Elective Courses

NURS 5640 Comprehensive Systematic Review (3) The systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence provides the foundation for evidence-based practice in health care. The course covers two phases of the knowledge into action cycle: evidence synthesis and evidence transfer. Students will learn how to do quantitative systematic review, meta-analysis, qualitative systematic review, and meta-synthesis via hands-on use of data extraction, appraisal, synthesis, and citation management software to identify, appraise, and synthesize available research evidence relevant to a particular practice or policy question. Prerequisite: NURS 6020 or permission from instructor.

NURS 5999 Workplace Dynamics (3) This course focuses on workplace dynamics. It allows students to understand the moving parts in today's diverse organizational environment. Students will become familiar with the principles of human capital and personnel management. Emphasis will be placed on theories of Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Social Intelligence, and communication strategies, which include performance appraisal and constructive criticism, diversity in the workplace, talent management, and succession planning. Students will be guided through identifying and analyzing how these concepts can be implemented in the workplace.

NURS 6881 Mindfulness for Nurses and Nurse Leaders (3) The focus of this course is to explore the philosophical foundations of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) practice, review the functions of the brain and how the brain is affected by this practice, identify evidence-based research and the science behind the practice, and experience MBSR techniques in a workshop setting. This introductory course provides the learner with basic knowledge to support diverse patient populations in the use of selected MBSR techniques as an adjunctive therapy when confronted with stress, anxiety, pain, and illness.

NURS 6981 Genetics and Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3) This course provides a foundational understanding of genetic/genomic principles and concepts as a basis for informed advanced nursing practice. The course reviews the science of heredity and patterns of inheritance. The course provides input regarding major categories of genetic disease including mechanisms producing fetal, pediatric, and adult-onset genetic conditions. Methods of prevention, testing, diagnosis, early intervention, and management will be discussed. Ethical, legal, and social implications will be integrated throughout the course. The overall course goal is to provide a foundation of genetic/genomic knowledge and skills that can be applied to individuals, families, communities, and populations in a variety of settings. Prerequisites: NURS 5104, ADHA 5107.

GLBH 6250 Global Health (3) This interdisciplinary course provides the essential background to understanding key political, cultural, social, environmental, and economic impacts on the health of global populations as well as on the development of global health policies. Global health policies will be examined within the broader context of health and development. Using both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, students will address the sociocultural, political, economic, environmental, and health systems contexts of health, determinants of health, and the effects of health status on globalization outcomes and global health policy.

GBLH 6530 Practicum Experience in Global Health (3) This 3-credit graduate nursing elective course is a guided practicum experience in which the student will experience health care delivery in a global setting. Accompanied by a standing faculty member in the School of Nursing, students will spend a minimum of 1 week abroad or 1 semester internship with an organization serving global communities and experience health service delivery in host country or organization. The facilities will include clinics, hospitals, and community- and faith-based organizations advocating for and providing services to international clientele. Students will have periods for reflection on their course readings and post conferences following their experiences working with these communities. This course is open to graduate students and senior undergraduate students in nursing or other health professions. Prerequisites: GPA 3.0. Course faculty permission based upon personal interview, demonstrated interest in global health issues, ability to adapt to new cultures, travel, and sufficient enrollment in course. Global Health (GBLH 6520) elective course and Epidemiology in Population Health (NURS 6980 or a similar course) are recommended.

HVAD 5000 HIV Care Symposium 1: Diagnosis, Care, and Treatment for Primary Care Providers (3) This is one of three courses required for the specialty in management of HIV disease for the advanced practice nurse. The focus of this course is the diagnosis and pharmacological management HIV disease throughout the HIV/AIDS care continuum. This course is designed to synthesize advanced nursing practice content relevant to care in the primary care settings. Resources will include standards of HIV care that reflect current knowledge of HIV pathogenesis and effects on all body systems. Assessment, diagnosis, and management of all facets of HIV disease will be addressed. Special emphasis on issues of managing comorbid conditions and the medical needs of special populations will be included.

HVAD 5010 HIV Care Symposium 2: Social Determinants of Health and the Impact on HIV Care (3) The focus of this course is an exploration of social determinants of health and the impact on HIV prevention and care strategies for individuals, communities, and populations at various levels of risk factors. Theories of behavioral change and transcultural perspectives of caring for those infected and affected will guide the course to prepare the students to provide patient-centered care across communities and settings. This is the second of three courses required for the subspecialty in management of HIV disease of the advanced practice nurse. This course is open to other majors.

HVAD 5020 HIV Care Symposium 3: Responses to the HIV Epidemic (3) The focus of this course is the historical review and current analysis of the responses to the HIV epidemic from the social, cultural, legal, ethical, religious, economic, political, medical, nursing, and global perspectives. The impact on policies governing the health care system (including clinical and behavioral research), international aid, travel, and criminalization will also be explored. This course is designed to prepare the student to actively engage in efforts to address the epidemic at the personal, local, national, and international levels. This course is open to other majors.

26:705:545 Design of Curriculum and Instruction (3) This course will focus on the design and application of principles of curriculum and instructional design in the classroom and clinical settings. Methods and strategies relative to the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, which are appropriate to the learner, will be discussed. Curriculum design and learning environments will also be highlighted. Pre- or corequisite: 16:300:582; D.N.P. students may take with permission. Requires cross-registration for D.N.P students. Discuss enrollment with your specialty/program director.

26:705:688 Practicum in the Professoriate Role (3) This course is required of Ph.D. students preparing for the professorial role. It focuses on university teaching and the products of scholarship expected of faculty who intend a career in a research-oriented university. The course is individualized to the needs of each student. This course requires cross-registration for D.N.P. students. Discuss enrollment with your specialty/program director.

Please note, other core and specialty courses may be used as electives. Students should contact their specialty/program director for a list of elective course offerings for their specialty. Students must discuss all elective courses with their specialty/program director prior to registration for course(s).