Philosophy/Objectives
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Master of Nursing (MN) program is to prepare nurses at an advanced level and to provide leadership in nursing.
PHILOSOPHY
The MN program is based on the belief that advanced practice in nursing requires graduate level preparation that provides students with the opportunity to both broaden and deepen their knowledge and competencies in nursing. The advanced practioner uses critical, has a well developed knowledge base, and demonstrates advanced skills in an area of nursing. Advanced nursing practice skills are developed through the testing of selected nursing interventions, implementation of research findings, and the analysis and critique of theoretical work.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- critically appraise existing knowlege in nursing (philosphical, theoretical, research-based, and other).
- appropriately apply knowledge to improve nursing practice.
- promote evidence-based practice.
- conduct a research project or participate in a consolidated practicum experience in a speciality area of nursing.
- examine and critically analyze issues in nursing and health care.
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and competency in an area of nursing practice.
- demonstrate leadership in nursing.
CURRICULUM DESIGN
The curriculum is designed to enable students to meet the objectives of the program. The curriculum fosters the interrelatedness of knowledge and practice. The curriculum includes:
- a theoretical component that enables students to critically examine the development and basis for professional nursing practice.
- a research component that enables students to critically evaluate research in nursing and other health-related fields as a basis for evidence-based practice and provides students with beginning research skills.
- a practice component that enables students to develop advanced nursing competencies and provide clinical leadership in nursing. An important part of the practice component is the consolidated practicum experience.
