Nursing (M.S.N.)
Administered by: Department of Nursing
Campus Address: 3109 McCormick Center for Human Services
Telephone Number: (570) 389-4423
Coordinator: Sharon R. Haymaker, Ph.D., C.R.N.P.
Department E-mail Address: haymaker@bloomu.edu
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
Effective Spring, 2006
About the Program
The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program prepares nurses to function as an Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner (42 or 53 credits), Clinical Nurse Specialist in either Adult Health and Illness or Community Health with a focus on Administration or School Health ( 39 credits) and Administration (42 credits). Nurses who are already certified and currently practicing as a C.R.N.P., C.N.M., or C.R.NA. may receive credit for their previous education and complete a M.S.N. with 30 credits of coursework. Nurses who are certified and currently practicing in PA as a school nurse may receive credit for their previous education and complete a MSN with 33 credits of coursework. Graduates of the Nurse Practitioner program are eligible to sit for national certification examinations.
Accreditation
The M.S.N. program is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Any further information regarding the program and CCNE accreditation status may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education at One DuPont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C., 20036 or call (202) 887- 6791. The Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner: Programs are fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Boards of Nursing and Medicine and graduates of these programs are eligible to apply for Pennsylvania certification by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The School Health Program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and graduates of this program are eligible to apply for Pennsylvania certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Program Options
Community Health Specialization
This option is designed to prepare the graduate as a clinical specialist in community health nursing in either public health administration or in school health nursing. The main focus is on preparing the graduate to assume a leadership/management role in a specific area of community health nursing, working with special populations and communities to promote and improve community health. Students develop competence in the multifaceted role of clinical specialist and use their advanced knowledge, responsible decision-making, innovative problem solving and communication to promote change in the community. As advanced practitioners, they engage in the competent use of the nursing process to diagnose the health problems of special populations to design programs to facilitate optimal wellness within the community environment, and improve the delivery of health care, health education, early detection and screening and prevention services. As advanced practitioners, they serve as consultants and engage in social, ethical and political actions to influence and initiate change in health care policy in order to promote community health.
Adult Health and Illness Specialization
This option is designed to prepare the graduate to assume a leadership/manager position as a clinical specialist in the area of adult health and illness. Through the development of competence in their multifaceted role as a clinical nurse specialist, students engage in responsible decision-making, innovative problem-solving and independent/interdependent practice designed to meet the changing health needs of a specific adult population. Students use advanced knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills in the competent use of therapeutic interventions and technology to assist the adult client in attaining wellness. As advanced practitioners, the students serve as a consultant for clients and others to impact the delivery of health care for a specific adult population. Social, ethical and political actions are emphasized to initiate and affect change regarding the development of health care policy and its effect on health care delivery for a targeted adult population.
Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization
This option is designed to prepare the graduate as an adult nurse practitioner with an option for taking additional coursework to prepare as a family nurse practitioner. The core concept of role development focuses on the progressive development of competence in the multifaceted roles of advanced nursing practice as practitioner, researcher, leader/manager, consultant and educator. The program emphasizes the role of advanced practitioner as a provider of independent and collaborative direct health care to adults. In addition, a rural community focus enables students to develop competence in assessing a community, identifying health needs and implementing programs that may occur at the individual level in the practice setting. Thus, nurse practitioners are keenly aware of the effect of the community on the individuals and families seen in practice. Student nurse practitioners provide direct care for individuals and families under the guidance of their clinical preceptors. They also engage in social, ethical and political actions to influence and initiate change in health care policy and its effect on health care delivery. Finally, students are encouraged to continue their professional growth and aid the professional development of others by serving as role models and mentors.
Nursing Administration Specialization
This option is designed to prepare the graduate to assume a leadership role in nursing administration. Through the development of competence in the multifaceted role as nurse administrator, students engage in responsible decision-making, innovative problem solving and development of leadership style designed to be effective in managing an organization. The program emphasizes the acquisition of essential management skills including organizational assessment, budget and accounting, principles of management, information systems and ethical behavior in organizations. As a nurse administrator, students serve in a direct role in impacting the delivery of health care for specific populations. Social, ethical and political actions are emphasized to initiate and affect change regarding the development of health care policy.
MSN Program for Individuals Currently Practicing as CRNA, CRNP, or CNM
This option recognizes individuals already certified and practicing as a CRNP J CRNP, or CNM by offering credit for clinical accomplishment and enables these individuals to complete core competencies of an advanced practice nurse without needing to repeat clinical requirements.
MSN Program for Individuals Currently Practicing as Certified School Nurse
This option recognizes individuals already certified and practicing as a Certified School Nurse by offering credit for clinical accomplishment and enables these individuals to complete core competencies of an advanced practice nurse without needing to repeat clinical requirements.
Preceptors
Clinical preceptors act as essential role models, resource persons and liaisons for graduate students in all clinical specialties during clinical coursework. They are carefully selected based on the level of clinical course and individual needs and goals. In some courses, students are encouraged to identify preceptors with whom they wish to work. In all instances, preceptors will be educationally and experientially qualified to serve and will be willing and able to spend time with students and to help them achieve clinical goals.
Clinical Placements
Students are placed in a variety of settings as appropriate to the clinical course objectives and goals. The selection is made jointly by the faculty adviser and the individual student. Attention is given to selecting clinical sites relatively close to the student's place of residence insofar as possible. Students must have documentation of CPR, liability insurance, a comprehensive health examination, current Pennsylvania nursing licensure, a current resume and criminal and child abuse background checks. All .of the above are required by contractual agreements with agencies serving as practicum sites.