PhD in Nursing (PHDN)

PHDN 601 | PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Explores epistemological and ontological foundations of science and how they influence the development of the science of nursing. Examines specific philosophical traditions such as empiricism, phenomenology, and emancipatory paradigms for their relevance to nursing. Incorporates the social and historical bases of these paradigms for nursing science.

PHDN 602 | THEORY DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Focuses on theory building, the nature of theory formation, critical analysis and synthesis of theoretical frameworks.

PHDN 607 | APPLIED STATISTICS AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Examines a variety of quantitative research designs, data collection and statistical analysis procedures appropriate to each. Students interpret statistical computer output.

PHDN 608 | APPLICATIONS OF MULTIVARIATE STATISTICS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PHDN 607 with a minimum grade of B-

Statistical methods for multivariate problems in health care including regression diagnostics, probability testing, measurement theory and modeling, cluster analysis, discriminate analysis, and principal components. Computer applications included.

PHDN 609 | DATA MANAGEMENT

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

This course is designed to enhance the student’s competence in management of data in the conduct of research. It provides interactive experiences to create datasets or analyze existing data sets. Students input and analyze data, read outputs, and report data in table and narrative formats. Students gain experience in preparing data based presentations using tables, graphs, and charts.

PHDN 610 | MIXED METHODS RESEARCH

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PHDN 670 with a minimum grade of B- and PHDN 673 with a minimum grade of B-

Overviews mixed methods research (MMR) approaches and explores the epistemological and paradigmatic implications of MMR. Examines the types of research problems addressed by mixing quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry, the major types of MMR designs, data collection strategies, data analysis and integration of quantitative and qualitative data in reporting findings. Prepares students to critique, design and, conduct mixed methods research. Throughout the course attention will be given to the process of developing a MMR proposal and producing publishable mixed methods studies.

PHDN 612 | SEMINAR IN PATIENT ENGAGEMENT AND HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

This course provides an interdisciplinary examination of the principles and concepts of patient engagement and patient activation as they relate to health, health care, and research methodology. Students will also become more familiar with the concurrent and related growth of patient centered outcomes research and the proliferation of health – related technology, including the electronic health record, the patient portal, personalized health data trackers (e.g. Fitbits), and computer/telephone applications. In addition, students will have an opportunity to apply this knowledge to their own area of research by creating a participatory research project proposal addressing an element of patient engagement and patient-centered outcomes methodology applicable to their scholarly expertise or organizational need.

PHDN 640 | BIOETHICAL ISSUES IN NURSING

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Focuses on the process of ethical inquiry and its relevance for contemporary nursing practice, education, and research. Ethical theories and frameworks are explored as the basis for professional decision-making and public policy determination and include justice, caring, consideration of the common good, and feminist points of view. Contemporary bioethical issues are examined using case analysis and narrative approaches.

PHDN 649 | RESEARCH SEMINAR IN HEALTH POLICY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Explores the evolution of nursing scholarship and its current and potential influence on health policy. Provides an overview of the history of the U.S. health care system including the controversies and challenges of health policy reform and health disparities. Implications for social justice are addressed in view of rising health care costs, increasing health care inequities and modest health care outcomes.

PHDN 650 | NURSING RESEARCH SEMINAR

Units: 1 Repeatability: No

Provides socialization to the PhD nurse scholar role, with an emphasis on scientific writing and textual reading at the PhD level.

PHDN 651 | NURSING RESEARCH SEMINAR

Units: 1 Repeatability: No

Provides the ethical implications and application for research, policy, education, and practice.

PHDN 652 | DISSERTATION RESEARCH

Units: 1 Repeatability: No

Development of original research with faculty mentor. An emphasis on the preparation of a critique-based literature review and methodological issues.

PHDN 653 | DISSERTATION RESEARCH

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Ongoing development of original research with faculty mentor. An emphasis on the development of an in-depth, detailed plan for data collection for the dissertation.

PHDN 654 | NURSING RESEARCH SEMINAR

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Provides support for the actual conduct of the dissertation with emphasis on commonly encountered challenges to data collection and management. Addresses the process and procedures for proposal presentation, IRB submission, final presentation and submission of the dissertation.

PHDN 655 | NURSING RESEARCH SEMINAR

Units: 1 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)

Provides support for the finalization of the dissertation. After the completion of 15 units of dissertation research (six units of PHDN 650-653, three units of PHDN 654, and six units of PHDN 695), candidates must continue to register for PHDN 695 (1 unit) and PHDN 655 (1 unit) each semester to maintain candidacy until the dissertation is completed.

PHDN 670 | QUANTITATIVE DESIGNS IN RESEARCH

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PHDN 601 with a minimum grade of C- and PHDN 607 with a minimum grade of C-

Critical analysis of scientific inquiry using advanced nonexperimental (descriptive and correlational) and experimental (quasi- and true experimental) quantitative research designs. Emphasizes application of advanced statistical analyses related to specific research designs.

PHDN 672 | PSYCHOMETRIC THEORY AND MEASUREMENT

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PHDN 602 with a minimum grade of B- and PHDN 608 with a minimum grade of B- and PHDN 673 with a minimum grade of B-

Provides an overview of concepts, theories, measurement theories, and instruments. Includes critical analysis of relationships between concepts, theories and measurements as well as critical examination of existing instruments based on principles of instrument construction and evaluation. Emphasis is also placed on evaluating instruments in terms of cultural bias, sensitivity and ethical issues.

PHDN 673 | INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: BACKGROUND, PROCESSES, AND APPROACHES

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

This course is designed as an introduction to qualitative methodologies. It will explore some of the distinguishing characteristics, techniques/methods of data collection and analysis, ethical considerations, and diversity of methodological approaches.

PHDN 676 | THE PRACTICE OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PHDN 673 with a minimum grade of B-

Focuses on the craft of conducting qualitative research. Involves practicing methods of data collection and data analysis. Course content will include issues related to evaluating, communicating (oral and written), (re)presenting, and publishing qualitative research findings. Ethical dimensions of qualitative research in human research studies will be emphasized. Throughout the course the contribution of qualitative research to nursing, social, and health sciences and nursing practice will be considered.

PHDN 677 | ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE DESIGNS IN RESEARCH

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Prerequisites: PHDN 670 with a minimum grade of B-

Critical analysis, synthesis, and application of advanced quantitative research designs. Areas of emphasis include: testing the relationship between multiple independent variables and a single dependent variable, between multiple independent and multiple dependent variables; grouping variables or individuals; and analysis of linear structural relations.

PHDN 683 | COMMUNICATING NURSING KNOWLEDGE

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

An in-depth exploration of the role of teaching in communicating nursing scholarship in academic settings in nursing. Students will critically analyze all aspects of courses design and evaluate the evidence behind different recommended best practices. Through designing and presenting a variety of knowledge dissemination approaches and critiquing other’s presentations, student will gain experience and confidence in matching dissemination strategies to identified learning objectives.

PHDN 684 | SEMINAR IN GRANT WRITING

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Addresses all aspects of grant writing, including funding sources, proposal writing and management of funded projects.

PHDN 685 | WRITING FOR PUBLICATION

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Focuses on scholarly writing in professional nursing. Emphasizes manuscript development for submission for publication. Address multiple venues and publication formats, as well as ethical and legal issues in publishing.

PHDN 687 | INNOVATIONS IN NURSING EDUCATION

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Explores theoretical foundations and educational philosophies fundamental to nursing education. Innovative teaching strategies and technological approaches to professional education are presented. Experienced faculty/students discuss challenges encountered in teaching nursing students in diversified classrooms.

PHDN 688 | PALLIATIVE CARE : THEORY AND PRAXIS

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

An in-depth exploration of the roles of the Nurse Researcher and Advanced Practice Nurse in the palliative care setting. Theories of palliative care will be explored as a basis for praxis, the conduct of research, and public policy determination. Symptom management, patient-family communication, and cultural perspectives of chronic illness are major course themes. Analysis and critique of contemporary research on palliative care is integrated throughout the course.

PHDN 689 | SEMINAR IN HEALTH PROMOTION

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Examines theoretical and empirical explanation of health promotion on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The course encourages students to complete reviews of evidence-based research and the effectiveness of health promotion programs, health counseling, and communication including health education principles, evaluation methods, and funding opportunities. Synthesis of the literature in relation to student research interest is required to support the development of a dissertation/project relevant to a health promotion concern.

PHDN 690 | THEORY AND RESEARCH IN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

This course focuses on select theories and research regarding executive leadership. It emphasizes the internal and external factors substantively affecting executive leadership. Interactive learning experiences encourage self-reflection regarding positive and negative aspects of one’s leadership style and potential methods for enhancing these skills. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a pilot study regarding executive leadership to enhance interviewing, data gathering, and analytic expertise.

PHDN 693A | RESEARCH RESIDENCY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

This experience is related to the research focus of the mentor. The mentor may be a USD faculty member or researcher in another institution. Students are expected to participate in all aspects of the researcher role, including but not limited to grant development, data collection, data management, data analysis, team meetings, clinical aspects, and poster or manuscript preparation.

PHDN 693B | TEACHING RESIDENCY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Students are expected to participate in classroom and clinical teaching experiences and all facets of the educator role including planning, implementation, and evaluation aspects of teaching-learning experiences. Lesson plans and development of web-based course materials are part of this experience.

PHDN 693C | EXECUTIVE NURSE LEADER RESIDENCY

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

Designed for 1. Knowledge acquisition of the nurse scientist role in executive practice (practice, the academy, and policy); and 2. To develop the knowledge and skills necessary to apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision making in the design, implementation, oversight, and accountability in complex systems. The student is expected to participate in all aspects of the executive role and/or a specific research project as mutually defined.

PHDN 694 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN NURSING RESEARCH

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

In-depth study of a research method, targeted review of the literature or a dissertation related topic under the guidance of the dissertation chairperson. A publishable paper or poster presentation is an expected outcome.

PHDN 695 | DISSERTATION

Units: 1-9 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)

Development and implementation of original research. Provides support for the finalization of the dissertation. After the completion of 15 units of dissertation research (six units of PHDN 650-653, three units of PHDN 654, and six units of PHDN 695), candidates must continue to register for PHDN 695 (1 unit) and PHDN 655 (1 unit) each semester to maintain candidacy until the dissertation is completed.

PHDN 697 | SEMINAR IN HEALTH EQUITY AND DISPARITY RESEARCH

Units: 3 Repeatability: No

This course examines the concept of social determinants of health and their role in achieving population health equity. Several theoretical frameworks used in studying health disparities will be explored with a comprehensive overview of risk factors related to social determinants of health and their role in observed health disparities in the United States will be provided. In addition, students will consider trends and patterns of disparity and inequity that impact health care access, quality of health care, and health outcomes within social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental contexts using a systematic, multidisciplinary approach.