General information for each of these degrees is available on this page. General information and requirements are also described on this page; see sidebar links for detailed information specific to each degree.
All students seeking admission to graduate studies must meet the University and College of Nursing requirements set forth in this catalog. Please check the College of Nursing Web site for application information.
Students may take graduate courses without a clinical component even if they are not licensed to practice nursing in the state of New Mexico. This may apply to non-degree students prior to application for admission to the program, individuals awaiting licensure by examination or reciprocity, individuals taking Web courses or individuals from other disciplines taking graduate nursing courses as electives. For any course having a required clinical component, students must be licensed in the state in which they are completing the clinical experience.
Graduate students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 to remain in good academic standing. No more than 6 credit hours of course work graded C, C+, or CR may be credited toward the graduate degree. Individual graduate nursing concentrations may impose more rigorous academic standards for their clinical courses. Graduate students who do not earn a passing grade or better (as defined by the concentration) in any graduate nursing course on a second attempt are not allowed to progress. Graduate nursing students receiving less than a passing grade in any two nursing courses are also not allowed to progress in the College of Nursing. Students must wait one year before reapplying to the College of Nursing. Courses taken during the year cannot be counted in the program of studies. Prior to repeating a nursing course, the graduate student’s record is reviewed by an academic advisor. Progress is monitored by an academic advisor.
Concentrations: ACNP Adult/Gerontology (ACNP), Community Health, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse-Midwifery (NM), Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). Please see the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Concentrations section of this Catalog for details on objectives and curriculum requirements, and which concentrations are currently accepting applications.
All students seeking acceptance to the College of Nursing graduate program must meet requirements for admission to the University. See the section in this catalog on the Graduate Program for information on University admission requirements.
Screening for admission to the College is conducted at periodic intervals. All applications, fees, official transcripts, and required documents must be received by the deadline. Students should submit applications early to allow for adequate advisement and processing of applications.
To be considered for acceptance into the graduate program, in nursing, applicants must:
College of Nursing graduate students can only apply 9 credit hours of non-degree course work to their program of studies.
Students must also complete the requirements for their chosen concentration, as well as a professional paper, applied examination or thesis. If students choose to write a thesis, they enroll in six credit hours of NURS 599 Thesis, instead of one credit hour of NURS 596 Professional Paper or one credit hour of NURS 597 Applied Examination. The paper or examination is completed in the last term of study.
Students may choose to obtain a master’s degree from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing by taking all courses on the Web, in the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education concentrations. (Note: the Administration concentration is not currently accepting applications.)
Students discuss with their concentration advisor clinical requirements during course work. For any clinical experience, including the Fieldwork experience, out-of-state students submit the resumes of two to three individuals, master’s prepared in Nursing at a minimum, who have expressed willingness to serve as a preceptor. The student and faculty advisor then decide on the appropriate preceptor and, when necessary, a contract between the College of Nursing and the agency or institution is prepared in advance.
If site visits are required for any reason for out-of-state students, costs of such visits are borne by the student and not the College of Nursing.
Only students who have been accepted into the College of Nursing degree programs are allowed to enroll in any of the online core courses. Priority for enrollment in other master’s level Web courses is given to students who have been accepted into the College of Nursing’s degree programs.
At the discretion of the faculty teaching the course, students who do not appear in class or log into a Web course, or who have not made prior arrangements with faculty during the first week of the term may be dropped.
The minor consists of 12 credit hours in non-clinical nursing courses, at least 6 credit hours of which must be core courses. Students may select the remaining 6 credit hours of non-clinical nursing courses with the approval of a College of Nursing faculty advisor.
The Post-Master’s Certificate, also known as the Nursing Certificate Program (N.U.R.C.P.), offers students who hold a master’s degree in nursing an opportunity to specialize in an area of nursing not covered in their initial master’s program.
The program of studies consists of specialty courses in the chosen area (at least 15 graduate credit hours) to be designated by the Concentration Advisor or faculty in the specialty area, with approval from the Executive Dean. Course work must be completed within three years and a 3.0 (B) average is required. Contact concentration coordinator for admission and curriculum details.
The College of Nursing offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Graduates of D.N.P. programs are experts in designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating clinical care and health care delivery systems and are prepared to lead at the highest clinical executive ranks. This program’s focus is on the care of vulnerable, rural, and underserved populations.
Graduates of the D.N.P. program are able to:
NEOL is the only concentration currently available (application accepted for summer term only).
Admission requirements for the College of Nursing’s D.N.P. program are:
The D.N.P. Capstone is a final scholarly project. Students identify their project during the D.N.P. Capstone Seminar and continue to develop and implement it through subsequent terms under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The Capstone Project involves the identification and resolution of a practice problem through the scholarship of application; it requires practice inquiry and is grounded in a specific practice setting, with a specific population. The project is reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee and carried out over multiple terms.
The College of Nursing’s D.N.P. program ranges from 34 to 36 credit hours, depending on the clinical concentration. Five concentrations have been approved by the University of New Mexico: Nursing Executive Organizational Leadership (NEOL); ACNP Adult/Gerontology (ACNP); Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP); Nurse Midwifery (NM). The curriculum for ACNP, FNP, PNP, and NM is currently in revision; refer to the College of Nursing Web site for the availability of these programs.
The academic credit hours include didactic and clinical experiences; the minimal required clinical hours for nurses earning a D.N.P. is 500 hours. The core curriculum, below, is taken by all D.N.P. students, regardless of the clinical concentration.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program prepares individuals who can assume leadership roles in academia, including the scholarship of teaching, research, and professional service activities. The program focuses on nursing education and knowledge development in the provision of care for multicultural, rural, and underserved populations, and the improvement of nursing care outcomes of individuals, families, and systems, with a special emphasis on women of all ages and children.
The Ph.D. degree is offered in the College of Nursing; students may follow an individualized plan of study or a concentration in Health Policy.
The College of Nursing has both a master’s entry option and a B.S.N. entry option to the Ph.D. program. The Ph.D. program in nursing is offered under a part-time plan, requiring students to enroll in 6 credit hours each term (Summer, Fall, Spring), with full-time enrollment available most terms.
The Ph.D. Program is delivered online, with attendance at a one-week summer residency in Albuquerque required the first three years of enrollment in the program. After that time, yearly face-to-face meetings with the student’s Committee on Studies are required until completion of the Ph.D. degree. Attendance at the annual Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Research Conference is required the first two years of enrollment, with attendance at WIN or another research conference approved by the student’s Committee on Studies each year until completion of the Ph.D. degree. Students are responsible for the cost of conference registration and travel to the meetings.
Graduates of the Ph.D. program are able to:
Students’ dissertation research may fall within the College of Nursing’s identified focus areas of health care needs of underserved and vulnerable populations--especially women, youth, and families--or some area identified by the student. Other College priorities include rural health, disease prevention, and health promotion.
The Ph.D. program is planned for part-time study. The part-time program is expected to take four to five years of part-time study for master’s-prepared applicants, with an additional year for students admitted under the B.S.N. option. Students are required to complete 6 credit hours of prescribed courses each term (Fall, Spring, Summer) until completion of the coursework. Options exist for students who wish to complete the program faster. On acceptance into the program, each student is required to commit to a program of studies.
General requirements for the Ph.D. degree are set forth in the University of New Mexico catalog. Specific requirements for the College of Nursing’s Ph.D. program are:
To be considered for the B.S.N. entry to the Ph.D. program, the applicant must have earned the B.S.N. degree prior to the start of classes for the Ph.D. program and be licensed as a registered nurse within the first term of admission to the Ph.D. program. Students admitted to the Ph.D. program complete 9 credit hours of M.S.N. core (501, 503, 505) and an additional 9 credit hours of graduate coursework focused on substantive nursing content and teaching. These 18 credit hours of bridge coursework are distinct from the credit hours required for the Ph.D., making 69 total credit hours under the B.S.N. to Ph.D. option. The dissertation requirement remains the same, at 18 credit hours (per UNM requirements).
By the end of the fourth term of enrollment, each Ph.D. student is required to assemble a Committee on Studies (COS). The COS guides the student in developing a plan of study that fosters a fundamental knowledge of the major field, both in depth and breadth. The COS typically consists of three College of Nursing faculty with tenure or tenure-track positions and holding regular graduate faculty approval. The COS serves as the student’s Ph.D. comprehensive examination committee.
The Application for Candidacy (AC) must be approved by the COS prior to completion of the Ph.D. comprehensive examination. Once the Ph.D. comprehensive examination is passed and the Dean of Graduate Studies approves the AC, the student is advanced to doctoral candidacy and must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours of dissertation (i.e., NURS 699) each term until the dissertation is completed.
The Dissertation Committee typically includes the members of the COS. (See requirements stated earlier in the catalog for steps in appointment of the committee.) One of the members of the COS typically serves as the Dissertation Committee Chair. In addition to the Chair and the two other members of the COS, the Dissertation Committee must include:
A limited number of courses may be considered for transfer to The University of New Mexico. To be transferable, course work must be no more than five years old at the time of application for candidacy, and the transfer of credit hours must be approved by the student’s Committee on Studies.
Courses
NURS 129.
Topics.
(1-3 )
An opportunity for nurses to update their knowledge and skills in nursing process in maintenance of preventive, therapeutic and restorative health care.
NURS 201.
Introduction to Nursing Concepts.
(3)
This course introduces the nursing student to the concepts of nursing practice and conceptual learning.
Corequisite: 220L and 332.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 220L.
Principles of Nursing Practice.
(4)
Introduces the nursing student to the application of concepts through clinical skills in seminar, laboratory, and/or clinical settings. Principles of communication, assessments, safety, and interventions including accurate calculation, measurement, and administration of medications are included.
Corequisite: 201 and 332.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 224.
Application of Growth and Development to Health Care.
(3)
Presentation of theories of psychosocial and biological growth and development across the life span. Stresses application of concepts to health care delivery.
NURS 229.
Topics.
(1-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Courses related to preparation for a career in nursing. Variety of topic courses may be offered based upon demand.
NURS 238.
Pharmacology in Nursing and the Health Professions.
(3)
This course introduces the nursing student to pharmacologic nursing practice from a conceptual approach.
Pre- or corequisite: 239 or 240.
NURS 239.
Pathophysiology I.
(3)
An introduction to human pathophysiology. The course focuses on forming a basic understanding of pathophysiology for nursing students.
Pre- or corequisite: BIOL 237.
NURS 240.
Pathophysiology II.
(3)
This course is a continuation of Pathophysiology I. The course focuses on forming a basic understanding of Pathophysiology for nursing students.
Pre- or corequisite: 239 and BIOL 238 and BIOL 248L.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 293.
Nursing Topics.
(1-6)
NURS 297.
Independent Study.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Restriction: permission of advisor.
{Fall, Spring}
NURS 303.
Health Care Participant.
(3)
This course introduces the nursing student to the attributes of the health care participant as an individual, a family, or a community.
Prerequisite: 201 and 220L and 240 and 332.
Corequisite: 321L and 351.
NURS 321L.
Assessment and Health Promotion.
(4)
This course introduces the nursing student to the assessment of and the health promotion for the health care participant as an individual, a family, or a community. This course uses seminar, laboratory and/or clinical settings.
Prerequisite: 201 and 220L and 240 and 332.
Corequisite: 303 and 351.
NURS 322L.
Care of Patients with Chronic Conditions.
(4)
The focus of this course is to provide safe, evidence-based nursing care for patients with chronic conditions, across the lifespan in a variety of settings. This course builds upon curricular concepts; combines lab and clinical.
Prerequisite: 238 and 303 and 321L and 351.
Corequisite: 352.
NURS 329.
Topics.
(1-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Courses related to preparation for a career in nursing. Variety of topic courses may be offered based upon demand.
NURS 332.
Evidence-Based Practice.
(3)
This course focuses on the principles of evidence-based nursing practice. Includes identification of clinical practice problems, evaluation of available evidence, and integration of evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences in application to practice.
Corequisite: 201 and 220L.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 340.
Advancement of Professional Nursing.
(3)
Self evaluation of nursing knowledge and professional development goals. Topics: contemporary nursing roles and issues; exploration of intellectual skills and strategies used by nurses; personal philosophy of nursing professionalism; leadership; conflict management skills. Writing intensive.
Prerequisite: (ENGL 110 or ENGL 112 or ENGL 113) and ENGL 120.
NURS 351.
Health and Illness Concepts I.
(3)
This course will focus on health and illness concepts across the lifespan, with the focus on wellness and common variations. Concepts covered are related to homeostasis/regulation, sexuality/reproductive, protection/movement and emotional processes.
Prerequisite: 201 and 220L and 240 and 332.
Corequisite: 303 and 321L.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 352.
Health and Illness Concepts II.
(3)
This course will cover health and illness concepts across the lifespan. Concepts covered are related to oxygenation and hemostasis, homeostasis and regulation, protection and movement, and cognitive and behavioral processes.
Prerequisite: 238 and 303 and 321L and 351.
Corequisite: 322L.
NURS 390.
Professional Nursing Concepts I.
(3)
This course covers foundational concepts for professional development, including selected professional attributes and care competencies.
Prerequisite: 238 and 303 and 321L and 351.
NURS 397.
Independent Study.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Upper-division standing.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
{Fall, Spring}
NURS 401L.
Clinical Intensive I.
(4)
The first of two Level Four clinical courses in which the student will apply curricular concepts in the management of care participants with acute conditions across the lifespan. This course combines seminar, lab, and clinical.
Prerequisite: 322L and 352 and 390.
Corequisite: 402L and 453.
NURS 402L.
Clinical Intensive II.
(4)
The second of two Level Four clinical courses in which the student will apply curricular concepts in the management of care participants with acute conditions across the lifespan. This course combines seminar, lab, and clinical.
Prerequisite: 322L and 352 and 390.
Corequisite: 401L and 453.
NURS 403L.
Clinical Intensive III.
(4)
The focus of this clinical course is application of the curricular concepts in the management of care participants with complex conditions across the lifespan. This course is a combination of seminar, lab, and clinical.
Prerequisite: 401L and 402L and 453.
Pre- or corequisite: 491.
Corequisite: 419L and 454L.
NURS 419L.
Capstone.
(4 )
The synthesis, integration, and application of concepts to professional nursing practice will be applied in the final clinical course to ensure readiness to enter practice.
Prerequisite: 401L and 402L and 453.
Pre- or corequisite: 491.
Corequisite: 403L and 454L.
NURS 421.
Nurse Intern Professional Knowledge Development.
(1 to a maximum of 2 Δ)
This course will assist currently enrolled students who have secured a position as a nurse intern to increase competence in the professional role of the nurse. This seminar will examine student identified learning issues.
Restriction: admission to B.S.N. program.
NURS 422.
Nurse Intern Professional Role Development.
(1 to a maximum of 2 Δ)
This course will assist students who have secured a position as a nurse intern to increase competence in professional nursing. This seminar will examine communication problems in the current health care setting.
NURS *429.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
{Offered upon demand}
NURS 431L.
Community Assessment.
(3)
Addresses community as client; determinants and indicators of community health. Student groups partner with communities to assess the health of a defined population and share planning for an evidence-based intervention for an identified problem.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 441.
Evidence-Based Application of Health Assessment Skills.
(4)
Validation of core physical assessment skills is followed by development of holistic assessment strategies for clients across the lifespan. Application of evidence base and nursing judgment in selecting assessment strategies, diagnosis, and intervention planning.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 442.
Nursing Leadership in Health Policy and Systems.
(3)
Evaluation of health care systems, processes, and practice environments. Power, politics, and health policy; professional nursing roles in improving health systems. Legal principles of documentation. Standards of care and risk management strategies. Writing intensive.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 447L.
Family and Community Health Practicum. .
(4)
Focus on nursing roles working with families and communities as clients. Clinical experiences in case management and other community health roles will focus on understanding overall population health through contact with individuals and families.
Prerequisite: 431L.
NURS 448.
Application of Health and Illness Concepts.
(4)
Allows R.N. to B.S.N. students opportunity to explore in depth select concepts associated with an individual’s physical health and illness. Concept categories include regulation and homeostasis, oxygen and hemostasis, protection, maladaptive behavior, emotions, and cognition.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 453.
Health and Illness Concepts III.
(4)
This course will cover health and illness concepts across the lifespan. Concepts covered are related to homeostasis/regulation, oxygenation/hemostasis, protection/movement and emotional processes.
Prerequisite: 322L and 352 and 390.
Corequisite: 401L and 402L.
NURS 454L.
Nursing Synthesis.
(3)
This course will focus on the synthesis of curricular concepts in the care of complex patients.
Prerequisite: 401L and 402L and 453.
Corequisite: 403L.
NURS 462.
Special Populations in Pediatrics.
(3)
This course explores issues relevant to the nursing care of special pediatric populations. It builds on content presented in previous nursing courses, including biophysical and psychosocial concepts, growth and development principles, and evidence-based practice.
Prerequisite: 314L and 315L and 331L and 332 and 352.
Pre- or corequisite: 340.
NURS 472.
Victimology.
(3)
This course examines the wide range of victimization experiences from the perspective of the victim, the offender, the families, and society. Assessment and intervention with victims, perpetrators and the community are explored.
NURS 473 / 570.
End of Life Care.
(3)
Exploration of end of life care with focus on symptom management, pain management, and social, cultural and emotional issues. Themes include family, nurse as advocate, culture, and interdisciplinary care.
Restriction: admitted to College of Nursing.
NURS 474.
Patient Education.
(3)
Intensive exploration of the role of nurse as educator. Review adult learning principles and application of principles to patients in clinical settings.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 476 / 576.
Critical Care Nursing.
(3)
This didactic course will introduce the student to the problems most commonly encountered in critical care units.
NURS 491.
Professional Nursing Concepts II.
(3)
This course covers policy concepts for professional nursing.
Prerequisite: 401L and 402L and 453.
NURS 497.
Independent Study.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Restriction: permission of advisor.
{Fall, Spring}
NURS 498.
Honors Study in Nursing I.
(3)
First of two departmental honors courses. Small groups apply the scientific inquiry process to selected nursing problems. Knowledge synthesis is demonstrated by developing a community-based intervention or scholarly paper addressing the problem of interest.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 499.
Honors Study in Nursing II.
(1-3, may be repeated once Δ)
Second of two departmental honors courses. Small groups apply the scientific inquiry process to selected nursing problems. Knowledge synthesis is demonstrated by developing a community-based intervention or scholarly paper addressing the problem of interest.
Prerequisite: 498.
NURS 501.
Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing.
(3)
Examines selected theories in nursing and health. Approaches to the analysis, critique and utilization of theories in nursing practice and scholarship are emphasized. Students develop and apply a theory and analysis to an area of interest.
Restriction: admission to M.S.N. program.
NURS 503.
Research in Nursing.
(3)
Examines methods used to research nursing problems and measure outcomes of therapeutic interventions. Emphasis on problem generation, framing problem theoretically, research designs and data measurement and analysis.
Restriction: admission to M.S.N. program.
NURS 504.
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Health Care.
(3)
Systematic examination and application of health-related research in relation to advanced nursing practice, including: clinical practice, nursing education, nursing and health care administration, community and public health, or health policy.
Prerequisite: 503.
Restriction: admission to M.S.N. program.
NURS 505.
Health Care Policy, Systems and Financing for Advanced Practice Roles.
(3)
Provides opportunity for in-depth discussion of concepts related to advanced practice. Focus in on issues affecting scope of practice, health policy, economics of health care, ethical decision making and advanced nursing roles and collaborative practice.
Restriction: admission to M.S.N. program.
NURS 509.
Teaching in Nursing.
(3)
Focuses on development of teaching strategies to enhance learning in academic nursing education, continuing education, staff development, and patient teaching. Students analyze educational philosophies, learning theories, educational principles, and instructional processes in nursing educational programs.
Prerequisite: 501 and 503.
NURS 510.
Educational Program Development and Evaluation.
(3)
Explores educational program development and evaluation in health related courses. Students analyze the curricular process, develop a philosophy, examine characteristics of the graduate, develop level/course objectives, and evaluate both courses and program outcomes.
Prerequisite: 501 and 503.
NURS 512.
Resource Utilization in Nursing.
(3)
This course focuses upon the issues surrounding human and material resource management. The student uses knowledge of the health care delivery environments and institutional requirements to explore issues regarding personnel and budgetary management.
NURS 513.
Administration to Facilitate Quality Clinical Care.
(3)
Focuses on quality care in health institutions. Explores nursing practice issues for their organizational factors. Reviews methods of assessing clinical outcomes. Explores relationship of quality care with values, ethics, philosophies and models of care.
NURS 514.
Nursing Administration in Health Institutions/ Agencies.
(3)
Focuses on understanding the forces and trends which impact health care organizational behavior. Concepts from organizational, management and nursing administrative frameworks which serve as the basis for practice are investigated.
NURS 515.
Faculty Roles and Professional Issues.
(3)
Roles and competencies of nurse educators are examined within the context of various educational settings and philosophical perspectives. Current political, social, cultural, ethical, and pedagogical issues affecting the nurse educator are explored.
Prerequisite: 501 and 503.
NURS 516.
Advanced Community Health Nursing I.
(2-3)
Investigation of contemporary health problems for rural and urban populations from epidemiological perspective. Emphasis on assessing communities, defining and prioritizing health problems.
Pre -or corequisite: graduate-level epidemiology course and 514.
(Three hours lab per week.)
{Offered upon demand}
NURS 517.
Advanced Community Health Nursing II.
(3)
Examines the role of nurses working with aggregates including using epidemiological methods and developing strategies for intervention and evaluation. Implementation of the refined intervention strategies is a course expectation.
Prerequisite: 516.
(Three hours lab per week.)
{Offered upon demand}
NURS 522.
Applications of Epidemiology to Community Health Problems.
(3)
Prepares students to utilize principles and methods of epidemiology in analyzing community health problems.
{Offered upon demand}
NURS 526.
Pathophysiology in Advanced Practice Nursing.
(3)
Application of analytical reasoning and problem solving based on pathophysiology and clinical presentations of a broad variety of diseases of children and adults across the life span.
NURS 535.
Adult Health I.
(4 [3])
This course focuses on management of common primary health care problems of the young, middle, and older adult.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540 and 543.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 536.
Adult Health II.
(3)
This course focuses on management of complex primary health care problems of the young, middle, and older adult. Clinical component is specialty-specific.
Prerequisite: 535.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 539.
Advanced Pediatric Health and Developmental Assessment.
(4)
This course builds on basic health assessment skills and presents a systematic approach to the advanced physical and developmental assessment of children (newborns through adolescents).
Pre- or corequisite: 526.
NURS 540.
Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning.
(4)
Presents theoretical principles of health assessment throughout the life cycle. Topics include methodologies of data gathering and data analysis essential to comprehensive health assessment. Principles of diagnostic reasoning are presented to enhance critical thinking skills.
NURS 541.
Antepartum-Postpartum for FNP.
(1 [2])
This course will provide students with the skills necessary to conduct antepartum/postpartum visits in primary health care settings.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540.
Pre- or corequisite: 543.
Corequisite: 548.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 542.
Ambulatory Pediatrics I.
(4)
This course focuses on theories and concepts applied by nurse practitioners in the promotion of health in children with emphasis on health education, prevention, culturally and developmentally appropriate care, and the context of family.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 543.
Pharmacological Principles of Clinical Therapeutics.
(3)
Course focuses on the application of advanced pharmacological and pharmacokinetic principles of drug categories commonly used in health care across the life span. Modules are completed specific to focus of major for portion of course.
NURS 544.
Antepartum and Postpartum Care.
(1-7, may be repeated once Δ)
Primary Care students study, analyze and apply concepts of management process to ante/postpartum periods. Within cultural and rural context, health maintenance preventive care and health policy throughout the life span is covered. Twelve hours lab per week.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540.
Restricted: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 546.
Ambulatory Pediatrics II.
(4)
This course focuses on the management of complex primary health care problems of children from birth through adolescence, with a strong emphasis on the importance of health education, prevention, culturally and developmentally appropriate care.
Prerequisite: 542.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 547.
Pediatric Chronic Illness/Special Needs.
(5)
This course focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of children with chronic illness and special needs and their families. Emphasis is on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
Prerequisite: 542 and 543 and 549.
Corequisite: 546.
NURS 548.
Women's Health.
(1-4, may be repeated once Δ)
Theories and concepts applied in the promotion of the health of adolescent and adult women. Clinical component is specialty-specific.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 549.
Adolescent Health.
(3)
This course builds on basic health and developmental assessment skills and emphasizes health promotion, anticipatory guidance, and prevention of illness for adolescents. Content includes assessment and management of illnesses affecting adolescents and their families.
Prerequisite: 539.
NURS 550.
Intrapartum Care.
(1-9, may be repeated once Δ)
Management of labor and birth, triage of complications and cultural dimensions foundational to the nurse-midwifery model of intrapartum care are studied. Clinical component is specialty-specific.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540 and 544 and 548.
NURS 551.
Newborn Care.
(1-3 )
Study of the normal neonate within the cultural structure of the family. Common physiological, pathological problems and their management by nurse-midwife emphasized.
Prerequisite: 526 and 540. Clinical component is specialty-specific.
Restriction: Advanced Clinical Nursing Practice concentration students.
NURS 552.
Evidence-Based Care in Nurse Midwifery.
(1)
This course focuses on skill-building in the assessment of the quality and relevance of clinical research in obstetrics and midwifery. Evaluation of the current science base and identification of biases and weaknesses therein are required to articulate and support options in women’s health care. Current research topics are explored from historical and scientific perspectives.
Prerequisite: 544, 548.
Corequisite: 550, 551.
NURS 553.
Nurse-Midwifery Professional Practice.
(1)
This advanced class in nurse-midwifery standards of professional practice analyzes variations based upon populations, geography, practice teams and delivery systems. Historical and ethical frames are used in the analysis of clinical, organization and international issues.
NURS 558.
Brain and Behavioral Correlates of Health and Illness.
(3)
Examines the application of biopsychosocial concepts in patient care delivery settings. Provides a broad systems perspective of nursing practice by building on these concepts as they influence decision-making toward health and illness.
NURS 559.
Physiologic Concepts in Health and Illness.
(3)
Focus on biophysical concepts (lifespan) by examining application in context of patient-care delivery settings providing student with a broad systems perspective of nursing practice by building upon physiologic correlates of health and illness.
NURS 560.
Differential Diagnosis for Advanced Practice.
(3)
Builds on content covered in advanced courses of physical assessment, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Concepts of developing differential diagnosis related to health problems in acutely, chronically, and critically ill adults (all ages) based on case studies.
Prerequisite: 566.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 561.
ACNP Applications to Practice I: Introduction to the Acutely Ill Adult [ACNP Applications to Practice I].
(5)
Introductory skills and concepts of acutely ill adult patients. Evaluation and management of common disease processes of adults in the acute care setting will be included.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 562.
Complex Patient Analyses and Treatment.
(3)
Focuses on diagnosis and management of the most complex patients, including those with acute illness in addition to chronic illness, multiple co-morbidities, treatment complications, adverse outcomes as well as end stage disease.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 563.
ACNP Applications to Practice II: High Acuity Adult Patients [ACNP Applications to Practice II].
(5)
Continued diagnosis, management, and care of the complex acute, chronic, and critically ill adult-geriatric patient.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 564.
Health Promotion, Protection, and Disease Prevention for Acute, Critical or Chronically Ill Adults.
(2)
This course focuses on health promotion, protection and disease prevention in the acutely ill, critical or chronically ill adult. Health promotion strategies, risk stratification, and disease prevention and protection concepts are included.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 566.
Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Skills.
(3)
Focuses on specific skills, diagnostic and technical interventions used to diagnose, sustain or stabilize the acutely ill patient. Includes electrocardiogram interpretation, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, analysis of laboratory values, suturing, and radiological film interpretation.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 568.
ACNP Clinical Topics I.
(3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Covers content related to areas of advanced practice that require specialized training and skills. Student chooses from operating room R.N. first assistant, flight nursing, disaster management, or specialized acute care topics approved by the instructor.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 569.
ACNP Clinical Topics II.
(3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Builds on ACNP Clinical Topics I. The student continues in the chosen topic of operating room R.N. first assistant, flight nursing, disaster management, or in the specialized acute care topic approved by the instructor.
Prerequisite: 568.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 570 / 473.
End of Life Care.
(3)
Exploration of end of life care with focus on symptom management, pain management, and social, cultural and emotional issues. Themes include family, nurse as advocate, culture, and interdisciplinary care.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 571.
Geriatric and End of Life Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice.
(2 [3])
Aging adults and end of life concepts. Theories of aging and knowledge of health and disease processes are applied to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and functional changes.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 572.
Iatrogenesis in the Elderly.
(3 [2])
This course focuses on the hospitalized elderly patient and the prevention, identification, management, and treatment of the iatrogenic process. Ethical, legal, and psychosocial complexities will be explored.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in Nursing.
NURS 576 / 476.
Critical Care Nursing.
(3)
This didactic course will introduce the student to the problems most commonly encountered in critical care units.
NURS 591.
Graduate Problems.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Independent study and research on a topic agreed upon by instructor and student.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 593.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Specialized courses about a particular topic in nursing. A variety of topic courses are offered according to demand. Different sections indicate different topic content.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 594.
Advanced Practice Seminar.
(1)
The focus of the course is entry into practice for the advanced practice nurse.
Prerequisite: students must have completed the majority of their clinical courses specific to their concentration. Coordinators for the advance practice nursing concentrations must approve students’ admission into this course.
NURS 595.
Advanced Nursing Field Work.
(1-7, no limit Δ)
A minimum of 4 field work credits is required. Taken after core and specialty required courses in the concentration have been completed. Students enroll with faculty in specialty area. Faculty member oversees experience and monitors students progress. (3 lab hours per week, per credit.)
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 596.
Professional Paper.
(1)
Scholarly, comprehensive paper written during the final semester of the course of study for completion of Plan II. Topic agreed upon with appointed professional advisor.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 597.
Applied Examination.
(1)
Comprehensive examination taken during the final term of the course of study for completion of Plan II requirements.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: admitted to graduate program in nursing.
NURS 599.
Nursing Thesis I.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
NURS 600.
Philosophy of Science in Nursing.
(3)
Philosophy of Science analyzes ontological and epistemological questions about knowledge, natural science, human science, nursing science and contexts of care. Learning strategies incorporate rigorous critical reflection and dialogue, analysis and synthesis of ideas, and the creative expression of thought.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 601.
Theory I: Nursing Knowledge Development.
(3)
Course focuses on developments in nursing disciplinary knowledge. Emphasis is on the critique of both nursing knowledge content and process and implications of theory and formalized knowledge for nursing research, practice and education.
NURS 602.
Theory II: Substantive Nursing Knowledge.
(3)
Course focus is on existing and evolving substantive nursing knowledge and thought. Attention will be given to the construction, analysis, critique and application of middle range theories.
Prerequisite: 601.
NURS 606.
Quantitative Methods in Nursing Research.
(3)
The course is focused on approaches to developing nursing knowledge by means of quantitative research methods as applied to clinical problems, theoretical modeling of human responses to health and illness, and health policy issues.
Prerequisite: 620 and 621.
NURS 607.
Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research.
(3)
This course introduces major methodological traditions of qualitative research and their application in nursing research. Through didactic readings, presentations and discussion students become conversant with philosophical, methodological, and practical issues and challenges in qualitative research.
NURS 608.
Environments of Human Health.
(3)
Analysis of constructions of health as related to different personal, familial, societal, political and biological environments. Focus on nursing care as a social process that is interactive with the human experience of health and healing.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 609.
Family Nursing: Concepts, Issues and Outcomes.
(3)
Survey course emphasizing the family as the unit of nursing care. Analyzes factors affecting health outcomes, including vulnerability and resilience, health promotion, risk reduction, with health policy implications for enhancement of family health and capacity.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 610.
Nursing Education: Pedagogy and Roles.
(3)
Explores teaching-learning process in clinical and classroom settings. Examines issues impacting educational process, such as student and faculty recruitment, healthcare environment, differentiation of practice, advanced practice, reduced resources, and links with theory and research.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 611.
Rural and Cultural Health.
(3)
Rural and cultural health analyzes unique characteristics, current issues, cultural competence and future trends for professional nursing in rural environments. Learning strategies incorporate critical reflection, dialogue, analysis and synthesis of ideas, problem-solving, rural experiences and the creative expression of thought.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 612.
Clinical Nursing Therapeutics and Outcomes.
(3)
Critical analysis of therapeutic modalities to assist with maintenance and improvement of health or palliation. Theory and research of behaviors and health outcomes experienced by clients and care providers during wellness, illness, and end-of-life care.
Prerequisite: 606.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 613.
Mixed Methods Research.
(3)
This course provides doctoral students with specific knowledge needed to design and implement a mixed methods research proposal, and assist students to develop critical evaluation skills to critique peer-reviewed mixed methods research reports.
Restriction: Enrollment in a UNM or NEXUS doctoral program and permission of instructor.
NURS 614.
Instrumentation.
(3)
Provides a knowledge base for Ph.D. students in the methods used for evaluating or constructing and testing instruments to measure health-related, psychosocial, and behavioral phenomena.
Prerequisite: 621.
NURS 615.
Critical Ethnography and CBPR in Health Care Research.
(3)
Examines conceptual/philosophical traditions, foundations, characteristics, procedures, applications and contexts for health care research involving critical ethnographic and CBPR methods. Focuses on strategies for designing and implementing studies in multicultural settings and diverse populations.
Prerequisite: 607.
NURS 620.
Advanced Health Care Statistics I.
(3)
Provides knowledge, skills and practice analyzing and interpreting quantitative data for nursing research. Content includes: probability, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, point estimates and confidence intervals, univariate and bivariate parametric and nonparametric tests.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 621.
Advanced Health Care Statistics II.
(3)
Provides knowledge, skills and practice analyzing and interpreting quantitative data using multivariate statistical techniques, including: multiple linear and logistic regression, factorial and multivariate analysis of variance and covariance, and exploratory factor analysis.
Prerequisite: 620.
NURS 624.
Behavioral Observation Methods.
(3)
This course will be an in-depth introduction to observational research measurement. Development of data collection strategies, inter-observer reliability and data analysis strategies will be covered.
Prerequisite: 606 and 607.
NURS 630.
Personal and Social Context of Illness.
(3)
Drawing broadly from health and social and behavior sciences, this course is an exploration into the personal and social contexts that frame the illness experience.
NURS 640.
Evidence, Health Policy, and Politics.
(3)
This course focuses on the use of evidence to influence institutional, local, state, federal and global health policies. Advocacy for influencing health policy is emphasized.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 641.
Health Disparities and Policy.
(3)
Focuses on underlying influences on health disparities in vulnerable and underserved populations. Examine the influence of health policy in the increase and decrease of health disparities.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 642.
Applied Health Economics.
(3)
Concepts and methods in health economics analysis with emphasis on healthcare evaluation and policy decision-making. Interdisciplinary approach provides interaction among students in different fields regarding the impact of economics on patient care and healthcare delivery.
Restriction: must be graduate student in Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, or Medicine.
NURS 648.
Introduction to Health Policy Field Placement.
(1)
In consultation with course faculty, Health Policy students identify field placement goals and finalize field placement arrangements, including sites and preceptors.
Prerequisite: 640 and 641.
Restriction: admission to Ph.D. in Nursing and permission of instructor.
NURS 649.
Health Policy Field Placement.
(3)
Building upon objectives from NURS 648, Health Policy, students in the health policy concentration apply knowledge from prior courses in health policy, research methods, and other areas through field placements in public or private sector settings.
Prerequisite: 640 and 641 and 642 and 648.
Restriction: admission to Ph.D. in Nursing and permission of instructor.
NURS 690.
Ph.D. Seminar.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Specialized courses about a particular topic applicable to advanced graduate students. Different sections indicate different topic content.
NURS 691.
Independent Study.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Intensive, directed study at the doctoral level on a specific topic or issue pertaining to nursing. The focus for this independent study, objectives, and strategies to achieve the objectives are agreed upon by instructor and student.
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
NURS 693.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Specific topics relevant to Ph.D. studies in Nursing, as identified by the course title.
Restriction: admitted to Ph.D. program in Nursing.
NURS 699.
Dissertation.
(3-9, no limit Δ)
Restriction: admitted to doctoral program in nursing.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NURS 701.
Applied Research in Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
This course serves as an introduction to the research process. Students will identify and refine a research problem, conduct a review of the literature, and distinguish selected clinical research methods and related analysis strategies.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 702.
Applied Epidemiology in Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
Using group discussion, literature reviews, and primary and secondary data services, students will gain knowledge regarding the historical dimensions leading to health disparities, social injustice, and concepts of marginalization, poverty, race, class, and gender.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 703.
Applied Clinical Research in Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
This course will focus on the systematic examination and application of health-related research in relation to advanced nursing practice, including clinical practice, nursing and health care administration, community and public health, or health policy.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 705.
The Business and Policy of Practice and Their Influence on the U.S. Health Care System [Financial Economics and the Business of Advanced Nursing Practice].
(3)
Examines U.S. healthcare system complexities with focus on major core changes and challenges affecting healthcare economics, public healthcare policy, reform, care provisions and workforce issues affecting population health, cost of care, and access to care.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 706.
Organizational Systems and Quality Management for Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
Advanced practice nursing student will focus on the process of quality management, improvement, and outcomes through management and coordination of care in ambulatory and in-patient organizational systems. Individual settings and system-wide performance improvement plans will be developed.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 713.
Applied Pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs.
(2)
This course expands the advanced practice nurse's ability to safely prescribe in complex clinical situations. Current and emerging knowledge is analyzed while developing appropriate pharmacotherapeutics applied to specific clinical cases. A clinical component is included.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 723.
Effective Human Resource Management in Health Care Settings.
(3)
In this course students will acquire knowledge and obtain a deeper understanding of issues related to the complex area of human resource management as it applies to the doctorally-prepared nurse working in a health care setting.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 725.
Principles of Advanced Nursing Management.
(3)
This course introduces the importance of management skills, identifies essential management skills, and presents a learning model for developing management skills. Essential management skills are organized into three categories: personal, interpersonal, and group.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 726.
Leading Organizational Change.
(3)
Integrated learning experiences explore leadership challenges in changing workplaces through on-site implementation of capstone projects. Executive leadership is discussed in context of the role of the nurse leader in promoting and managing institutional change.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 727.
Health Care Innovations and Informatics.
(3)
This course focuses on nursing informatics. Topics include: (1) introduction to the nursing informatics; (2) health care informatics applications; (3) evidence-based decision support; (4) information systems design; and (5) new opportunities and emerging trends.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 730.
Geriatric and End of Life Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice.
(3)
This course explores the role of the Primary and Acute Care NP in caring for aging adults and clients at the end of life.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 746.
Mental Health Concepts for APRNs.
(3)
This course prepares the advanced practice nurse to support emotional and mental well-being and treat common mental health issues in primary care practice. Legal and clinical challenges in mental health care will be discussed.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 751.
Chronic and Complex Illness in Adults.
(3)
The focus of this course is on the assessment, diagnosis and management of complex and chronic illness in adults with special emphasis on the geriatric patient.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 769.
Comparative Models of Maternal and Child Health Care Delivery.
(3)
This course will compare models of maternal and child health care. Programmatic features, models of delivery, and their associated outcomes are examined.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 770.
Cultural and Complementary Healing.
(3)
Health care traditions and practices in historic New Mexico communities are explored. Students examine use and effectiveness of common complementary therapies in primary health care.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 771.
Midwifery Leadership and Change.
(1)
Midwifery students analyze the underpinnings and current issues of the midwifery profession and practice while learning to take a leadership role to facilitate change.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 784.
Pediatric Chronic and Complex Illness.
(4)
This course for advanced practice nurses focuses on the diagnosis and management of chronic and complex illness in children from birth through adolescence. Students will apply these concepts in a variety of clinical settings.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 791.
Independent Study.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Specific intensive directed study at the doctoral level relevant to D.N.P. studies in Nursing.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 793.
Topics.
(1-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Specific topics relevant to D.N.P. studies in Nursing, as identified by the section title.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 795.
Advanced Nursing Practice Residency [D.N.P. Residency].
(1-10 to a maximum of 10 Δ)
This is a supervised, intensive clinical immersion which addresses the full spectrum of advanced nursing practice. Students are expected to demonstrate national D.N.P. competencies in professional health care delivery.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 796.
D.N.P. Capstone Seminar.
(1)
The D.N.P. capstone project is explored, including project concept, assessment of needed resources, assessment of need for IRB approval, and other components required for conducting the capstone project.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.
NURS 797.
D.N.P. Capstone Project.
(1-8 to a maximum of 8 Δ)
In this course the student builds on the foundation of core and specialty content in the D.N.P. program to develop a rigorous project which reflects the achievement of D.N.P. program outcomes.
Restriction: admission to D.N.P. program.