Explore psychiatric-mental health nursing care for families with complex relational problems in various clinical settings. Discover applications of theoretical, ethical, and evidence-based practices to formulate delivery of culturally sensitive care within the community context. Examine common practices and treatment protocols, with emphasis on critical thinking skills inherent to the role of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Discuss prescribing and monitoring medications commonly used with patients who have psychiatric or mental health problems.

Study the theory and evidence bases for diagnosis and management of a variety of common psychiatric and behavioral disorders with an emphasis on diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision-making, and therapeutic strategies appropriate for the role of the family psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. Discuss the sociocultural and community context for patient care.

Study the role of the advanced psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner in providing care for patients and families with complex psychopathology and psychiatric and mental health problems in a variety of clinical settings. Gain knowledge from biological and psychosocial theories, psychopharmacology, health promotion, and ethics to develop culturally sensitive care. Discuss role development, evidenced-based practices, recommended practices and treatment protocols, ethical decision making, and critical thinking strategies.

Apply knowledge related to biological and psychosocial theories, pharmacology, health promotion, and ethics to patients and families with common psychiatric and behavioral disorders in a precepted, clinical environment. Focus on role development using standardized procedures and tools that assist in diagnosis, treatment, and developing beginning-level therapy skills in multiple modalities.

Focus on the role of the family psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner using theoretical bases for care of complex psychiatric and mental health patients with psychopathology in a variety of settings across the life span. Integrate various biological and psychosocial theories with psychopharmacology, health promotion, and ethical decision-making to develop culturally sensitive care. Discuss evidenced-based practices, recommended practices and treatment protocols, ethical decision making, and critical thinking strategies that are integral to the role of the family psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner.

Introduction to psychiatric-mental health assessment of individuals and families throughout the life span, using established therapeutic communication techniques, individual psychotherapeutic modalities, and psychotherapy skills from evidence-based practices. Examine synthesis of theories and knowledge from nursing, biology, psychiatry, psychology, and socio-cultural studies as they apply to the comprehensive assessment of psychiatric clients. Focus on assessment and psychotherapy skills commensurate with the role of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) through didactic, experiential, and observational practice in the classroom.

Analyze and apply physiological, psychosocial, spiritual, and environmental concepts to treat selected patients with chronic illness under supervised instruction in clinical agencies. Focus on dynamics of chronic illness and related psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner roles. Explore concepts relevant to the management of complex and chronic health care problems often comorbid with psychiatric illness.

Analyze physiological, psychosocial, and environmental concepts and testing of assessments and interventions for select adult-gerontology (AG) populations across the life spectrum (young adults through older adults).

Analyze physiological, psychosocial, and environmental concepts and testing of assessments and interventions in select adult-gerontology populations experiencing acute illness. Focus on dynamics of acute illness and related Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse specialist (AG-CNS) roles.

Examine theoretical and clinical content for management of health problems of adult patients across the life spectrum (young adults through older adults). Integrate and apply skills and knowledge gained in previous adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist coursework for adult patients in the acute or chronic setting. Discuss pattern recognition, critical thinking, analysis, diagnostic testing, differential diagnosis, and medical management of common adult, older-adult health problems.

Analyze physiological, psychosocial, spiritual, and environmental concepts and testing of assessment and interventions for select adult-gerontology (AG) populations with chronic illness conditions. Focus on dynamics of multiple chronic illness and related Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse specialist (AG-CNS) roles.

Discuss the clinical application of Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) core competencies in delivery of care for select adult-gerontology (AG) populations to promote health and manage acute and/or multiple chronic conditions at the patient, nurse, and system level. Prepare for certification and credentialing as an AG-CNS.

Discuss the clinical application of Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) core competencies in the delivery of care for select adult-gerontology (AG) populations to promote health and manage acute and/or multiple chronic conditions at the patient, nurse, and system level. Prepare for certification and credentialing as an AG-CNS.

Explore the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) roles through guided field experience and clinical application outside of direct patient sphere, including educator, leader, researcher, or advocate in the system or nursing spheres.

Explore advanced developmental and health assessment of children (newborn through adolescent), with an emphasis on theories and skills applicable to the assessment of children.

Study pediatric pharmacotherapeutics, with emphasis on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, administration, and education.

Study health promotion, anticipatory guidance, prevention of illness, and the assessment and management of acute illnesses commonly affecting children. Discuss concepts related to the advanced role development of nurse practitioners.

Examine theoretical knowledge relevant to the management of complex and chronic primary health care problems from infancy through adolescence.

Attain clinical experience in the management of complex or chronic health problems of infants, children, and adolescents in a specialty setting, as well as management in primary care.

Participate in clinical experience in primary care settings, focus on health promotion and management of well-child care and acute illnesses commonly encountered in children.

Interpret laboratory and diagnostic testing. Discuss the development of diagnostic and psychomotor skills needed to care for acute or critically ill pediatric patients.

Explore primary care management of complex conditions in children. Focus on advanced role development of the pediatric nurse practitioner.

Participate in pediatric primary health care practicum in the advanced nursing management of the health of infants, children, and adolescents.

Prepare to recognize, interpret, and respond to emerging health crises and organ system dysfunction or failure in children with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. Discuss patient stabilization, minimizing complications, restoring maximal health potential through risk reduction, and providing physical and psychosocial support to the patient and family. Explore acute, critical, and chronic disorders within selected physiological systems from a developmental and multicultural perspective.

Participate in clinical experience in primary care settings, focusing on health promotion and management of well-child care and acute illnesses commonly encountered in children.

Prepare to recognize, interpret, and respond to emerging health crises and organ system dysfunction or failure of physiological systems in children with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. Discuss patient stabilization, minimizing complications, and restoring maximum health potential. Explore core concepts such as transport, complex discharge planning, rehabilitation, home care, and long-term care.

Prepare for clinical competence consistent with that of a beginner acute care pediatric nurse practitioner. Integrate advanced knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, current research and evidence, and diagnostic and psychomotor skills to create comprehensive management plans for children with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions, under the supervision of faculty and preceptors.

Examine foundational content relative to the care of children and adolescents with behavioral and psychiatric mental health disorders. Discuss health promotion, screening, treatment, and referral to psychiatric mental health specialists. Focus on inter-professional and collaborative practice using evidence-based models for evaluation and management of common behavioral and psychiatric mental health disorders in the child and adolescent.

Apply pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic principles to drug therapy management in family primary care nursing.

Analyze the impact of social, cultural, and ecological factors on health decision-making, healthcare delivery, and health promotion behaviors among diverse populations and settings through application of theory, ethical principles, and health promotion methodologies.

Discuss the expanded role of clinical leaders in health policy advocacy at the organizational, community, state, national, and international level through examination of socio-political and economic contexts of health, advocacy, policy development, analysis, implementation, and evaluation.

Explore basic economic theory, market drivers and restraints, health care budgets, financial management and reimbursement in systems, cost/benefit analysis of programs or initiatives, and health care, entrepreneurism through theory, application, and clinical leadership principles.

Appraise literature critically and make recommendations for evidence-based practice changes, innovations, or guidelines to improve health care outcomes.

Explore leadership and systems theories, including philosophies, cultures, structures, processes, information management, interprofessional communication, and other areas relevant to healthcare organizations. Examine the role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice nurse within the larger context of the health care system.

Apply the science of quality improvement and implementation to improve organizational effectiveness and health outcomes. Discuss strategies to enhance complex system thinking, process analysis, and measuring and monitoring quality and safety indicators. Explore developing and evaluating cost-effective improvement initiatives and implementation of evidence-based practices.

Explore the activities of international, national, state, and local entities in relation to population health, health disparities, and the needs of priority populations. Discuss basic epidemiological principles, disaster and emergency prevention and response, and inter-professional collaboration to identify, analyze, and evaluate key population health issues.

Engage in both practicum experiences and self-directed scholarship to explore the development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice role and its unique contributions of clinical leadership within an interdisciplinary and dynamic healthcare environment. Refine and state the tenets of their personalized conceptual or theoretical framework derived from nursing theories and related sciences with the goal of improving healthcare practice outcomes and disseminating findings as a DNP clinical leader. Identify a clinical area of interest and begin to demonstrate standards of DNP practice, to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse populations.

Examine basic concepts in research and evaluation methods including quantitative and qualitative designs, descriptive and inferential statistics, reliability and validity, and data collection and extraction strategies that DNPs use to evaluate evidence-based literature.

Apply research design, statistical and qualitative techniques, and data collection/extraction methods to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Project and other research, quality assurance, and program evaluation activities.

Discuss interprofessional approaches to informatics by incorporating health specific disciplines (such as nursing and pharmacy), computer science, and information science. Examine resources and methods required to apply informatics and technology to implement clinical guidelines, support communication systems, and enhance safe health care delivery. Explore opportunities to analyze information requirements, design system alternatives, and consider the management of resources.

Utilize practicum experiences and self-directed scholarship to conceptualize the area of clinical specialization and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholarly project. Propose evidence-based strategies for implementing and achieving health care outcomes, such as a pilot study, program evaluation, quality improvement, policy analysis, or practice-change initiative.

Utilize practicum experiences and self-directed scholarship to assess the feasibility of conducting scholarly projects, which may consist of implementation of a significant pilot study, a program evaluation project, a quality improvement project, a policy analysis, or a practice change.

Utilize practicum experiences and self-directed scholarship to implement a significant pilot study, a program evaluation project, a quality improvement project, a policy analysis, or a practice-change initiative in an identified area of clinical leadership specialization. Discuss implementation strategies, including incorporation of the most recent evidence-based practice in the management of patient care within an interdisciplinary practice model and utilization of evidence-based research in the clinical management of individuals, families, and communities. Explore leadership and systems analysis in complex organizations, managing interdisciplinary teams, improving educational systems, and developing and implementing quality improvement projects and evidence-based management systems to improve patient, population, and health systems outcomes.

Engage in both practicum experiences and self-directed scholarship to analyze, evaluate, and disseminate findings of the scholarly project (pilot study, a program evaluation project, a quality improvement project, a policy analysis, or a practice-change initiative) in an identified area of clinical leadership specialization.

Examine pathophysiologic concepts from the cellular level through major body systems and across the life span. Explore etiological, pathogenic, and presenting patterns. Discuss fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology. Develop an understanding of nursing and medical interventions for common health problems and the ability to apply and design interventions based on pathophysiologic changes.

Participate in supervised experience in the nursing management of infants, children, adults, and families who have complex or chronic health problems.

Participate in advanced supervised experience as a direct primary health care giver in family practice clinical settings.

Explore the advanced knowledge and skills involved in the assessment of individuals throughout the life span, within the context of the family, to determine their health status.

Participate in supervised experience in the nursing management of infants, children, and/or advanced adults and families who are well or who have common acute health problems.

Discuss theoretical and clinical knowledge needed for advanced nursing management within the context of the family and the community of individuals who are essentially well or who have minor health problems.

Discuss theoretical and clinical knowledge needed for the management of complex and chronic health problems of individuals and families.

Focus on the integration and application of skills and knowledge gained in prior coursework for pediatric, adult, and aging clients in primary health care settings. Use pattern recognition, critical thinking, analysis, diagnostic testing, differential diagnosis and medical management of complex health problems throughout the lifespan.

Introduction to the steps of program planning with a focus on identification of evidence-based strategies for implementing interventions and improving health care outcomes as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-prepared advanced practice nurse leader. Focus on application of theory, review of the literature and population data to frame the development of the DNP project.

Focus on the development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project proposal by applying advanced nursing competencies and integrating the best evidence into practice. Investigate financial costs, feasibility, outcomes, and sustainability of the project. Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to advance leadership skills and develop the DNP project proposal.

Focus on the implementation and evaluation of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project demonstrating clinical judgment founded on a broad knowledge base, including integrating the best evidence into advanced nursing practice and optimizing system effectiveness. Utilize the application of innovation and evidence-based practice to improve patient, population, and health system outcomes.

Focus on clinical scholarship and analytical methods to evaluate the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project and improve health outcomes of patients, communities, and systems. Disseminate the DNP project results to advance the scholarship of nursing and professional and leadership development and serve as a foundation for future scholarly practice.

Explore epidemiological statistics; examine patterns of health and disease in human populations; identify population health disparities and health inequities; examine models of health promotion; discuss primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention; examine the socioecological model, and social determinants of health; critique health promotion interventions and implementation strategies; and evaluate program outcomes for specific populations.

Explore basic economic theory, market drivers and restraints, cost/benefit analysis, health care budgets, accounting and financial management of healthcare services, and healthcare entrepreneurism to make effective financial, strategic, and operational decisions.

Explore the culmination of core competencies for knowledge of advanced nursing practice, person-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, and personal and professional nursing accountability for the respective Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN) concentration.

Focus on quantitative and qualitative research designs and evaluation methods to critically appraise studies as a basis for evidence-based practices. Differentiate design and methods that correspond to levels of evidence relevant to complex nursing decision-making for health care settings

Build on knowledge of statistical and qualitative methods when evaluating research and quality improvement reports. Synthesize findings reported in health-related literature and conduct a critical review of the literature for a substantive area of health-related scholarship. Focus on using systematic approaches to searching, selecting, evaluating, synthesizing, and disseminating research evidence with particular attention to evaluation methods used.

Examine central and core competencies of advanced practice nursing roles in the context of the broader healthcare environment and interprofessional partnerships along with role expectations for practice with Doctor of Nursing Practice preparation. Understand and apply theory to guide practice, scholarship, and to facilitate excellence in healthcare.