MSN & RN-MSN PROGRAM

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Academic Year 2020-2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DISCLAIMER .............................................................................................................................................. 3

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 3

ACCREDITATION ...................................................................................................................................... 3

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT .............................. 4

Division of Nursing Contact Information ............................................................................................. 4

MSN INFORMATION CENTER ............................................................................................................... 4

COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT & CORE VALUES ....................................................................... 5

DIVISION OF NURSING: VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS.......................................................... 5

NMC’s Nursing Faculty’s Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity Statement ........................................... 5

MSN PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................................................................... 6

MSN PROGRAM OUTCOMES ................................................................................................................ 7

NMC MODEL OF MASTER’S NURSING EDUCATION ...................................................................... 9

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR MSN NURSING STUDENTS ....................................................... 10

RN to MSN BRIDGE CURRICULUM .................................................................................................... 12

MSN NURSE EDUCATOR TRACK ...................................................................................................... 13

MSN NURSE EXECUTIVE TRACK ...................................................................................................... 14

MSN NURSING IINFORMATICS TRACK ............................................................................................ 15

POST-MASTERS CERTIFICATE .......................................................................................................... 16

MSN E-PORTFOLIO POLICY ................................................................................................................ 17

Policy ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

Procedure .............................................................................................................................................. 17

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DISCLAIMER The policies and procedures contained in this handbook are subject to change without notice, at the discretion of the Program Directors with the approval of the Dean. Any changes made will be communicated to students in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of each student to be acquainted with all requirements, policies, and procedures for his or her degree program and to assume responsibility for meeting those requirements. INTRODUCTION This handbook has been prepared for the purpose of assisting MSN nursing majors to become acquainted with the MSN and RN-MSN programs. The philosophy of the program is included along with the unique curriculum structure for the program and the program outcomes. This information is most helpful in your understanding of what is involved/expected for the MSN degree. The attached policy is applicable to students in the MSN degree programs. As students admitted to Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), you have access to the College Catalog found on the NMC Website. All information in the College Catalog applies to MSN students who have the same privileges and responsibilities as other College students. ACCREDITATION NMC is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, the accrediting agency for the region in which the College is situated. The College is authorized to offer programs of study leading to certificate, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. The nursing programs at Nebraska Methodist College are also fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Reviewed 7/05, 7/06, 8/0, 8/08, 8/10, 7/1, 7/13, 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 7/09, 1/10, 7/12, 2/20

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT

Students are welcome to communicate openly with faculty and administration. The following are ways to become involved with the business of the Division of Nursing:

Division of Nursing Meetings held twice per semester during the academic year: Contact Dr. Susan Ward at susie.ward@methodistcollege.edu to add agenda items for discussion at Division meetings.

Online Communication: Communication surveys are sent to all nursing students at designated times.

Graduate Team meetings are held monthly in the Fall and Spring Semesters. A MSN student is recruited to be a member of the team each academic year.

Division of Nursing Contact Information

Dr. Susan Ward

Dean of Nursing 402-354-7063 susie.ward@methodistcollege.edu

Dr. Marla Kniewel

Director, MSN Program 402-354-7036 marla.kniewel@methodistcollege.edu

Kathleen Meints, MS

Academic Advisor 402-354-7216 kathleen.meints@methodistcollege.edu

MSN INFORMATION CENTER The MSN Information Center on MyMethodist provides information related to the

Nursing Master's program. All MSN faculty and MSN students will be entered into this

community center. Students are encouraged to enter this site frequently to help answer

the questions that they may have throughout the program.

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COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT & CORE VALUES Mission: As a health profession institution, Nebraska Methodist College provides educational experiences for the development of individuals in order that they may positively influence the health and well-being of the community. Core Values: Through formal degree offerings, certificate programs, professional development opportunities, continuing education and community outreach efforts, Nebraska Methodist College is committed to the following core values:

Caring: NMC is concerned for the well-being of all people and demonstrates this concern through kindness, compassion and service

Excellence: NMC expects the best from everyone and holds to the highest ideas of personal, professional, and organizational performance

Holism: NMC recognizes and honors the interrelatedness of all things and all people and is committed to the development of the whole person

Learning: NMC embraces the experiential process by which knowledge, insight, understanding and ultimately wisdom are created for ourselves and those we serve

Respect: NMC recognizes and upholds the dignity and self-worth of every human being and promotes honest and forthright interpersonal communications and behaviors

DIVISION OF NURSING: VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS Vision: Dynamic nursing education, for today and for tomorrow, for individuals and the global community. Mission: The Division of Nursing is committed to providing quality education that prepares resilient professional nurses who are caring and practice holistically to meet the ever-changing challenges of the 21st century through a culture of evidence-based practice. Faculty will support students, peers, the College and the community in this mission through a collaborative, accepting environment and through relationships fostered by mentoring and role modeling.

NMC’s Nursing Faculty’s Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity Statement The NMC nursing faculty respect the dignity and inherent worth of all people. We proclaim

our belief that we are all more compassionate when we see our common humanity in one

another. We seek to foster a community that values, respects, welcomes and promotes

a sense of belonging where all may flourish. We value inclusion, diversity, equity, social

justice and human rights. In the service of humanity, we embrace the plurality of humanity

that comprises our community including, but not limited to age, race, language, ethnic

origin, religion, gender identity and sexual orientation. As nurse educators, we accept the

responsibility to educate students who will foster cultural diversity and inclusivity in their

nursing practice.

Implemented 7/07 Reviewed 7/08, 8/08, 8/09, 7/10, 7/11, 7/13, 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 7/12

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MSN PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of the Master of Science Program of the Division of Nursing, which builds on the AACN Baccalaureate Essentials, is reflective of the values and beliefs from which the NMC mission and core values were formulated. Nursing integrates empirical, personal, aesthetic, ethical and emancipatory ways of knowing to care for clients (Chinn and Kramer, 2018). Nursing is concerned with promoting health, preventing illness, restoring health, and caring for the sick and dying. Learning is a lifelong, continuous process through which humans acquire knowledge that results in changes of behavior, attitudes, and/or ways of thinking. The nursing faculty believe that nursing education is built on the application and synthesis of the biophysical sciences, psychosocial sciences, the humanities, and nursing science. Teaching is an interactive process that uses a system of actions to promote acquisition, application, integration, and synthesis of knowledge. The graduate faculty serve as teachers, facilitators, resource persons, evaluators, mentors, and professional role models. Graduate education plays a strategic role in the ongoing development of the skilled professional who will contribute to the health, business, political, and social structures of the global community.

Completion of the Master of Science Nursing Program provides the graduate with a strong theoretical and practical base congruent with the MSN Essentials to improve healthcare through a culture of evidence-based practice. This education will prepare the graduate with a firm background in critical thinking and decision-making skills. The master's prepared nurse will have the necessary skills to practice independently and interdependently and to build interdisciplinary collegial relationships. The graduate will participate in the creative development of partnerships with communities to deliver services to a variety of populations. There will be consideration and advocacy for the health care needs of populations, especially those at risk and the growing number of those clients who are underserved. The graduate will be able to use creativity and flexibility in order to deal with roles less clearly defined as well as to manage and carry out the changing and challenging advanced nursing roles. This graduate will function in an increasingly complex health care system that includes responding to global, technological, and environmental issues. The graduate will be able to analyze, synthesize, and utilize knowledge in a scholarly manner. An understanding of health care policy, financing, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision making will assist graduates in assuming a leadership role in promoting effective systems in nursing and healthcare. Chinn, P.L., & Kramer, M.K. (2018). Knowledge development in nursing (10th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Editorial Changes 9/01 Reviewed 7/00, 4/01, 8/02, 1/03, 8/04, 1/05, 12/05, 12/06, 9/07, 8/08, 12/08, 7/09, 7/10, 7/11, 7/12, 7/13, 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 12/99, 9/07, 7/08, 8/08, 10/12

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MSN PROGRAM OUTCOMES

1. Translate and integrate scholarship as a foundation for nursing and health care. a. Address ethical issues related to scholarship. b. Build on clinical expertise focusing on a population of interest. c. Demonstrate use of the research process. d. Integrate theory and research outcomes into nursing administration, education,

informatics or practice. e. Contribute to quality improvement and population health by embracing change

and innovation through evidence-based nursing and interprofessional collaboration.

2. Embraces the roles of the nurse educator, executive, or informaticist to facilitate learning and change. a. Develop a personal philosophy as a nurse educator, executive, or informaticist. b. Develop the capacity for recognizing and reflecting on problems that fall outside

current knowledge. c. Serve in the role of educator, executive, or informaticist and role model when

working with students, staff, peers, and other constituencies. d. Promote critical thinking in those that they educate and serve. e. Engage in professional development as a nurse educator, executive, or

informaticist. f. Foster professional role development through leadership, collaborative skills, and

relationship development with peers, students/personnel, clients, colleagues, and members of the interprofessional team.

g. Model self-reflection and lifelong learning. h. Effectively participate in curriculum/program design and evaluation of outcomes.

3. Values social, political, legal and ethical influences that impact nursing

practice and nursing education. a. Evaluate the process of ethical decision making. b. Apply ethical principles in the role of educator, executive, or informaticist. c. Advocate for public policy that promotes and protects the health of the public. d. Formulate strategies that respond to policy changes that impact health and

education. e. Analyze the impact of access on the health of populations.

4. Appreciates the impact of diversity within nursing and the global community.

a. Examine personal thinking for clarity, objectivity and bias. b. Demonstrate behaviors and attitudes that support respect, reciprocal learning,

and advocacy related to human differences. c. Coach others to improve sensitivity and acceptance of diverse individuals and

groups. d. Develop culturally competent educational/workplace practices.

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5. Demonstrates competency in developing an effective professional nursing environment. a. Analyze the issues related to the use of advanced technology. b. Integrate informatics and current and emerging technologies into practice

enhancing patient outcomes. c. Communicate effectively based on the context of the situation. d. Develop networks, collaboratives, partnerships, and interprofessional

relationships to enhance nursing’s influence within the academic/healthcare community and the broader community.

e. Develop skills for working within an institution and a system of governance. Reviewed 7/00, 4/01, 8/02, 1/03, 8/04, 1/05, 1/06, 8/07, 12/07, 8/08, 12/08, 7/09, 8/10, 7/11, 7/12, 8/13, 714/ 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 3/99, 9/05, 12/0, 4/13, 8/13, 2/16

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NMC MODEL OF MASTER’S NURSING EDUCATION

Effective 8/13 Reviewed 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 2/16

Master’s Graduate Nursing Core

Competencies for Direct Care

Practice Roles

(Nurse Educators)

Competencies for Indirect Care

Practice Roles

(Nurse Executives & Nursing

Informatics)

Direct Care Core

(3 P’s)

Didactic and supervised practice experiences to

demonstrate integration of advanced nursing

knowledge in master’s level practice.

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Nebraska Methodist College Division of Nursing

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR MSN NURSING STUDENTS In order to successfully complete the MSN program, certain physical and behavioral capabilities must be demonstrated in course work, as part of your clinical experience, and/or as a professional working in this profession. MSN students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without a reasonable accommodation. The standards are: General Ability: The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, and smell so that data received by the senses is integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. The student is expected to possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement in order to effectively evaluate patients. A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations. Observational Ability: The student must have the ability to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of clinical/laboratory activities and patient care experiences. The student must be able to document these observations accurately. Communication Ability: The student must communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally to obtain information and explain that information to others. Each student must have the ability to read, write, comprehend and speak the English language to facilitate communication with patients, family members, and other members of the health care team. The student must be able to document and maintain accurate records, present information in a professional manner and provide patient instruction to effectively care for patients and their families. Motor Ability: The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to provide complete physical assessments and provide safe effective care for patients. The student is expected to have psychomotor skills necessary to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medications, and emergency interventions including CPR if necessary. The student must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, and physical exertion required for safe patient care. Students must be able to bend, squat, reach, kneel or balance. Clinical settings may require that students have the ability to carry and lift loads from the floor, from 12 inches from the floor, to shoulder height and overhead. The student must be able to occasionally lift 50 pounds, frequently lift 25 pounds, and constantly lift 10 pounds. The student is expected to be able to maintain consciousness and equilibrium and have the physical strength and stamina to perform satisfactorily in clinical settings.

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Intellectual –Conceptual Ability: The student must have the ability to develop problem-solving skills essential to professional nursing practice. Problem solving skills include the ability to measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize objective and subjective data, and to make decisions, in a timely manner that reflect thoughtful deliberation and sound clinical judgment. The student must demonstrate application of these skills and possess the ability to incorporate new information from peers, instructors, and the nursing and healthcare literature to formulate sound judgment to establish care plans and priorities in patient care activities. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, and complete assessment and intervention activities. Compassion, integrity, motivation, and concern for others are personal attributes required of those in the nursing program. The student must fully utilize intellectual capacities that facilitate prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom and clinical settings; the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team. The ability to establish rapport and maintain interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds is critical for practice as a nurse. Each student must be able to adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the classroom and clinical settings; and effectively collaborate in the clinical setting with other members of the healthcare team. Ability to Manage Stressful Situations: The student must be able to adapt to and function effectively in relation to stressful situations encountered in both the classroom and clinical settings, including emergency situations. Students will encounter multiple stressors while in the nursing program. These stressors may be (but are not limited to) personal, patient care/family, faculty/peer, and or program related. Background Check/Drug Screening: Clinical facilities require that Nebraska Methodist College perform drug testing and background checks on all students before they are allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Therefore, students will be required to have a background check performed and submit to drug screening before being allowed into clinical practice. Effective 8/18 Reviewed 7/19, 2/20

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RN to MSN BRIDGE CURRICULUM Curriculum Structure

The RN-MSN track for the RN without a bachelor’s degree affords the RN the ability to

earn 18 credit hours of undergraduate bridge courses and then transition into the MSN

Program without receiving a BSN. A 3.0 GPA is required to progress in to the MSN

Courses.

Course Credit Hours

NRS 402 Nursing Assessment for RN’s 3

MAT 260 Introduction to Statistics 3

SSC 370 Research Methods 3

NRS 476/476C Community Health Nursing 6

NRS 446 Collaborative Nursing Leadership in a Global Society

3

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 18

*NOTE: The courses are listed for students matriculating Fall Semester 2020 only. The Bridge Courses are under revision. Course names and numbers will change for students matriculating Spring Semester 2021 and students may obtain a list of courses from their advisor.

Initial 12/09 Reviewed 7/10, 7/11, 7/12, 7/13, 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 7/13, 7/18, 2/20

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MSN NURSE EDUCATOR TRACK

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

The following plan represents full-time progression through the program. A student must earn a minimum of 36 semester credit hours to be eligible for the Master of Science in Nursing. All course requirements as outlined below must be met.

Course Credit Hours

NRS 509 Advanced Nursing Roles & Phenomena 3

NRS 513

Measurement & Statistical Concepts for Data Interpretation

3

NRS 516 Teaching/Learning 3

NRS 518 Instructional Methods 3

NRS 754 Health Care Policy 3

NRS 517 Critical Appraisal of Knowledge for Practice 3

NRS 519 Synthesis and Use of Knowledge for Evidence-Based Practice

3

NRS 546 Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology

3

NRS 523 Curriculum/Program Development & Evaluation 4

NRS 592 Capstone I 2

NRS 524 Practicum in Nursing Education 4

NRS 594 Capstone II 2

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 36

Reviewed 7/11, 7/12, 7/13, 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 2/11

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MSN NURSE EXECUTIVE TRACK

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

The following plan represents full-time progression through the program. A student must earn a minimum of 36 semester credit hours to be eligible for the Master of Science in Nursing. All course requirements as outlined below must be met.

Course Credit Hours

NRS 509 Advanced Nursing Roles & Phenomena

3

NRS 513 Measurement & Statistical Concepts for Data Interpretation

3

NRS 550 Organizational Behavior & Structure

3

NRS 552 Role of the Nurse Executive I: Leading an Organization

3

NRS 754 Health Care Policy

3

NRS 517 Critical Appraisal of Knowledge for Practice

3

NRS 519 Synthesis and Use of Knowledge for Evidence-Based Practice

3

NRS 554 Role of the Nurse Executive II: Human Resource Management

3

NRS 558 Role of the Nurse Executive III: Financial Management & Economics

4

NRS 592 Capstone I

2

NRS 559 Practicum: Management, Improvement, & Evaluation in Health Care Organizations

4

NRS 594 Capstone II

2

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 36

Reviewed 7/11, 7/12, 7/13, 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 2/11

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MSN NURSING IINFORMATICS TRACK

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

The following plan represents full-time progression through the program. A student must earn a minimum of 36 semester credit hours to be eligible for the Master of Science in Nursing. All course requirements as outlined below must be met.

Course Credit Hours

NRS 509 Advanced Nursing Roles & Phenomena

3

NRS 513 Measurement & Statistical Concepts for Data Interpretation

3

NRS 517 Critical Appraisal of Knowledge for Practice

3

NRS 519 Synthesis and Use of Knowledge for Evidence-Based Practice

3

NRS 754 Health Care Policy

3

NRS 560 Introduction to Healthcare Informatics

3

NRS 562 Consumer Health Informatics

3

NRS 564 Regulatory, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare Informatics

3

NRS 568 Clinical Information Systems for Clinical Practice

4

NRS 569 Practicum in Nursing Informatics

4

NRS 592 Capstone I

2

NRS 594 Capstone II

2

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS 36

Initiated 2/16 Reviewed 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 7/17

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POST-MASTERS CERTIFICATE NURSE EDUCATOR, NURSE EXECUTIVE, & NURSE INFORMATICS

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

The following plan represents progression for the online post-master’s certificate as a nurse educator/nurse executive. There are a total of 14 credit hours to complete for each certificate.

Nurse Educator (PMC)

NRS 516 Teaching/Learning 3

NRS 518 Instructional Methods 3

NRS 523 Curriculum/Program Development & Evaluation 4

NRS 524 Practicum in Nursing Education 4

TOTAL HOURS 14

Nurse Executive (PMC)

NRS 550 Organizational Behavior & Structure 3

NRS 552 Role of the Nurse Ex. I: Leading an Organization 3

NRS 558 Role of the Nurse Ex. III: Financial Management & Economics 4

NRS 559 Practicum: Management, Improvement & Evaluation in Health Care Organizations

4

TOTAL HOURS 14

Nurse Informatics (PMC)

NRS 560 Introduction to Healthcare Informatics 3

NRS 562 Consumer Health Informatics 3

NRS 564 Regulatory, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare Informatics 3

NRS 568 Clinical Information Systems for Clinical Practice 4

NRS 569 Practicum in Nursing Informatics 4

TOTAL HOURS 17

Reviewed 8/08, 12/08, 7/10, 7/11, 7/12, 7/13, 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 5/09, 2/16, 7/17, 2/20

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MSN E-PORTFOLIO POLICY Purpose:

To ensure that graduate students meet program outcomes through completion of a professional e-portfolio.

Policy:

In order to graduate, students must complete the e-portfolio that demonstrates program outcomes have been met. The portfolio process begins in the first course in the program and students are expected to independently continue to update their portfolio after each semester.

Procedure:

1. Students begin the portfolio process in NRS 509 Advanced Nursing Roles and

Phenomena. 2. Students are expected to independently update their e-portfolio each semester.

3. In the last semester of their program, students are expected to initially

submit/share their updated e-portfolio. The MSN director will notify students about due dates. Designated MSN faculty will provide feedback using the E-Portfolio Assessment Grid.

4. Students are expected to update their e-portfolio based on feedback received.

Students must then submit/share their final e-portfolio by the designated due date.

5. The director and one other graduate faculty will review and provide feedback

indicating that students have met/not met program outcomes using the E-Portfolio Assessment Grid.

Effective 8/08 Reviewed 7/09, 7/11, 7/12, 7/13, 7/14, 7/15, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 2/20 Revised 8/10, 7/11, 2/20