community settings.
The faculty believes that individuals are biological, psychological, social, and spiritual beings who are unique members of families and of a larger social system. The interaction and communication of indi- viduals within these systems impact upon health, harmony and well-being. Individuals are capable of autonomy in caring for self and responding to change through processes unique to that person. Nurses are uniquely able to promote this autonomy and self care.
Situational and developmental change represents tran- sitional points in the life cycle, which may result in disharmony and/or an opportunity for growth that impacts health and well-being.
The School of Nursing acknowledges that health and social issues are interactive, and a strong liberal arts core curriculum provides students with the theoretical background needed to address that association. So- cietal values, structures and beliefs influence the health and well-being of the nation. A safe environment and universal access to quality health care is the right of all people. Professional nursing organizations exert a social and political force by actively seeking justice and quality health care.
Health is a dynamic state of physical, mental, and emotional harmony that allows individuals to affirm and pursue their own life goals. Alterations from health are on a trajectory from wellness to illness, with many variables affecting the quality of life along that con- tinuum. Optimum health begins with nurturing and promoting one's own emotional and spiritual growth, which then extends to respect and caring for others. When recovery from illness is not possible, death is viewed as the final stage of life and an opportunity for further growth while compassionate support is pro- vided.
School of Nursing Philosophy
The faculty of the School of Nursing believes that nursing educators have the responsibility to promote caring for one another in a manner that permits intel- lectual, emotional and spiritual growth. Within this context, faculty strive to facilitate students' develop- ment in an environment conducive to critical thinking and ethical decision making. Technological expertise is a prerequisite for the delivery of safe, quality health care. An atmosphere conducive to academic excel- lence is best facilitated in a climate of mentorship, mutuality and support. Teaching strategies encourage autonomy, active involvement, leadership, problem solving, reflection, self-awareness, and advocacy, all of which are central to professional nursing.
A diversity of educational programs enrich the School of Nursing as well as the University. The traditional baccalaureate curriculum, a registered nurse degree completion program, and an accelerated curriculum option for college graduates reflect the faculty view that there are multiple routes to professional nursing practice. In addition, a two-track master's degree program prepares nurses for Healthcare Systems or Practitioner roles.
The baccalaureate program has as its focus the pro- motion of health and the diagnosis and treatment of responses to actual and potential health problems in an interpersonal context. The nursing process pro- vides a vehicle to address the health care needs of clients. The faculty believes that professional nurses incorporate caring and holism to help clients attain a higher degree of harmony between the mind, body and spirit that facilitates self healing. Nursing fosters car- ing and nurturing, with responsibility for one another being a central tenet. Nursing research is an integral part of the development and testing of theoretical concepts as they are applied and refined in practice.
The graduate program provides professional nurses and college graduates with the opportunity for ad- vanced study, beyond the baccalaureate degree, of research, theory and clinical intervention, which form the basis of specialty nursing practice. The focus of study builds on professional nursing practice, with emphasis on comprehensive health care toward client empowerment. The graduate level nurse analyzes data generated through clinical practice and the study of the health-illness continuum as it relates to health policy, patterns of health care delivery, and allocation of health care resources. Students and faculty collabo-
8
Fairfield University
rate in the development of innovative solutions to health care problems in order to serve as client advo- cates who influence decision-making and bring about change through leadership that improves the health and quality of life for all members of society. Thus, graduate education fosters self-esteem, creative and critical thought, independence, accountability, en- hancement of problem-solving skills, and refined clini- cal judgment.
Because society is rich with diverse religions, and ethnic and cultural groups, professional nurses must be prepared to work with those whose beliefs and values may be different than their own. In order to be sensitive to others, it is first necessary to know and accept one's own values and beliefs. Students and faculty demonstrate mutual respect for the rights of others and appreciation of these differences. These beliefs are consistent with the value-oriented curricu- lum of Fairfield University, which encourages a com- mitment to social responsibility, justice and truth. The School of Nursing brings these ideals to fruition through the education of students in professional nursing prac- tice.
The University
Fairfield University, founded by the Society of Jesus, is a coeducational institution of higher learning whose primary objectives are to develop the creative intellec- tual potential of its students and to foster in them ethical and religious values and a sense of social responsibility. Jesuit education, which began in 1547, is committed today to the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice is an absolute requirement.
Fairfield is Catholic in both tradition and spirit. It celebrates the God-given dignity of every human per- son. As a Catholic university it welcomes those of all beliefs and traditions who share its concerns for schol- arship, justice, truth, and freedom, and it values the diversity which their membership brings to the univer- sity community.
Fairfield educates its students through a variety of scholarly and professional disciplines. All of its schools share a liberal and humanistic perspective and a commitment to excellence. Fairfield encourages a respect for all the disciplines — their similarities, their differences, and their interrelationships. In particular, in its undergraduate schools it provides all students with a broadly based general education curriculum with a special emphasis on the traditional humanities as a complement to the more specialized preparation in disciplines and professions provided by the major programs. Fairfield is also committed to the needs of society for liberally educated professionals. It meets the needs of its students to assume positions in this society through its undergraduate and graduate pro- fessional schools and programs.
A Fairfield education is a liberal education, character- ized by its breadth and depth. It offers opportunities for individual and common reflection, and it provides training in such essential human skills as analysis, synthesis, and communication. The liberally educated person is able to assimilate and organize facts, to evaluate knowledge, to identify issues, to use appro- priate methods of reasoning, and to convey conclu- sions persuasively in written and spoken word. Equally essential to liberal education is the development of the aesthetic dimension of human nature, the power to imagine, to intuit, to create, and to appreciate. In its fullest sense liberal education initiates students at a mature level into their culture, its past, its present, and its future.
Accreditation
9
Fairfield recognizes that learning is a lifelong process and sees the education which it provides as a founda- tion upon which its students may continue to build within their chosen areas of scholarly study or profes- sional development. It also seeks to foster in its stu- dents a continuing intellectual curiosity and a desire for self-education which will extend to the broad range of areas to which they have been introduced in their studies.
As a community of scholars, Fairfield gladly joins in the broader task of expanding human knowledge and deepening human understanding, and to this end it encourages and supports the scholarly research and artistic production of its faculty and students.
Fairfield has a further obligation to the wider commu- nity of which it is a part, to share with its neighbors its resources and its special expertise for the betterment of the community as a whole. Faculty and students are encouraged to participate in the larger community through service and academic activities. But most of all, Fairfield serves the wider community by educating its students to be socially aware and morally respon- sible persons.
Fairfield University values each of its students as an individual with unique abilities and potentials, and it respects the personal and academic freedom of all its members. At the same time it seeks to develop a greater sense of community within itself, a sense that all of its members belong to and are involved in the University, sharing common goals and a common commitment to truth and justice, and manifesting in their lives the common concern for others which is the obligation of all educated, mature human beings.
Accreditation
Fairfield University is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which accredits schools and colleges in the six New England States. Accreditation by one of the six regional accred- iting associations in the United States indicates that the school or college has been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators.
The State of Connecticut Department of Higher Edu- cation has approved the graduate nursing program leading to certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitio- ner, or Nursing Administration, Advanced. The master's program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
The baccalaureate program in the School of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accred- iting Commission and approved by the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing.
The University holds memberships in the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universi- ties, American Council for Higher Education, Ameri- can Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Educa- tion, American Council on Education, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, Connecticut Asso- ciation of Colleges and Universities for Teacher Edu- cation, Connecticut Conference of Independent Col- leges, Connecticut Council for Higher Education, Na- tional Catholic Educational Association, New England Business and Economic Association, American Asso- ciation of Colleges of Nursing, National League for Nursing, and the National Organization of Nurse Prac- titioner Faculties.
For further information on the accreditation status of the nursing programs, individuals are invited to con- tact the National League for Nursing Accrediting Com- mission, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006; (800) 669-9656 or (212) 363-5555.
I U A Message to Students
A Message to Students from the Director
As we begin the 21 st century, the challenges for the nursing profession are numerous. How will we provide quality yet cost effective care? The history of nursing is rich with those who made a difference and helped to shape health care and influence policy. The faculty at Fairfield University School of Nursing is proud of its heritage and has developed a graduate program that prepares nurses for a leadership role and to meet the challenges of the future. The School of Nursing has two tracks, Practitioner and Healthcare Systems.
The Practitioner track offers three concentrations in advanced practice primary care; Adult Nurse Practi- tioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Each concentration requires 585 hours of supervised clinical practica. Our program is innova- tive and based on holistic nursing; that is, physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions are integrated into care. Consistent with holism, complementary modalities of healing are taught as well as more traditional models of care.
The Healthcare Systems track has two concentrations: Healthcare Management and Healthcare Law. These concentrations prepare the professional nurse at the graduate level for the management of organized healthcare services, or for the analysis and implementation of plans to reduce liability and improve compliance and quality outcomes in healthcare. The Healthcare Systems Master's is in collaboration with the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, and courses are taken both in the Dolan School of Business and in the School of Nursing. Two hundred seventy hours of practica provide experience in the selected concentration.
In addition, a Post-Master's Certificate program is available for those who have already completed their master's in nursing. RN's with a bachelor's degree are invited to apply, as well as non-nurses who have a bachelor's degree. Non-nurses may enter our Graduate Entry Into Nursing Practice Program and take NCLEX for RN licensure after five semesters of study, and then progress through the graduate curriculum receiving their MSN after a total of three years of study.
Our small classes, faculty mentorship, state-of-the art computer capabilities, evening classes and excellent preceptors provide students with a quality and supportive environment. Graduates from our program have assumed leadership positions in nursing in the community. Some have started their own private practice; others have served as consultants to corporations, managed care organizations or agencies, or practiced primary care in interdisciplinary groups.
As the Director of the Graduate Program in Nursing, I welcome you and look forward to meeting, with you, the exciting challenges and opportunities for nursing into the 21 st century.
Kathleen Wheeler, Ph.D., APRN Director, Graduate Nursing Program
Calendar
School of Nursing Calendar 2001-2002
Fall Semester 2001
September 4 Registration with Advisors
September 4 Orientation for new students
September 5 Classes begin
September 14 Multicultural Convocation
October 1 Deadline for submission of spring practica applications
October 8 Holiday, Columbus Day — No classes
October 19 Deadline to file Application for Degree Cards for
January 2002 graduation
November 21-25 Thanksgiving recess
December 15 Deadline for submission of Scholarly Project
December 20 Last class day
Spring Semester 2002
January 15 Registration with Advisors
January 15 Orientation for new students
January 16 Classes begin
February 1 Deadline for submission of summer and fall practica applications
February 8 Deadline to file Application for Degree Cards for
May 2002 graduation
February 18 Holiday, President's Day — No classes
March 4-8 Spring Recess
March 29-31 Easter Recess
April 16 Deadline for submission of Scholarly Project
April 18 Advisement and pre-registration for summer and fall with advisors
April 30 Last class day
May 1 Research Day
May 19 Commencement
Summer Session 2002
Class schedule to be announced.
July 8 Deadline to apply for August 2002 graduation
11
I tL Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Individuals may apply to the Graduate Program to pursue a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a Post- Master's Certificate. Applicants for a master's degree must hold a bachelor's degree. The School of Nursing admits both registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree and college graduates with no nursing educa- tion. Applicants who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree will be considered on an individual basis and may be required to complete selected undergraduate prerequisites in order to be eligible for admission to the MSN program. Applicants who are registered nurses must be licensed to practice in the State of Connecticut with a current license registration, or have a profes- sional nursing license to practice in one U.S. state with eligibility for licensure in Connecticut. Applicants for the Post-Master's Certificate must hold a master's degree in nursing from a National League for Nursing- accredited school and have earned a QPA of 3.0 or higher in that program.
Internationa! Students
International students must provide evidence of ad- equate financial resources and should apply well in advance of the beginning of the term in which they intend to begin graduate studies. The applicant must submit certified English translations and a course-by- course evaluation of all academic records. All interna- tional students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. A minimum TOEFL composite score of 550 is required for admission to the graduate program.
Application Procedure
students seeking admission must complete the following procedure:
1 . Submit a completed application form.
2. Submit a non-refundable application fee of $50.
3. Submit an admission essay.
4. Submit official transcripts from all universities/ colleges attended.
5. Submit two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a current supervisor or professor.
6. Submit official results of the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam.
7. Submit a copy of your current license if you are a registered nurse.
8. Graduate Entry into Nursing Practice candidates are required to interview with the graduate program director.
Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is administered lo- cally at various sites several times a year. The fee varies depending on the site. Call (800) 622-3231 for information.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
For information on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), call (609) 771 -7670 (Princeton, NJ). This test is given only at designated sites and only on specified dates. The fees for the GRE are $80 for the paper and pencil test, and $96 for the computer test.
Deadlines
The School of Nursing accepts applications to the Graduate program on a rolling basis.
Admission Requirements
13
Special Student Status
special Student status may be granted to individuals who (a) have not completed the admission process but wish to begin taking courses, or (b) are not seeking a degree or certification. Individuals wishing to enroll as Special Students must submit a written request to the Graduate Program Director, specifying the semester(s) for which this status is requested, verifying that they have an earned baccalaureate (or higher) degree, and noting their approximate undergraduate (and gradu- ate, if applicable) GPA. A completed application form and a non-refundable $50 application fee must ac- company this letter of request.
Special Student status normally is granted for one semester only, but it may be extended to a second semester. Individuals enrolled as Special Students, however, may not enroll in more than nine (9) credits, may not register on a full-time basis, and are not eligible for any tuition aid or financial support. Credits earned while a Special Student (i.e., maximum of nine) will be applied toward the MSN degree, provided the grade received in each course is a "B-" or better.
Non-Degree Students
Applicants who hold master's degrees and who are interested in taking courses for professional and per- sonal continuing education may be admitted as Non- Degree students. Courses taken under this status may not be considered toward fulfillment of degree requirements.
For an application and additional information, contact the School of Nursing Graduate Program at Fairfield University, North Benson Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, 06430-51 95; telephone: (203) 254-41 50; fax:(203)254-4126.
Matriculation/Continuation
To remain in good academic standing, a student must achieve a 3.0 cumulative quality point average upon completion of the first 12 semester hours. A student whose cumulative quality point average falls below 3.0 in any semester is placed on academic probation for the following semester. Students on academic proba- tion must meet with their advisor to adjust their course
load. If the overall average is again below 3.0 at the end of that semester, the student may be dismissed. Any student who receives two course grades below 2.67 or "B-" will not be able to continue in the program.
Readmission
All students who interrupt their education for more than 12 successive months must be reinstated. A request for reinstatement may be made by letter to the Program Director at least one month prior to enroll- ment in courses. If the student has been inactive for 24 months or longer, it will be necessary to submit a new application for admission to the graduate program. A review of past work will determine the terms of read- mission.
Advisement
All students are assigned a faculty advisor. Students must meet with their advisor during their first semester of enrollment to plan a program of study. The advisor must be consulted each subsequent semester regarding course selection.
Information about certification requirements may be obtained from faculty advisors.
Transfer of Credit and Waivers
Fairfield University accepts transfer credits only from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Trans- fer of credit from such an institution of higher learning will be allowed only if it is (a) applicable to a graduate degree at the institution in which it was earned; (b) not used toward another graduate degree; and (c) com- pleted prior to enrolling at Fairfield. The grade re- ceived for the work may not be less than "B." As many as six credits may be transferred upon approval by the Program Director. No clinical courses are accepted for transfer.
A limited number of courses taken at other institutions of higher learning in fields of specialization which are not offered at Fairfield University may be accepted after enrollment as part of the credit requirements, provided the candidate has written approval of the Director before registering for such courses.
I H" Academic Regulations
Academic Regulations
General Regulations for Degrees
students are to complete all requirements for a degree and file an application for graduation within a period of five years from the date of enrollment in the first course completed for credit toward the degree. Students should follow the procedures and course require- ments described in the general catalog in effect on the date on which they are formally admitted to their degree program. The catalog year runs from Septem- ber 1 to August 31. If education is interrupted, a student must apply for readmission (see "Readmis- sion"on page 13).
Certification
The MSN degree fulfills the academic requirements toward certification by the American Nurses Associa- tion. The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Cen- ter) offers an examination in order to receive certifica- tion as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Specialist in Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, or in Nursing Administration, Advanced. Those com- pleting a practitioner track are eligible to apply to ANCC to take the exam immediately after graduation. Healthcare Systems students completing the program meet academic requirements, but must contact ANCC regarding work expehence requirements prior to ap- plying for certification.
Practitioner certification provides the necessary cre- dentials in order to apply for and receive an Advanced Practice Nursing License (APRN) in the State of Con- necticut. An APRN is required in Connecticut for nurses to have prescriptive privileges and receive third-party reimbursement. Students receive 585 hours of patient contact during the practica courses. Healthcare Systems students receive 270 hours of practica in their selected concentration.
Students who already have a master's degree in nursing and complete the Post-Master's Certificate program option are also eligible to take the ANCC examination in their respective specialty.
Complete details and an ANCC application form may be requested by calling (800) 284-2378.
Applications for and Awarding of Degrees
All students must file an application for the master's degree and the post-master's certificate in the Dean's office. If all degree requirements except for three credits have been completed, the student may partici- pate in the commencement ceremony. However, the student's name will not be read by the Dean, nor will the name be printed in the official commencement booklet. Students who wish to participate must also submit an application for the degree and a written request to the Dean's office. The deadline for submis- sion of an application for graduation is noted in the calendar.
Students are allowed five years after matriculation to complete the program. Degrees and post-master's certificates will be awarded each August, January and May. All students are invited to attend the annual commencement exercises in May.
Academic Load
A full-time student will carry nine or more credits during the fall or spring semester. Twelve credits is the normal maximum load permitted.
Auditing
A student who wishes to audit a graduate course may do so only in consultation with the course instructor. A "Permission to Audit" form, available in the Dean's office, must be completed and presented at registra- tion during the regular registration period. No record of class attendance, participation or grades will be kept. The tuition for audit is one-half of the credit tuition, except for those hands-on courses involving the use of a computer workstation; in this case, the audit tuition is the same as the credit tuition. Conversion from audit to credit status will be permitted only within the first four classes and with the permission of the course instructor.
Academic Honesty
Fairfield University's primary purpose is the pursuit of academic excellence. Teaching and learning must be based on mutual trust and respect. This is possible only in an atmosphere where discovery and communi- cation of knowledge are marked by scrupulous, un- qualified honesty and integrity. Such integrity is funda- mental to, and an inherent part of, a Jesuit education. Any violation of academic integrity wounds the entire community and undermines the trust upon which the discovery and communication of knowledge depends.
All members of the Fairfield University community share responsibility for establishing and maintaining appropriate standards of academic honesty and integ- rity. As such, faculty members have an obligation to set high standards of honesty and integrity through personal example and the learning communities they create. It is further expected that students will follow these standards and encourage others to do so.
Students are expected to submit materials that are their own. Plagiarism is one example of dishonest conduct, and includes the appropriation of informa- tion, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own to satisfy the requirements of a course. Plagiarism thus constitutes both theft and deceit. Assignments (compositions, term papers, computer programs, etc.) acquired either in part or in whole from commercial sources or from other students and submitted as one's own original work will be considered plagiarism. In the event of such dishonesty, professors are to award a grade of zero for the project, paper or examination in question, and may record an "F" for the course itself. When appropriate, expulsion may be recommended. More- over, a notation of the event is made in the student's file in the Academic Dean's office. Any faculty member encountering an academic offense will file a written report with his or her Dean, indicating reasons for believing the student has committed an academic offense, and indicating the proposed academic sanc- tion. The student will receive a copy. (If the student is in a school other than that of the faculty member, a copy will be sent to the Dean of the student's school.) The student may, within 30 days following receipt of the faculty member's letter, request that the Dean investigate the allegations and meet with the party (parties) involved. The Dean will issue a written deter- mination within two weeks of the meeting, with copies to the student(s) and to the professor. If the student requests an appeal to the Academic Vice-President, an Academic Dishonesty Advisory Committee will be convened.
Academic Regulations
15
Independent Study
The purpose of independent study at the graduate level is to broaden a student's knowledge in a specific area of interest. Students must submit a preliminary proposalwiththelndependentStudy Application Form, which is available in the Dean's office, to the project advisor. Frequent consultation with the project advisor is required. Students may earn from one to six credits for an independent study course.
Grades
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A |
Excellent |
4.00 quality points |
|
A- |
3.67 quality points |
|
|
B+ |
3.33 quality points |
|
|
B |
Good |
3.00 quality points |
|
B- |
2.67 quality points |
|
|
C+ |
2.33 quality points |
|
|
C |
Fair |
2.00 quality points |
|
C- |
1.67 quality points |
|
|
P |
Pass |
|
|
F |
Fail |
0.00 quality points |
Incomplete
W Withdrawal without penalty
Incompletes
Incomplete grades automatically become failures if the missing work is not completed within 30 days after the last class in the course.
Course Withdrawals
A student who elects to withdraw from a course must do so in writing to the Dean prior to the mid point of the semester.
I O Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees
The schedule of tuition and fees follows:
Application for matriculation
(not refundable) $50
Registration per semester $25
Tuition per credit $390
Change of Course Fee $10
Transcript Fee $4
Commencement Fee
(required of all degree recipients) $100
Certificate Processing Fee
(Post-Master's students) $15
Lab Fee $45
Materials Fee $15-50
Audit Fee (per 3-credit course) $548
Promissory Note Fee $25
Research Advisement (NS 599)
per semester $300
Returned Check Fee $20
The Trustees of the University reserve the right to change tuition rates and to make additional charges whenever they believe it necessary.
Full payment of tuition and fees or authorization for billing a company must accompany registration. Pay- ments may be made in the form of cash (in-person only), check, money order, MasterCard, VISA or Ameri- can Express. All checks are payable to Fairfield Uni- versity.
No degree will be conferred and no transcripts will be issued for any student until all financial obligations to the university have been met.
Deferred Payment
During the fall and spring semesters, students deemed eligible may defer payment on their tuition as follows:
For students taking less than six credits — at the time of registration the student pays one-half of the total tuition due plus all fees and signs a promissory note for the remaining tuition balance. The promis- sory note payment due date varies according to the semester.
For students taking six credits or more — at the time of registration, the student pays one-fourth of the total tuition due plus all fees and signs a promissory note to pay the remaining balance in three consecutive monthly installments. The prom- issory note payment due dates vary according to the semester.
Failure to honor the terms of the note will prevent future deferred payments and affect future registra- tions.
Reimbursement by Employer
Many agencies pay their employee's tuition. Students should check with their employers.
If they are eligible for reimbursement, students m.ust submit, at in-person registration, a letter on company letterhead stating approval of the course registration and the terms of payment. The terms of this letter, upon approval of the Office of the Bursar, will be accepted as a reason for deferring that portion of tuition covered by the reimbursement. Even if covered by reimbursement, all fees (registration, processing, lab or material) are payable at the time of registration. Students will be required to sign a promissory note which requires a $25 processing fee. The note states that an outstanding balance must be paid in full prior to registration for future semesters. A guarantee that payment will be made must be secured at the time of registration by either a MasterCard, VISA or American Express credit card. If the company offers less than 1 00% reimbursement, the student must pay the differ- ence at the time of registration and sign a promissory note for the balance. Letters can only be accepted on a per semester basis. Failure to pay before the next registration period will prevent future deferred pay- ments and affect future registrations.
Refund of Tuition
All requests for tuition refunds are handled through the Bursar's Office (fees are not refundable). The request must be made in writing, and all refunds will be made based on the date the notice is received or, if mailed, on the postmarked date, according to the schedule outlined below. Refunds of tuition charged on MasterCard, VISA or American Express must be ap- plied as a credit to your charge card account.
Amount Refundable Before first scheduled class 1 00%
Before second scheduled class 90%
Before third scheduled class 80%
Before fourth scheduled class 60%
Before fifth scheduled class 40%
Before sixth scheduled class 20%
After sixth scheduled class 0
Refunds take 4-6 weeks to process.
NOTE: If federal or state aid is utilized, the refund amount may be less than the above percentages.
17
Practicum Application
All students who plan to enroll in practica courses must complete the application form one semester prior to the semester in which they wish to enroll. Deadlines are: October 1 for the spring semester and February 1 for the summer and fall semesters. Students register- ing late are not assured placement and will be charged a late fee of $35.
Transcripts
Graduate transcript requests should be made in writ- ing to the Registrar's Office in Canisius Hall. There is a $4 fee for each copy (faxed transcripts are $6). Students should indicate the program and dates that they attended. In accordance with the general practices of colleges and universities, official tran- scripts with the university seal are sent directly by the university. Requests should be made one week in advance of the date they are needed. Requests are not processed during examination and registration periods.
General Information
Course Numbering System
Undergraduate
01-99 Introductory courses
Intermediate courses without
prerequisites
Intermediate courses with prerequisites
Courses normally limited to juniors and
seniors and open to graduate students
with permission
100-199
200-299 300-399
Graduate
500-599
Graduate courses
Withdrawal
Students who wish to withdraw from a single course, all courses, or the school must submit a written state- ment of their intention to the Dean. Failure to attend class or merely giving notice to an instructor does not constitute an official withdrawal and may result in a penalty grade(s) being recorded for the course(s).
General Information
Financial Aid
Federal Stafford Loans
Under this program, graduate students may apply for up to $18,500 per academic year, depending on their educational costs. Students demonstrating need (based on federal guidelines) may receive up to $8,500 of their annual Stafford Loan on a subsidized basis. Any amount of the first $8,500 for which the student has not demonstrated need (as well as the remaining $10,000 should they borrow the maximum loan), would be bor- rowed unsubsidized.
When a loan is subsidized, the federal government pays the interest for the borrowers as long as they remain enrolled at least on a half-time basis, and for a six month grace period following graduation or with- drawal. When a loan is unsubsidized, the student is responsible for the interest and may pay the interest on a monthly basis or opt to have the interest capitalized and added to the principal.
How to Apply
Students must complete the Free Application for Fed- eral Student Aid (FAFSA) form and submit it to the federal aid processing center.The Title IV Code for Fairfield University is 001385.
Students applying for financial aid at Fairfield Univer- sity for the first time must request a Financial Aid Transcript from the financial aid offices at all colleges previously attended, regardless of whether aid was received while in attendance.
Students must obtain a Federal Stafford Loan applica- tion from the lender of their choice. Students who have borrowed previously should borrow from their prior lender. First-time borrowers may request an applica- tion from the Office of Financial Aid. The completed application must be returned to the Office of Financial Aid for processing.
Approved loans will be disbursed in two installments and checks will be forwarded directly to the Office of the Bursar. The lender will deduct up to 4% from the disbursements for origination and insurance fees. The Office of the Bursar will request that students endorse checks once they are received. Receipt of financial aid requires full matriculation in a degree program.
18
General Information
Family Education Loan Program (FELP) Other Scholarships/Loans
Loans to assist graduate and professional students pay the cost of attending the university. Repayment begins 30 to 60 days after the loan is disbursed at a fixed rate of 7.5%. Interest-only payments are required while the student is in school. Loans are available from $2,000 to $20,000 per academic year.
To apply, contact the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority at 888-547-8233.
Reimbursement by Employer
Many corporations, school systems and hospitals have a tuition reimbursement plan for their employees. Students should check with their employers about policies and procedures which apply to degree studies (Also see Tuition and Fee section on page 14 for university policy).
Advanced Education Nurse Traineeships
A limited number of Advanced Education Nursing Traineeships, made possible through federal legisla- tion, are available through the School of Nursing. These funds are awarded to universities on a competi- tive basis by the Division of Nursing of the U.S. Public Health Service, and they provide funds to be used toward tuition and fees for full-time students.
Scholarship opportunities are compiled in a book in the School of Nursing and available for student pe- rusal upon request.
Nurses' Educational Fund, 555 West 567^^ Street, New York, NY 10019;
Primary Care Education Program (PRIME), Karen Verrinder, RNC, MPA, Department of Veterans Af- fairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516;
Sigma Theta Tau International, 550 West North Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202;
Soropf/m/sf/nfernaf/ona/, 1616 Walnut Street, Phila- delphia, PA 19103;
Stefano Frigo Mental Health Grant, Mental Health Association of Connecticut, Inc., 20-30 Beaver Road, Wethersfield,CT 06109; and
The Scholarship Committee, Office of Alumni Rela- tions, Alumni House, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06430-5195.
Several source books which list scholarships and fellowships awarded through private organizations may be available through your library: The College Blue Book Scholarships; Fellowships, Grants and Loans; Directory of Financial Aid for Women; The Grants Register; and Scholarships, Fellowships and Loans. You also may obtain an information packet on scholarships by sending $1 to Scholarship Search, Suite 627R, 1 775 Broadway, New York, NY 1 001 9, or writing to Peterson's, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 08543-21 23 for a copy of Financial Aid for Graduate & Professional Education. The following book is avail- able from the National League for Nursing (1-800- N0W-9NLN,x1 38) for $1 4.95: Sc^o/ars/7/psanc//.oans for Nursing Education.
Tax Deductions
Treasury regulation (1.162.5) permits an income tax deduction for educational expenses (registration fees and cost of travel, meals and lodging) undertaken to: (1 ) maintain or improve skills required in one's employ- ment or other trade of business, or (2) meet express requirements of an employer or a law imposed as a condition to retention of employment status or rate of compensation.
General Information
19
Veterans
Veterans may apply educational benefits to degree studies pursued at Fairfield University. Veterans should submit their file number at the time of registration. The Registrar's office will complete and submit the certifica- tion form.
Alumni Association Graduate School Grant
The Fairfield University Alumni Association, recogniz- ing the value of graduate education and the financial needs of students pursuing an advanced degree, has established a grant. This grant will be awarded annually to a matriculated graduate student.
The scholarship is based on need and academic achieve- ment. To be eligible forthe grant, candidates must have completed a minimum of 1 2 graduate credits. The grant is awarded for the spring semester and covers the cost of one three-credit course. All students who wish to be considered for this grant should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and sub- mit the form to the federal processing center by the University deadlines listed in the catalog. For more information, please call the Office of Financial Aid at (203)254-4125.
Library
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library completed a $17 million expansion and renovation project in the fall of 2001 . In addition to providing space for expanded access to information resources, this state of the art facility pro- vides a variety of study spaces including team rooms, study pods, research tables, individual carrels, leisure seating, a 90-seat auditorium and a 24-hour cafe. An extensive fiber optic network combined with the latest in network technology provides over 600 data connec- tions to the campus network at speeds of 100Mbps.
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library contains an extensive and carefully selected collection of print and electronic resources which include over 300,000 bound volumes, more than 1 ,800 journals and newspapers, over 1 0,000 audiovisual items, and the equivalent of 95,000 vol- umes in microform. A particular strength is the selec- tive, but wide-ranging and current, reference collection. The stacks are open to all students, with study space at tables and individual carrels for over 900 students.
The library also has an automated information & inven- tory system, an online catalog that provides author, title, subject, and keyword access to all its books, journals and audiovisual materials. The library provides online access to more than 40 subscription databases includ- ing many with full text materials. These Internet re- sources may be accessed from either on or off campus. The library also has a CD-ROM local area network that provides access to several additional databases. Li- brary reserve materials are available in print and elec- tronically via the ERes system.
Other computing resources include two open computer labs providing access to Microsoft Office 2000 and the Internet on both iMacs and Intel-based personal com- puters. One lab has 30 seats; the other has 32 and can be accessed 24 hours a day. Both have spacious desktops located in custom-designed workstations. Workstations for the physically disabled are available throughout the building. Additionally, there is a 30-seat computer-based training room reserved for library in- struction.
The library contains group study rooms, photocopiers, readers and reader-printers for microforms, and audio- visual hardware and software. The Campus TV net- work can be viewed on sets in video viewing carrels located in the Media Department. To borrow library materials, students must present a university ID card at the Circulation Desk. During the academic year, the library is open Monday to Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to mid- night; Friday, 7:45 - 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to midnight.
^\J General Information
Learning Resource Center (LRC): Computer Laboratory
Nursing students are given priority use of the Learning Resource Center Computer Lab, located in the School of Nursing, room 219. The lab houses numerous software applications for instruction and review of nursing and non-nursing materials.
The equipment includes 13 Gateway Pentium II 300 Intel-based computers and two interactive video work stations. Printing facilities and Internet access are available to students as well.
The computer lab is open every day of the week (weekends included) during the academic semester. For more information about the lab or about specific hours of operation, call (203) 254-4000, extension 2727.
The Computing and Networking Services at Fairfield University is located in Southwell Hall. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the school year. CNS makes computer resources and training acces- sible to all students in an effort to maximize the use of technological innovations in the learning process. Services include lab support for making in-dorm con- nections; technical advice on hardware, software and network questions; special arrangements for class- room technologies; and personal web pages. In addi- tion, CNS offers a variety of free computing workshops throughout the year.
Campus Ministry/ Community Service
The Campus Ministry Team is composed of three Jesuits and two laywomen. The members of the min- istry team provide counseling and spiritual direction, foster prayer life, coordinate interfaith and ecumenical religious events, conduct liturgies and retreats, and organize student-led ministries, community service and international mission opportunities. The ministers are available at any time for students' needs and can be reached at the Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Campus Ministry Center.
Harassment/Discrimination
Fairfield University recognizes and supports the inher- ent dignity of all people. Therefore, the university condemns any discrimination against the rights of others. The School of Nursing will not condone any environment that is hostile to the learner.
Housing
A limited number of residence units on campus have been reserved for graduate students. If you are inter- ested in living on campus, contact Residence Life as soon as possible at (203) 254-421 5 for more informa- tion.
Off-campus housing for graduate students can be arranged on an individual basis through Residence Life.
Academic Grievance
The purpose of procedures for review of academic grievances is to protect the rights of students, faculty, and the university by providing mechanisms for equi- table problem solving.
A "grievance" is defined as a complaint of unfair treatment for which a specific remedy is sought. It excludes circumstances which may give rise to a complaint for which explicit redress is neither called for nor sought, or for which other structures within the University serve as an agency for resolution.
Academic grievances either relate to procedural ap- peals or to academic competence appeals.
Procedural appeals are defined as those seeking a remedy where no issue of the quality of the student's work is involved. For example, a student might con- tend that the professor failed to follow previously announced mechanisms of evaluation.
Academic competence appeals are defined as those seeking a remedy because the evaluation of the qual- ity of a student's work in a course is disputed.
"Remedies" would include but not be limited to awarded grade changes, such as permission to take make-up examinations or to repeat courses without penalty.
The procedures defined here must be initiated within a reasonable period (usually a semester) after the event which is the subject of the grievance.
General Information
21
Informal Procedure
Step one: The student attempts to resolve any aca- demic grievance with the faculty member, Department Chair, or other individual or agency involved. If, follow- ing this initial attempt at resolution, the student re- mains convinced that a grievance exists, she/he ad- vances to step two.
Step two:J\)e student consults the Department Chair, or other individuals when appropriate, bringing written documentation of the process up to this point. If the student continues to assert that a grievance exists after attempted reconciliation, she/he advances to step three.
Step three: The student presents the grievance to the Dean of the involved school, bringing to this meeting documentation of steps one and two. If the Dean's attempts at mediation prove unsuccessful, the student is informed of the right to initiate formal review proce- dure.
Formal Procedure
Step one: If the student still believes that the grievance remains unresolved following these informal proce- dures, she/he initiates the formal review procedure by making a written request for a formal hearing through the Dean to the Academic Vice President. Such a request should define the grievance and be accompa- nied by documentation of completion of the informal process. It should also be accompanied by the Dean's opinion of the grievance.
Step two: The Academic Vice President determines whether the grievance merits further attention. If not, the student is so informed. If so, the Academic Vice President determines whether it is a procedural or competence appeal. If it relates to a procedural matter, she/he selects a Dean (other than the Dean of the involved school) to chair a Grievance Committee.
If it relates to an academic competence matter, the Academic Vice President requests from the Dean involved the name of two outside experts to serve as a consultant panel in determining the merit of the student's grievance.
Step three: For procedural appeals, the Grievance Committee takes whatever steps are deemed appro- priate to render a recommendation for resolving the grievance. The Committee adheres to due process procedures similar to those in the Faculty Handbook.
For competence appeals, the Academic Vice Presi- dent contacts the outside panel members and re- quests that they review the case in relation to its content validity.
Step four: The recommendation from either the Griev- ance Committee or the panel is forwarded to the Academic Vice President in written form, accompa- nied, if necessary, by any supporting data that formed the basis of the recommendation.
Step f/Ve.'The Academic Vice President renders a final and binding judgment, notifying all involved parties. If the grievance involves a dispute over a course grade given by a faculty member, the Academic Vice Presi- dent is the only university official empowered to change that grade, and then only at the recommendation of the committee or panel.
Student Records
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act passed by Congress in 1974, legitimate access to student records has been defined. A student at Fair- field University has the right to see any records which directly pertain to the student. Excluded by statute from inspection is the parents' confidential statement given to the Financial Aid Office and medical records supplied by a physician.
A listing of records maintained, their location, and the means of reviewing them is available in the Dean's Office, information contained in student files is avail- able to others using the guidelines below:
a) Confirmation of directory information is available to recognized organizations and agencies. Such in- formation includes name, date of birth, dates of attendance, address.
b) Copies of transcripts will be provided to anyone upon written request of the student. Cost of provid- ing such information must be assumed by the student.
c) All other information excluding medical records is available to staff members of the university on a need-to-know basis; i.e., prior to the release of additional information, a staff member must prove his or her need to know information to the office responsible for maintaining the records.
22
General Information
The Barone Campus Center
The Barone Campus Center is the social focal point for all sectors of the university community. The Campus Center is open 24 hours from Sunday to Tuesday, and 7 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Included in the Barone Campus Center are: the bookstore (open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 1 a.m. to 4 p.m., and open for extended hours for the first two weeks of each semester; call 254-4262), snack bar (open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to midnight), game room, mailroom (open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.), ride boards and weekly activity bulletin. For more information, call the Barone Campus Center Information Desk from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at (203) 254-4222, or if on campus, ext. 4222.
Recreational Complex
The Recreational Complex is a multi-purpose facility with a 25-meter swimming pool; a fieldhouse unit that can be used interchangeably for volleyball, tennis, and basketball; enclosed courts that can be used for hand- ball or racquetball; two newly renovated fitness rooms with a total of 33 cardio machines; a weight room with a variety of selectorized machines and free weights; a multi-purpose room that can be used for modern dance, slimnastics and exercising; two saunas and a whirlpool bath; a sunbathing deck; and locker rooms.
Graduate students are eligible to join during each semester they are enrolled upon presentation of a University identification card validated for the current semester. Membership fee information is available at the Recreational Complex. The office is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For com- plete information, call (203) 254-4140, during office hours.
Special Events
A continuous series of special events including exhibi- tions, lectures, and dramatic and musical programs is scheduled throughout the academic year. These events are open to all members of the University community, and many of them are free. For a complete calendar of events contact the Barone Campus Center, ext. 4222.
Security
The Security Department is responsible for the safety and security of persons and property associated with Fairfield University. The office is open, and security officers are on patrol, 24 hours year-round. Violations of university regulations which require immediate at- tention should be reported to the Security Department.
The Security office is located in Room 2 on the ground floor of Loyola Hall. To reach the department from an outside telephone line, dial 254-4090; from an inside line, dial extension 4090.
Parking
All vehicles must display a valid vehicle registration decal and be parked properly in designated areas. The registration fee is included with tuition, so no additional fee must be paid.
To register a vehicle, bring your current University I.D. or registration receipt ancf the vehicle's registration to the Security Department in Room 2 of Loyola Hall (ground floor). A pamphlet explaining traffic and park- ing regulations is available there.
Note: Unauthorized vehicles parked in fire lanes, handi- capped spaces, or service vehicle spots are subject to fines and may be towed, at the owner's expense. Vehicles of handicapped persons must display on official campus or state handicapped permit.
The School of Nursing Graduate Program
23
The School of Nursing Graduate Program
The School of Nursing Graduate Program has two tracks: Practitioner and Healthcare Systems. The course of study leads to a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) and fulfills academic requirements to- ward certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, Fam- ily Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, or Nursing Administration, Advanced. Faculty encour- age students to utilize and build upon past education and experiences. The School of Nursing has long been recognized for its commitment to individualizing instruction and educational experiences.
The master's degree program requires 38-49 course credits for completion, depending on the track and concentration. All students take three core courses (8 credits) that address research, nursing science, and health policy. Four additional core courses (12 credits) are then taken specific to either the Practitioner or Healthcare Systems track. Practica experiences in a variety of agencies in surrounding communities allow for synthesis and implementation of theories.
Early in the course of study, students are helped to identify an area of interest for their scholarly project. Students are required to complete a scholarly project under the direction of a faculty mentor.
The Practitioner Track
The Master of Science in Nursing Practitioner track prepares advanced practice nurses who are able to provide quality primary health care services to all members of the community, with an emphasis on meeting the unique health care needs of multiculturally diverse and underserved populations. Clinical experi- ences in a variety of agencies in surrounding commu- nities allow for synthesis of clinical judgment, assess- ment, diagnostic skills, and theory.
The three concentrations - Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Nurse Prac- titioner fulfill the academic requirement for ANCC certification in these respective specialties. In practica, students work with individuals, families and groups to provide primary care. Primary care, initiated at a client's first point of contact with the healthcare sys- tem, is the continuous and comprehensive promotion and maintenance of health, prevention of illness, diag- nosis and treatment, and management or referral of
mental and physical problems. Practica in a variety of agencies in surrounding communities provide oppor- tunities to synthesize theory and apply critical thinking in the identification and clinical management of risks and health problems.
The Healthcare Systems Track
The Master's of Science in Nursing Healthcare Sys- tems track is intended to provide an opportunity for non-clinical graduate education for nursing profes- sionals. This program of study is in collaboration with the School of Business, and courses are taken both in the School of Nursing and in the School of Business. It prepares the professional nurse to manage orga- nized healthcare services (Healthcare Management concentration) or develop and implement strategies to reduce liability and improve compliance and quality outcomes in healthcare (Healthcare Law concentra- tion).
This program meets the academic requirement for ANCC certification in Nursing Administration, Ad- vanced. The graduate has a broad depth of knowledge in a wide range of management, leadership, legal, regulatory, risk, and quality issues affecting healthcare systems. The student gains experience through practica working in settings such as hospitals, insur- ance companies and law firms. The graduate may work in administration and management of healthcare organizations, risk management, performance im- provement, claim investigation and evaluation, and other positions requiring a combination of nursing management and legal education and experience. Potential employers include hospitals, nursing homes, managed care organizations, law firms, and insurance companies.
24
The School of Nursing Graduate Program
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^'*^'
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fifhtM
Graduate Program Options
Full- and part-time programs are available. Curriculum plans for program options are included in the following pages in this catalog. Program options are as follows:
RNs with a Baccalaureate Degree
RNs with a baccalaureate degree are admitted to this program. Those who do not have a BSN but have a baccalaureate degree in another field complete speci- fied prerequisites (see prerequisites listed on curricu- lum pages which follow). The full-time program for those who are registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing requires two academic years and the interim summer for completion. Part-time studies are also offered. This program has been specifically developed to accommodate the needs of adult learn- ers and students with full-time work schedules.
Graduate Entry Into Nursing Practice
This program is available for non-nurses who have a baccalaureate degree and wish to pursue licensure as a registered nurse and a Master of Science degree. The program requires three years of full-time study; students are eligible to take NCLEX (State Boards) to be granted RN licensure after eighteen months of study, and may then complete their MSN in either 15 more months full-time or three more years part-time.
Fast track RN/MSN
A fast track RN/MSN program is also available for RNs who do not have a baccalaureate degree and who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree (BPS). The School of Continuing Education facilitates the BPS, and the nursing courses are taken through the School of Nursing. This program transfers courses from the RN program into a flexible, individu- alized curriculum, which includes prerequisites for the Master of Science in Nursing degree as well as one graduate nursing course (NS 502 Development of Nursing Science). Upon successful completion of the BPS and meeting the criteria for entry into the MSN program, students are accepted into the Graduate Nursing Program and one graduate course (NS 502) is waived. Students interested in the program should call the School of Continuing Education, (203) 254-4220.
Post-Master's Certificate Program
This option is a 20 to 38-credit program of study for those individuals who already have a master's degree in nursing. Credit requirement depends upon previous graduate level courses taken and selected program concentration. Post-master's certificates are available in the Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitio- ner and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner concentrations. A post-master's certificate program is being devel- oped for the Healthcare Systems track.
The School of Nursing Graduate Program
25
Scholarly Project
Completion of a scholarly project is a requirement for the Master's Degree in Nursing. Students are ex- pected to commit to a project during the semester they are enrolled in Nursing Research (NS 503), and to plan collaboration with faculty to conduct research. Stu- dents will be informed of available faculty projects and must submit a signed contract (indicating the title of the project and faculty sponsorship) to the professor teaching Nursing Research by November 15^*^ of the semester they enroll in NS 503. Should students wish to generate individual project proposals, they must obtain a faculty sponsor, initiate a contract, and submit the proposal to the Graduate Program Committee for approval on the same date.
Students enroll in Research Project Advisement {US 599) for three semesters (spring-fall-spring) or until project completion following the Nursing Research course. At the completion of the project, the students present their completed projects in an open forum in the School of Nursing and/or at professional confer- ences with the approval of the faculty sponsor.
The faculty sponsor will ensure the quality of the final project, and will submit it for publication and/or grant funding. Student participants will be named as co- authors in alphabetical order. Scholarly Projects will be evaluated as either "pass" or "pass with distinction." Students working on the same project may receive different grades at the discretion of the faculty spon- sor. Graduating students, their project title, and any earned distinction will be reflected on the student's transcript.
Graduate Program Objectives
1 . Negotiate a role within the healthcare de- livery system that provides for collabora- tion, interdependence and a professional identity as an advanced nursing profes- sional with specialized knowledge.
2. Communicate effectively with others in order to provide comprehensive care or services in a variety of settings.
3. Use an ethical framework to analyze per- sonal values, resolve dilemmas in prac- tice, and serve as an advocate for clients consistent with ethical codes of conduct.
4. Contribute to the body of nursing knowl- edge through the conduct or systematic use of research.
5. Assume a leadership role within the healthcare system to influence local, re- gional and national policies that impact the quality of healthcare delivery.
6. Demonstrate critical thinking in decision making in the role of an advanced nursing professional.
7. Integrate a sensitivity to cultural diversity and the unique characteristics of the indi- vidual, family, and community in the devel- opment and implementation of services or care.
8. Utilize theory and research from nursing and related disciplines to formulate nurs- ing strategies, initiate change, improve practice, and influence health care policy.
9. Delineate measurable health outcomes for clients, populations, programs or sys- tems based on accurate assessment.
10. Utilize information systems to develop in- terventions that are beneficial and cost effective.
^O The School of Nursing Graduate Program
Graduate Courses Required for MSN
Practitioner (4 1 49 credits)
Healthcare Systems (38 credits)
Core Courses - all MSN students (8 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3) NS505 Healthy Policy (3)
Core Courses - all MSN students (8 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3) NS505 Healthy Policy (3)
Practitioner Core Courses (12 credits)
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion (3) NS504 Health Assessment (3) NS540 Pathophysiology (3) NS541 Pharmacology (3)
Healthcare Systems Core Courses (12 credits)
NS530 Healthcare Ethics & Law (3) AC 400* Financial Accounting (3) IS 401* Information Systems (3) MG 400* Organizational Behavior (3)
Program Concentration Courses (8-16 credits)
Family / Adult Nurse Practitioner
NS 542 Primary Care of Adults I (3)
NS 538 Primary Care of Adults II (3)
NS 544 Primary Care of Families - FNP only (3)
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations (2)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
NS 552 Mental Health Nursing of Individuals (3)
CN 455 Group Process (3)
NS 558 Mental Health Nursing of Families (2)
NS 556 Primary Care in Mental Health
Nursing (2) FT 550 Introduction to Marriage &
Family Therapy (3) NS550 Psychopathology (3)
Program Concentration Courses (12 credits)
Healthcare Management
MG 504* Leadership (3)
MG 503* Human Resources Management (3)
MK401* Marketing (3)
NS 536 Managed Care & Case Management (3)
Healthcare Law
NS 531 Administrative & Statutory Law
in Healthcare Systems (3) NS 532 Civil Law & Litigation in
Healthcare Systems (3) NS 534 Risk Management and
Performance Improvement (3) NS 533 Criminal Aspects of Healthcare Law (3)
* Dolan School of Business courses
Practicum (13 credits) = 585 hours
Clinical experience in a variety of agencies in surrounding communities.
Practicum (6 credits) = 270 hours
Practicum experience in a variety of agencies in surrounding communities.
Curricula
27
Curriculum for Registered Nurses with Bachelor's Degree
PREREQUISITES: Statistics (including Descriptive and Inferential) and basic computer skills for all students. Health Assessment, Community Health, and a Bridge course are required for those students with a bachelor's other than nursing. Waiver of these courses is available through portfolio assessment.
Requirements for the
Full-Time Adult Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (1 1 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3) NS 505 Healthy Policy (3) NS540 Pathophysiology (3)
Spring Semester (12 credits)
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion (3)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3)
NS541 Pharmacology (3)
NS 542 Primary Care of Adults I (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Summer Term (6 credits)
NS 538 Primary Care of Adults II (3)
NS 543 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults I (3)
Requirements for the
Full-Time Family Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (11 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3) NS 505 Healthy Policy (3) NS540 Pathophysiology (3)
Spring Semester (12 credits)
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion (3)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3)
NS541 Pharmacology (3)
NS 542 Primary Care of Adults I (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Summer Term (6 credits)
NS338 Primary Care of Adults II (3)
NS 543 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults I (3)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (5 credits)
NS 539 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults II (5) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations (2) NS 548 Practicum in Primary Care of
Special Populations (5) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (8 credits)
NS 544 Primary Care of the Family (3)
NS 545 Practicum in Primary Care of the Family (5)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations (2) NS 548 Practicum in Primary Care of Special Populations (5) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
TOTAL CREDITS: 41
TOTAL CREDITS: 44
28
Curricula
Requirements for the
Full-Time Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (11 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3) NS 505 Healthy Policy (3) NS540 Pathophysiology (3)
Spring Semester (12 credits)
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion (3)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3)
NS541 Pharmacology (3)
NS 550 Dynamics of Psychopathology (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Summer Term (9 credits)
NS 552 Mental Health Nursing of Individuals (3) NS 553 Practicum in Mental Health Nursing
of Individuals (3) FT 550 Introduction to Marriage & Family Therapy (3)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (10 credits)
CN 455 Group Process (3)
NS 555 Practicum in Mental Health Nursing
of Groups/Families (5) NS 558 Mental Health Nursing of Families (2) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 556 Primary Care Mental Health Nursing (2) NS 557 Practicum in Primary Care Mental Health Nursing (5) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
TOTAL CREDITS: 49
Requirements for the
Part-Time Adult Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (5 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion (3)
NS541 Pharmacology (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (6 credits)
NS 505 Health Policy (3)
NS540 Pathophysiology (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3)
NS542 Primary Care of Adults I (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Summer Term (6 credits)
NS538 Primary Care of Adults II (5)
NS 543 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults I (3)
THIRD YEAR
Fall Semester (5 credits)
NS 539 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
(5)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations (2) NS 548 Practicum in Primary Care of
Special Populations (5) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
TOTAL CREDITS: 41
Curricula
29
Requirements for the
Part-Time Family Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (5 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion (3)
NS541 Pharmacology (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (6 credits)
NS 505 Health Policy (3)
NS540 Pathophysiology (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3)
NS 542 Primary Care of Adults I (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Summer Term (6 credits)
NS 538 Primary Care of Adults II (5)
NS 543 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults I (3)
THIRD YEAR
Fall Semester (8 credits)
NS 544 Primary Care of the Family (3)
NS 545 Practicum in Primary Care of the Family (5)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations (2) NS 548 Practicum in Primary Care of
Special Populations (5) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
TOTAL CREDITS: 44
Requirements for the
Part-Time Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (8 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3) NS540 Pathophysiology (3)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion (3)
NS541 Pharmacology (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (6 credits)
NS 505 Health Policy (3)
NS 550 Dynamics of Psychopathology (3)
NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3) NS 550 Introduction to Marriage & Family Therapy (3) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Summer Term (6 credits)
NS 552 Mental Health Nursing of Individuals (3) NS 553 Practicum in Mental Health Nursing of Individuals (3)
THIRD YEAR
Fall Semester (10 credits)
CN 455 Group Process (3)
NS 555 Practicum in Mental Health Nursing
of Groups/Families (5) NS 558 Mental Health Nursing of Families (2) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 556 Primary Care Mental Health Nursing (2) NS 557 Practicum in Primary Care Mental Health Nursing (5) NS 599 Research Project Advisement (0)
TOTAL CREDITS: 49
OU Curricula
Curriculum for Healthcare Systems Master's Degree in Nursing
PREREQUISITES: Statistics (including Descriptive and Inferential) for all students. Community Health, and a Bridge course are required for those students with a bachelor's other than nursing. Waiver of these courses is available through portfolio assessment.
Requirements for
Registered Nurses with a Bachelor's Degree
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (11 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science
NS 503 Nursing Research (3)
NS 505 Healthy Policy (3)
NS530 Healthcare Ethics and Law (3)
Spring Semester (9 credits) Healthcare Law track:
IS 401 Information Systems (3) MG 400 Organizational Behavior (3) NS 599 Research Advisement (0) NS 532 Civil Law and Litigation in Healthcare Systems (3) or
Management track: IS 401 Information Systems (3) MG 400 Organizational Behavior (3) NS 599 Research Advisement (0) MG504 Leadership (3)
Summer Term (3 credits)
AC 400 Financial Accounting (3)
(2)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (9 credits) Healthcare Law track:
NS 531 Administrative & Statutory Law in
Healthcare Systems (3) NS 534 Risk Management and Performance
Improvement (3) NS 535 Practicum in Healthcare Systems I (3) NS599 Research Advisement (0) or
Management track: MG401 Marketing (3)
NS 535 Practicum in Healthcare Systems I (3) NS 599 Research Advisement (0) MG 503 Human Resources Management (3)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
Healthcare Law track:
NS 533 Criminal Aspects of Healthcare Law (3)
NS 537 Practicum in Healthcare Systems II (3)
NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
or
Management track:
NS 536 Managed Care & Case Management (3)
NS 537 Practicum in Healthcare Systems II (3)
NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
Curricula
31
Part-Time Curriculum for Healthcare Law and Management concentrations
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (5 credits)
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science (2) NS 503 Nursing Research (3)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
IS 401 Information Systems (3)
NS 530 Healthcare Ethics and Law (3)
NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
Summer Term (3 credits)
AC 400 Financial Accounting (3)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (6 credits)
MG 400 Organizational Behavior (3)
NS 505 Health Policy (3)
NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (6 credits) Healthcare Law track:
NS 532 Civial Law and Litigation in
Healthcare Systems (3) NS 531 Administrative & Statutory Law in
Healthcare Systems (3) NS599 Research Advisement (0) or
Management track:
MG 503 Human Resources Management (3) MG504 Leadership (3) NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
THIRD YEAR
Fall Semester (6 credits) Healthcare Law track:
NS 534 Risk Management and Performance
Improvement (3) NS 535 Practicum in Healthcare Systems I (3) NS 599 Research Advisement (0) or
Management track: MG401 Marketing (3)
NS 535 Practicum in Healthcare Systems I (3) NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
Spring Semester (6 credits)
Healthcare Law track:
NS 533 Criminal Aspects of Healthcare Law (3)
NS 537 Practicum in Healthcare Systems II (3)
NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
or
Management track:
NS 536 Managed Care & Case Management (3)
NS 537 Practicum in Healthcare Systems II (3)
NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
O^ Curricula
Curriculum for
Post Master's Certificate
Requirements for the
Post-Master's Adult Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (3 credits)
NS540 Pathophysiology (3)
Spring Semester (9 credits)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3) NS541 Pharmacology (3) NS542 Primary Care of Adults I (3)
Summer Term (6 credits)
NS538 Primary Care of Adults II (3)
NS 543 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults (3)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (5 credits)
NS 539 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults
(5)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations (2) NS 548 Practicum in Primary Care of Special Populations (5)
TOTAL CREDITS: 30
Requirements for the
Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (3 credits)
NS540 Pathophysiology (3)
Spring Semester (9 credits)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3) NS541 Pharmacology (3) NS542 Primary Care of Adults I (3)
Summer Term (6 credits)
NS538 Primary Care of Adults II (3)
NS 543 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults (3)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (8 credits)
NS544 Primary Care of the Family (3)
NS 545 Practicum in Primary Care of the Family (5)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations (2) NS 548 Practicum in Primary Care of Special Populations (5)
TOTAL CREDITS: 33
Curricula ^U^D Requirements for the
Post-Master's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Track
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester (6 credits)
NS 540 Pathophysiology (3)
FT 550 Introduction to Marriage & Family Therapy (3)
Spring Semester (9 credits)
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice (3)
NS541 Pharmacology (3)
NS 550 Dynamics of Psychopathology (3)
Summer Term (6 credits)
NS 552 Mental Health Nursing of Individuals (3) NS 553 Practicum in Mental Health Nursing of Individuals (3)
SECOND YEAR
Fall Semester (10 credits)
CN 455 Group Process (3)
NS 555 Practicum in Mental Health Nursing
of Groups/Families (5) NS558 Mental Health Nursing of Families (2)
Spring Semester (7 credits)
NS 556 Primary Care Mental Health Nursing (2) NS 557 Practicum in Primary Care Mental Health Nursing (5)
TOTAL CREDITS: 38
v5H" Curricula
Curriculum for Registered Nurses without a Bachelor's Degree
(Bachelor's in Professional Studies [BPS], Pre-MSN Track)
Students take a minimum of 45 credits at Fairfield University and may transfer in up to 75 credits. These credits may be earned through CLEP or Excelsior examinations or portfolios evaluated by an instructor (limit of 30 credits through portfolios).
I. Core Requirements A. Humanities (36 credits)
II. Ten Upper Division Courses (12 credits) A. General Area I -
These courses must be taken in sequence.
10.
English 11
English 12
Fine Arts
Fine Arts elective
History 30
History elective
Philosophy elective
Religious Studies elective
Philosophy/Religious Studies/
Applied Ethics elective
Three additional Humanities electives
(including disciplines above as well as
foreign languages and communications)
B. Social Sciences
(12 credits: select from at least 2 disciplines)
1. Economics
2. Politics
3. Psychology
4. Sociology/Anthropology
C. Math and Science
(12 credits - select at least one math and at least one science)
Math 17 -Statistics
(another math may be used for the BPS,
but statistics will be required for the
Master's)
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
1.
NS 502 - Development of Nursing Science (This is a Master's level course which, when taken here, will be waived in the Master's program.)
NS 252 - Health and Family Assessment NS 372 - Community Health & the Elderly NS 458 - Bridge to Advanced Practice (This course must be taken in the last 15 credits.)
B. Six other upper division courses which must represent at least one other general area and three other disciplines. Please consult with your advisor when choosing these courses.
(18 credits)
C. GS 399 - A thesis paper done with an advisor after all your upper division coursework is completed. The paper should pull together the ideas of the courses you completed in this area. (3 credits)
III. General Electives
Nine courses (27 credits) in nursing from diploma/ AD program.
IV. Fairfield University requires all students to take courses in US Diversity and World Diversity.
These are not additional courses, but courses you may need to take anyway, whose content fulfills this as well as another component. For example, if you need to take a Religious Studies course, choose one that is designated as meeting the diversity requirement.
A minimum of 120 credits is needed to complete the BPS, and students are expected to fulfill all of the University's academic requirements.
Curricula
35
Curriculum for
Graduate Entry into Nursing Practice
This option is available to non-nurses who have a Bachelors degree and wish to pursue licensure as a Registered Nurse and a Master of Science in Nursing degree. In addition to the admission criteria listed in the catalog, an interview with the Graduate Program director is required.
PREREQUISITES*: Abnormal Psch (3), Statistics {3), Growtli & Development {3), Anatomy & Physiology {8), Microbiology (4), Chemistry (4). Selected prerequi- sites may be taken concurrently with advisor permis- sion. Prerequisites can be transferred in or credits earned via CLEP or Excelsior exams.
* Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology prerequisites need to be completed before classes begin. Developmental Psychology need to be com- pleted before the Fall #1 term. Statistics needs to be completed by the end of the Spring #1 term.
Summer #1 (13 credits)
Undergraduate:
NS 273 Intro, to Professional Nursing (3) NS 277 Pathophysiology/Pharmacology (3) NS 281 Therapeutic Nursing Interventions (3) NS270 Health Assessment (4)
Spring #1 (13 credits)
Undergraduate:
NS 276 Patterns of Illness I (5)
NS371 Patterns of Illness II (5)
Graduate:
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion (3)
Summer #2 (11 credits)
Undergraduate:
NS 278 Nursing of Child/Family (4)
NS 373 Nursing of Women &
Childbearing Family (4) NS458 Bridge (3)
Fall #2 (15 credits)
Undergraduate:
NS 372 Community Health & the Elderly (4)
NS 374 Transition: Prof Nursing (3)
NS 398 NCLEX Review (0)
Graduate:
NS 502 Nursing Science (2)
NS 503 Nursing Research (3)
NS 540 Pathophysiology (3)
Fall#1 (14 credits)
Undergraduate:
NS275 Patterns of Wellness (4)
NS 271 Health Care Delivery Systems (3)
NS 279 Mental Health Nursing (4)
Graduate:
NS 505 Health Policy (3)
NCLEX
Students take state boards in order to be licensed as a Registered Nurse.
36
Curricula
Graduate Courses:
Spring #2 (9-12 credits)
NS 504 Health Assess, for Adv. Practice (3)
NS541 Pharmacology (3)
NS 542 Primary Care of Adults I -
ANP & FNP (3) NS 550 Dynamics of Psychopathology -
Psych NP (3) FT 550 Intro to Marriage & Family Therapy -
Psych NP (3) NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
Summer #3 (3-6 credits)
NS 538 Primary Care of Adults II -
ANP & FNP (3) NS 552 Mental Health Nursing of Individuals
Psych NP (3) NS 543/
553 Practica (3) NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
Fall #3 (5-8 credits)
CN 455 Group Process - Psych NP (3)
NS 539 Practicum/Primary Care of Adults II -
ANP (5) NS 544 Primary Care of the Family - FNP (3) NS 545 Practicum/Primary Care of the Family •
FNP (5) NS 555 Practicum/Mental Health Nursing/
Groups & Families - Psych NP (5) NS 558 Mental Health Nursing of Families -
Psych NP (2) NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
Spring #3 (7 credits)
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations -
ANP & FNP (2) NS 548 Practicum/Primary Care of Special
Populations- ANP & FNP (5) NS 556 Primary Care Mental Health Nursing -
Psych NP (2) NS 557 Practicum/Primary Care Mental Health
Nursing - Psych NP (5) NS 599 Research Advisement (0)
|
Total Undergraduate Credits: Total Graduate Credits: |
52 |
|
for Adult NP: for Family NP: for Psych NP: |
41 44 49 |
Course Descriptions
37
Graduate
Course Descriptions
NS 458 Bridge to Advanced Practice
This course serves as a foundation for advanced clinical practice. It is designed to facilitate the transition to advanced professional practice. As such, theories that focus on nursing research and principles of leadership and management are discussed. Individual leadership projects are vehicles for integration of knowledge as preparation for graduate schol- arship. Professional practice issues in the contemporary health care arena are also addressed. (Pre-/Co-requisite: NS 372) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 501 Holistic Health Promotion
This course presents health promotion for the advanced practice nurse within a holistic health framework. Students explore the role of the advanced practice nurse in the delivery of holistic health promotion to diverse cultures and commu- nities. Elements of holistic care and the interaction of mind/ body on health are discussed within the context of the healing relationship with the primary care practitioner. Specific risk factors that lead to psychophysiological dysregulation are identified. Self-management strategies to empower the cli- ent and family to promote holistic health are explored, includ- ing therapeutic suggestion, contingency contracts, stress management, bereavement counseling, and complemen- tary modalities of healing. Ethical and cultural issues as they relate to health promotion are addressed. Students partici- pate in a weekly cognitive behavioral group designed to teach approaches and techniques for coping and stress management. (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 502 Development of Nursing Science
This course provides a foundation for understanding the nature of science, the state of the art of nursing science, and approaches to the development of a science. Students examine theory-research-practice connections, critique ex- tant nursing models, and engage in concept analysis and synthesis. The concept analysis conducted by course partici- pants may serve as the foundation for the proposal devel- oped in NS 503. (28 theory hours) 2 credits
NS 503 Nursing Research
This advanced research course builds on the knowledge base developed in basic nursing research courses. The major purpose of the course is to assist students in designing a research proposal. Concepts developed in NS 502 may serve as bases for students' proposals. Then, dunng NS 503, students relate nursing research to theory, critique studies, evaluate instruments, analyze data, and discuss opportuni- ties for disseminating findings. In addition, the course con- tent helps students explore ethical issues in health research, nursing research priorities, epidemiological trends, com- puter analysis of data including accessing national data sets, and collaborative approaches to research. (Pre-/Co-requi- site: NS 502) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 504 Health Assessment for Advanced Practice
This core course focuses on the holistic and comprehensive health assessment of individuals and families across the lifespan. Its purpose is to provide a foundation for primary prevention and health promotion through appropriate screen- ing and risk assessment. The course also includes history taking, advanced physical examination, and laboratory as- sessment. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop the comprehensive assessment skills required for advanced primary care nursing practice. All students com- plete the course module in comprehensive health assess- ment. In addition, family nurse practitioner students develop advanced physical examination and laboratory assessment skills, and psychiatric nurse practitioner students develop advanced mental health assessment skills. (28 theory hours and 28 lab hours) 3 credits
NS 505 Health Policy
The focus of this course is on contemporary health policy, its development and implementation, and ways in which nurses can influence it. Students evaluate the impact of health policy on nurses, patients, communities, healthcare delivery sys- tems, and the nursing profession. Resource allocation, along with socioeconomic, political, legal, and ethical factors that influence health policy are examined. (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 538 Primary Care of Adults II
This course continues primary health care of the adult begun in NS 542 and includes the assessment, diagnosis, treat- ment, management, and evaluation of risk factors and prob- lems commonly encountered by the advanced practice nurse in the ambulatory primary health care setting. The identifica- tion and clinical management of abnormal findings gener- ated from age-appropriate screening are addressed. Em- phasis is placed on critical thinking and clinical judgment as they relate to the development of appropriate differential diagnoses and approaches to the management of problems. (Prerequisite: NS 542; Co-requisite: NS 543) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
38
Course Descriptions
NS 539 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults II
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical learning about the primary care of adults in an ambulatory primary care setting. This practicum builds on phmary care skills from the Adult Health I practicum. Under the supervision of a nurse practitioner or physician, students provide primary care to adult clients from diverse popula- tions. Clinical conferences provide an opportunity for discus- sion and sharing of issues encountered in the practicum as they relate to the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of illness, ethical implications, and the promotion of health. In addition, the advanced practice role components of clinical practice, consultation, collaboration and education are illustrated and analyzed in the clinical practicum and conference. (Prerequisite: NS 543) (225 clinical hours) 5 credits
NS 540 Pathophysiology
The physiological basis of health and disease is discussed in this course. The course focuses on the pathophysiological aspects of health problems commonly encountered in clini- cal practice, including those that can be altered by appropri- ate treatment and those which do not respond to intervention. (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 541 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
This course focuses on the pharmacotherapeutic principles of drugs most commonly used by nurse practitioners in primary care. Pertinent pathophysiology is reviewed, and emphasis is placed on drug therapy for agent selection, monitoring drug therapy, identifying and avoiding adverse drug reactions and interactions, as well as thorough patient counseling with regard to proper drug usage. This course is designed to meet the pharmacology requirement for APRN licensure in Connecticut. (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 542 Primary Care of Adults I
This course focuses on primary health care of the adult, particularly the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, manage- ment, and evaluation of risk factors and problems commonly encountered by the advanced practice nurse in the ambula- tory primary health care setting. The identification and clini- cal management of abnormal findings generated from age- appropriate screenings and cultural assessments are ad- dressed. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and clinical judgment as they relate to the development of appropriate differential diagnoses and approaches to the management of problems. (Prerequisites: NS 502, NS 503, NS 505, NS 540; Pre-/Co-requisites: NS 501, NS 504, NS 541) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 543 Practicum in Primary Care of Adults I
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical learning about the primary care of adults in an ambulatory primary care setting. Under the supervision of a nurse practitioner or licensed physician, students provide primary care to adult clients from diverse populations. Clini- cal conferences provide an opportunity for discussion and sharing of issues encountered in the practicum as they relate to the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of illness, ethical implications, and the promotion of health. In addition, the advanced practice role components of clinical practice, consultation, collaboration, and education are illus- trated and analyzed in the clinical practicum and conference. (Prerequisite: NS 542) ( 126 clinical hours) 3 credits
NS 544 Primary Care of the Family
This course focuses on primary care of children in the context of their families. The assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of common primary care problems of children encountered in the ambulatory primary care setting are addressed. Consideration is given to the unique needs of culturally diverse patients and families. Family theory is studied, as well as the impact of illness and violence on the family. (Prerequisites: NS 542, NS 543; Co-requisite: NS 545) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 545 Practicum in Primary Care of the Family
This course provides students with the opportunity to deliver primary care services to families of diverse backgrounds in ambulatory settings under the supervision of a nurse practi- tioner, certified nurse midwife, or licensed physician. Clinical conferences provide opportunities for students to share experiences encountered in the practicum as they relate to diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of illness, health promotion, and risk assessment. In addition, the specific advanced practice role components of research and change agent skills are illustrated and analyzed in the clinical practicum and conference. (Prerequisite: NS 543; Co-requi- site: NS 544) (225 clinical hours)' 5 credits
NS 547 Primary Care of Special Populations
This course is designed to help students manage and treat primary care problems found in special populations. The course addresses the vulnerability, health fragility, and mul- tiplicity of health problems in diverse populations. Students examine issues of health care delivery as all aspects of the advanced practice nurse role are integrated into the care of challenging clients and families. (Prerequisites: NS 544, NS 545; Co-requisite: NS 548) (28 theory hours) 2 credits
Course Descriptions
39
NS 548 Practicum in Primary Care of Special Populations
Clinical experiences provide students with the opportunity to deliver primary care services to special populations with complex health problems in a variety of settings. Clinical conferences provide opportunities to share experiences en- countered in the clinical setting as they relate to health and social problems, management, health promotion, hsk as- sessment, and the role of the nurse practitioner providing primary health care services to individuals and families from special populations. The clinical experience is designed to help students integrate advanced practice nurse role compo- nents into the clinical management of complex actual or potential health problems. Increasing independence and accountability in clinical practice is expected and facilitated through peer group discussion, faculty-preceptor collabora- tion, and faculty, preceptor and self-evaluations. (Pre-/Co- requisite: NS 547) (225 clinical hours) 5 credits
NS 550 Dynamics of Psychopathology
This course examines theories of personality in an effort to understand what motivates human behavior. Approaches examined include attachment theory, relational theory. Freud's classical analytic approach, self psychological theories, and other contemporary psychoanalytic models. These models are discussed as they pertain to various diagnostic catego- ries and cultural groups with an emphasis on clinical assess- ment. (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 552 Mental Health Nursing of Individuals
This course provides an overview of individual psychothera- peutic treatment modalities across the lifespan including psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, self psychology, remi- niscence, art therapy and journaling. Emphasis is on short- term therapeutic strategies and formation of a therapeutic alliance with individuals. Alternative therapeutic modalities such as imagery, relaxation techniques, and hypnosis are also discussed, and multicultural issues related to treatment are addressed. (Prerequisites: NS 501. NS 502, NS 503, NS 504, NS 505, NS 541, NS 550) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 553 Practicum in Mental Health Nursing of Individuals
This clinical course gives students the opportunity to work with individuals in various settings. Ongoing group supervi- sion and individual supervision by preceptors in clinical agencies are integral course experiences designed to help students enhance their assessment, diagnostic and psycho- therapeutic skills with individual clients. In addition, the advanced practice role components of clinical practice, con- sultation, collaboration, and education are illustrated and analyzed in the clinical practicum and supervision. (Pre-/Co- requisite: NS 552) (135 clinical hours) 3 credits
FT550 IntroductiontoMarriageand Family Therapy
This course provides an overview of the historical develop- ment of family therapy. The student becomes acquainted with the models developed by Minuchin, Haley, Madanes, Satir, Ackerman, Bowen, Whitaker, and others. Attention is focused on distinguishing between the systemic approaches in terms of assessment, conceptualization, diagnosis, treat- ment, and theoretical foundations. Contemporary directions of the field are explored. (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 555 Practicum in Mental Health Nursing of Groups and Families
This clinical course gives students the opportunity to develop skills in working with individuals, groups and families in clinical settings. Students co-lead groups in various commu- nity settings, experience the evolution of a group, and work with families. Individual supervision is provided by the pre- ceptor in the clinical agency; in addition, weekly group supervision is held on campus with faculty. These experi- ences are designed to enhance the student's assessment, diagnostic and psychotherapeutic skills with individuals, groups and families in varied settings. In addition, the ad- vanced practice role components of role development and utilization of research are illustrated and analyzed in the clinical practicum and supervision. (Prerequisite: NS 553, FT 550; Pre-/Co-requisites: CN 455, NS 558) (225 clinical hours) 5 credits
NS 556 Primary Care Mental Health Nursing
This course is designed to help students develop increased independence in advanced primary care mental health nurs- ing with an emphasis on special populations. Students syn- thesize theories of primary mental health care to develop comprehensive treatment plans for client families. The focus of this course is on advanced practice psychiathc nursing roles of the psychotherapist, consultant/liaison, supervisor, mental health educator, and medication manager. In addi- tion, students examine issues of health care delivery as they integrate all aspects of the advanced practice nurse role in caring for clients from special populations. (Prerequisites: CN 455, NS 558) (28 theory hours) 2 credits
NS 557 Practicum in Primary Care Mental Health Nursing
This clinical course is the final practicum for psychiatric nurse practitioner students. Students practice in an advanced prac- tice role in a primary mental health care setting with diverse populations of individuals, families and groups. Ongoing group and individual supervision is offered by faculty and preceptors in the clinical agency. The practicum experience is designed to help students integrate advanced practice nurse role components into the clinical management of complex actual or potential health problems. (Prerequisite: NS 555; Pre-/Co-requisite: NS 556) (225 clinical hours) 5 credits
40
Course Descriptions
NS 558 Mental Health Nursing of Families
This course is an overview of family therapy treatment models, including psychoanalytic, experiential. Bowenian, structural, strategic, and solution-based brief therapy. The application of family therapy strategies and techniques occur in the classroom setting through participation in videotaping and role playing as therapists with faculty supervision. Addi- tionally, issues facing today's families such as divorce, single parenting and violence are addressed. Cultural differences are considered as they impact how the family interacts with one another, as well as the larger community in which they exist. Family of origin theory is addressed with focus on the therapist's own family of origin and discussion on how it impacts on clinical practice. (Prerequisites: NS 552, FT 550) (28 theory hours) 2 credits
NS 598 Independent Study in Nursing
Through individually designed projects or activities, students work with a faculty member to study a specific area in depth. Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor and Dean. (Hours vary with credits) 1-6 credits
NS 599 Research Advisement
This course is designed to provide faculty advisement as students complete their scholarly project. Students may either complete a thesis based on the proposal developed in NS 503 or work on collaborative group projects with a faculty mentor. Students and the faculty advisor/mentor reach mu- tual agreement about the specifics of the project and advise- ment. Students enroll in this course during the spring and both semesters of the following academic year following completion of NS 503 until the project is completed, accepted by the faculty member and a second reader, and presented at a research forum. Students who desire faculty advisement during the summer enroll in NS 599 in the summer as well, provided the faculty advisor is available. Hours by arrange- ment with individual faculty project advisor. (Prerequisite: NS 503) (Hours vary) 0 credits
Healthcare Systems Course Descriptions
NS 530 Healthcare Ethics and Law
An inquiry into the ethical issues encountered in a variety of healthcare systems including patients' rights, informed con- sent, confidentiality, experimental procedures, selection of transplant recipients, dilemmas of life and death, practitioner incompetence, and allocation of healthcare resources. The roles of organizational ethics committees are addressed. Coursework includes a project and presentation on a con- temporary ethical issue. (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 531 Administrative & Statutory Law in Healthcare Systems
The focus of this course is the law and procedure that arises out of state and federal statutes that impact healthcare systems. Administrative hearings, disciplinary actions against licensed healthcare providers, corporate compliance, man- aged care, and patients' rights legislation are addressed. The Workers' Compensation system. Social Security, dis- ability, and regulatory and compliance issues are also ana- lyzed. (Prerequisites: NS 502, NS 503, NS 505, NS 530) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 532 Civil Law and Litigation in Healthcare Systems
This course provides a comprehensive review of civil litiga- tion and procedure. Client interview, filing complaints, re- sponsive pleadings, interrogatories, depositions, and meth- ods for obtaining medical records are addressed along with stages of a jury trial and alternative dispute resolution. Substantive aspects of civil law are analyzed with emphasis on medical malpractice, breach of contract, and personal injury. Case examples and closed claim files are used to illustrate standards of care, to evaluate and develop liability and damages issues, and to evaluate experts. Claim man- agement, including case investigation, obtaining medical records, evaluating injuries, forms of evidence, and settle- ment negotiations are also studied. (Prerequisites: NS 502, NS 503, NS 505, NS 530) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 533 Criminal Aspects of Healthcare Law
This course focuses on the application of criminal law and procedures in healthcare systems. Students explore forensic principles in the investigation and treatment of trauma, inves- tigation of death, and investigation of criminal activity. Crimi- nal law and procedure are reviewed. Collection and evalua- tion of forensic evidence in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and death are discussed. Rights of patients, healthcare workers, and healthcare organizations as victims and perpetrators are analyzed. (Prerequisites: NS 502, NS 503, NS 505, NS 530) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
Course Descriptions
41
NS 534 Risk Management and Performance Improvement
Students explore theories of risk management, risk identifi- cation and prevention in a variety of healthcare systems including managed care organizations, hospital systems, office practices, urgent care centers, and behavioral health systems. Performance improvement processes including program design, monitoring performance through data col- lection, analyzing current performance, and maintaining improvement are studied. Requirements of accrediting agencies are reviewed along with principles of practitioner credentialing. incident reporting, and documentation. In- cludes work on a risk management or performance improvement project, (Prerequisite: NS 532: Pre- Co- requisite: NS 531) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 535 Practicum in Healthcare Systems I
Practicum experiences provide students with the opportunity to apply healthcare law or management principles in a variety of settings. Practicum conferences provide opportunities to share experiences encountered in the work setting as they relate to the role of the MSN providing administrative ser- vices in healthcare systems. The practicum experience is designed to help students experience the practical applica- tion of classroom instruction in a variety of settings including acute care, home care, long-term care, occupational health. managed care organizations, health information systems organizations, health alliances, healthcare consulting groups, and political or legislative environments. Increasing indepen- dence and accountability in practice is expected and facili- tated through peer group discussion, faculty-preceptor col- laboration, and faculty, preceptor and self-evaluations. The student and his/her faculty supervisor develop specific practicum objectives in advance of each experience. (Pre- requisite: NS 532) (135 clinical hours) 3 credits
NS 536 Managed Care & Case Management
In this course, students explore the theoretical, contextual and practical elements of managed care and case manage- ment across the continuum of care. Benefits management, cost containment, outcomes, and patient, provider and payer satisfaction are evaluated. Current issues are addressed including case management in the context of healthcare system reform, the rapidly growing elderly patient popula- tion, and catastrophic injury survivors. (Prerequisites: NS502, NS503. NS 505. NS 530) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
NS 537 Practicum in Healthcare Systems II
This practicum experience expands students' opportunities to apply healthcare law or management pnnciples in a variety of settings. Practicum conferences provide opportunities to share experiences encountered in the work setting as they relate to the role of the MSN providing administrative ser- vices in healthcare systems. The practicum experience is designed to help students experience the practical applica- tion of classroom instruction in a variety of settings, including acute care, home care, long-term care, occupational health. managed care organizations, law firms, insurance compa- nies, health alliances, healthcare consulting groups, and political or legislative environments. Increasing indepen- dence and accountability in practice is expected and facili- tated through peer group discussion, faculty-preceptor col- laboration, and faculty, preceptor and self-evaluations. The student and her/his faculty supervisor develop specific practicum objectives in advance of each experience, (Pre- requisite: NS 535) ( 1 35 clinical hours) 3 credits
AC 400 Financial Accounting
An examination of basic concepts and tools of analysis necessary for the collection, recording, quantification, and reporting of financial events, as well as an examination of the ways by which financial data are used for planning and control decisions, (42 theory hours) 3 credits
IS 401 Information Communication and Technology Management
An examination of techniques for determining the informa- tion needs of a manager and for developing the systems using the appropriate technology whereby that information is available to the manager at the time required, in a format desired, and at a cost that is reasonable, (42 theory hours) 3 credits
MG 400 Organizational Behavior
An examination of micro-level organizational behavior theo- ries as applied to organizational settings. Topics such as motivation, leadership, job design, interpersonal relations. group dynamics, communication processes, organizational politics, career development, and strategies for change at the individual and group levels are covered. An experiential format is utilized to provide students with a simulated prac- tical understanding of these processes in their respective organizations. (42 theory hours) 3 credits
42
Course Descriptions
MG 503 Human Resource Management
This course conceptualizes "human resource strategies" in the broadest sense. As a required component in the MBA curriculum for all students, the central goal of this course is to assist students from all fields to become better managers of people - better bosses, better leaders, better motivators, and more effective employer agents. Toward these ends, the course familiarizes students with the basics and best prac- tices in several functional areas of employee management (i.e., staffing, performance evaluation, training and develop- ment, compensation, work design, and labor relations), their nexus to organizational performance, and their interconnec- tions. Moreover, on the micro level, it encourages students to develop and refine strategies that will strengthen their per- sonal model of employee management. (Prerequisites: NS 502, NS 503, NS 505, NS 530) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
MG 504 Leadership
Are great leaders born or made? This course explores the art and science of leadership and interpersonal influence. Theo- ries of leadership, empowerment, and delegation are re- viewed to determine what makes an effective leader. Stu- dents participate in a variety of experiential exercises and participate in a team building "Leadership Challenge" expe- rience. (Prerequisites: MG 400, MG 503) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
MK 401 Marketing Management
An examination of analytical and managerial techniques as applied to the marketing function. Emphasis is on the devel- opment of a conceptual framework necessary to plan, orga- nize, direct, and control the product, promotion, distribution, and pricing strategies of the firm. Consideration is also give to the way marketing relates to other units within the firm. (Prerequisites: NS 502, NS 503, NS 505, NS 530) (42 theory hours) 3 credits
FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL of NURSING
Graduate Entry into Nursing Practice Program Course Descriptions
NS 270 Health Assessment
This course introduces the student to the knowledge and skills of health assessment of clients throughout the life span, with consideration of cultural and ethnic variations. Critical thinking and communication are essential components of health assessment. Lecture, discussion, demonstration, su- pervised and individual practice, and opportunities to de- velop self-evaluation skills through analysis of video record- ings of performance are used to help students develop skills in interviewing, taking a health history, and completing a physical examination. Students organize and prioritize data using Functional Health Patterns, and record assessment data on designated forms. In addition, this course provides a separate one-credit laboratory module designed to comple- ment the Physical Assessment skills. Students use the SON Learning Resource Center to develop skills pertaining to infection control, body mechanics and client hygiene. (Prerequisites: Bl 107, Chemistry, NS 273; Co-requisites: Bl 108, Bl 151) (2 theory, 1 lab, 1 module) 4 credits
NS 271 Health Care Delivery Systems
The health care delivery system in the United States is explored through issues related to conceptual, historical, economic, political, and technological developments. Em- phasis is given to ethical and legal aspects of our current system that remain unresolved, such as access to care, type of services to provide, and roles within the system. Con- sumer use of traditional, alternative, and experimental thera- pies are discussed. This course is designed to give an interdisciplinary perspective to students interested in health care from any field of study. The course includes a required 5 hours of service learning volunteer involvement in a health- related organization. 3 credits
NS 273 Introduction to Professional Nursing
This course serves as a foundation to the development of the nurse as a professional person. Central to this is the awareness and acceptance of self. The process of critical thinking/judgment as an approach to the planning and deliv- ery of nursing care to individuals, families, groups and communities is introduced. Discussion of nursing's history and accomplishments serves as the cornerstone for the advancement of professional behaviors including scholar- ship, communication, collaboration, personal responsibility/ accountability, integration of research and practice, and peer and self-evaluation. 3 credits
Course Descriptions
43
NS 275 Patterns of Wellness
This course explores factors that influence the degree of health and wellness experienced by individuals across the life span. Epidemiology provides a framework for the assess- ment of risk and the management of common health prob- lems. Students have opportunities to promote wellness through clinical experiences with healthy children and adults. How people make health related decisions, what risks threaten their health, and what reasons they give for adopting particu- lar lifestyles are examined. Spirituality and culture are ad- dressed as well with particular attention devoted to assess- ment techniques and intervention strategies. Students learn both traditional and (alternative) complementary therapeutic techniques to enhance health. (Prerequisites: NS 270, NS 271, NS 273, PY 163; Co-requisite: NS 281) (3 theory, 1 clinical) 4 credits
NS 276 Patterns of Illness I
This course introduces the student to illnesses that are most frequently occurring in the U.S. adult population. Included in the discussion of these illnesses are components of the nursing process: assessment, diagnoses, interventions and expected outcomes. Specific therapeutic interventions, both independent and collaborative will be discussed, including indications for their use and evaluation of their effectiveness. Use of case examples is a frequent teaching strategy. Com- petence in the performance of selected skills is also achieved during this course. Included in the course is clinical practicum with an acutely ill adult population. (Prerequisites: Bl 107, Bl 1 08, Bl 1 51 , Chemistry, NS 270, NS 275, NS 277. NS 279, NS281; Co-requisite: NS 278) (3 theory, 2 clinical) 5 credits
NS 277 Basic Concepts of Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
This course is a study of physiological life processes of persons. Normal physiology with a focus on deviations from normal is discussed with a particular emphasis on exemplar cases. The stress response is examined as well as the interaction of stress on inflammatory, healing, immune, and regulatory functioning. Pharmacological and nutritional ki- netics and dynamics are discussed as therapeutic strategies for treating alterations in normal life processes. (Prerequi- sites: Bl 107, Bl 108, Bl 151, Chemistry) 3 credits
NS 278 Nursing of Children and Family
This course focuses on the nursing care of children, adoles- cents, and families dealing with health and developmental challenges of childhood. In addition, health promotion needs of childrearing families are explored. Clinical resources re- flect the trend towards community-based care, with student experiences in community agencies (schools, rehabilitation sites, and day care settings), as well as in acute care settings. The course employs a developmental perspective through which major causes of morbidity and mortality are examined. Health problems are introduced via case studies that serve as vehicles for the integration of multicultural and multi- disciplinary perspectives. Students are challenged to de- velop both critical and creative reasoning skills in working through the cases, and are guided in the use of developmen- tally and empathically appropriate communication strate- gies. (Prerequisites: NS 270, NS 275. NS 277, NS 279, NS281; Co-requisite: NS 276) (2 theory, 2 clinical) 4 credits
NS 279 Mental Health Nursing
The focus of this course is nursing care of clients form diverse backgrounds with mental illness. Holistic care is provided through various psychotherapeutic approaches using the nursing process. Emphasis is on critical decision making with clinical practica providing the student with the opportu- nity to develop therapeutic communication skills and thera- peutic use of self. Cultural, ethical and legal issues that have the potential to impact the care clients and their families receive are also addressed. (Prerequisites: PY 1 63. NS 270. NS 273) (3 theory, 1 clinical) 4 credits
NS 281 Therapeutic Nursing Interventions
This course focuses on the provision of safe and effective care related to the basic needs of clients of all ages using common nursing technical skills with consideration of cul- tural and ethnic variations. Psychomotor skills are introduced that address various nursing interventions that help the client to maintain physical well being. Such interventions include: wound care; administration of oral, parenteral and intrave- nous medications; glucose monitoring; and measures to assist with urinary and bowel elimination, as well as nasogastric and respiratory care. The School of Nursing Learning Resource Center provides opportunities to use critical thinking in skill practice, interactive learning, super- vised return demonstration, and hypothetical clinical situa- tions, (Prerequisite: NS 270: Co-requisite: NS 275) (1 theory, 2 lab) 3 credits
44
Course Descriptions
NS 371 Patterns of Illness II
This course integrates knowledge learned in Patterns of Illness I and introduces the student to other patterns of illness. Discussion involves the components of the nursing process; assessment, diagnoses, interventions, and expected outcomes of patients throughout the adult lifespan. Specific therapeutic interventions, both independent and collabora- tive are discussed including indications for their use and evaluation of their effectiveness. Using case studies is a frequent teaching strategy. Included in the course is clinical practicum working with high acuity patients across the adult lifespan. (Prerequisites: NS 276, NS 278; Co-requisite: NS 373) (1.9 Clinical; . 1 College Lab [CAPD]) 3 credits
NS 372 Community Health and the Elderly
The focus of this course is on the provision of safe and effective care to older adults and their families living in community and group settings. Special attention is given to 1 ) the process of aging and health problems associated with older adults, and 2) the promotion of health and the preven- tion of disability in older adults. This course synthesizes learning, with specific application to various population groups of older adults. Through the use of a group community assessment project, community characteristics are identi- fied and analyzed with respect to planning strategies for intervention and evaluation to meet the special needs of people over 65 years of age. Students are expected to complete a detailed physical assessment and assessment of client needs as part of a series of home visits. Group discussion of case studies, plus presentations by providers of community services for the elderly, assist students in developing an appreciation for the complex care needs of this at-risk population. (Prerequisites: NS 275, NS 278, NS371,NS373) (2 theory, 2 clinical) 4 credits
NS 373 Nursing of Women and the Childbearing Family
This course is designed to provide students with the oppor- tunity to master the knowledge and skills necessary to assist the family to cope with changes in their reproductive needs, reproductive health issues, and gynecological challenges. Reproductive needs include the childbearing cycle: preg- nancy, childbirth, postpartum, care of the healthy newborn and prenatal, intrapartal and post-partal complications. Re- productive health issues covered in this class include: infer- tility, family planning, menarche and menopause. Gyneco- logical challenges on which we focus are breast and repro- ductive tract surgery. Ethical and legal aspects of reproduc- tive issues are integrated throughout the course. Nursing theories and research findings related to reproductive health are discussed more generally regarding theory. (Prerequi- sites: NS 276, NS 278; Co-requisite: NS 371) (3 theory; 1 clinical) 4 credits
NS374 Transition:
Professional Nursing Practice
This capstone course addresses health promotion, mainte- nance and restoration with clients in a variety of health care settings. Students are placed in selected health care settings in which they can practice under the supervision of a staff nurse preceptor. The focus is on moving students toward autonomous professional nursing practice within their clini- cal setting. Functional health patterns provide the framework for giving care. Nursing theories are explored for their rel- evance and utility to nursing practice. Students have an opportunity to apply leadership principles in coordinating care for groups of clients. Decision-making, collaboration, autonomy and outcome evaluation are emphasized. Weekly conferences are held to discuss professional, clinical and health policy issues. (Prerequisites: NS 371, NS 373; Co- requisite: NS 372) (clinical) 3 credits
NS398 NCLEX: State Board Review
This course is designed to assist students in preparing for the NCLEX Licensing Examination. Content focuses on refining problem solving and critical thinking skills as well as test taking strategies. Nursing theory is reinforced throughout. This course is mandatory for all nursing students who will take the licensing exam. (Prerequisites: NS 343, NS 345) (14 hours) 0 credits
NS 399 Nursing Independent Study
Through individually designed projects or activities, students work with a faculty member to study a specific area in depth. Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor and Dean.
1-6 credits
Faculty
45
Faculty
Suzanne H. Campbell
Assistant Professor of Nursing B.S., M.S., University of Connecticut Ph.D., University of Rhode Island
Pamela J. Dudac
Assistant Professor of Nursing B.A., Manhattanville College M.S., Fordham University M.S.N. , New York Medical College
Joan D. Fleitas
Associate Professor of Nursing
B.S.N., Florida State University
M.S.N., Emory University
Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University
Philip A. Greiner
Associate Professor of Nursing B.S., Albright College B.S.N. , M.S.N., DNSc, University of Pennsylvania
Sheila C. Grossman
Associate Professor of Nursing B.S., University of Connecticut M.S., University of Massachusetts Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Jean W. Lange
Assistant Professor of Nursing B.S.N. , State University of New York,
Binghamton M.N., University of California, Los Angeles Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Doris T. Lippman
Professor of Nursing B.S.N. , Cornell University M.A., Fairfield University M.Ed., Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University
Suzanne MacAvoy
Professor of Nursing
B.S.N. Ed., College Misericordia
M.S.N., Boston College
Ed.D.. Teachers College, Columbia University
Anne P. Manton
Associate Professor of Nursing B.S.N., Boston State College M.S.N. , Boston College Ph.D., University of Rhode Island
Jeanne L. Novotny
Dean, Sciiool of Nursing Professor of Nursing B.S.N. , M.S., Ohio State University Ph.D., Kent State University
Carole A. Pomarico
Assistant Professor of Nursing B.S.N. , Carlow College M.S.N., University of Pittsburgh M.S., M.A., Fairfield University
Gayle H. Sullivan
Visiting Assistant Professor of Nursing B.S.N., University of Connecticut J.D., Rutgers University School of Law
Kathleen Wheeler
Director, Graduate Nursing Program
Professor of Nursing
B.S., Cornell University
M.A., Ph.D., New York University
T"0 Administration
University Administration
Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., Ph.D. President Charles H. Allen, S.J., M.A.
Executive Assistant to ttie President Paul E. Carrier, S.J., Ph.D.
University Chaplain James M. Bowler, S.J.
Facilitator of Jesuit Mission & Identity Orin L. Grossman, Ph.D. Academic Vice President Mary Frances A. Malone, Ph.D.
Associate Academic Vice President R. Edwin Wilkes, M.A.
Associate Academic Vice President
for Enrollment Planning Georgia F. Day, Ph.D.
Assistant Academic Vice President,
TRIO Programs Timothy L. Snyder, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Norman A. Solomon, Ph.D.
Dean, Dolan School of Business Edna F. Wilson, Ed.D.
Dean, School of Continuing Education Evangelos Hadjimichael, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Engineering Jeanne L. Novotny, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Nursing Margaret C. Deignan, Ph.D.
Dean, Graduate School
of Education and Allied Professions Robert C. Russo, M.A.
University Registrar William J. Lucas, M.B.A.
Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Michael S. Maccarone, M.S.
Associate Vice President for Finance Richard I. Taylor, B.S., C.E.
Associate Vice President
for Campus Planning and Operations Mark J. Guglielmoni, M.A.
Director of Human Resources Kenneth R. Fontaine, M.B.A.
Controller James A. Estrada, M.L.I.S.
Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian
William P. Schlmpf, M.Ed.
Vice President for Student Services James D. Fitzpatrick, M.A.
Assistant Vice President for
Student Services Operations Susan N. Birge, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice President of Student Resources
& Director of Counseling Services George E. Diffley, M.A.
Vice President for University Advancement Fredric C. Wheeler, M.P.A.
Associate Vice President for Development Douglas J. Whiting, B.A.
Associate Vice President for Public Relations
Board of Trustees (as ofs/oi)
Joseph F. Berardino 72
James J. Bigham '59
Patrick J. Carolan, M.D. '59, P'85, '89
E. Gerald Corrigan, Ph.D. '63
James M. Cotter '64
Joseph A. DiMenna, Jr. '80
Charles F. Dolan P'85, '86
Daniel R. Finn, Jr. '66
Mario J. Gabelli
Vincent A. Gierer, Jr.
L. Edward Glynn, S.J.
Sylvester Green, Sr.
Charles E. Hanley P'90, '97
Marian L. Heard M'95, P'88
Otto H. Hentz, S.J.
Paul J. Huston '82
James F. Keenan, S.J.
Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J.
Charles F. Kelley, S.J.
Ned C. Lautenbach
Stephen M. Lessing '76
Kathi P. Loughlin '80
Roger M. Lynch '63, P'95 (Chair)
Joseph D. Macchia '57
J. Thomas McClain, S.J.
Michael E. McGuinness '82
William A. Mcintosh P'86, '92
John C. Meditz '70
Diane Oakley '75
Thomas C. Quick '77
Lawrence C. Rafferty '64, P'04
Mary Dillon Reynolds '79
Rosellen Walsh Schnurr '74
Elisabeth H. Schwabe '74
Carolyn Vermont-Fuller '82, M'84
Francis T. Vincent, Jr.
William P. Weil '68
Trustees Emeriti
James W. Birkenstock Alphonsus J. Donahue David W.P. Jewitt Francis J. McNamara, Jr. L William Miles P'84, '85, '95
Notes
47
48
Notes
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www. fair field, edu
Fairfield
UNIVERSITY
Road Fairfield, CT 06430-5 195