Nursing, M.S.

Program Director: Lisa Hood, MSN

Overview

The complexities of health and nursing care today make expanded nursing knowledge a necessity in contemporary care settings. The transformation of health care and nursing practice requires a new conceptualization of master's education with Christian perspective. The MSN program is developed with the latest recommendation from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, The Essentials for Master's Education in Nursing. The program also integrates the National Organization of Nurse Practioner Faculties' Nurse Practitioner competencies "acquired through the mentored patient care experiences, with an emphasis on independent and interprofessional practice; analytical skills for evaluating and providing evidence-based, patient-centered care across settings; and advanced knowledge of the health care delivery system" (NONPF, 2012). A master's education in nursing equips nurses with valuable knowledge and skills to lead change, promote health and alleviate suffering in various levels and settings in synergy with current and future healthcare reform legislation.

With a focus on assessment, prevention and instruction, the Master of Science in Nursing gives a broad education, applicable in today's evolving health care field. An FNP emphasis focuses on primary care across the lifespan with practicums that prepare participants for this specialty. Family nurse practitioners demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the relevance of the family's identified community in the delivery of family-centered care.

Admission Requirements

• Three current reference forms
• Interview with program director
• BSN degree from an accredited nursing program
• All other official transcripts from colleges/universities attended; Transcripts must verify satisfactory completion of:
  • Statistics
  • Chemistry
  • Upper-division writing
• Letter of explanation if GPA is below 3.0
• Licensure as a professional nurse (RN) in the state of California
• Certification as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) in the state of California
• Background check from Certified Background. (Call 559-573-7831 for instructions about placing an order.)
• Evidence of current malpractice insurance
• Evidence of current physical exam and immunization
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Minimum two years experience in direct patient care

All applicants to FPU's graduate nursing program will be considered on an individual basis. Admissions decisions will be based on the applicant's complete profile, which includes previous academic work, nursing experience, professional references and a personal interview.

Nursing Mission

We develop nursing professionals equipped with the values, knowledge, and skills to improve health for all through leadership and service.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Critical Analysis: Critically analyze information to provide leadership, education and service across the lifespan in health care settings.
2. Theoretical Integration: Integrate applicable leadership, organization and role theories to lead and teach at micro and macro levels in health care.
3. Technologies Integration: Employ informatics and health care technologies to evaluate and improve the quality and safety of patient care.
4. Evidence into Practice: Use evidence-based scholarship, leadership and ethical health care policy, practice and service in clinical prevention and health care maintenance across the lifespan.
5. Collaboration and Advocacy: Professionally collaborate and advocate for the improvement of individual, family and community health outcomes across the lifespan.
6. Health Disparities: Apply ethically and culturally sound principles and solutions to complex socio- economic issues related to the health of families, communities and populations.
7. Advanced Practice: Demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and professional dispositions to lead and promote change in health care settings.
8. Christian Integration: Synthesize Christian beliefs and values in the nursing field to advance a culture of excellence professionally and personally through lifelong learning.

Project

Nursing students complete a project during the program. The master's project is a scholarly piece of research, analysis and writing which must be relevant to the discipline of nursing and the student's chosen practice area. The purpose of the activity is to foster an understanding and application of the scientific method as a basis for studying problems in advanced nursing roles. The paper should be analytic in nature and grounded in theory and research with recommendation for implementation.

Locations Offered

North Fresno Campus