Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post‑Master’s Certificate

This course is designed to focus on the health promotion and disease prevention of the aggregate (individuals, families, groups that make up a community and/or a society). It provides the student a different and wider perspective related to the incorporation and the application of the theoretical knowledge into the aspects of clinical practices. The course will address: the foundation of the meaning of population within the context of health promotion and disease prevention, the goals of the national health plan, health indicators, health determinants at the individual and societal levels, health behavior and the challenge to change people's behavior. This will include applying concepts of health behavior theories, health disparity, human genetics, environmental health, and chronic disease control and prevention. Additionally, students will apply epidemiological principles to identify populations at high risk of preventable illnesses. The course will explicitly address the health promotion and clinical/disease prevention activities that are culturally responsive and appropriate.

The course focuses on theories of physical assessment across the life span.  Theoretical frameworks from nursing and other disciplines will be used to develop a patient database in primary health care practice settings. This course will introduce Family Theory as a critical foundation for effective communication and care delivery. Concepts of the synergy model that address patient resiliency, vulnerability, and stability will be incorporated throughout the course.

(Includes 25 hours on-campus residency and 50 precepted hours)

Etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of disease process will be presented within the framework of the Synergy Model. The interaction between patient vulnerability and patient resiliency will be emphasized in explaining major pathophysiological conditions across the life span. The effects of complexity and predictability on patient outcomes will be highlighted when appropriate. This approach will enhance nurse competencies to assess and evaluate physiological changes, presence or absence of complications, and the extent to which the desired outcome of care and or treatment are attained. Most importantly, this approach will facilitate ongoing learning.

A foundation for the application of pharmacology relevant to advanced nursing practice is provided throughout this course. The process involving medication selection by advanced practice nurses for various diseases states and patient populations is discussed, as well as considerations pertaining to potential risks and benefits associated with pharmacotherapy. Expected adverse effects, monitoring parameters, and drug interactions for specific medications and medication classes will be reviewed.

This is the first clinical course in the four-clinical course sequence for AG-ACNP students. The course introduces concepts regarding the unique aspects of care in the management of young adults, adults, and older adults with acute, complex chronic and critical illnesses who are in a frail and vulnerable state. This course builds on content introduced in GPNG 528 Physical Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing. Course content includes advanced assessment and common therapeutic strategies used in inpatient, palliative, and end-of-life care. The vulnerable state of acute illness and subsequent hospitalization will be examined. Clinical experiences will focus on the assessment of health problems and needs of young adults, adults and older adults with acute, complex chronic and/or critical health needs. Concepts of the synergy model that address patient resiliency, vulnerability, and stability will be incorporated throughout the course.

This is the second clinical course in the four-clinical course sequence for AG-ACNP students who will provide health care to young adults, adults and older adults in a vulnerable state experiencing acute, complex chronic and critical illnesses. This course builds on content introduced in GNFN 550 Foundations of Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Practice. The focus of this course is the assessment and diagnosis of health states, and the management of common health problems which require frequent monitoring and intervention. Strategies used to promote health and prevent complications, especially in inpatient and technology intense environments,will be included. Course discussions and clinical experiences will incorporate principles of evidence-based and ethical practice. The planning, implementation and evaluation of health care delivered to individuals with common acute and chronic health needs are applied throughout the course and associated clinical experiences. The student will synthesize and analyze the plan of care in regard to individual patients and their family, including care across systems.

This is the third clinical course in the four-clinical course sequence for AG-ACNP students. who will provide health care to vulnerable young adults, adults, and older adults experiencing acute,complex chronic and critical illnesses. This course builds on content and experiences in GNFN 551 Adult Gerontology Acute Care I. The focus of this course is the assessment, diagnosis and the management of increasingly complex health problems in young adults, adults, and older adults. The student will be expected to apply knowledge and skills to the management of complex and rapidly evolving situations in hospitalized young adults, adults, and older adults.Students will critically evaluate and apply evidence to make clinical decisions and apply ethical principles to solve clinical dilemmas. During associated clinical experiences the student will synthesize a plan of care for individual patients and their family, across systems in which care is provided. The student will also evaluate the effectiveness of care and care systems.

This is the final clinical course in the four-clinical course sequence for AG-ACNP students. This course builds on content introduced in GNFN 552 Adult Gerontology Acute Care II and focuses on beginning the transition to begin the transition to an integral member of an interdisciplinary acute care team. as an AG-ACNPs provide comprehensive health care to vulnerable young adults, adults, and older adults experiencing acute, complex chronic and critical illnesses.Competencies related to indirect roles of an AG-ACNP will be reintroduced e.g. leadership,health policy, quality improvement, etc. Emphasis is on the integration of assessment, diagnosis and comprehensive management of health problems within the scope of AG-ACNP practice.Transitional care strategies which support successful movement of patients across the continuum of care are included. Evidence-based and ethical practice are integrated into course discussions and practice experiences. Students will synthesize and evaluate the plan of care in regard to individual patients and families, evaluate care processes and outcomes for patient populations,and describe strategies to improve care processes and outcomes across systems in which care is provided.

This course will focus on the synthesis of role theory, the transitioning to independent practice, business concepts, and issues unique to the role of the family nurse practitioner. Professional issues, models of health care delivery and practice in the evolving health care environment will be discussed. The independent and collaborative roles of the family nurse practitioner in primary care will be emphasized. Overview of the Consensus Model, preparing for national certification, and applying for licensure and prescribing privileges at the state level will be addressed. Concepts of the Synergy Model that address patient resiliency, vulnerability, and stability will be incorporated throughout the course.