Master's Program Objectives

Upon completion of the master's degree program, the graduate will be able to:

• Implement a philosophy of nursing congruent with the Judeo-Christian values that support the intrinsic worth of each human being;
  
• Synthesize theory, research, and values within a conceptual framework for nursing practice in a specialized area of clinical nursing;
  
• Utilize outcome criteria to improve the quality of specialty practice;
  
• Generate nursing diagnostic hypotheses which guide the selection and evaluation of nursing interventions based on outcomes;
  
• Use diagnostic, therapeutic, and ethical decision-making to provide therapeutic interventions regarding complex health problems experienced by clients;
  
• Effectively use the research process to evaluate research findings, identify researchable problems in clinical pracitce, and utilize research findings;
  
• Collaborate, consult, and coordinate continuity of care with clients and other health professionals regarding health issues that affect individuals, families, and groups in a multicultural society;
  
• Implement the role of the advanced practice nurse (clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner) within a specialized area of clinical nursing practice (adult health, gerontology, pediatrics, women’s health, community/family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health, palliative care and nurse anesthesia);
  
• Interpret the role of the nurse as it affects health care and health policy on a local, state, national, and global level.

Continuous improvement through assessment

The Connell School has a systematic plan for ongoing assessment of the master’s nursing program. The master’s program outcomes, along with the professional standards and guidelines listed below, shape the curriculum.

Assessment data are used to ensure that ‘best practices’ in nursing education are employed. In addition to these efforts the graduate nursing program maintains its accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Master's program professional standards and guidelines

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Essentials of Master's Education in Nursing
• Quality and Safety Education for Nurses
• American Nurses Association
• National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education
• National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board