Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner- Acute Care, M.S.

45 Credits 

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program will prepare qualified professional nurses to practice at the advanced level in the acute care, critical care, and other health care settings across the continuum of care. This program is offered fully online with both synchronous and asynchronous courses. The curriculum is developed by nursing faculty, flowing from the Graduate Nursing Program mission and philosophy, to enhance advanced nursing practice and quality nursing education in the Franciscan tradition to persons of diverse populations, in varying circumstances and environments.  Graduates of the AGACNP program will have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for competent, ethical, professional practice; for lifelong development of that practice; for advanced study in nursing, and for fulfillment of professional and societal responsibilities. Clinical experiences take place in a variety of settings across the continuum of care with expert clinicians serving as preceptors. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner national certification examination and for state licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner.

At the completion of the Program, the graduate will have the ability to:

1. Synthesize advanced knowledge from the humanities, sciences, and nursing science to promote optimal health outcomes for patients, families, and populations.
2. Analyze evidence-based findings to support advanced practice.
3. Collaborate with patients, families, and other health care providers to coordinate and manage care.
4. Evaluate the safety, quality, and cost effectiveness of care.
5. Integrate the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nursing into the role of the advanced practice nurse.
6. Construct a professional development plan.
7. Integrate technology and information systems to support learning and optimal patient outcomes.
8. Analyze the role of the nurse practitioner in health policy development and implementation.
9. Apply leadership in the role of the advanced practice nurse.
10. Integrate role-specific nurse practitioner competencies to deliver holistic care.