COLLEGE OF NURSING
Dr. Nelda Christine Martinez, Ph., D. Dean
Life & Health Sciences Building #2.720
882-5000
The mission of the College of Nursing reflects the mission of The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College by providing high quality educational opportunities for the enhancement of the human resources through intellectual and personal growth. To this end, through one or more of its individual programs, the College of Nursing seeks to:
* demonstrate academic leadership by providing high quality, accessible, and affordable multi-level articulated educational programs for a culturally diverse group of individuals;
* provide health care programs of workforce training, continuing education, public service and lifelong learning;
* recognize holism and caring as integral to the provision of health care programs that provideexcellence in teaching and learning;
* develop in its students the skills of problem solving and critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and effective communication;
* provide high quality distance education programs;
* cultivate in students ethical and moral values that foster professional and social responsibility;
* engage in high-quality, innovative research that entails the discovery, dissemination, and application of knowledge
* facilitate student and faculty involvement in systematic inquiry and scholarly activities that enhances health care and clinical skills;
* promote service through active participation in professional and community organizations and activities which are concerned with the promotion of optimal health and the prevention, early detection and treatment of disease;
* demonstrate leadership in health care by being a vital source of well trained and highly skilled faculty and graduates to the local, regional and national health care and life sciences community; and
* be a vital part of the community university that respects the dignity of each learner and addresses the health care needs of the entire community.
Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
Nursing Education Certificate
Nursing Administration Certificate
Graduate Faculty
Edna Garza-Escobedo, Professor Emeritus
Dianna Garcia-Smith, Assistant Professor
Ava Miller, Professor
Nora Montalvo-Liendo, Assistant Professor
Eloisa G. Taméz, Assistant Professor
Anne Rentfro, Associate Professor
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
36- 44Hour Program
The College of Nursing offers a graduate program of study leading to the Master of Science in Nursing which produces a nursing leader in the areas of nursing education, or and nursing administration. The Public Health program curriculum is offered in collaboration with The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston School of Public Health.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education Option
The nursing education option is developed to prepare nurses at the master’s degree level for educational leadership in teaching traditional and non-traditional nursing programs to meet the needs of a diverse student population. It has been developed to meet professional standards and guidelines of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
The graduate nursing education option area of study provides students with a foundation of knowledge and experiences in the following areas:
-principles of nursing education and conceptual models of nursing
-organization and administration of educational programs
-strategies to work with culturally diverse nursing education groups
-development and evaluation of nursing education programs
-applied nursing education research
The graduates will be able to:
-participate as a leader in the development and administration of nursing education programs
-utilize a variety of teaching strategies and educational resources to facilitate learning in the classroom and clinical areas.
-participate knowledgeably in the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing curricula and nursing programs.
-analyze the issues and trends in higher education, and specifically in education, and their impact on the development of nursing education.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration Option
The nursing administration option will developed to prepare nurses at the master’s degree level for nursing administration for leadership in traditional and non-traditional health care setting to meet the needs of a changing health care system. It has been developed to meet professional standards and guidelines of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
The graduate nursing administration option area of study provides students with a foundation of knowledge and experiences in the following areas:
-principles of nursing administration and conceptual models of nursing
-organization and administration of nursing organizations and departments
-strategies to work with culturally diverse nursing groups
-development and evaluation of nursing administration
-applied nursing administration research
The graduates will be able to:
-identify nursing administration’s role in strategic planning, resource management and development of supportive practice environment for staff
-promote the inclusion of a culturally diverse staff and provide culturally sensitive client care.
-apply nursing and organizational theories and strategies to enhance the delivery of quality, cost-effective nursing care to clients.
-promote an evidence based practice, nursing and interdisciplinary research and educational opportunities for staff.
Admission Requirements
Evidence of academic achievement and potential for advanced study and research is required for graduate admission. Specific criteria for Unconditional Admission for master’s degree seeking students in nursing are:
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• A satisfactory short essay under timed condition
The essay shall include
a.) reason for program
b.) anticipated personal gain from the program
c.) relevant preparation
d.) future professional goals
• A satisfactory interview with the M.S.N. program director
• An official transcript of TOEFL scores (500 written, 213 computer) for foreign students
• An official transcript in English, with translation if necessary, indicating either an earned bachelor’s degree in nursing or an earned completion of NURS 5300 Transition to Graduate Nursing for required nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
• Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course.
• Current license to practice nursing in Texas.
• Evidence of current immunizations required by the Texas Department of Health for students in health-related programs.
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 and/or GRE scores lower than those specified are also encouraged to apply.
Notification of decisions on graduate admission is made by the Office of Graduate Studies based on the admission criteria and recommendation of the academic department. Information related to application procedures and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies.
Degree and Graduation Requirements
Each student will be assigned an advisor to assist in preparing the Graduate “Program of Study “before or during their first semester in the program. Advisors will be available throughout the program of study for guidance. Students must complete all course work prior to graduation.
Students who have been suspended may apply for readmission into the MSN program by the procedures outlined in the Academic Probation and Suspension section of the Graduate Catalog. Such applications will be considered on a case by case basis, and readmission will be granted at the discretion of the MSN program admissions committee and the Dean of the College of Nursing.
Transfer courses from other Graduate Nursing programs will be evaluated on an individual basis for acceptance.
Transition to Graduate Nursing Program
Registered nurses who have an earned bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may qualify for application to the M.S.N. program by completing the Transition to Graduate Nursing course.
Number Course Credit
NURS 5600 Transition to Graduate Nursing 5
Curriculum Non-Thesis Option
M.S.N. Foundation/Core Courses
The M.S.N. Program contains a seven course Core Curriculum that all students are required to complete.
Number Course Credit
NURS 6322 Moral and Ethical Issues in Nursing 3
NURS 6323 Theories and Conceptual Models of Nursing Practice 3
NURS 6333 Research in Nursing 3
NURS 6354 Advanced Community Nursing 3
NURS 6351 Nursing Leadership, Theory, and Health Care Politics in a Changing World 3
NURS 7300 Capstone Practice Project 3
Elective 3
Total 21
Curriculum
Thesis Option
The M.S.N. Program contains a seven course Core Curriculum that all students are required to complete.
Number Course Credit
NURS 6322 Moral and Ethical Issues in Nursing 3
NURS 6323 Theories and Conceptual Models of Nursing Practice 3
NURS 6333 Research in Nursing 3
NURS 6354 Advanced Community Nursing 3
NURS 6351 Nursing Leadership in a Changing World 3
NURS 7301 Nursing Thesis I 3
NURS 7302 Nursing Thesis II 3
Total 21
Degree Options
Nursing Education Option:
Number Course Credit
NURS 6362 Theoretical Foundation of Nursing Education 3
NURS 6363 Curriculum Development in Nursing 3
NURS 6464 Teaching Roles and Strategies 4
NURS 6365 Educational Evaluation in Nursing 3
NURS 6366 Instructional Design and Online Teaching in Nursing 3
Total 16
Program Total (21+16)=37
Nursing Administration Option: (15 SCH) Degree (36 SCH)
Number Course Credit
NURS 6382 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice 3
NURS 6374 Clinical Leadership in Nursing 3
And
Nursing Administration Pathway:
NURS 6370 Nursing Administration concepts and Theory 3
NURS 6371 Health Care Change, Negotiation, and Conflict Management 3
NURS 6372 Health Care Finance 3
or
Clinical Nursing Leadership Pathway:
NURS 6383 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NURS 6384 Advanced Physical Assessment 3
NURS 6385 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
Total 36
The M.S.N. with a Nursing Education option contains 37 semester credit hours.
The M.S.N. with a Nursing Administration option contains 36 semester credit hours. Students are not required to take an Elective course.
Nursing Education Certificate
10 Hour Program
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is important for several reasons. Many nurses with bachelor’s degrees have careers in school nursing and education. Many of these nurses are master’s-prepared and others are bachelor’s- prepared. The rate of population growth in this area is 33 percent. With this growth comes a need for health-care facilities and individuals to provide health care. The need for nurses prepared to teach is great in this region.
The nursing education certificate program would be offered to B.S.N. or graduate- prepared registered nurses. A three-course sequence would be offered online during the first and second summer sessions. Affiliation agreements with area nurse educator facilities would be obtained for the purpose of providing a pool of preceptors to work with students. Typical students would consist of B.S.N. graduates seeking a teaching certificate to enhance teaching skills and post-master’s nurses seeking a teaching career.
The nursing education certificate provides students with a foundation of knowledge and experiences in the following areas:
• Principles of nursing education and conceptual models of nursing
• Organization and administration of educational programs
• Strategies to work with culturally diverse nursing education groups
• Development and evaluation of nursing education
Required Courses: 10 hours
NURS 6363 Curriculum Development in Nursing
NURS 6464 Teaching Roles and Strategies
NURS 6365 Educational Evaluation in Nursing
Nursing Administration Certificate
9-Hour Program
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Administration is important for several reasons. Many nurses with bachelor’s degrees have careers in nursing administration. Some nurses work in acute-care facilities and others work in the community setting or educational administration and leadership. Many of these nurses are master’s-prepared and other is bachelor’s-prepared.
The nursing administration option is developed to prepare nurses at the master’s degree level for nursing administration for leadership in traditional and non-traditional health care setting to meet the needs of a changing health care system. It has been developed to meet professional standards and guidelines of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
The graduate nursing administration option area of study provides students with a foundation of knowledge and experiences in the following areas:
• Principles of nursing administration and conceptual models of nursing
• Organizational and administration of nursing organizations and departments
• Strategies to work with culturally diverse nursing groups
• Development and evaluation of nursing administration
• Applied nursing administration research
Required Courses: 9 hours
NURS 6370 Nursing Administration Concepts and Theory
NURS 6371 Health Care Change, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
NURS 6372 Health Care Finance
Graduate Course Descriptions
Nursing
NURS 6322 Moral and Ethical Issues in Nursing
This course provides a study of ethical issues in nursing. Emphasis is placed on the influence of moral and ethical positions on behavior and decision making in policy formulation and practice. This course helps the student identify action that reflects amoral or ethical positions in various nursing contexts, understand how moral and ethical beliefs influence behavior, relate selected moral and ethical theories to position-taking, specify a personal position on moral and ethical issues in nursing, and identify the consequences of taking a position. Lec 3, Cr 3
NURS 6333 Research in Nursing
This course introduces students to the procedures and methods utilized in conducting clinical and epidemiological population based research. The planning and design of research proposals and projects are undertaken. The various types of nursing research are examined, and critical analysis of research articles and research design are stressed. Students prepare research proposals during the course and focus on problem identification, literature review and analysis, project description and evaluation, and measurement of health care outcomes. The implementation of the students research project is completed in NURS 7300 Field Experience Masters Project. Lec 3, Cr 3
NURS 6351 Nursing Leadership, Theory and Health Care Politics in a Changing World
This course examines leadership and role theory within the context of nursing and the enactment of the leadership role. The structure and discipline of nursing will be examined with particular emphasis on theories, models, and conceptual frameworks. Changes in health care delivery and implication for health status, nursing education, research and service are explored. This course also involves the process for analysis of social policy from health care formulation to appropriation and allocation of funding (local, state, federal) Lec 3, Cr 3
NURS 6354 Advanced Community Nursing
In this course students analyze the theory and role of nurses working with aggregates, including assessing communities through use of epistemologies methods; defining and prioritizing health problems; and developing proposals for resolution of diagnosed problems. Course content is designed to build on baccalaureate education to further promote critical thinking skills necessary to perform autonomously in community health environments. Students will use the course concepts in a clinical application project that reflects leadership in the students chosen degree emphasis area. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6363 Curriculum Development in Nursing
Focuses on the curriculum development process in nursing. Examines the philosophy, conceptual framework, objectives and program evaluation in curriculum development. Explores the relationship and significance of these elements and their Impact on curriculum implementation. Examines external factors that Impact decisions about curriculum design.
NURS 6365 Educational Evaluation in Nursing
This role support course introduces the student to the evaluation process in nursing education. The course provides basic knowledge of evaluation design and strategies for evaluating learning outcomes in nursing education along with overall curriculum and program evaluation. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6370 Nursing Administration Concepts and Theory
Concepts and theories related to organizational structure and the administrative process are used to examine the roles and responsibilities of the nurse manager in healthcare organizations. The influence of environmental, technological, and professional forces on the structure and functions of healthcare and nursing service organization and on the role of the nurse manager is explored. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6371 Health Care Change, Negotiation, and Conflict Resolution
This course examines organizational behavior, total quality management, change theory, and team building application of implementing change, negotiation, and managing conflict in an ever-changing health care environment. The course also addresses empowerment, shared governance, and problem-solving/ negotiation models. Lec 3, Cr 3
NURS 6372 Healthcare Finance
This course presents students will the financial aspects of management across health care settings. Students examine the financial issue in delivery models in such areas as managed cared and explore techniques of cost analysis, strategic planning in budgeting and marketing, and forecasting. Analysis of staffing and case mix, regulatory impacts, and financial interactions with resource allocations are also included. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
NURS 6380 Special Topics in Nursing
This course gives the student the opportunity to study contemporary topics and issues within a specific subject area in the discipline of nursing. May be repeated once as topics vary. Lec 3, Cr 3.
NURS 6383 Advanced Pathophysiology
This course focuses on pathophysiological processes across the lifespan, development, development of clinical reasoning skills that distinguish relationships between specific system alterations resulting from injury an disease. Particular attention will be given to etiology pathogenesis, development and environmental influences, and clinical manifestations of major health problems. Lec. 3, Cr. 3.
NURS 6384 Advanced Health Assessment
This course builds on health assessment skills based on theoretical and clinical advanced assessment practice. The advanced practitioner utlizes comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessment skills across the lifespan. Faculty and preceptors facilitate laboratory and clinical experiences that focus on assessment of clients and presentation of findings in various settings. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6385 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
This course includes content on advanced knowledge and skill in the therapeutic use of pharmacologic agents, pharmacologic treatment of major health problems, principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharacogenomics. Effects of culture, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, gender and funding on pharamacologic therapy are emphasized. Legal aspects of prescribing will be fully addressed.
NURS 6464 Teaching Roles and Strategies
This course focuses on the roles of nursing faculty. It includes an analysis of teaching/learning theories, teaching strategies, classroom climate, learning environments and evaluation of teaching/learning. Examination of distance education is included. The course involves the application of teaching/learning theories, strategies and evaluation in an actual educational situation.
NURS 7300 Capstone Practice Project
The capstone is a professional scholarship project that employs a practitioner-scholar model for graduate nursing preparation. Practitioner-scholars are expected to forge links between theory and practice . By embracing the practitioner-scholar model, the capstone practice project course endeavors to align graduate nursing education with the career aspirations of students. A pass/fail grade will be assigned. Lec 3 , Cr 3.
NURS 7301 Nursing Thesis I
The student completes an individual research project under the direction and supervision of a graduate thesis committee. The thesis is defended publicly and approved by a majority of the committee. Prerequisite: Approval of graduate nursing advisor. Lec 3, Cr 3.
NURS 7302 Nursing Thesis II
As a continuation of Thesis I, the student completes an individual research project under the direction and supervision of graduate thesis committee. The thesis is defended publicly and approved by a majority of the committee. Prerequisites: Approval of graduate nursing advisor. Lec 3, Cr 3.