Science Underpinnings for Practice -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult Gerontology program will be able to integrate theory, research, and evidence, and translate new knowledge into practice to improve processes, health care delivery, and outcomes for patients and populations.

• Translate research and knowledge gained from practice, while adhering to ethical research standards, to improve patient outcomes and clinical practice.
• Apply theoretical frameworks from nursing and other disciplines to make decisions regarding practice and health-related problems at the individual and population level.

Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult Gerontology program are prepared to lead interprofessional teams to provide safe, cost-effective quality care to patients and populations across complex systems. Graduates possess knowledge of the broad legal, social, and economic contexts of the health care industry and systems to successfully advocate for improvements in policy and processes to advance equitable access, quality, and efficiency.

• Examine financially sound health care policy that incorporates the nursing perspective and relevant ethical, legal, and political factors.
• Determine advocacy strategies for improving access, quality, and cost-effective health care for diverse populations.
• Develop leadership skills and collaborate on interprofessional teams in the provision of evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Systems, Safety, and Quality -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult Gerontology program possess skills to assess information, systems, processes, and practice in order to identify gaps and propose and implement solutions to clinical problems based on the best available evidence.

• Assess health care processes and systems to recommend measures for improving quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness across an organization.
• Analyze appropriate research from databases and other information sources to improve health care practices and processes.
• Integrate appropriate information and communication technologies to improve nursing practice and care delivery for individuals and populations.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult Gerontology program will apply knowledge of epidemiology and population/global health issues to design culturally responsive interventions to contribute to health promotion and disease prevention at the individual and population level.

• Synthesize nursing science, determinants of health, and epidemiologic, genomic, and genetic data in the management of population health.
• Integrate appropriate state, federal, and global health policies and goals into the design of equitable health care for populations.
• Examine the professional and moral obligation of master's-prepared nurses to respect human dignity and advance the common good through working to promote health and prevent disease among diverse populations from a Christian perspective.

Analytic Foundations for Practice, Ethics, and Professional Role -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult Gerontology program are prepared to identify and implement ethical, evidence-based practice improvements to optimize health outcomes for diverse patient populations. Graduates are also prepared to be active members of the nursing profession by participating in ongoing professional development to advance their own practice and the field of nursing.

• Design ethically sound, evidence-based solutions to complex health care issues related to individuals, populations, and systems of care.
• Apply professional, ethical, and regulatory standards of practice in the provision of safe, effective health care.
• Evaluate professional organizations and activities that improve one’s practice and influence advanced nursing practice.

Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult Gerontology program will apply advanced knowledge in the areas of physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment to make clinical judgments and determine differential diagnoses in complex care situations.

• Determine differential diagnoses using physiological and pathophysiological evidence.
• Perform focused and comprehensive health assessments.
• Assess the pharmacodynamics and the pharmacokinetic impact of pharmacologic therapies in the treatment of diseases and altered states.

Independent Practice for the AG-ACNP -
Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult Gerontology program will be able to design and provide safe, cost-effective, evidence-based, culturally relevant care and promote health and wellness for individuals, families, communities, and populations in acute care settings.

• Demonstrate advanced clinical and diagnostic reasoning in the diagnosis, management, and evaluation of adult-gerontological patients with acute, critical, or complex illnesses.
• Coordinate evidence-based, patient-centered care across the health care system as a member of the interprofessional and intraprofessional health care team.
• Prescribe appropriate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies in the management of illness, disease, or injuries.
• Engage patients and families as active participants in culturally relevant, patient-centered care through appropriate education, consultation, and support.
• Deliver clinical prevention interventions and provide restorative care to promote health and prevent disease in the adult-gerontological population.