Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Program Description
The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares graduates to integrate competencies in health assessment, disease management and health education, including the pathophysiology and pharmacology of the acute and stable chronically ill for management in primary care. The FNP online program prepares for advanced practice nursing to implement established nursing theory and evidenced-based practice to provide healthcare in a variety of primary care settings across the life span.
Upon successful completion of the FNP Program, a Master of Science in Nursing will be awarded.
The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi , Family Nurse Practitioner program focus is the development of clinical expertise, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking to secure quality care of our community family and supporting healthcare systems.
The master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate certificate program at Texas is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Nursing Programs Goals
The goals of the Nursing Programs in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences are:
- To develop within the student the knowledge and skills necessary for beginning professional and advanced nursing practice, cultivating basic and specialized abilities needed to successfully pursue a career, and
- To promote the concept of nursing as caring and facilitate attainment of a care delivery system sensitive to multicultural communities and their health values, and
- To offer individuals the opportunity to increase the breadth and depth of the theoretical base for nursing practice, enhance and expand competence, prepare for role specialization, and contribute to the discovery of new nursing knowledge, and
- To provide an educational environment of respect within which students may evolve as broadly educated, technology competent, responsible, and accountable professionals dedicated to the principles of lifelong learning, and
- To build a foundation for life-long learning & systematic practice, and
- To serve the community as nursing experts, leaders and consultants in professional organizations, health promoters, providers of health care policy information and advocates of ethical distribution and usage of resources.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Critically analyze, interpret, and integrate appropriate knowledge, research, and theories to meet the health care needs of diverse populations;
- Apply competent leadership and collaborative skills as members of a multi-professional health care workforce to promote high quality and safe patient care
- Design evidence-based plans to sustain quality initiatives that promote a transparent professional environment and contribute to the delivery of safe high-quality care;
- Integrate research into professional practice through the implementation of translational processes;
- Demonstrate competence and accountability as clinicians, educators, and leaders in advanced healthcare roles;
- Model caring, sensitivity and respect in the delivery of health care to culturally diverse populations;
- Operationalize principles of ethical, legal, financial, and economic theories as applied to health care delivery systems;
- Guide the adoption and use of information, communication technologies and resources to document patient care and improve patient outcomes.
- Evaluate the effect of legal and regulatory processes on nursing practice, healthcare delivery, and outcomes using critical analysis of policies that influence health services.
For Additional Information
Website:
http://conhs.tamucc.edu
Phone: (361) 825-5893 - CONHS Graduate Academic Advisor
Campus Address:
Island Hall Third Floor
Mailing Address:
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5805
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5805
Contact FNP:
Dr. Elizabeth Loika, DNP, FNP-C, PNP-C | FNP Program Coordinator
Lt.Col., USAF, Ret.
Phone: (361) 825-4241
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5805 Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5805
Dr. Cathy L. Miller, Ph.D., RN | Director of Graduate Programs
Phone: (361) 825-2162
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5805 Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5805
Admission Requirements
Registered nurses have three entry options to the Master of Science in Nursing program. Individuals who have earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree but would like to acquire a new specialty area of practice may apply to the College post-master’s certification programs.
For admission to any the graduate programs, applicants must:
- Complete an application to the University for admission to the MSN Program for degree student status using the application through Apply Texas.
- Students must complete an online application to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences using Nursing CAS. If the student is not already enrolled at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the student must also apply to the University for admission. Admission to the University does not constitute admission to the nursing program.
- Provide evidence of a current valid unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse with authorization to practice in Texas.
- Students with a GPA less than 3.00 may be considered for conditional admission with a waiver request.
- Write an original essay describing professional goals associated with graduate nursing education. Guidelines for this essay are available at https://gradschool.TAMU-CC.edu/forms/CONHSGraduateForm.php.
- Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can address their potential for graduate study. At least one of these references should be from an individual who can address an applicant’s level of professional competence.
- Provide a current resume that delineates an applicant’s professional contributions and work experiences and contains sufficient information to represent the applicant’s accomplishments in nursing. The resume should include information about an applicant’s professional activities outside the workplace. Guidelines are available at https://gradschool.TAMU-CC.edu/forms/CONHSGraduateForm.php.
- Additional information will be required from applicants before full admission can be granted. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with Texas Administrative Code immunization for health professional student regulations, Texas Board of Nursing disclosure of criminal history or disciplinary action, and affiliated clinical agency requirements for access to clinical experiences. Details are outlined under the Program Requirements section below.
The CONHS Admission Progression and Academic Standards (APAS) Committee will consider the information provided in the application and supporting documents for admission decisions. After due consideration the APAS Committee may permit a student who wishes to pursue the Master of Science in Nursing degree but does not meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate Nursing Program, to enroll on a conditional status. Contact the Graduate Nursing Academic Advisor for instructions on requesting waivers to the admission requirements. Progression through the program will require a student meet the conditions associated with admission within the timeframe designated if a waiver is granted.
Students who request to transfer into the TAMU-CC MSN program from another program must submit evidence that they left their former institution in good standing before an admission decision will be made.
Program Requirements
The following program requirements apply to all nursing graduate students upon admission and throughout program of study. Students must:
- Hold current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse with authorization to practice in Texas
- Upon admission to the College, complete a criminal background check.
- Complete a ten panel non-chain of custody urine drug screen.
- Purchase professional liability coverage through the University. Fees for this coverage are included in the fees paid at the time of registration at the beginning of each academic year.
- Meet Texas Department of State Health Services immunization requirements for students in health professions programs. Students must complete and present evidence that immunizations are complete and current prior to starting classes. Immunizations must remain current throughout the program. Students will not be allowed into courses or clinical laboratory agencies if evidence of compliance is missing. These requirements, as stated in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter B, Rule 97.64 (https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac%24ext.TacPage/?)
- Complete a tuberculosis screening annually.
- Hold a current American Heart Association or Red Cross Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
- See the BON website, http://www.bon.texas.gov, for the statuses and rules regulating licensure.
- Please note that some agencies where you may choose to complete clinical experiences may have stricter requirements than the state minimum standards. Students will have to meet agency requirements to gain access for clinical.
- Health insurance coverage is highly recommended as neither the university nor clinical agencies are held responsible for emergency/health care arising from a laboratory assignment. See University Student Handbook.
Graduation Requirements
To earn an MSN FNP from the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, College of Nursing, the following must be accomplished:
- Successful completion of 49.0 graduate semester credit hours
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Successful completion of 630 clinical hours
- Completion of MSN FNP degree requirements within 7 years of beginning coursework.
The TAMU-CC Recency of Credit rule requires that all credit earned for a graduate degree must be completed five seven years of the first semester in which a student is enrolled in a graduate program. This requirement means that students are expected to complete their MSN program in seven years. In rare situations, an exception to this seven-year policy may be granted by the Provost when a student is unable to complete courses in this time. The student must complete a request with an explanation as to why the exception should be made as soon as the student determines that courses will not be completed within this time frame. The request should be submitted to the Graduate Nursing Department Academic Advisor and the Graduate Nursing Department Chair.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Nursing Courses | ||
| NURS 5310 | Science in Nursing * | 3 |
| NURS 5314 | Research Methods in Advanced Nursing Practice * | 3 |
| NURS 5315 | Health Policy and Cultural Diversity * | 3 |
| NURS 5316 | Introduction to Advanced Practice Role Development * | 3 |
| Role Specialization | ||
| NURS 5322 | Advanced Pharmacological Concepts * | 3 |
| NURS 5323 | Finance for the Nurse Practitioner * | 3 |
| NURS 5341 | Wellness and Health Promotion * | 3 |
| NURS 5326 | Advanced Physiology with Pathophysiological Applications * | 3 |
| NURS 5624 | Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis * | 6 |
| NURS 5644 | Management of Acute and Chronic Illness I * | 6 |
| NURS 5645 | Management of Acute and Chronic Illness II * | 6 |
| NURS 5746 | Integrated Clinical Practice: FNP * | 7 |
| Total Hours | 49 | |
- *
Online offering
Field Experiences
Students are expected to complete a minimum of 630 clinical hours related to their courses and focus of study. Applicants will be required to demonstrate these hours were completed in relevant settings. Students will be responsible for identifying and selecting agencies or preceptors for their field experiences. For more information, please see the CONHS Graduate Catalog. Field experiences will be completed in the following FNP Courses:
NURS 5624- 60 hours
NURS 5644- 110 hours
NURS 5645- 110 hours
NURS 5746- 220 hours
Courses
An overview of project management techniques and tools as they apply to health care operations, projects and programs. The basics of a sound action plan will be introduced and will include identifying tasks, relevant relationships, and resources. This course will be taken in conjunction with NURS 5469 Patterns of Care Delivery Course.
Students will explore internal and external issues influencing organizational decisions and policies affecting human capital. Critical human capital functions will be addressed to provide a solid understanding of the many issues confronting the nurse leader.
Exploration of the historical development and rationale of nursing theory. Examination of selected theories and conceptual frameworks, and their relationship to nursing practice and research. Emphasis is on the utilization of theories and models in nursing as a basis for a practice that provides a caring, comprehensive, and holistic approach to health care within a transcultural society. This course is delivered through online technology.
Critical examination of research methods in order to advance and integrate evidence into nursing practice and improve patient population outcomes. Particular attention is given to research appraisal and application, and the ethical aspects of research translation. This course is delivered through online technology.
Health policy and cultural diversity are studied to provide foundations for meeting the needs of communities and societies. Current and proposed policies that influence contemporary health delivery are analyzed. This course is delivered through online technology.
The course focuses on the development of knowledge and skills necessary for advanced practice. This includes, but is not limited to, negotiation, collaboration, crisis intervention, peer review, leadership, ethics, accountability and basic finances in advanced practice. Parameters of practice within various health care systems are integrated. This course is delivered through online technology.
Study of pharmacotherapeutics across the life span with emphasis on clinical decision-making. Laws governing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses' prescriptive privileges are included when appropriate. Discussion is based on current literature, research findings and case studies. This course is delivered through online technology.
Study of fiscal aspects of private practice, when to seek the services of a lawyer, analysis of and monitoring the cost-effectiveness of clinical decisions, the design of payment systems, fiscal management, and developing collaborative and interdependent relationships. This course is delivered through online technology.
Study and practice of complex skills for comprehensive health assessment and focus on the differentiation and interpretation of normal and abnormal findings. Selected laboratory techniques are included. Oral and written communication of findings in a collaborative relationship with other health care providers is emphasized. Variables related to rural and multicultural populations are incorporated into the total assessment. Opportunities are provided to develop skills necessary for the identification of health problems, while considering variables associated with multicultural populations across the lifespan. The lecture component of this course is delivered through online technology. Laboratory hours must be completed in appropriate settings approved by clinical faculty.
Study of normal physiologic and pathologic mechanisms of disease across the lifespan that serve as the foundation for clinical assessment, decision making and client health management in advanced practice nursing. This course is developed through online technology.
An introduction to nursing informatics. Focuses on the concepts and terminology related to nursing informatics in the broader perspective of health informatics including their use in nursing administration, nursing education, nursing practice, and nursing research. This course is designed for graduate students.
A study of the complex integration of knowledge, research, and theory essential to developing clinical competence in the teaching-coaching function of the Advanced Practice Nurses. Selected models of health promotion, risk factors and early disease detection are explored. The course emphasizes the importance of situational, cultural, developmental, and individual perspectives in implementing disease prevention/health promotion activities. This course is delivered through online technology.
Study of advanced pharmacotherapeutics across the life span for the nurse educator. Discussions are based upon current literature, research findings, and case studies. This course is delivered through online technology.
This course explores theories and models that are applicable to nursing curriculum development. Guidelines for curriculum development, implementation and evaluation are examined. The significance of program outcomes are assessed for application to manage and refine nursing curriculum.This course is delivered through online technology.
Focuses on the scientific and theoretical foundations of nursing education; stimulates reflections on the character and aims of the nurse educator; examines the distinctive characteristics and roles of the educator in the diffusion and extension of knowledge through teaching and the advancement of knowledge through research and scholarship. Theories related to teaching and learning are explored. The concepts of role, change, curriculum, instruction and evaluation are introduced. This course is delivered through online technology.
Provides students with an overview of assessment, measurement, and evaluation strategies in the classroom and clinical areas. Students develop evaluation skills emphasizing unit, course and program outcomes. The process of evaluation within the teaching role is framed as a continuous quality improvement educational practice.
Focuses on teaching and learning for nurse educators in the classroom, clinical, and laboratory settings. Emphasis is placed on instructional theory, best teaching practices, and research-based instructional strategies that support a diverse, student-centered learning environment. Instructional strategies will be applied in relation to the fit with teaching content and course design/delivery. Instructional strategies will be assessed for their effectiveness to evaluate student learning and program outcomes. This course is delivered through technology.
Overview of concepts, principles and uses of basic accounting and budgeting information for the health care manager. Focuses on providing the nurse administrator with a basis for understanding the fiscal status of a health care organization; Includes 45 hours of laboratory time to strengthen financial skills including ROI, budget development, FTEs and financial statement analysis. This course is cross-listed with HCAD 5325. This course is delivered through online technology.
Examines the relationship of leadership and management theory and processes to nursing practice in both urban and rural health care settings. The independent and interdependent functions of the nurse leader at various levels of decision making are identified and analyzed. Concepts basic to organizational functioning and role relationships within a transcultural framework are considered. A clinical laboratory experience provides students opportunities to analyze the effectiveness of leadership behaviors. The lecture component of this course is delivered through online technology. Laboratory hours must be completed in appropriate settings approved by clinical faculty.
Focuses on the application and utilization of the theories, concepts and principles of organizational design and behavior in nursing leadership. Includes major theoretical viewpoints from organizational dynamics and processes, and their employment in nursing leadership environments. This course is delivered through online technology.
Examines conceptual models of quality and their application to the management and evaluation of quality of care across health care settings. The role of outcomes measurement as a major indicator of quality of care is emphasized. This course is delivered through online technology.
In?depth study of various leadership and clinical nursing practice areas. May be repeated when topics vary. Offered on sufficient demand.
In?depth study and discussion of various topics relevant to nursing. May be repeated when topics vary. Offered on sufficient demand.
Area of study interest.
Proposal development, project implementation or independent research under the direction of major professor. Students who have completed all requirements toward the Master of Science in Nursing degree except the thesis must enroll in this course each semester of the regular academic year under the direction of major professor. May be repeated a maximum of four times.
Independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Credit will not be recorded until thesis is accepted by the thesis committee.
Apply the roles of the nurse educator by using the nurse educator competencies as a framework for the practicum experience. Students will select an area of teaching either as an academic educator or as a clinical educator and work with a preceptor. This course requires the synthesis of theoretical knowledge from foundational courses to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a capstone project. Students will evaluate the responsibilities of the educator role in relation to meeting the goals of the practicum institution. This course requires 135 hours in a practicum setting. Students must achieve a B or above to earn credit for this course. The lecture component of this course is delivered through online technology. Laboratory hours must be completed in appropriate settings approved by clinical faculty. Capstone Course
Appraisal of various patterns of care delivery that develop in response to the evolving and increasingly complex resources in the health care delivery system. Students will complete a project evaluating the management and delivery of the continuum of care in one or more health care organizations. Students must earn a B or better grade to earn credit for this course. The lecture component of this course is delivered through online technology. Laboratory hours must complete in appropriate settings approved by clinical faculty. Capstone Course.
Study and practice of complex skills for comprehensive health assessment with focus on differentiation and interpretation of normal and abnormal findings across the lifespan. Focus extends to developing a comprehensive database to establish a list of differential diagnoses. Includes radiology, EKGs and common office tests performed in primary practice. Oral and written communication of findings in a collaborative relationship with other healthcare providers is emphasized. Variables related to rural and multicultural populations are incorporated into the total assessment. Students increase knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and communication skills. The clinical component of the course provides opportunity to interpret as well as practice complex assessment techniques. Students perform basic office tests and interpret other laboratory and diagnostic data as part of the assessment process. The lecture component of this course is delivered through online technology. Laboratory hours must be completed in appropriate settings approved by clinical faculty.
Study of clinical management of commonly occurring acute and chronic conditions in primary health care settings across the lifespan. Content includes study of symptom complexes, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical management, and prevention of complications. Emphasis is on symptom analysis, diagnostic reasoning, differential diagnosis, and prescription of therapeutic regimens. Attention is given to research-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, and integration of nursing, developmental, family and transcultural theories to the diagnostic and management process. The clinical practice provides the opportunity for the student to perform comprehensive and episodic assessments, practice advanced skills in health assessment, diagnose commonly occurring illnesses, and suggest treatments under supervision in urban/rural communities. The lecture component of this course is delivered through online technology. Laboratory hours must be completed in appropriate settings approved by clinical faculty.
Continued study of the clinical management of commonly occurring acute and chronic conditions in primary health care settings across the life span. Emphasis is on symptom analysis, diagnostic reasoning, differential diagnosis, and prescription of therapeutic regimens. The clinical practice provides the opportunity for the students to perform comprehensive and episodic assessments, practice advanced skills in health assessment, diagnose commonly occurring illness, and suggest treatments under supervision. The lecture component of this course is delivered through online technology. Laboratory hours must be completed in appropriate settings approved by clinical faculty.
Prerequisite: NURS 5644.
Continued study of assessment and clinical management of selected health problems frequently seen in primary health care. The clinical portion provides for the development of clinical competence as the student integrates previously acquired knowledge into the enactment of the multiple roles for the nurse practitioner, and allows for a greater degree of interdependent practice based on the student's abilities and progress. Student may work with a preceptor in multicultural and rural communities. Students must earn a B or better grade to earn credit for this course. The lecture component of this course is delivered through online technology. Laboratory hours must be completed in appropriate settings approved by clinical faculty. Capstone Course.
Prerequisite: NURS 5645.