The graduate program in nursing is designed for working nurses who are interested in the master degree to further careers in nursing education or nursing management/administration. The program offers a traditional two-year (five semesters) program for either option after the baccalaureate degree is completed. An e-learning option is also available for the nurse educator track. Both options offer specific curricula that prepare the students to function on an advanced level in the nursing profession. The faculty is committed to providing excellent course and practicum experiences for learning.  All students take core courses for higher-level practice, such as research and theory, as well as specific coursework for the area of emphasis. All students will complete a scholarly project or thesis. This will prepare the graduates to function in a variety of settings. Graduates of the nursing education option will be prepared to teach at a community college; hospital staff development department; community health staff development department; or teach patients in any type of patient care area. Graduates of the nursing management/administration option will be prepared to work as a patient care manager in any setting. Either option will prepare the graduate to pursue the terminal degree.

 

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

 

Following matriculation, students are expected to complete coursework at McKendree University. However, prior to matriculation, up to 15 credits will be accepted from an accredited nursing graduate program. The courses must have equivalent content and a grade of (3.0) B or better to be considered for transfer.

 

Students must complete all degree requirements within 7 years of matriculation, unless otherwise specified. Students will remain under the catalog in effect at the time of their matriculation, unless they request to change to a subsequent catalog governing their degree requirements. Students must then meet all of the requirements of the new catalog.

 

Required Course of Study

(Required of all graduate students in nursing)

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate level nurses are prepared to extend their scientific base of knowledge through the acquisition of statistical methods and techniques of the research process. Learners select and analyze research studies in nursing and related fields, building upon their baccalaureate education. Graduate students critique, synthesize and develop evidence-based practice standards.

 

This course prepares graduate level nurses to participate in implementation of quality care in a variety of healthcare systems. Learner understanding of healthcare policy locally, nationally and internationally is enhanced by an introduction to healthcare policy, economics, and organization as defined by governmental entities.  

 

Students examine fundamental ethical principles and philosphies.  The students analyze ethical dilemnas encountered in healthcare and explore the decision-making process and the implications of decisions. 

 

Students analyze health promotion, education and prevention strategies based upon the health concerns and preventive needs of different groups.  Utilizing knowledge of the local, state and federal health plans, students conceptualize and develop a plan to promote health and/or prevent disease in a specific group.   

 

 

 

Students are introduced to principles of modern informatics in nursing management.  Pocesses of data storage, transmission and communication are examined.  

This course examines individual and group behavior within the context of an organization.  A dynamic, systems approach to facilitating work relationships is emphasized.  Techniques for organizational change, group decision making, and conflict management will be analyzed based on evidence based practice concepts.

 

Students investigate the use of fiscal data to support managerial decision-making.  Fiscal concepts explored include cost accounting, cost variance analyses, and personnel costs in the current health care environment.  Students will apply this knowledge in preparation of a budget.

 

This course focuses on the way that healthcare is delivered, and the management of those delivery systems. Graduate student nurse managers will explore different types of delivery systems in clinical settings.

 

In this capstone to the nurse manager option, the student synthesizes previous course content.  Students develop competence in the manager role through practice with a preceptor. This is a concentrated practice experience involving 40 hours with a preceptor and supported by conferences with faculty.

 

Students are provided the opportunity to apply advanced health assessment techniques, obtain comprehensive histories, and interpret health status data leading to the development of optimum plans of care.  This course includes clinical practice of physical examination skills. 

Students investigate the biological bases for physiological diseases.  Students differentiate normal lifespan changes, benigh variations and pathology. 

 

Students analyze educational theories and philosophies.  The application of adult learning principles will be discussed including learning styles and learner motivation.  The course includes an examination of the influence from institutional culture and nursing trends. 

This course focuses on curricular design and evaluation. Students examine instructional design, methods and materials. Various types of evaluation are studied including student, faculty, and program.   

This course provides the students with an opportunity to expand the level of their clinical expertise.  Students will evaluate and develop advanced practice skills. Clinical experiences will be consistent with the course objectives and will be individually planned. Students will have a concentrated practice experience involving 60 hours with a preceptor and supported by conferences with faculty.

 

In this capstone to the nurse educator option, the student synthesizes previous course content. Students develop competence in the educator role through practice with a preceptor in the classroom and clinical instruction areas. This is a concentrated practice experience involving 40 hours with a preceptor and supported by conferences with faculty. Pre/co-requisites: NSG 610 & NSG 611.