slchs grad brochure 2014

Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences

Graduate Program

Take your nursing career to a higher level

2 www.saintlukescollege.edu

A graduate degree from Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences opens the door to exciting career possibilities, opportunities for advancement and – most importantly – a better understanding of how to treat your patients.

We offer a range of programs designed to help students continue their education – traditional master’s degree for full-time students, a special R.N. to M.S.N. program for current registered nurses, and certificate programs that focus on issues that professional nurses need to stay on top of an evolving healthcare system.

Welcome to the head of the classThe world of health care is changing every day. New technologies, new laws, new challenges. Saint Luke’s can help you stay ahead of the game.

ContentsGraduate experience ......... 3

R.N. to M.S.N. program ............ 3

Master’s of Science in Nursing........... 4

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration .... 7

Nurse Educator concentration .. 10

Nursing Informatics concentration .. 12

Post-graduate certificates ....... 14

Application information ...... 15

3www.saintlukescollege.edu

R.N. to M.S.N. programThe R.N. to M.S.N. program is designed for Registered Nurses who are returning to the classroom for an advanced degree. Students in this program take the M.S.N. Graduate Core of 24 credit hours and a 4-credit hour Bridge Course. Then select a track from the following: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nursing Informatics.

Students enroll in 6-9 credits a semester and can complete a M.S.N. in six semesters. The program offers three M.S.N. tracks: n Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Nurse Practitioner (The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP track is the only degree program of its kind offered within 100 miles of Kansas City).

n Nurse Educatorn Nursing Informatics

Classes are held Tuesdays with clinical days and times varying depending on the track.

Cohort modelThe graduate program is structured as “cohorts” – an adult-oriented learning model built on the principle that people tend to learn better in groups where they can incorporate previous experience and apply their learning in context. The learning experience is active and interactive, setting the stage for a dynamic educational experience. The cohort experience helps you develop relationships, make beneficial professional contacts and enjoy an overall learning support system.

One of the great benefits of the cohort model is that you don’t have to fight to find a place in the class you need. At Saint Luke’s, you’ll know exactly when, what and where your classes will be during your program.

Hybrid classesWe take advantage of advances in technology by incorporating online work with traditional face-to-face classes, so you can experience the best of both worlds.

Clinical placementSecuring a clinical placement can be a daunting task – but not at Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences. You can select the clinical placement option that’s right for you, and we’ll take care of the work of setting up the perfect combination of location and supervisor that’s right for you. That way you can concentrate on your classwork, not on running around town getting paperwork signed.

The Saint Luke’s

Graduate experience


Graduate students choose one of three areas of concentration:n Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse

Practitionern Nurse Educatorn Nursing Informatics

You have the flexibility to select a clinical placement option that coincides with your educational and career goals. Through your coursework, you will become prepared to practice in many acute care clinical settings and serve in nursing faculty and/or clinical leadership roles. With your degree, you will qualify to take the national specialty certification and credentialing examinations.

Master’s of Science in Nursing program

GRADUATE PROGRAM MISSIONThe Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences is an educational leader serving exceptional students pursing a graduate nursing degree. An institution of higher learning affiliated with Saint Luke’s Health System, the college is committed to preparing leaders and advanced practice clinicians and to meet the health care needs of diverse individuals in a complex health care environment. The graduate program focuses on discovery, scholarship and practice that reflect societal needs for complex nursing services in a variety of settings. The graduate student will experience a vigorous academic setting and benefit from rich and varied clinical opportunities to manage patients across the continuum of care. With access to stellar academic and clinical resources, clinical sites and faculty, the graduate student will develop and apply assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills for patients receiving care in a fast-paced health care setting.

COMMON CORE FOR ALL GRADUATE PROGRAMS

N501 Professional Role Development & Scholarly Writing 3

N505 Theoretical Foundations in Nursing Practice 3

N515 Policy, Organization, Finance & Healthcare Systems 3

N525 Health Promotion, Health Protection & Disease Prevention 3

N545 Advanced Healthcare Research 3

N565 Advanced Pathophysiology & Disease States 3

N575 Advanced Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics 2

N577 Pharmacology & Prescriptive Action for the Nurse Practitioner* 1

N595 Advanced Health Assessment and Physical Diagnosis 3

Total graduate core credit hours 24

*N577 is for students enrolled in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program only.


Common core course descriptionsN501 PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND SCHOLARLY WRITING FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE (3 credit hours)

This introductory course examines health-care professionalism of advance practice nurses as influenced by social, cultural, political and economic forces interacting with complex client systems. Issues that develop in the changing healthcare environment and impact health and solu-tions are explored in relation to ethical and legal parameters. Innovative prac-tice methods and skills essential for the advanced practice nurse to flourish in the healthcare environment are developed in a seminar or laboratory settings. Using a learning-through-discussion model, students will examine the context of professional practice, the evolution of nursing as a profession, and revolving roles of contemporary practice. In addi-tional, development of scholarly writing skills, with an emphasis on APA format, is emphasized to promote professional communication and enhance professional image. Students will have the opportunity to analyze their own and others’ writing to improve their written communication. Writing skills are practiced and developed by critiquing published articles, and by preparing written memorandums, letters, abstracts and a manuscript. Legal and ethical issues related to the publication process are explored. The course is offered as a hybrid (face-to-face and online).

N505 THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS IN NURSING (3 credit hours)

This course is an introduction to the theoretical foundations of advanced prac-tice nursing. Key content to be covered includes the philosophical basis of science and knowledge within the structure, development and application of theory in advanced practice nursing. Theoretical frameworks addressing the biopsychoso-cial and spiritual aspects of the human condition related to the individual, family, community and systems are explored. In addition, students will investigate various learning theories as they pertain to indi-viduals across the lifespan. The student will have the opportunity to identify a theory to guide their research.

N515 POLICY, ORGANIZATION, FINANCE AND HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS (3 credit hours)

The purpose of this course is twofold: 1) to understand how health policy impacts the delivery of health care and 2) to understand how principles of health-care economics affect the management of financial resources. Emphasis will be placed on professional development, the policy process, and the organization and financing of complex healthcare systems. The course is organized to examine the intricacies of health policy, finance and budgeting, and the healthcare environ-ment (organizations). Case studies and participative learning activities related to relevant issues are incorporated.

N525 HEALTH PROMOTION, HEALTH PROTECTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION (3 credit hours)

This course requires the advance practice nursing student to use various theories and well-developed practice skills in the collection of subjective and objective health-related data of adults. Therapeutic communication and psychomotor skills are further developed. The students learn to comprehensively assess physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimen-sions as a basis for advanced nursing practice. The theory and supervised practice guide the student in recognizing normal and abnormal physiological states and understanding their significance to client health and nursing interventions. The students will also integrate the use of appropriate laboratory and chemistry findings into their overall assessment. The concepts of health protection and health promotion as they relate to the adult client are emphasized both in the class-room and laboratory. The advance practice nursing student will identify appropriate patient-centered and culturally responsive clinical prevention and health promotion interventions for the adult client.

N545 ADVANCED HEALTHCARE RESEARCH (3 credit hours)

Nursing research is presented as an inherent component in the development of nursing theory and advanced practice. Critical thinking, critical reasoning and critiquing processes are introduced and related to research-based advance prac-tice. Methods of conducting research and


evaluating findings for use in practice setting are explored. Research that focuses on health risks of client systems, practice guidelines, therapeutic management, and cost and outcomes are explored. Emphasis is placed on generating research questions from theory and practice.

N565 ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND DISEASE STATE (3 credit hours)

This course uses a systems approach to advanced physical assessment, pathophysi-ology, principles of hemodynamic moni-toring, electrocardiography, pulmonary airway monitoring, and neuromuscular monitoring in the evaluation of the acutely ill and/or surgical patient. Emphasis will be on the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological systems and their relation to the assessment and monitoring practices of the healthcare provider. The analysis, inter-pretation and evaluation of pathophysi-ological processes related to the disease state and alteration in homeostasis of the

critically ill adult are examined. Relevant research is integrated into the delivery of evidence-based nursing practice.

N575 ADVANCED PHARMACOKINETICS AND PHARMACODYNAMICS (2 credit hours)

General principles of pharmacology, including pharmacokinetics and pharma-codynamics are discussed in preparation to prescribe. The principles for decision-making about drug selection, use and monitoring are examined. In addition, the use of alternative and complemen-tary therapeutics is presented. Addition-ally, the legal and ethical principles that accompany prescriptive authority and implications are explored.

N577 PHARMACOLOGY AND PRESCRIPTIVE ACTION FOR THE NURSE PRACTITIONER (1 credit hour)

The principles for decision-making about drug selection, use and monitoring are examined. In addition, the use

of alternative and complementary therapeutics is presented. Additionally, the legal and ethical principles that accompany prescriptive authority and implications are explored.

N595 ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS (3 credit hours)

Building upon basic health assessment, knowledge and skills for advanced clinical practice are discussed, described and demonstrated. The student will have the opportunity to master the advanced practice content and skills and apply in multiple clinical settings. Content on special adult populations in the acute care setting is presented, followed by directed laboratory and simulated experiences. The concept of clinical decision-making for differential diagnosis is introduced and applied to patient-focused data.

As bedside nursing continues to advance in delivering care to patients with complex needs and increased use of technology in providing care for patients there is a greater need for nurses with advanced degrees. Nurses are positioned closest to the patient and the advanced education that nurses receive enables them to partner with other professionals in managing the complexities of each patient. Nurses with advanced degrees are leaders in the delivery of safe quality healthcare.– Laurie Brooks, associate professor M.S.N., M.B.A., R.N.


OUTLINE OF COURSES*

N790 Healthcare Informatics & Program Planning 3

N580 Adult Acute Care I Diagnostics & Intervention 3

N582 Adult Acute Care I Diagnostics & Intervention Practicum 2

N690 Caring for the Culturally Diverse Client in the Acute Care Setting 1

N680 Adult Acute Care II Diagnostics & Intervention 3

N682 Adult Acute Care II Diagnostics & Intervention Practicum 2

N695 Graduate Project 1

N780 Adult Acute Care III Diagnostics & Intervention 3

N782 Adult Acute Care III Diagnostics & Intervention Practicum 2

N795 Graduate Project 1

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares the advanced practitioner to focus on the entire wellness-illness continuum of adult care including the needs of the elderly. Students study the differing and unique developmental, life stages that impact adult patients. They also prepare for acute care such as complex acute, critical and chronic illness, disability, and/or injury.

The short-term goal for an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is to stabilize episodes of acute illness and minimize complications while seeking to restore maximum health in the long-term as well as evaluating risk factors. These Nurse Practitioners interact with various healthcare providers in a variety of practice settings, and are patient advocates. Other duties include clinical leadership, family assessment, and discharge planning.

The occupational outlook is good as hospitals and health systems will be hiring more Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners as the need for advance-practice nursing professionals increases.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration

*Courses are listed in no particular order. The course sequence for graduate study will depend partly on whether or not a student is enrolled in part-time or full-time study. Admissions Office personnel will arrange an appointment for prospective students with a faculty advisor to discuss their individual needs.


N580 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE I DIAGNOSTICS AND INTERVENTION (3 credit hours)

This course provides didactic content to prepare the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to provide primary and/or acute care to adults, including older persons experiencing health problems in one or more body systems. Nurse practitioner students focus on health for all populations. The didactic content addresses comprehensive diagnosis and management of common health problems, including the appropriate diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, and follow-up care for patients with both acute and chronic conditions. Professional, ethical and legal issues are threaded throughout the course.

N582 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE I DIAGNOSTICS AND INTERVENTION PRACTICUM (2 credit hours)

The focus of this course enhances clinical competency with an emphasis on evidence-based practice in adult acute/critical healthcare settings. Within the course is the integration of theory, assessment and advanced treatment modalities in high-acuity patient clinical settings. Students will be expected to successfully complete comprehensive clinical assessments including appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic testing. Clinical preceptors will provide supervision to the student as they manage the acute health problems of selected clients. Clinical placements will include placement in one of a variety

of acute/critical care areas including, but not limited to, CCU, MICU, SICU, ED, and specialty services such as transplant and oncology.

N680 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE II DIAGNOSTICS AND INTERVENTION (3 credit hours)

This course continues to scaffold on the first of three didactic content courses designed to prepare the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to provide primary and/or acute care to adults, including older persons experiencing health problems in one or more body systems. Nurse practitioner students focus on health for all populations. The didactic content addresses comprehensive diagnosis and management of common health problems, including the appropriate diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, and follow-up care for patients with both acute and chronic conditions. Professional, ethical and legal issues are threaded throughout the course.

N682 ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE II DIAGNOSTICS AND INTERVENTION PRACTICUM (2 credit hours)

This course is designed to scaffold content on the first of three offerings to enhance clinical competency with an emphasis on evidence-based practice in adult/critical healthcare settings. Within the course is the integration of theory, assessment and advanced treatment modalities in high-acuity patient clinical settings. Students will be expected to successfully complete

comprehensive clinical assessments including appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic testing. Clinical preceptors will provide supervision to the student as they manage the acute health problems of selected clients. Clinical placements will include placement in one of a variety of acute/critical care areas including, but not limited to, CCU, MICU, SICU, ED, and specialty services such as transplant and oncology.

N690 CARING FOR THE DIVERSE CLIENT IN THE ACUTE CARE SETTING (1 credit hour)

This course focuses on ways to design care for the acutely ill patient with diverse cultural and healthcare needs. The concepts of culture, assimilation, acculturation, and cultural differences are threaded throughout the course. The student will have opportunities to inculcate non-prejudicial attitudes toward clients. In addition, the graduate student will have the opportunity to identify various types of diversity and explore the challenges and benefits of each. Additional, the student will design learning experiences to develop specific knowledge, concepts, understanding and facts pertaining to caring for members of a culturally diverse population. The student will be challenged to develop insight into their cultural values, as well as sensitivity to values different from their own.

Adult-Gerontology course descriptions


N695 AND N795 GRADUATE PROJECT (2 credit hours)

The graduate project, completed in two one-hour credit courses, is a culmination of the knowledge gained in the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner courses. The project is an opportunity to demonstrate an analytical approach to programmatic, administrative, policy or clinical issues in a format that supports the synthesis, transfer and utilization of knowledge. By completing this project, the student demonstrates identification and resolu-tion of a practice problem through the scholarship of application and integra-tion. The graduate project, depending on the student’s clinical area of interest, might include the evaluation of a program or intervention, an analysis of a health-care policy, an in-depth case study, a gap analysis, a comprehensive systematic review for determination of best prac-tice, or the development of a strategic plan for the delivery of healthcare. The project is completed under the tutelage of a Ph.D.-prepared Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences faculty member who will serve as Project Committee Chair selected by the student during their first Graduate Project course. One additional project committee member is selected by the student from their clinical practice area. The additional project committee member must be approved by the Project Committee Chair.

N780 ADULT: ACUTE CARE III DIAGNOSTICS AND INTERVENTION (3 credit hours)

This final course of three concludes the didactic content necessary to prepare the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to provide primary and/or acute care to adults, including older persons experiencing health problems in one or more body systems. Nurse practitioner students focus on health for all populations. The didactic content addresses comprehensive diagnosis and management of common health problems, including the appropriate diagnostic proce-dures, laboratory tests, and follow-up care for patients with both acute and chronic conditions. Professional, ethical, and legal issues are threaded throughout the course.

N782 ADULT: ACUTE CARE III DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTION PRACTICUM (2 credit hours)

This final course of three concludes with a demonstration of clinical competency with an emphasis on evidence-based practice in adult acute/critical healthcare settings. Within the course is the integra-tion of theory, assessment and advanced treatment modalities in high-acuity patient clinical settings. Students will be expected to successfully complete compre-hensive clinical assessments including appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic testing. Clinical preceptors will provide supervision to the student as they manage the acute health problems of selected clients. Clinical placements will include placement in one of a variety of acute/crit-ical care areas including, but not limited to, CCU, MICU, SICU, ED, and specialty services such as transplant and oncology.

N790 HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS AND PROGRAM PLANNING (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on information tech-nologies and the application thereof in the complex healthcare environment. The use of media, multimedia and computer-based technologies to care for patients with complex healthcare needs by the advanced practice nurse in the clinical setting are explored. Processes for program plan-ning, evaluation and selection of the most appropriate technology are presented. Technology that supports the clinical processes of tracking patient healthcare activities, implementation of EMRs in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and patient health education modali-ties are examined. Students will have the opportunity to use online information resources, presentation systems, informa-tion storage systems, and the integration of technology and evolving technology in real time to support their clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. Legal and ethical considerations related to tech-nology and the repositories of sensitive healthcare information are considered.

N795 GRADUATE PROJECTSee course N695 for description.


Nurse Educator concentrationOUTLINE OF COURSES*

N681 Educational Theories & Conceptual Foundations of Nursing Education 3

N683 Curriculum Design & Instructional Strategies 3

N698 Teaching Practicum & Role Development for the Nurse Educator I 2

N697 Thesis (N787, N797) 3

N700 Teaching Practicum and Role Development for the Nurse Educator II 2

N783 Educational Assessment & Evaluation Methods 3

N793 Advanced Instructional Strategies & Program Planning 3

Nurse Educators are critical to the emerging need for building a robust nursing workforce as they both prepare and mentor future nursing leaders and patient care providers. In the classroom and in hospital settings they are role models providing education regarding evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. The shortage of Nurse Educators is creating many career opportunities.

Nurse Educators in academic and clinical settings are administrative nurse faculty, staff development officers and continuing education specialists. Outside of academic settings, Nurse Educators work in public health agencies, education associations, hospitals, and community settings.

Nurses who work in academic settings may work a nine-month calendar or opt to teach all year long. Typically, Nurse Educators do not work 12-hour shifts or overnight hours. Much of a Nurse Educa-tors day is spent in the office or classroom preparing for classes, teaching, advising students, developing lesson plans, over-seeing students’ clinical practice, grad-ing papers, attending meetings, doing administrative work, and keeping up with current nursing research. Clinical shifts in the hospital or community agency often accompany a nurse educator’s workload.

Nursing and Allied Health programs, as well as hospitals and health systems, will be hiring as the need for trained professionals grows.



N681 EDUCATIONAL THEORIES AND CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION (3 credit hours)

This course examines major concepts and theories related to teaching/learning in nursing education and practice, including behaviorist, cognitive, and humanistic psychology theories: Andragogy and pedagogy models; and strategies for educators.

N683 CURRICULUM DESIGN AND INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES (3 credit hours)

Curriculum design and evaluation procedures are introduced. This course assists the learner in applying theory, accreditation criteria, and group techniques in the design, evaluation, and revision of nursing curricula. The learner will investigate various conceptual frameworks, organizational frameworks, program outcomes, level outcomes, course outcomes, content selection, teaching strategies and evaluation methods.

N697 THESIS: 1 CREDIT HOUR; N787 THESIS: 1 CREDIT HOUR; N797 THESIS (1 credit hour)

The student begins working on the thesis after they have completed two semesters and the required nursing research. The student will enroll in N697, N787 and N797 as the thesis is completed.

N698 TEACHING PRACTICUM AND ROLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NURSE EDUCATOR I (2 credit hours)

The student will have the opportunity to apply theories and principles that support a variety of evidence-based teaching strategies. Personal and professional teacher attributes that demonstrate positive role-modeling are presented. Major topics include a toolbox of instructional strategies, effective communication, reflective thinking, student interaction, and student engagement. The goal of nurse educators is to develop a learning environment that supports student success.

N700 TEACHING PRACTICUM AND ROLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NURSE EDUCATOR II (2 credit hours)

The student will have the opportunity to deliver didactic and clinical instruction to students enrolled in the school of nursing of their parent institution. Under the tutelage of experienced nursing faculty, the student will engage in the development and delivery of didactic content to students. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to provide clinical instruction to a group of BSN students in the clinical practice areas.

N783 EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION METHODS (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on the nursing education trends, policies, issues and approaches in assessment and program evaluation. Students will have the opportunity to focus on analyzing and appraising current nursing education practice as well as supporting the formation of future practice.

N793 ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES AND PROGRAM PLANNING (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on the most current instructional strategies based on scientific evidence. The student will have the opportunity to identify innovative ways to deliver information in the classroom and clinical setting. The student will have the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues in the planning and implementation of educational offerings such as nursing education content, continuing education and staff education to name just a few.

N787 THESIS, N797 THESISSee course N697 for description.

Nurse Educator course descriptions


Nursing Informatics concentrationOUTLINE OF COURSES*

N790 Healthcare Informatics & Program Planning 3

N607 Healthcare Data Management 3

N675 Project and Change Management 2

N679 Current Topics in Nursing Informatics 1

N701 Systems, Analysis, and Design 3

N750 Practicum and Role Development for the Informatics Nurse 2

N787 Thesis (N797) course description on p. 11 2

N791 Clinical Transformation 3

N796 Practicum and Role Development for the Informatics Nurse 2

Informatics competencies are needed by all nurses. As nurse settings become more ubiquitous computing environments, all nurses must be both information and computer literate.

The role of data management has now expanded into a nursing specialty area focused on bringing together knowledge in nursing science, computer science, and information science in healthcare, as well as business and industry. Critical to this nursing role is the ability to organize and communicate data in ways that support decision making among consumers, patients, providers, and an array of healthcare organizations. Understanding information structures, processes, and technology are key skills for someone in Nursing Informatics.

Nurses with informatics education are also responsible for managing complex healthcare information systems,


The need for health informatics specialists, particularly nursing informaticists, is predicted to increase over the next decade. An individual with a master’s degree in Nursing Informatics is advantaged because of their ability to lead mission critical technological initiatives within the healthcare arena. This nurse has the ability to understand clinical workflow and technology which is necessary in order for successful implementations and maximum acceptance and usage of information technology designed to improve healthcare outcomes.– Daria Byrne, Ed.D.; M.S.N.; B.S.N.

conducting meetings, facilitating training, and implementing changing procedures and policies for new systems. They ensure that report findings are easy

to understand, may provide technical writing support to others and document technical specifications and solutions that meet published requirements.


N790 HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS AND PROGRAM PLANNING (3 credit hours)

Focuses on information technologies and their application in the complex healthcare environment. The use of media, multi-media, and computer-based technologies to care for patients with complex healthcare needs by the advanced practice nurse in the clinical setting are explored. Processes for program planning, evaluation and selec-tion of the most appropriate technology are presented. Technology that supports the clinical processes of tracking patient health-care activities, implementation of EMRs in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and patient health education modalities are examined. Students will use online informa-tion resources, presentation systems, infor-mation storage systems, and the integration of technology, and evolving technology in real time to support their clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. Legal and ethical considerations related to technology and the repositories of sensitive health care information are considered.

N607 HEALTHCARE DATA MANAGEMENT (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on the structure, function, and management of database applications in the healthcare field. Students will apply an understanding of the basic concepts underlying database architecture, interface and table design, data queries, normalization, and stan-dards in security measures. Upon comple-tion of this course, the students will have an appreciation and understanding of large scale information systems envi-ronments and be able to communicate effectively with system analysts using the appropriate terminology.

N675 PROJECT AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT (2 credit hours)

Examines the essential principles and tools of effective project and knowledge and organizational change management, including topics in project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resource, communications, risk, and procurement. Topics address technologies and applica-tions that empower providers in provision of evidence-based care, while evaluating relevant literature focusing on the impact of adoption in the effectiveness of health-care Informatics to patient outcomes.

N679 CURRENT TOPICS IN NURSING INFORMATICS (1 credit hour)Students will explore the dimensions of the Informatics Nurse’s role through analysis of case studies, while preparing a thesis topic. Students will use the Scope and Standards of Nursing Informatics Practice as applied to current and relevant articles to analyze scenarios applicable to dynamics in the industry.

N701 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (3 credit hours)Explores the structure and function of healthcare networks and systems applica-tions. Topics include basic concepts of network architecture, standard protocols, and information services security. There is also emphasis on Informatics in clinical practice focused on a structured approach to methodologies, techniques, and tools for information system development, imple-mentation, and evaluation. Application of the Systems Development Life Cycle incor-porating: planning, analysis, design, imple-mentation, and evaluation is discussed, as well as an analysis of how the Informatics Nurse is featured in this process.

N750 PRACTICUM AND ROLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE INFORMATICS NURSE (2 credit hours)Students apply concepts and theories within the Clinical Informatics specialty, to selected health care settings. Students can work closely with a preceptor and apply knowledge and skills to the role of the Clinical Informatics nurse in any healthcare setting.

N791 CLINICAL TRANSFORMATION (3 credit hours)Addresses synthesis of Informatics tech-niques to bring the best available evidence about nursing to the point of care in support of the clinician’s provision of care and decision making through adoption of technology. The relationship between standardized languages, electronic docu-mentation systems, and evidence-based nursing practice are explored through use of technologies which support nursing interventions, point of care devices, and clinical decision-support systems. The course also addresses use of electronic information systems and applications from a consumer’s perspective to improve personal health outcomes through Infor-matics solutions.

N796 PRACTICUM AND ROLE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE INFORMATICS NURSE (2 credit hours)Building on the knowledge and applica-tion of concepts learned, the student fully implements the role of the Informatics Nurse working in a health care environ-ment through a clinically-based practicum experience. The focus is the integration of theory, knowledge, and skills from previous courses from the perspective of a Nursing Informatics project manager.

Nursing Informatics course descriptions


ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATION*

N580 Adult Acute Care I Diagnostics & Intervention 3

N690 Caring for the Culturally Diverse Client in the Acute Care Setting 1

N680 Adult Acute Care II Diagnostics & Intervention 3

N780 Adult Acute Care III Diagnostics & Intervention 3

PROGRAM TOTAL 9-10

NURSE EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION*

N681 Educational Theories & Conceptual Foundations of Nursing Education 3

N683 Curriculum Design & Instructional Strategies 3

N783 Educational Assessment & Evaluation Methods 3

N793 Advanced Instructional Strategies & Program Planning 3

PROGRAM TOTAL 12

NURSING INFORMATICS CERTIFICATION*

N607 Healthcare Data Management 3

N675 Project and Change Management 2

N679 Current Topics in Nursing Informatics 1

N701 Systems Analysis and Design 3

N791 Clinical Transformation 3

PROGRAM TOTAL 12

Post-graduate certificates


Saint Luke’s post-graduate certificates are designed for practicing nurses who already have a M.S.N. and wish to advance their careers with additional graduate study.

Like the full degree programs, the certificate program is structured around the cohort model, an active and interactive experience.

Certificate programs can be completed in two semesters in most cases. Talk with a faculty advisor for assistance in planning your program.

How to applyFor more information and to apply, visit saintlukescollege.edu or call 816-932-6710 to make an appointment with an admissions representative.


At the completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Integrate scientific findings from nursing to develop plans of care focused on the bio-psycho-social and spiritual patient needs of clients in diverse settings.

2. Articulate the knowledge that organizational and system leadership are critical to the delivery of quality and safe patient care.

3. Provide leadership based on ethical and critical decision making, and positive professional relationships within a systems perspective.

4. Demonstrate the ability to use a variety of methods, instruments, performance evaluations and standards to apply quality principles in diverse organizational systems.

5. Demonstrate leadership in the application of research outcomes in practice settings, discover resolutions to practice problems, work as a change agent and disseminate findings.

6. Efficiently use patient-care technologies to deliver and enhance care and integrate patient advocate technologies to coordinate patient care.

7. Through the policy development process, intervene at the system level to serve as patient advocate and influence health and health care.

8. Serve as a member and/or leader to collaborate, communicate and consult with members of interprofessional teams to provide care to diverse populations in diverse settings.

9. Integrate broad, organizational, client-focused and culturally appropriate concepts in the planning, management, delivery, and evaluation of evidence-based clinical health promotion and disease prevention care; further use these concepts to provide care to populations and aggregates of vulnerable individuals.

10. Develop sound clinical interventions that include both direct and indirect components of care at an advanced level of understanding of nursing and relevant sciences and integrate this knowledge into practice.

The application deadline for the graduate program is May 30.

Required application informationn Online applicationn Official transcripts from every college

or university attendedn Three letters of recommendation

(academic or professional)n Official transcripts if AP, IB, or CLEP

credit was earnedn Minimum 3.00 GPA in B.S.N., or ask for

an individual reviewn License verificationn Application fee of $50n Only complete applications can be

considered

For more information and to make an application:n www.saintlukescollege.edu n Or call 816-932-6710 to make an

appointment with an admissions representative

MSN program outcomes Apply

Financial AidSaint Luke’s College of Health Sciences participates in the Title IV Federal Financial Aid Programs and can offer graduate students the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Saint Luke’s College scholarships may also be available. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information: [email protected]

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Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences is located in historic Westport in Kansas City, Mo., right in the heart of one of the area’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

SAINT LUKE’S COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

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Ave.

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it St.

SAINT LUKE’S HOSPITAL

SAINT LUKE’S COLLEGE

624 Westport RoadKansas City, Mo. 64111816-932-6710

www.saintlukescollege.edu

Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences

slchs grad brochure 2014

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