Nursing Theory and Advanced Practice – NURS 502

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 07/27/2021

Course Description

Emphasis is placed on the critique, evaluation, and utilization of nursing and other relevant theories that apply to advanced nursing practice and a comprehensive approach to care. Professional role development, interdisciplinary relationships, and issues relevant to advanced practice are studied.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to prepare the graduate to critique, evaluate, and utilize appropriate theories within his/her specific fields of practice. Practice that incorporates nursing and related theories enables advanced practice nurses to develop and implement a comprehensive and holistic approach to care in all phases of a dynamic health care system.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussion Assignments (5)

Discussion assignments are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. The purpose of the 5 Discussion assignments throughout the course is to generate interaction among students in regard to relevant, current course topics. The student is required to create a thread of at least 500 words. In addition to the thread, the student must also post 2 replies of at least 250 words each. For each thread, the student must support his/her assertions with at least 2 citations in current APA format. Each reply must cite at least 1 source. Acceptable sources include the textbooks, scholarly articles, and the Bible.

MSN Essentials I,II,III,V,VII;   MSN PLO 1, 6

Personal Philosophy Assignment

The student will write a personal narrative on his/her worldview and philosophy of nursing. The student will provide at least 3 main components of a personal framework that drive practice and an example of an encounter that demonstrates application. The paper must be 4 – 7 pages and reflect current APA format. Eventually, this assignment will be included in the student’s Graduate Portfolio.

MSN Essential I, IX; MSN PLO 1, 3

Theory-Based Exemplar Assignment (TEP)

This assignment provides the student with an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to apply a selected nursing theory to an actual practice situation. This assignment has several parts that will be submitted throughout the course. All parts of the assignment must follow current APA format.

MSN Essentials I, II, IV; MSN PLO 1

TEP: Theory Analysis Assignment

The student will research, identify, summarize, and critique a nursing theory to be used for the Theory-Based Exemplar Paper. A listing of selected theories and theorists is provided in the course. This assignment must be 6 – 8 pages and reflect at least 2 scholarly sources.

MSN Essentials I, II, IV; MSN PLO 1

TEP: First Draft Assignment

The student will submit a draft of the Theory-Based Exemplar Paper. In addition, a copy will be submitted for peer review by means of a Discussion. At least 3 current, professional sources must be included in the references.

MSN Essentials I, II, IV, IX; MSN PLO 1

TEP: Final Assignment

The final paper will be 8 – 10 pages and utilize at least 4 scholarly sources.

MSN Essentials I, II, IV, IX; MSN PLO 1

Theoretical Framework Assignment

In this assignment, the student will review a selected research article and respond to questions that relate to the article’s theoretical framework. The assignment must include a minimum of 2 (textbook and article) sources and follow current APA format. Any additional scholarly references used must be published within the past 7 years.

MSN Essentials I, II, IV, IX; MSN PLO 1

Quizzes (2)

There will be 2 open-note/open-book quizzes. Each quiz contains 10 multiple-choice questions and will have a 40-minute time limit.

MSN Essentials I, II, IV, IX; MSN PLO 1