This Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for seasoned registered nurses who have bachelor's degrees in a field outside of nursing who want to earn their MSN. Instead of requiring these students to earn a BSN degree, they take six courses from our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and then launch into the MSN Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner track.
The Bridge to the Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner degree is an advanced practice degree that prepares experienced professional nurses for advanced practice as primary care providers. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) makes independent critical judgments in all levels of prevention, including health promotion; illness prevention; and diagnosis and management of health conditions for individuals, families, communities, and populations. The FNP, as an advanced practice nurse, may be prepared to provide primary health care to individuals of all ages from infants through adulthood. Historically, the FNP has significantly contributed to the health care of the underserved populations in both urban and rural areas.
The family nurse practitioner performs comprehensive health assessments, diagnoses illness, and prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments to manage acute and chronic health problems to achieve quality cost-effective outcomes in a culturally sensitive context. The role of the nurse practitioner includes educating, consulting and collaborating, using research to make practice decisions, and influencing professional and public policies. Within various practice settings, the family nurse practitioner provides health care for clients across the lifespan.
This family nurse practitioner degree program also includes a 650-hour practicum experience, in which students collaborate with faculty members to select a community-based primary or family health-focused clinical site. This clinical practicum affords students the opportunity to apply clinical-decision management of primary health problems for diverse clients across the life span. Students analyze case studies in accordance with the guidelines of evidence-based practice and current standards of care.
The family nurse practitioner degree program culminates in a capstone course which provides an opportunity for students to develop an evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses a problem, issue, or concern in professional practice. Students identify a problem amenable to research-based intervention; search literature; propose a solution; and develop a plan to implement the solution, evaluate its outcome(s), and disseminate the findings.
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| NRS-430V | Professional Dynamics | This course is a bridge course for the RN who is returning to formal education for the baccalaureate degree in nursing. The course focuses on differentiated nursing practice competencies, nursing conceptual models, professional accountability, integrating spirituality into practice, group dynamics, and critical thinking. Emphasis is also placed on writing and oral presentation skills. | 3 |
| NRS-434V | Health Assessment | This course focuses on methods of health history taking, physical examination skills, documentation, and health screening. The course emphasizes the individual as the client, functional health patterns, community resources, and the teaching learning process. | 3 |
| HLT-362V | Applied Statistics for Health Care Professionals | This introductory course on statistical concepts emphasizes applications to health care professions. The course is designed to prepare students to interpret and evaluate statistics and statistical methods used in published research papers and to make decisions about the appropriateness of specific statistical methods in a variety of settings. Areas of emphasis include introduction to analysis of variance, regression, and graphical presentation; experimental design; descriptive statistics; sampling methods; and z, t, and chi-square. | 3 |
| NRS-433V | Introduction to Nursing Research | This writing-intensive course promotes the use of research findings as a basis for improving clinical practice. Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are presented. Emphasis is on the critical review of research studies and their applications to clinical practice. An overview of evidence-based practice is provided. Prerequisite: PSY 363, BIO 363, or HLT 362V. | 3 |
| NRS-427V | Concepts in Community and Public Health | This course focuses on the community as a large system of people of varying cultures, spiritual values, geographic norms, and economic conditions, all influenced by social-legal-political variables that impact individual and community health. Particular attention is paid to vulnerable subgroups in the community. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, using epidemiological data and functional health pattern assessments to plan and intervene in areas of health promotion and disease prevention. | 3 |
| NRS-410V | Pathophysiology and Nursing Management of Clients' Health | This course is designed to enhance the working RN‛s existing understanding of the pathophysiological processes of disease as they affect clients across the lifespan. The interrelationship of structural and functional reactions of cells and tissues to genetic alterations and injurious agents provide the foundation for comprehending clinical manifestations and treatment protocols. Critical thinking and nursing management are enhanced through the use of case studies that integrate nutritional and pharmacological concepts. The understanding of environmental and biological risk factors provides the nurse with the knowledge to provide health promotion and prevention education. | 3 |
| NUR-502 | Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Roles And Practice | This course examines nursing as a profession and a discipline and the individual nurse‛s role as a member of the profession. The theoretical foundations for nursing practice and roles are explored and applied. Emphasis is placed on developing scholarly writing and presentation skills. Critical thinking skills are refined as students discuss and synthesize the literature that guides nursing practice with a special emphasis on caring, diversity, and spirituality. | 4 |
| NUR-504 | Health Care Research Analysis and Utilization | This course focuses on the critical analysis of nursing and health care research and its application to nursing education, nursing practice, and the delivery of health care services. Emphasis is placed on strategies to access current and relevant data, synthesize the information, and translate new knowledge to practice. Ethical issues in the design and conduct of research are addressed. Prerequisite: NUR 502. | 4 |
| NUR-508 | Ethics, Policy, and Finance in the Health Care System | This course utilizes health care policy as a framework to analyze how health is defined and health care is designed and delivered in the United States and around the world. Emphasis is placed on issues of cost, quality, access, disparities, and finance. The various roles of the master‛s prepared nurse in the health care system are explored. Prerequisite: NUR 504. | 4 |
| NUR-642 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | This Web-enhanced course focuses on the advanced physiology and pathophysiology principles. This course is used to guide the family nurse practitioner (FNP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and clinical nurse specialist education (CNS-ED) student in interpreting changes in normal function that result in symptoms indicative of illness. The emphasis is placed on the genetic, molecular, cellular, and organ system levels. Co-requisite: NUR 644. | 3 |
| NUR-644 | Advanced Pharmacology | This Web-enhanced course focuses on the advanced pharmacotherapy principles and practices to enable the family nurse practitioner (FNP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and the clinical nurse specialist education (CNS-ED) student to prescribe and monitor the effects of medications and selected herbal therapy. Emphasis is on the pharmacodynamics of clients with common, acute, and chronic health problems in various stages of the lifecycle in diverse populations. Evidence-based research provides the basis for selecting effective, safe, and cost-efficient pharmacologic or integrative regimens. Appropriate client education as to various prescribed pharmacologic agents in incorporated. Legal requirements for prescriptive writing and dispensing authority are covered. Prerequisite: One of the following: 1) NUR 640; or 2) none. Co-requisite: NUR 642. | 3 |
| NUR-640 | Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning with Skills Lab | This course builds upon the student‛s previous assessment skills, offering more advanced health assessment content to provide the foundation for the advanced practice nursing role. This course also gives emphasis to focused assessments for a chief complaint that include physical, psychosocial, and spiritual health assessment; risk assessment; functional assessment; and physical examination in diverse populations. Students use a systematic method of diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision making to establish a differential diagnosis. An overview of appropriate protocols for performing health screening and for ordering, performing, and interpreting lab, radiographic, and other diagnostic data is included based on best practice consistent with resource allocations. Topics—from effective communication and client teaching/counseling to eliciting clients‛ interpretation of their health status and perceived barriers—are incorporated throughout the course to maintain a nursing focus on patient responses to illness or the threat of illness. Effective documentation and medical recordkeeping are required. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) Undergraduate Health Assessment course; or 2) NUR 642 and NUR 644. | 3 |
| NUR-646 | Health Promotion Advanced Practice Nursing | This course focuses on the advanced health promotion strategies of the nation‛s priority lifestyle concerns throughout the lifespan as presented in the Healthy People 2010 National Health Objectives. Detailed evidence-based health promotion information and services—such as age, development, lifestyle, geography location, spirituality and culture—are considered. Professional and client community resources and referrals are examined. Emphasis is placed on development of the advanced practice nurse-client relationship to enhance the effectiveness of client education and counseling to promote healthy lifestyle changes. The use of integrative healing (nonpharmacological) strategies in assisting clients to achieve goals of health promotion are introduced and evaluated based on evidence-based research. The course has a community-focused perspective, addressing roles in delivering care to improve the health of the entire community. Students consider the relationship between community/public health issues and social problems as they impact the health care of their clients. Prerequisite: NUR 640. | 3 |
| NUR-675 | Advance Practice Management of Adult Health Care Problems in Primary Care | This course focuses on the three levels of prevention and comprehensive primary care management of adult health care problems of individuals and their families within a culturally and spiritually diverse environment. Advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, spirituality, and advanced physiology and pathophysiology principles are integrated with advanced nursing theory. Evidence-based research is utilized to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, least invasive, quality health care for adult health care problems. Care will include health promotion counseling, screening, and client education to optimize the client‛s health. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to guide clinical decision making. Management of client illness includes ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic integrative healing therapies, collaborating with other health professionals and community agencies, and pursuing appropriate follow-up. Prerequisites: NUR 640, NUR 642, NUR 644, and NUR 646. Co-requisite: NUR 675C. | 3 |
| NUR-675C | Advance Practice Management of Adult Health Care Problems in Primary Care Clinical | The student will collaborate with faculty members to select a community-based, adult or primary care clinical site for completion of 150 clinical hours. The clinical component for NUR 675 allows the student an opportunity to provide comprehensive health care to diverse clients across the lifespan. Clinical hours are completed in person with a qualified preceptor (NP, DO, MD, DNM) and serve as the opportunity to demonstrate clinical skills, learn clinical decision-making skills, and learn the role of the advanced practice nurse in collaboration with experienced preceptors who serve as mentors. The clinical component of each course is accomplished during the same semester as the corresponding didactic course and is graded as Pass/Fail. Failure of a clinical course constitutes failure of the corresponding didactic course. Prerequisites: NUR 640, NUR 642, NUR 644, and NUR 646. Co-Requisite: NUR 675. | 3 |
| NUR-668 | Advanced Practice Management of Pediatric & Adolescent Health Care Problems in Primary Care | This course focuses on the three levels of prevention and comprehensive primary care management of pediatric and adolescent health care problems of individuals and their families within a culturally and spiritually diverse environment. Advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced physiology and pathophysiology principles are integrated with spirituality concepts and advanced nursing theory. Evidence-based research is utilized to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, least invasive, quality health care for pediatric and adolescent health care problems. Care includes health promotion counseling, client education, and appropriate screening to optimize the client‛s health. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to guide clinical decision making. Management of client illness includes ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic integrative healing therapies, collaborating with other health professionals and community agencies, and pursuing appropriate follow-up. Prerequisite: NUR 675. Co-requisite NUR 668C. | 3 |
| NUR-668C | Advanced Practice Management of Pediatric & Adolescent Health Care Problems in Primary Care Clinical | Students collaborate with faculty members to select a community-based pediatric or adolescent clinical site for completion of 150 clinical hours. The clinical component for NUR 668 allows the student an opportunity to provide comprehensive health care to diverse clients across the lifespan. Clinical hours are completed in person with a qualified preceptor (NP, DO, MD, DNM) and serve as the opportunity to demonstrate clinical skills, learn clinical decision-making skills, and learn the role of the advanced practice nurse in collaboration with experienced preceptors who serve as mentors. The clinical component of each course is accomplished during the same semester as the corresponding didactic course and is graded as Pass/Fail. Failure of a clinical course constitutes failure of the corresponding didactic course. Co-requisite NUR 668. | 3 |
| NUR-667 | Advance Practice Management of Women's Health Care Issues in Primary Care | This course focuses on the three levels of prevention and comprehensive primary care management of women‛s health care issues (including care of the pregnant patient) for individuals and their families within a culturally and spiritually diverse environment, contextually within the health care delivery system. Advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, spirituality, and advanced physiology and pathophysiology principles are integrated with advanced nursing theory. Evidence-based research is utilized to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, least invasive, quality health care for women. Care includes health promotion counseling, screening, and client education to optimize the client‛s health. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to guide clinical decision making. Management of client illness includes ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic integrative healing therapies, collaborating with other health professionals and community agencies, and pursuing appropriate follow-up. Prerequisite: NUR 675. Co-requisite: NUR 667C. | 1.5 |
| NUR-667C | Advance Practice Management of Women's Health Care Issues in Primary Care Clinical | Students collaborate with faculty members to select a community-based, women‛s health-focused, clinical site for completion of 75 clinical hours. The clinical component for NUR 667 allows the student an opportunity to provide comprehensive health care to diverse clients across the lifespan. Clinical hours are completed in person with a qualified preceptor (NP, DO, MD, DNM) and serve as the opportunity to demonstrate clinical skills, learn clinical decision-making skills, and learn the role of the advanced practice nurse in collaboration with experienced preceptors who serve as mentors. The clinical component of each course is accomplished during the same semester as the corresponding didactic course and is graded as Pass/Fail. Failure of a clinical course constitutes failure of the corresponding didactic course. Co-requisite NUR 667. | 1.5 |
| NUR-664T | Advance Practice Management of Geriatric Issues in Primary Care | This course focuses on the three levels of prevention and comprehensive primary care management of geriatric health care problems of individuals and their families within a culturally and spiritually diverse environment. Advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced physiology and pathophysiology principles are integrated with spirituality concepts and advanced nursing theory. Evidence-based research is utilized to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, least invasive, quality health care for geriatric clients. Care will include health promotion counseling, client education, and appropriate screening to optimize the client‛s health. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to guide clinical decision making. Management of client illness includes ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic integrative healing therapies, collaborating with other health professionals and community agencies, and pursuing appropriate follow-up. Prerequisite: NUR 675. Co-requisite: NUR 664C. | 1.5 |
| NUR-664C | Advance Practice Management of Geriatric Issues in Primary Care Clinical | The student will collaborate with faculty members to select a community-based, geontological health-focused, clinical site for completion of 75 clinical hours. The clinical component for NUR 664T allows the student an opportunity to provide comprehensive health care to diverse clients in late age. Clinical hours are completed in person with a qualified preceptor (NP, DO, MD, DNM) and serve as the opportunity to demonstrate clinical skills, learn clinical decision-making skills, and learn the role of the advanced practice nurse in collaboration with experienced preceptors who serve as mentors. The clinical component of each course is accomplished during the same semester as the corresponding didactic course and is graded as Pass/Fail. Failure of a clinical course constitutes failure of the corresponding didactic course. Prerequisite: NUR 675. Co-requisite: NUR 664T. | 1.5 |
| NUR-654 | Diverse Applications of Advanced Practice Concepts | This course presents practice concepts that blend the function of the clinical nurse specialist with the family nurse practitioner (FNP) role for a futuristic vision for integration of these roles to include assessing and addressing the needs of client populations and nursing personnel across the continuum of care. Management concepts include case management, teaching of professionals, program planning, evaluation, peer review, broad-based consultation, marketing, business management, resource management, cost-effective use of formularies, and payment for services, including processing insurance claims. Prerequisite: One of the following: 1) NUR 652, 2) NUR 662, 3) NUR 675 and NUR 675C, or 4) NUR 643. | 3 |
| NUR-681 | Advanced Practice Practicum | In this culminating practicum experience, students provide comprehensive health care to diverse clients across the lifespan. The course includes the application concepts such as case management, teaching of professionals, peer reviews, cost-effective use of formularies, and coding for reimbursement. Online case study discussions analyzed by evidence-based practice guidelines using the SOAP format are required. Prerequisite: NUR 664T, NUR 667, NUR 668, and NUR 675. Co-requisite: NUR 681C. | 2 |
| NUR-681C | Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum | Students collaborate with faculty members to select a community-based primary or family health-focused clinical site for completion of 200 clinical hours. This clinical practice will afford students opportunity to refine their clinical decision management of primary health problems for diverse clients across the lifespan. Prerequisite: All prior coursework. Co-requisites: NUR 681 and NUR 699. | 2 |
| NUR-699 | Evidence-Based Practice Project | This capstone course provides an opportunity for students to develop an evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses a problem, issue, or concern in professional practice. Students identify a problem amenable to research-based intervention; search literature; propose a solution; and develop a plan to implement the solution, evaluate its outcome(s), and disseminate the findings. Problems identified are those that are appropriate to students‛ specialty tracks: nursing leadership, nursing education, clinical nurse specialist, and family nurse practitioner. This course must be taken after completion of specialty courses. Prerequisite: One of the following: 1) NUR 508 or 2) NUR 508 and NUR 649E. | 4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 71 | ||
| Courses: | 71 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
An online education allows you the flexibility to fulfill your educational goals without distracting you from your career. Full-time faculty members support our online students while our dynamic tools allow for engaging and challenging discussions with classmates. Classes start every month.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
Grand Canyon University © 2012 - All Rights Reserved. GCU is an accredited university founded in 1949. We are a Christian university and offer online degree programs and campus based classes. As a private university in Arizona, GCU has six colleges offering business degree programs including an Executive MBA, health science degrees, liberal arts degrees, doctorate degrees, nursing programs, and teaching programs. Our Performing Arts College offers fine arts and production degree programs. GCU is a military friendly school and offers military tuition rates.
