This course focuses on the evaluation and development of evidence-based approaches to improve practice, health outcomes, and the care environment. Emphasis is placed on utilizing theories in nursing research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement; analyzing evidence; identifying knowledge gaps; developing strategies to generate and disseminate new evidence; and planning approaches for translating evidence into practice. Cultural and lifespan considerations of evidence-based practice approaches are addressed. Ethical considerations of evidence appraisal, development, and implementation are identified. This course serves as the foundation for synthesis and development of nursing knowledge in clinical (capstone) projects. Students must have completed an undergraduate statistics or equivalent course and an undergraduate nursing research course.

This course examines how health care delivery systems are organized and financed and the economic, political, and regulatory factors that influence the planning and delivery of healthcare services across the continuum of care. Emphasis is placed on utilizing health system data sets, quality improvement tools, and evidence-based practice to optimize patient safety and health outcomes. Students apply economic, systems, and organizational principles in evaluating the structure, function, and delivery of health care in the U.S. and participate in the development of policies to improve health care. The utilization of information technology to support the coordination, improvement, and delivery of care is explored.

This course examines epidemiologic and public health principles to analyze needs and plan for care of populations across the lifespan. Social, cultural, environmental, and genetic determinants of health are explored; risk assessment and root causes of illness are examined. Health promotion and educational methods are critiqued, and levels of prevention applied in developing programs for at-risk populations. Building on local context, the urban, multicultural, national, and global influences on population health are explored.

This course focuses on the identification, analysis, and implementation of communication strategies to facilitate formation of successful teams and partnerships. Students will develop a comprehensive knowledge of principles of adult learning and will examine clinical reasoning, judgment, and decision making in addressing the needs of diverse patients and populations across the life span. Emphasis will be placed on developing group leadership skills, building teams through communication and partnership, and conflict management in the light of change.

This course is a foundation for the health care leader and manager shaping change across the continuum of care. It builds upon the knowledge base, tools, and abilities essential to function as an effective nurse leader and manager in a variety of health care systems. Students will synthesize management skills related to systems analysis, human resources, outcomes management, financial management, micro and macroeconomics, organizational development, business planning, conflict resolution, and change management. The clinical practicum is focused upon the application of nursing research, theory, and the essential principles of management to a practice setting. The student will advance knowledge and skill through participation in an agency-based project. Students will complete an agency assessment to identify an opportunity (problem) to focus on an agency specific project. These healthcare settings may include acute care agencies, community settings, not-for-profit corporations, congregations, government agencies or education facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Practicum site selection and project planning and approval are done between the student, faculty, and preceptor with the goal of improving outcomes for individuals or populations. The student develops objectives specific to advancing knowledge and management skills and begins work on a capstone practicum project. Practicum hours total 140.

This course is a foundation for the healthcare leader and manager shaping change across the continuum of care. It builds upon the knowledge base, tools, and abilities essential to function as an effective nurse leader and manager in a variety of healthcare systems. Students will synthesize management skills related to systems analysis, human resources, outcomes management, financial management, micro and macroeconomics, organizational development, business planning, conflict resolution and change management. The class includes both a didactic and practicum component. The practicum component is focused upon the application of nursing research, theory and the essential principles of management to a practice setting. The student has the opportunity to advance knowledge and skill through participation in an agency-based project. Course projects relate to developing a business plan, analyzing a financial plan, and human resource management approaches in a healthcare setting. These healthcare settings may include acute care agencies, community settings, not-for-profit corporations, congregations, government agencies or education facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Practicum site selection and project planning and approval are done between the student, faculty, and preceptor with the goal of improving outcomes for individuals or populations. The student develops objectives specific to advancing knowledge and management skills and begins work on a capstone practicum project. Practicum hours total 180 clock hours. Prerequisite: NURS 5010, 5015, 5020, 5030, 5421.

This course focuses upon the student as a transformational leader in the healthcare environment. The student analyzes and evaluates community-based care, integrated systems, and community networks. Concentration on the continuum of care as it moves from simple to more complex systems of partnerships, mergers, networks, and interdisciplinary teams will be emphasized. The role of the leader advances to that of strategic change agent who is knowledgeable in the transformation of organizations to enhance capabilities and adaptability of resources at all levels. Having learned about nursing management processes during NURS 5431, the practicum focus for this semester is on innovative leadership, quality improvement, safety, collaboration, and problem resolution. The student seeks out these experiences in collaboration with the preceptor. Time may be spent with departments and programs such as Quality Improvement, Infection Prevention, Risk Management, Informatics, Patient Advocacy, Bed Control, or other relevant experiences. Activities may include observation, participation in data collection, monitoring, or patient rounding. The student, preceptor, and faculty member work together to identify those activities that best meet the student's learning objectives. Completion of the practicum project provides the student with an opportunity to apply skills and approaches learned during course work into practice in a healthcare environment. Practicum hours total 180 clock hours.

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop an evidence-based practice project with potential for dissemination. The project will be presented in both written and oral formats.