Department of Nursing

Claflin seeks to foster a rich community who work to nurture and develop the skills and character needed for engaged citizenship and visionary and effective leadership.  Claflin is a diverse and inclusive community of students, faculty, staff and administrators who work to cultivate practical wisdom, judgment, knowledge, skills and character needed for globally engaged citizenship and effective leadership

MISSION STATEMENT 

Building upon the mission, vision and guiding principles of Claflin University, the Nursing Department’s mission is to use disciplined study to explore and confront the substantive challenges facing the global society to  provide  students with the essential foundation of a liberal arts education and enhance their skills to improve health and well-being of the community and beyond, and to enhance job marketability to meet global health needs; emphasizing critical and analytic thinking and the knowledge to serve in health care settings with diverse populations.

VISION STATEMENT

Claflin University’s Nursing Department 

will be nationally recognized as a leader for innovative programs in nursing education, community centered scholarship, and interdisciplinary partnerships that prepare professional nurses to meet the rapidly changing health care needs of the diverse community.

PROGRAM GOALS

1. Provide an opportunity for nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in nursing.
2. Prepare nurses to fulfill baccalaureate, leadership and advanced practice nursing roles.
3. Promote a commitment to addressing the health care needs of the citizens.

NURSING DEPARTMENTS GOALS

The nursing department seeks to engage stakeholders in our communities of interest by fostering the following goals related to students, faculty, staff, people, and environment.

1. Integrate innovative best practices, information technology, and online teaching strategies to foster student-centered learning and achieve excellence in educational programs that prepare culturally competent nurses ready to serve diverse populations. (Students & Faculty)

2. Cultivate a thriving, reverent, and caring environment that seeks, maintains, and promotes development of an inclusive and talented community of students, faculty, and staff. (People & Environment)
3. Increase academic practice partnerships and engagement to support student enrollment and clinical enrichment, and to improve health outcomes in areas served by the university. (People, Environment, and Students)
4. Encourage faculty clinical practice engagement and foster practice expertise through support of professional development. (Faculty)
5. Engage in impactful and innovative nursing research and scholarship to improve population health outcomes. (People)
6. Expand and promote global initiatives to educate students to meet diverse needs throughout healthcare. (Students)

BSN Program Objectives

1. Demonstrate leadership skills that integrate an understanding of organizational systems and the internal and external forces that impact them. 
2. Engage in evidence-based practice to enhance the quality of patient care and outcomes.  
3. Use information technologies to document nursing care and improve patient care outcomes.
4. Use the nursing process to plan and implement culturally appropriate care to promote health and prevent disease and injury in diverse populations.
5. Advocate for patients, the nursing profession, and access to quality care through the development of interprofessional and inter-professional collaborative relationships.
6. Model professionalism based on personal values, ethical principles, and the nursing profession's values and standards.

 

MSN Program Objectives:

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at Claflin University, graduates will be able to:

1. critique, evaluate, and synthesize theoretical or scientific findings from nursing and other relevant fields for continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings. (EMEN* - I)
2. demonstrate leadership in ethical and clinical decision-making using a system’s perspective to apply quality principles within an organization. (EMEN - II, III)
3. apply research outcomes within the practice setting, resolves practice problems, and disseminates result. (EMEN - IV)
4. communicate, collaborate, and consult with other health professionals to manage and coordinate care integrating patient-care technologies in care coordination. (EMEN - V, VII)
5. provide holistic care in an advanced specialty nursing practice respectful of a client’s cultural, spiritual, ethnic, and gender diversity, within an increasingly global, multicultural society. (EMEN -VIII, IX)
6. employ advocacy and health policy strategies to influence health care. (EMEN - VI)

 

*EMEN – The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing (Published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2011)

 

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Claflin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Students enrolled in the nursing programs must have access to a computer that meets Information Technology requirements.  Smart phones are not yet a reliable tool for online courses and Tablets may have limited capabilities for completion of assignments and quizzes.  Below is a general overview.  If you have specific questions, email the Helpdesk.

1. Regular Internet access.
2. Daily access to Claflin email
3. Supported operating systems (Windows or Mac) and web browsers (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome). 
4. Java. This is downloadable for free on the Internet. 
5. Microsoft Office 365 is available free to all students in the RN to BSN. Navigate to the Claflin University home page, select “Tools and Resources, and select “Office 365”.  Once logged in using Claflin account information, you can use the software online or download to your computer for easier use. 
6. Adobe Reader. This, too, is downloadable for free on the Internet.
7. RealPlayer, VLC Player or another media player for audio and video files (version 10 or higher is recommended).
8. Adobe Flash Player (version 8 or higher is recommended).
9. Microphone, headphones, and a webcam.

Paying for school is a very important part of being successful in the RN to BSN program.  To help you plan, we provide the following resources:

• Undergraduate Tuition costs for the 2020-2021 school year 
  Graduate Nursing tuition is pending Board of Trustees meeting in February.  
• Claflin University’s Financial Aid

Program Overview- Claflin University’s RN to BSN program provides students with the essential foundation of a liberal arts education, emphasizing critical and analytic thinking, independent research, oral and written communication skills. The University invites students to use disciplined study to explore and confront the substantive challenges facing local, national and global societies.

The program allows students who have an Associate Degree in Nursing the opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills through integrated learning and experience.  Coursework builds on previous nursing education and experience to prepare students as leaders and lifelong learners who practice in a variety of health care settings and with diverse patient populations.  Students gain insight into assessment and management of various populations, integrate evidence-based practice in the health care setting, and devise assessment, planning, and evaluation strategies to improve health in the community.

Courses are fully online and are offered in two 8-week sessions in Fall and Spring Semesters, with one 8-week session offered in summer.  The 30 hours of upper division nursing coursework can be completed full time in one Fall, Spring, and Summer session. Students who require additional elective hours can complete the program with an additional Fall and/or Spring semester, depending upon credit hours needed to completion. Part-time plans of study are available to students desiring more time to completion.

Nurses who complete our Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree have multiple career options.  BSN-prepared nurses work in a wide-range of healthcare settings—from the bedside in a hospital to home healthcare to travel nursing. Professional careers in case management, management, and various specialty fields are especially attractive to BSN graduates.

The BSN program ascribes to the principles of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), which promotes innovation and excellence in academic nursing.  Their Bachelor of Science (BSN) Essentialsdocument describes “elements and framework for building nursing curricula” and outlines “essential curriculum content and expected competencies of graduates” of baccalaureate nursing programs (AACN, 2008).  These Essentials address the key stakeholders’ recommendations and landmark documents such as the IOM’s recommendations for the core knowledge required of all healthcare professionals.” (AACN, 2008, p.3). Claflin University’s RN to BSN integrate these essentials throughout the program curriculum.

 

Required Courses

Prerequisite Courses	Semester Hours
English Composition /Literature/Communications	6
Lifespan Human Growth and Development	3
Human Anatomy	4
Human Physiology	4
Microbiology	4
Statistics, Algebra, or Contemporary Math	3
Science, Social Science and Humanities*	16
General Electives*	20

            Total General Education Prerequisites                                      60

 

Associate Degree Nursing Courses                                             30 Semester Hours

          (i.e. Med Surg, Psychiatric Nursing,

             Fundamental Nursing, etc.; ADN nursing courses 

             more than 30CH may be used as general electives)

 

Claflin University Upper Division Nursing **

                                                                                                Semester Hours

NURS 310 Role Transition: Baccalaureate Role Development       3 

NURS 320 Health Assessment                                                               3

NURS 330 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice           3

NURS 340 Nursing Informatics                                                             1

NURS 350 Issues in Professional Practice                                           3

NURS 360 Community Health Nursing                                               4                      

NURS 410 Nursing Practice in a Multicultural Society                     3

NURS 430 Health Promotion Across the Lifespan                             3

NURS 440 Nursing Leadership                                                               4

NURS 450 Healthy Communities (Capstone)                                      3

Total Upper Division Credit Hours                                            30

**All upper division nursing courses must be taken at Claflin University and cannot be transferred from another University.

Program Requirements

• Hold an unencumbered registered nursing (RN) license
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher 
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended
• Statement of Goals and Objectives
• Professional Resume
• Apply at https://my.claflin.edu/ics/admissions (Select Non-traditional Undergraduate/BS in Nursing)

NURS 310 Role Transition: Baccalaureate Role Development (3 credit hours): This course provides an overview of the nursing metaparadigm: client, nurse, health/illness and environment. Nursing theoretical perspectives will be discussed as a foundation professional nursing practice as care provider and manager of care. Special emphasis will be on the practice of the baccalaureate nurse.

NURS 320 Health Assessment(3 credit hours): This course builds on previous health assessment knowledge and skills focusing on comprehensive health assessment skills. Using a lifespan approach, students examine the physical, cultural, psychosocial, spiritual and nutritional variables through the use of health history and health assessment.

NURS 330 Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice (3 credit hours): This course provides an overview of the research process and utilization in professional nursing practice. Discussion of evidence-based practice as the foundation for safe, quality care will be the focus of this course. Students will be guided through the development of clinical questions and explore strategies for collecting the evidence available to answer them.

NURS 340 Nursing Informatics (1 credit hours): This course provides an overview of nursing informatics to improve information management in health care. Consideration of health care technologies and ethical and financial criteria in relation to the quality of their outcomes are explored.

NURS 350 Issues in Professional Practice (3 credit hours): This course discusses the current political, economic and social trends affecting nursing and the evolving health care system. Special emphasis will be on the nature of the profession and professional values. Alternative and complimentary health practices are discussed as strategies to improve and maintain healthy lifestyles.

NURS 360 Community Health Nursing (3 credit hours didactic and 1 credit hour clinical): This course has both a didactic and a clinical component. The didactic portion introduces the concepts and principles of community health and the practice of evidence base community health nursing. The nursing process is applied to the care of individuals, families, and groups within the community. Emphasis will be on community health measures which promote and maintain the health of the community. Application of community health nursing principles occurs in the 54 hour precepted clinical practice in a community health setting.  Prerequisite: Health Assessment – NURS320

NURS 410 Nursing Care in a Multicultural Society (3 credit hours): This course provides an overview of the influence of culture on health care practices and in the delivery of nursing care for individuals, groups, and communities. Emphasis is on increasing awareness of culturally diverse nursing care and the impact of cultural beliefs, values, and practices upon health and health care delivery.

NURS 430 Health Promotion Across the Lifespan (3 credit hours): This course builds on prior learning and focuses on preventative health care and health promotion for individuals, families, and communities. Consideration is given to the influence of culture and lifespan development.  Using biophysical, environmental, spiritual, sociocultural and economic determinants of health, the focus is on improving health outcomes with individuals, families, and communities. Prerequisite: Health Assessment – NURS320

NURS 440 Nursing Leadership (3 credit hours didactic and 1 credit hour clinical): This course explores the role of the nurse leader, integrating prior learning with an understanding of the nature of leadership as well as leadership and management theories. An introduction to the principles of project management with application to a clinical leadership project is included.  Consideration of individual student growth, particularly related to the student outcomes of the program and personal goals for future growth will be a focus. Fifty-four (54) hours of independent clinical practice under the direction of the faculty to develop and implement a clinical leadership project. Prerequisite: Research and Evidence Based Practice - NURS 330

NURS 450 Healthy Communities (3 credit hours): In this course students will apply knowledge gained throughout the RN-BSN program to the process of assessing a community as a capstone project. Community-specific and epidemiological data will be gathered, appraised, and compared to national averages. Healthy People 2020 Goals,principles, concepts, and models of community health nursing will be utilized to plan interventions to improve the health and well-being of the community and evaluate the plan.   Prerequisites: all program courses, with the following exception: Students may concurrently enroll in NURS410 - Nursing Practice in a Multicultural Society or NURS360 - Community Health Nursing.  Credit Hours: 3

Credit for Experiential Learning and Professional Nursing Certification

In keeping with the University’s goal of integrating experiential learning in programs of study, the nursing department will award elective nursing credit to incoming students with significant nursing experience.  This credit will not reduce the 30 credit hours of core courses that students are required to take as part of the RN to BSN program but will help the student who has less than 90 credit hours of prior learning to transfer to the University satisfy elective credit requirements.

Nursing students may earn three credit hours* for more than one but less than 5 years of fulltime nursing experience. Students with more than 5 years of fulltime nursing experience may earn 6 elective credit hours* towards their degree. Proof of employment as a nurse and the period of employment must be provided.  Experiential learning credit may not be substituted for any of the 30CH of core nursing courses required in the RN to BSN program.

Nursing students may also earn three elective credit hours* for a nationally recognized nursing certification.  Examples of approved certifications include: CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse), Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse, or Certified Obstetric Nurse. Students who have a national certification, should submit a copy to his/her academic advisor who will submit it for approval by the Program Director. 

Experiential Learning Assessment at Claflin University is based on the review of the portfolio [student resume, description of direct patient care clinical experience, and summary of knowledge and skills attained through stated experience(s)].  To receive elective credit hours students must develop a portfolio that reflects an inventory of all registered nursing clinical practice experiences including name of supervisor and contact information, unit type/patient population, institution name, years of service, skill sets attained, and examples of common patients – diagnoses of patients for which the student cared.  *Note - a total of 6 credit hours of electives may be granted for elective credit when combining work experience and certification.  Students may have 0-6 CH in either category but no more than 6CH total.

Course Description

Professional Nursing Practice Elective (NURS 427).  Credit for this course is awarded to students for work experience as a registered nurse upon review of a complete nursing portfolio.  Professional experiences with validation may include national nursing certification, cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification, or direct patient care in a clinical nursing environment.  Requests for prior learning credit must be made to the Nursing Department Chair at least four (4) weeks before the semester begins to provide time to validate learning and award credit. 3-6 CH. 

Students seeking admission into the RN to BSN program must first meet certain prerequisites before they may begin registration for nursing classes. Admission requirements are listed below:

• earned Associate Degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution.
• unencumbered RN license in state of residence (copy of licensure verification required) 
• official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended 
• earned C or better in each course submitted for transfer to Claflin University
• submission of goals statement and resume

In the RN to BSN program at Claflin University, you will experience planned clinical learning opportunities that help you understand, perform, and refine professional competencies in nursing. These experiences focus on nursing interventions that influence health care outcomes for populations in various settings. Two (2) courses in the program have clinical components. Planning is very important to promote success in these courses. 

Clinical experiences for NURS360 – Community Health Nursing and NURS440 – Nursing Leadership and Management should not include hands on nursing care as part of your clinical work (i.e. BP, physical assessment, medication administration, etc.), but should focus on the role of the professional nurse (evidence-based process improvement, group assessment including nutrition status, general health, demographic data, health outcomes, etc.). 

PREPARING FOR CLINICAL ROTATIONS

Prior to beginning the semester in which each of these courses is offered, students must complete the Clinical Agency ID form, documenting the name, location, and contact information for the selected clinical agency. 

Some agencies require students to have professional liability insurance. Students agree to show proof of professional liability insurance in amounts satisfactory to the Facility and the Institution, and covering my activities at the Facility, and to provide evidence of such insurance upon request of the Facility. OR Claflin University maintains professional liability insurance for all fully matriculated and duly enrolled students. This insurance covers students only while in the student role and for the enrolled course. Claflin University assumes no responsibility for activities which students undertake as an employee of an agency or as a volunteer. 

Students must also provide a copy of medical insurance coverage. All medical or health care (emergency or otherwise) that I receive at the Facility will be my sole responsibility and expense. Should a student experience an injury, he or she should notify the course faculty as soon as his or her condition is stable for notification. 

A full description and requirement (i.e. vaccines, OSHA, etc.) of clinical experiences is included in the nursing student handbook received at admission to the program.

 

The BSN “Essentials document serves to transform baccalaureate nursing education by providing the curricular elements and framework for building the baccalaureate nursing curriculum for the 21^st century. These Essentials address the key stakeholders’ recommendations and landmark documents such as the IOM’s recommendations for the core knowledge required of all healthcare professionals.” (AACN, 2008, p.3).

 

Program Outcomes Congruence with University and Professional Standards Building on a foundation of the liberal arts, the graduate will:
Claflin University RN to BSN Program Outcome	Claflin University Student Learning Outcome	BSN Essential Outcomes*	Quality & Safety Competencies for Nursing (QSEN) **
Demonstrate leadership skills that integrate an understanding of organizational systems and the internal and external forces that impact them.	IV – Leadership and Life Skills   III – Intellectual Acumen	I. Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice II. Organizational and Systems Leadership; V. Health Care Policy, Finance & Regulatory Environments.	Teamwork and Collaboration Quality Improvement
Engage in evidence-based practice to enhance the quality of patient care and outcomes.	II - Knowledge Acquisition	I. Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice III. Evidence Based Practice IX Baccalaureate Generalist Practice	Evidence Based Practice Quality Improvement
Use information technologies to document nursing care and improve patient care outcomes.	I – Communication and Literacy	I. Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice II. Organizational and Systems Leadership IV. Information Management	Informatics Teamwork and Collaboration
Use the nursing process to plan and implement culturally-appropriate care to promote health and prevent disease and injury in diverse populations.	V – Global Citizenship	I. Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice VII. Clinical Prevention and Population Health	Patient-Centered Care; Teamwork & Collaboration Evidence Based Practice Safety
Advocate for patients, the nursing profession, and access to quality care through the development of interprofessional and interprofessional collaborative relationships.	IV – Leadership and Life Skills III – Intellectual Acumen	I. Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice V. Healthcare Policy, Finance, and Regulatory Environments VI. Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration	Teamwork and Collaboration Quality Improvement Safety
Model professionalism based on personal values, ethical principles, and the nursing profession's values and standards.	I – Communication and Literacy IV – Leadership and Life Skills	I. Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice VIII. Professionalism and Professional Values	Teamwork and Collaboration

*AACN (2008) The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing. Available at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/baccessentials08.pdf

**QSEN Institute (2009). QSEN Undergraduate Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSAs). Available at http://qsen.org/competencies/pre-licensure-ksas/

Download the entire program information booklet HERE.

Download the entire program information booklet HERE.

Student Program Retention and Completion Rates

BSN Completion

Students completing program within 2 years	Rate
2020	100%
2021	100%
2022	100%
2023	*

 

BSN Retention

Students retained in the program
2020	97.5%
2021	100%
2022	100%
2023	*

 

MSN Retention

Students retained in the program
2021	100%
2022	100%
2023	*

 

*The RN to BSN program at Claflin University enrolled its first cohort in August 2016 and data is not yet available.

The MSN program at Claflin will enroll its first cohort in August 2021 and outcome data is not yet available

One of the most important questions students have when planning to go back to school is “Should I attend full time or part time?”.  Claflin University’s RN to BSN program offers both options.  Fall start examples are shown below, but new cohorts are admitted in both fall and spring. Keep in mind that these are samples and your plan will be individualized to your needs.  Your advisor will discuss this with you once you’re accepted and help you make the choice that is best for your life.

Fall Semester Entry (Full Time)

	Course**	CH by Term
Fall 1	NURS 310 Role Transition: Baccalaureate Role Development -3 CH NURS 320 Health Assessment - 3 CH 6CH	12
Fall 2	NURS 330 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice - 3 CH NURS 350 Issues in Professional Practice - 3 CH 6CH
Spring 1	NURS 440 Nursing Leadership – 4CH NURS 340 Nursing Informatics -1 CH 5CH	12
Spring 2	NURS 430 Health Promotion Across the Lifespan -3CH NURS 360 Community Health Nursing– 4CH 7CH
Summer	NURS 410 Nursing Practice in a Multicultural Society – 3CH) NURS 450 Healthy Communities- 3CH (Capstone) 6CH	6
Program Completion		30

 

Fall Semester Entry (Part Time)

	Course**	CH by Term
Fall 1	NURS 310 Role Transition: Baccalaureate Role Development -3 CH	6
Fall 2	NURS 350 Issues in Professional Practice - 3 CH
Spring 1	NURS 320 Health Assessment - 3 CH	6
Spring 2	NURS 330 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice - 3 CH
Summer	NURS 410 Nursing Practice in a Multicultural Society – 3CH)	3
Fall 1	NURS 340 Nursing Informatics -1 CH	5
Fall 2	NURS 360 Community Health Nursing– 4CH
Spring 1	NURS 440 Nursing Leadership – 4CH	7
Spring 2	NURS 430 Health Promotion Across the Lifespan -3CH* (320 is prereq).
Summer	NURS 450 Healthy Communities - 3CH (Capstone) (must be in last semester)	3
Program Completion		30

Program Overview - The Master of Science in Nursing has two tracks: Nursing Leadership (36CH) and Family Nurse Practitioner (47CH).  Programs are offered online using an asynchronous format; however, clinical components are integrated in both MSN tracks.  Students in the MSN FNP track will be required to participate in an on-campus clinical intensive one week per semester.  Program requirements are consistent with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation standards for master’s level nursing education.  

Advanced practice nursing has long been considered a stable and secure source of employment. Employment prospects are likely to be improved by forecasted nursing shortages over the next several years. Some observers suggest that the nation may already be facing such shortages. The contention that nurses with graduate degrees may have an easier time on the job market is supported by the 2014 AACN survey which found graduate degree holders to be more likely than bachelor’s degree holders to have secured employment by graduation. 

The primary target population of the online Master of Science in Nursing are professionals with undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree who would like to advance their careers in their organizations and beyond. The post-graduate credential can prepare individuals for work in nursing leadership (Nursing Leadership track) and advanced practice nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner track).  In line with Claflin University’s other graduate programs, the Master of Science in Nursing provides students with the essential graduate level education, emphasizing critical and analytical thinking, research and the in-depth knowledge to serve and lead in diverse populations across healthcare. 

 

Course Delivery: Online and onsite clinical intensives.

• Nursing Leader/Administrator Track requires 36 credit hours in 1.5 years (full time)

 

Admission Requirements: Online applications are accepted annually from January 1 – March 1.  Admission decision notification will be made by March 31.

1. Application submitted to the Office of Admissions accompanied by the appropriate application fee (please see Admissions website), which is neither deductible nor refundable. The application for admission and supporting credentials must be received in the Office of Admissions by the published deadline.  Materials submitted in support of this application cannot be returned. 
2. Possession of a four-year US (or equivalent) Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing degree with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university with national nursing accreditation.
3. Official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted beyond high school. Transfer credit posted on the records of other institutions is unacceptable and official transcripts of these credits must be supplied. 
4. Official copies of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for International Students.  A score of 80 or higher (550 or higher prior to 2007) will be required.
5. Three letters of recommendation from former professors/ instructors or professionals qualified to comment on the applicant’s graduate study potential. (i.e. past or present employers and/or past faculty members). 
6. A 300-500-word essay describing the applicant's objective in undertaking graduate study. 
7. A current resume or Curricula Vitae (CV).
8. Verification of unencumbered RN licensure and BLS certification

Curriculum Requirements

Students must complete the prescribed program of study (POS) to complete the MSN – Nurse (36 CH).  A sample POS follows:

Typical Program of Study – MSN – Nurse Leader/Administrator

Spring – Year 1	CH
NURS506: Theoretical Foundations in Nursing*	3
NURS607: Patient Education and Advocacy	3
NURS602: Nursing Management of Human Resources	3
Summer – Year 1
NURS512: Management and Leadership for Nursing Administration	3
NURS504: Research Methods and Evidenced Based Practice*	3
NURS605: Financial Management in Nursing	3
Fall – Year 2
NURS507: Advanced Nursing Informatics	3
NURS513: Quality and Safety in Nursing	3
NURS603: Organizational and Health Systems in Nursing	3
Spring – Year 2
NURS503:Health Policy and Advocacy*	3
NURS613: Nursing Leadership Practicum	6
Program completion= 36 credit hours in 18 months

Curriculum Requirements

Students must complete the prescribed program of study (POS) to complete the MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner degree (47 CH).  A sample POS follows:

Typical Program of Study – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Fall - Year 1 CH NURS501: Advanced Pathophysiology 3 NURS502: Advanced Pharmacology 3 Spring - Year 1 NURS509: Advanced Health Assessment – Across the Lifespan (50h clinical) 4 NURS506: Theoretical Foundations in Nursing* 3 Summer - Year 1 NURS511: Advanced Care Management I- Adults – (150h clinical) 5 NURS504: Research Methods and Evidenced-Based Practice* 3     Fall - Year 2 NURS611: Advanced Care Management II- Adults – (150h clinical) 5 NURS601: Epidemiology, Population Health, and Related Biostatistical Principles 3     Spring - Year 2 NURS614: Advanced Care Management III- Special Populations (pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health) – (6) (200h clinical) 6 NURS505: Organizational Theory and Role Transition 2     Summer – Year 2 NURS617: Role Practicum and Residency -Family Medicine (200h clinical)   6 NURS503: Health Policy and Advocacy* 3 Program completion =46 credit hours in 24 months

BADM603: Organizational and Health Systems Dynamics - This course introduces the student to organizational, systems, and complexity theory analysis with an emphasis on nursing leadership roles, strategic planning, systems thinking and conceptualizing organizations as complex adaptive systems. (3CH) (School of Business)

BADM605: Financial Management - This course introduces nonfinancial students to the fundamental concepts and skills used in healthcare finance to provide the fundamental knowledge base for financial management of health systems within a single agency or institution. Course content compromises management and leadership roles; organizational structures, tax structures and how to interpret and perform analysis of financial statements; basis concepts of reimbursement and various structures and stakeholders; cost analysis and business case development to support returns on investment; strategic planning, resource allocation, budgeting and capital budgeting processes; impact and planning for legal and regulatory issues. (3CH) (School of Business)

BADM611: Management of Human Resources - This course focuses on incorporating the functions of human resource management in organizations to create a competitive edge through employee empowerment. Core human resource concepts are introduced and applied to optimize human capital within a variety of healthcare settings, including compensations and benefits, employee recognition, and employee/labor relations. National, regional and local strategies and workforce trends are discussed related to best practices for the selection, retention, and management as a healthcare employer of choice. Emphasis is placed on code of ethics, staffing organizations, training and development, employee relations, long term planning and succession planning. This course will provide a forum for the analysis and synthesis of human resources specific to the role of nursing and healthcare administrators. (3CH) (School of Business)

NURS501: Advanced Pathophysiology - This course provides students with advanced pathophysiologic concepts and pathological conditions. The focus will be on commonly occurring episodic, chronic, and genetic conditions across the lifespan to provide the foundation for advanced health assessment, clinical decision making, and diagnostic reasoning.  Signs and symptoms of commonly occurring pathologies will provide a basis for understanding disease presentation in clinical practice through comparing and contrasting various differential diagnoses that begin with the same chief complaint. Diagnostic studies will be explored for selected pathologies.  Prerequisite: Admission to the FNP program (3CH)

NURS502: Advanced Pharmacology - In this course students review the basic principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of drugs commonly used for health promotion, disease prevention, and management of various pathological conditions across the lifespan. Methods for screening, risk stratification, and monitoring for clinical effectiveness will be explored. Side effects, contraindications, and toxicities, as well as, factors related to adherence, compliance, and patient education will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based guidelines with consideration for patient variables affecting drug selection such as gender, age, reproductive status, ethno-cultural variation, provider biases or preference, and financial constraints. Students will use current clinical guidelines and point of contact resources to plan and ensure safe practice when prescribing.  Prerequisite: Admission to the FNP program. (3CH)

NURS503: Health Policy and Advocacy*

This course is designed to cultivate an understanding of the interdependence of health care policy and practice on the structural organization and financing of health care as it relates to improving the health of the public. Students will analyze ethical, legal, and social factors as well as the impact of globalization on influencing policy development at the institutional, state, and national levels. An exploration of how evidence-based research can provide a foundation for advocacy to promote change will be undertaken including how this information can be compiled for dissemination to stakeholders.  (3CH)

NURS504: Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice*

In this course students review basic research designs, both qualitative and quantitative, as they relate to evaluating an evidence-based practice project. The focus will also be on the refinement of critical appraisal skills to evaluate current research that will guide a sound methodical approach to improving outcomes related to quality and safety. Protecting the rights of human subjects in research will also be discussed. Students will identify a quality and safety issue in healthcare and design an evidence-based quality improvement project. (3CH)

NURS505: Organizational Leadership, Role Transition, and Interprofessional Collaboration within Complex Adaptive Systems - Role transition to advanced practice requires knowledge of and the ability to apply principles and theories of leadership and systems change strategies in complex adaptive systems to the design, delivery, implementation, and evaluation of new models of care delivery and coordination. Students attain understanding of the role of the leader in effectively implementing patient safety and quality improvement initiatives, ethically and efficiently managing information, ensuring the provision of culturally responsive, high-quality nursing care, and participating in or leading interprofessional and/or intraprofessional healthcare teams to improve healthcare outcomes. This course also fosters student development of professional provider-patient relationships, improved organizational culture, the ethical, efficient, and timely use of informatics, and increased provider accountability through the processes of team development and peer review. (3CH)

NURS506: Theoretical Foundations in Nursing* - In this course students analyze and critique theories from the natural, behavioral, and applied sciences to provide the scientific underpinnings for advanced nursing practice. The student will be introduced to how select theories can be applied to research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement projects to foster quality and safety in health care. Theory discussed in this course will provide the foundation and theoretical underpinnings for the evidence-based practice (EBP) project, research to evaluate the outcomes of the EBP project, and future research opportunities.  (3CH)

NURS507: Advanced Nursing Informatics - This course prepares the student to utilize informatics and health care technologies in the management of individuals, groups and organizations for the coordination of patient care and the improvement of patient outcomes. Processes related to selecting and integrating informatics software in various clinical and administrative settings will also be covered. (3CH)

NURS509: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan - This course expands on prior clinical assessment knowledge and skills with emphasis on detection of abnormalities in physical, psychosocial, behavioral, and genetic assessments. Students develop complex skills in patient interviewing techniques, history taking formats, physical exam techniques, and anticipatory guidance. Additional focus will be on completing these complex skills in a fair, inclusive, and respectful manner. Accurate and thorough communication and documentation of findings in the electronic health record and online patient portals in a timely manner will be discussed. This course requires an on-campus evaluation of physical assessment and documentation skills. Prerequisite: NURS501 (Advanced Pathophysiology) and NURS502 (Advanced Pharmacology) (4CH)

NURS511: Advanced Care Management I- Adults (ACM I) - This course combines pathophysiological concepts, advanced health assessment skills, and pharmacological principles of prescribing in the adult population to assess, diagnose, and manage common episodic and chronic medical, behavioral, and psychosocial conditions based on current evidence within the context of differing sociocultural environments. Students begin to hone their diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making skills based on synthesized clinical data, transitioning the nurse to the advanced practice provider. Students will use their knowledge of health disparities, social determinants of health, and ethical practice to guide comprehensive decision making and care. This course also focuses on provider communication with the patient, family, and interdisciplinary team in terms of referrals, face-to-face communication, the EHR and patient portals. Practicum: Students work with a preceptor. (150 clinical hours) A campus intensive will provide face-to-face faculty time for additional learning and assessment.  Prerequisite: NURS501 (Advanced Pathophysiology) and NURS502 (Advanced Pharmacology) (5CH)  

NURS512: Management and Leadership for Nurse Administration – In this course, students develop skills in the areas of leadership and management such as designing, implementing, and evaluating models and programs of care to meet the population or systems’ needs. Students explore management of quality, work processes, human resource management, ethical decision making, and assessment of clinical resources form managerial and economic perspectives. Students also examine leadership styles and innovations. (3CH)

NURS513: Quality and Safety in Nursing – The focus of this course is quality and safety competencies to prepare nurse leaders for development and execution of quality improvement and patient safety programs. Students examine issues and concepts such as creating a culture of patient safety and behavioral knowledge and skills in leading interdisciplinary teams. The influence of external forces on quality improvement and patient safety agendas along with health disparities and national and state trends in healthcare will be examined. Student are expected to reshape their professional identity as recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). (3CH)

NURS601: Epidemiology, Population Health, and Related Biostatistical Principles - This course provides an overview of epidemiological and related biostatistical methods for use by nurse practitioners to enhance the quality and safety of healthcare. The focus is on common study designs used in epidemiological research as well as procedures for data collection, management, and analysis. It provides an opportunity for students to apply descriptive and inferentialstatistics to explore, analyze, and disseminate aggregate health data. The utilization of data to examine variability and disparities in population trends, practice patterns, and systems of care is also explored. (3CH)

NURS607: Patient Education and Advocacy - This course focuses on developing patient education skills to advocate for patients, families and populations. The student incorporates health literacy issues to determine appropriate technological and written tools for enhancing and extending patient learning. (3CH)

NURS611: Advanced Care Management II- Adults (ACM II) –This course expands upon content in ACM I to focus on health promotion, disease prevention, teaching and coaching, and the ongoing evidence-based management of acute and chronic health conditions in adults. Students continue to hone their skills in assessment, prescribing, ordering appropriate diagnostic tests and interpretation of the results, and synthesizing the data. Greater focus is placed on determining appropriate intervals for follow-up, referrals, and the planning and coordination of care as students’ independence in clinical decision-making increases under the continued guidance of a preceptor. Students continue incorporation of knowledge of health disparities, social determinants of health, and epidemiological and ethical principles to guide care. Practicum: This course includes a precepted clinical experienced aimed at assessment, diagnosis in which students demonstrate increased autonomy.  (150 clinical hours) Requires on campus Intensive.  Prerequisite: NURS511 (Advanced Care Management I). (5CH)

NURS613: Nursing Leadership Practicum - This course provides opportunities to design, implement, and evaluate learning experiences in nursing leadership or administrative settings. This course is the culmination of knowledge gained throughout the program and is completed in the student’s final semester of the MSN program. Students identify an area of concentration and develop individualized learning objectives that are approved by the course instructor. (6CH)

NURS614: Advanced Care Management III- Special Populations (pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health) - ACM III incorporated basic principles and evolving clinical skills from ACM I and II; including knowledge of health disparities, social determinants of health, epidemiological principles, and ethical decision-making to guide comprehensive patient-centered care to special populations, including pediatrics, women, and geriatrics. This course continues integration of evidenced-based practice into clinical decision making in the comprehensive management of acute and chronic illness, as well as in the choice of health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Previously learned pharmacological principles of prescribing will be extrapolated to pediatric, reproductive/maternal health, and geriatric issues. This course introduces growth and developmental specific to these special populations as well as unique assessment skills and management strategies for acute and chronic physical and mental problems commonly encountered in primary care. This course focuses on assessment and management of commonly encountered issues including those for children and adolescents, gynecological problems for women and early recognition of pregnancy, and management of health and disease in the geriatric population including the process of aging, safety, risks of polypharmacy, and end of life goals. Practicum (200 clinical hours): Must include 50 clinical hours from each pediatrics, geriatrics, and women’s health.    Requires on campus intensive. Prerequisite: NURS611 (Advanced Care Management II). in primary care. (6CH)

NURS617: Role Practicum and Residency -Family Medicine - This course focuses on role integration as the student transitions to functioning as an advanced practice provider with the leadership of a clinical mentor. This course helps to solidify the role and development of the family nurse practitioner as a leader and member of the interdisciplinary team. Students demonstrate increased responsibility and accountability for disease management and prevention for populations across the lifespan. Students will demonstrate competency and implementing holistic, patient centered, and culturally competent plans of care. Practicum: precepted clinical focus on all ages with a requirement of 50 clinical hours dedicated to pediatrics (200 clinical hours total).  Prerequisite: NURS614 (Advanced Care Management III). (6CH)

Student Program Retention and Completion Rates

The MSN program at Claflin will enroll its first cohort in August 2021 and outcome data is not yet available.

Claflin University’s RN to BSN faculty are second to none!  Our faculty have been recognized nationally as nurse leaders.  All are doctorally prepared in nursing or are enrolled in a doctoral degree program.  Faculty work to support you as you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students describe faculty as “fair, supportive, encouraging, and genuine”.


Dr. Shannon B. Smith,
APRN, ACNS-BC, CGRN, CNE 
Associate Professor & Chair Department of Nursing 
Claflin University 
400 Magnolia Street 
Orangeburg, SC 29115 
803-535-5843 (Admin)
803-535-5241(Office)
                                       803-535-5776 (Fax)
                                       shansmith@claflin.edu
 

Dr. Katie Lasater     
Department of Nursing     
Claflin University 
400 Magnolia Street     
Orangeburg, SC 29115 803-535-5843 
(Admin) 803-535-5776 
(Fax) mlasater@claflin.edu 

	Dr. Cameo A. Green, APRN, FNP-C Adjunct Nursing Faculty Claflin University 400 Magnolia Street Orangeburg, SC 29115 803-535-5843 (Admin) 803-535-5776 (Fax) cgreen@claflin.edu
	Mrs. Kartina Harrison, MSN Adjunct Nursing Faculty Claflin University 400 Magnolia Street Orangeburg, SC 29115 803-535-5843 (Admin) 803-535-5776 (Fax) kaharrison@claflin.edu
	Mrs. Charlene Dorsey Instructor of Nursing MSN FNP Program Director 803-535-5557 (Office) 803-535-5776 (Fax) cpruitt@claflin.edu
	Dr. Pandora Ryant Adjunct Nursing Faculty Claflin University 400 Magnolia Street Orangeburg, SC 29115 803-535-5843 (Admin) 803-535-5776 (Fax) pryant@claflin.edu
	Dr. Jennifer Bell Woodley Adjunct Nursing Faculty Claflin University 400 Magnolia Street Orangeburg, SC 29115 803-535-5843 (Admin) 803-535-5776 (Fax) jwoodley@claflin.edu

 

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