Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (ACNS)

ACNS 521 | ADVANCED PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

Units: 4 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: APNC 520 with a minimum grade of C-

Explores theoretical and clinical practice principles of advanced physical assessment of all human systems. Uses advanced assessment techniques, concepts, and approaches for comprehensive data gathering, analysis, and documentation including history taking and physical examination. Differentiates abnormalities from common normal variations characteristic of various developmental, cultural, and ethnic groups. Laboratory-based practicum experiences provide the opportunity for the integration of theory with role responsibilities specific to physical assessment.

ACNS 524 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: APNC 520 with a minimum grade of C-

Explores the theoretical and clinical practice principles needed to assess, manage, and recommend treatment plans, utilizing broad categories of pharmacologic agents, for common and complex health problems in a safe, high quality, and cost-effective manner. Emphasizes the application of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics skills into clinical practice.

ACNS 600 | TRANSITION TO CNS PRACTICE

Units: 1 Repeatability: No

Focuses on the transition of the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) into clinical practice. Explores the pathway to CNS certification/licensure, job preparation, and succeeding in practice settings. Examines the concept of imposter syndrome and methods for overcoming it.

ACNS 601 | SPECIALTY POPULATION IMMERSION I

Units: 1 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of C- or ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of C-

This course expands on the application of the role of the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist at the population foci level. Emphasis is placed on care of patients throughout the life span experiencing complex health problems. Clinical experience provides the student an opportunity to apply didactic course concepts in a variety of settings at the population foci level. Population foci offered: Intensive care, emergency care, oncology, progressive care, rehabilitation, post-anesthesia care, or other area of clinical interest.

ACNS 602 | SPECIALTY POPULATION IMMERSION II

Units: 1 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of C- or ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of C-

This course expands on the application of the role of the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist at the population foci level. Emphasis is placed on the in-depth analysis and application of the theoretical basis for care of patients throughout the life span experiencing complex health problems within a given population foci. Population foci offered: Intensive care, emergency care, oncology, progressive care, rehabilitation, post-anesthesia care, or other area of clinical interest.

ACNS 603 | SPECIALTY POPULATION IMMERSION III

Units: 1 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of C- or ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of C-

This course expands on the application of the role of the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist at the population foci level. Emphasis is placed on care of patients throughout the life span experiencing complex health problems and preparation for successful certification (AACN and ANCC) examination after graduation. Population foci offered: Intensive care, emergency care, oncology, progressive care, rehabilitation, post-anesthesia care, or other area of clinical interest.

ACNS 619 | CNS SPECIALTY ROLE AND PRACTICE FOUNDATIONS

Units: 3

Provides an overview of the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) with a practice focus on adults and gerontology (wellness to acute care). Explores the spheres of influence and core competencies for CNS practice. Examines theoretical foundations of reflective, evidence-based advanced nursing practice for individuals 20 years of age and older.

ACNS 632 | ADULT-GERONTOLOGY I: CNS PRACTICE IN INDIVIDUAL PATIENT SPHERE

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Corequisites: ACNS 632P

Provides an in depth inquiry into the role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) within the patient sphere with a practice focus on adults 20 years of age and older. Explores the theoretical concepts utilized in advanced nursing practice in the management of patients along the continuum of care from wellness to illness, experiencing acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses.

ACNS 632P | ADULT-GERONTOLOGY I: CNS PRACTICE IN INDIVIDUAL PATIENT SPHERE PRACTICUM

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Corequisites: ACNS 632

Provides an opportunity to carry out the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role within the patient sphere with adults 20 years and older. Emphasizes the application of the theoretical concepts utilized in advanced nursing practice in the management of patients along the continuum of care from wellness to illness, experiencing acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses.

ACNS 634 | ADULT-GERONTOLOGY II: CNS PRACTICE IN THE NURSE SPHERE

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: ACNS 632 with a minimum grade of B-

Corequisites: ACNS 634P

This course provides an in-depth inquiry into the role of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) within the patient sphere with a practice focus on adults 20 years and older. Emphasis is on the theoretical concepts utilized in advanced nursing practice in the management of patients along the continuum of care from wellness to illness. These patients may experience acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses.

ACNS 634P | ADULT-GERONTOLOGY II: CNS PRACTICE IN THE NURSE SPHERE PRACT

Units: 2 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: ACNS 619 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of B-

Corequisites: ACNS 634

This course provides an in-depth inquiry into the role of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) within the patient sphere with a practice focus on adults 20 years and older. Emphasis is on the theoretical concepts utilized in advanced nursing practice in the management of patients along the continuum of care from wellness to illness. These patients may experience acute, chronic, or terminal illnesses. This is the practicum portion of the course.

ACNS 636 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY III: CNS PRACTICE IN THE ORGANIZATIONAL/SYSTEMS SPHERE

Units: 3

Prerequisites: ACNS 619 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 634 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 634P with a minimum grade of B-

Corequisites: ACNS 636P

Emphasizes theories and principles of change management at the systems level. Analyzes CNS leadership principles in organizations/systems in which nursing care is provided for individuals 20 years of age and older.

ACNS 636P | ADULT GERONTOLOGY III: CNS PRACTICE IN THE ORGANIZATIONAL/SYSTEMS SPHERE PRACTICUM

Units: 2

Prerequisites: ACNS 619 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 634 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 634P with a minimum grade of B-

Corequisites: ACNS 636

In the clinical setting emphasizes applying theories and principles of change management at the systems level. Operationalizes CNS leadership principles in organizations/systems in which nursing care is provided for individuals 20 years of age and older.

ACNS 638 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY IV: ADVANCED CNS PRACTICE

Units: 3

Prerequisites: ACNS 619 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 634 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 634P with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 636 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 636P with a minimum grade of B-

Corequisites: ACNS 638P

Focuses on further development of evidence-based clinical knowledge in a selected area of CNS practice. Provides opportunities to explore CNS role development issues. Based on a gap analysis, an evidence-based practice change is designed, evaluated, and presented relative to an apriori evidence-based benchmark. A letter grade of B- or higher is necessary to pass this course.

ACNS 638P | ADULT GERONTOLOGY IV: ADVANCED CNS PRACTICUM

Units: 3

Prerequisites: ACNS 619 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 632P with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 634 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 634P with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 636 with a minimum grade of B- and ACNS 636P with a minimum grade of B-

Corequisites: ACNS 638

Focuses on further development of evidence-based clinical knowledge and expertise in a selected area of CNS practice. Students design an evidence-based clinical project to improve the care for individuals 20 years of age and older. The project is implemented using an evidence-based approach to a clinical problem or professional issue.

ACNS 639 | CNS PALLIATIVE CARE PRACTICUM

Units: 2 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PHDN 688 with a minimum grade of B-

Provides an in-depth experience into the role of the Palliative Care CNS with the practice focus on adults 20 years and older. Emphasizes advanced nursing skills in assessment, symptom management, and psychosocial care to patients and family with serious health conditions. Stresses advocacy for those patients at the end of life requiring palliative care and hospice. Focuses on the interdisciplinary health care team in providing a collaborative plan of care.