Course Descriptions for DNP: PMHNP

NDNP 725 Advanced Health Assessment (4 QH)

Advanced physical assessment builds upon the basic assessment techniques learned at the undergraduate level in order to prepare the student to perform a comprehensive history and physical exam. Instruction is also provided in critical thinking and differential diagnosis. This course utilizes weekly classroom instruction, classroom case study application and physical exam lab practicum. Students are required to satisfactorily demonstrate and document a comprehensive, standardized physical examination and history-taking at the culmination of the course.

NDNP 752 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing (5 QH)

In this course, students receive the foundational requisites in organ specific physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan. Course instruction begins at the cellular level, including the genetic basis of disease, and advances to include a review of various organ systems' functions and disease states.

NDNP 753 Advanced Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 QH)

With content integrated with that of NDNP 752, this course provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacology agents commonly used to treat human disease across the lifespan

NDNP 901 Applied Statistics and Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (3 QH)

This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of commonly used statistical tests, their interpretation, and their use in published research studies. Content will include descriptive and inferential statistics reported in current literature, including both parametric and nonparametric tests. The course will also discuss the role of meta-analysis in informing practice. Students will discuss quantitative and qualitative research designs, sampling, measurement, data collection strategies, statistical analysis, and threats to internal and external validity. Students will apply these concepts to critically evaluate primary research as an important step in the translation of evidence to practice.

NDNP 903 Synthesizing Evidence to Inform Practice (2 QH)

Building upon the content provided in NDNP 901, this course examines the process of developing a clinical research (PICO) question, the steps to find relevant evidence through systematic database searching, and the synthesis of that evidence to inform practice. Students perform critical appraisal of published studies using validated tools to evaluate their methodological quality and applicability to the clinical question. The role of clinical practice guidelines will be explored. Utilizing a combination of recorded lectures, live synchronous sessions, writing assignments and live presentations, students will utilize a systematic approach to address a clinical question and inform evidence-based practice.

NDNP 906 Doctoral Project Planning I (2 QH)

This introductory course focuses on the beginning planning stages of undertaking a doctoral project. Guided by course faculty, students will develop a research question, or problem statement, that demonstrates significance in the field of interest. Students will determine which project type best suits their research focus: Generation of new evidence, evidence synthesis through integrated review or systematic review, or implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). Students will search the literature for evidence to support the project and develop a Doctoral Project Prospectus. A thorough literature review will be required to demonstrate feasibility and meaningfulness of the project.

NDNP 907 Doctoral Project Planning II (3 QH)

A continuation of NDNP 906, students will undertake key activities to complete a comprehensive Doctoral Project Proposal. Depending on the project type (generation of new evidence, evidence synthesis, or evidence implementation), students will complete a needs assessment, SWOT analysis, identify a model to support evidence translation, identify necessary resources, plan for change management, and determine methods for project evaluation. Students will be assigned a doctoral project advisor during this quarter and will require course director and advisor approval of the project proposal. Students will begin the institutional and university IRB or Quality Improvement processes, if necessary for their project.

NDNP 910 Health Policy, Economics and Finance (2 QH)

The content in this course will equip the student with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate how public policy-making strategies impact the financing and delivery of healthcare services. The student will learn to apply methods of policy analysis to policies of relevance to their practice setting, and to use the results to advocate for policy change. Content includes the knowledge and skills needed for students to analyze business practices encountered in the healthcare delivery setting.

NDNP 912 Leadership, Quality/Safety and Outcomes Management (2 QH)

Leadership theories and principles are analyzed and applied to the management of complex leadership situations in healthcare. This course explores the theoretical basis of human error, patient safety and quality improvement activities in patient care. It introduces a systems approach to error investigation and analysis, and integrates concepts of teamwork, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based quality improvement management models. An emphasis is placed on acquiring and demonstrating the skills needed to utilize data for ethical healthcare decision- making through the process of outcomes management. Course content will also include integration of informatics to support culturally responsive, evidence-based practice at a leadership level.

NDNP 921 Implementation of the DNP Scholarly Project I (3 QH)

This course series focuses on specific aspects of the implementation of the doctoral project. Guided by faculty and their Doctoral Project Advisor, students undertake key activities outlined in their project proposal. Activities may include (depending on project type): a systematic literature review, data collection, and stakeholder engagement. The student will complete these steps during the practicum to demonstrate leadership/management, education in health care, and professional advocacy. Students will complete the initial sections of the project manuscript, including background and significance, problem, EBP model, and methods.

NDNP 922 Implementation of the DNP Scholarly Project II (3 QH)

A continuation of NDNP 921, students will proceed with implementation of their doctoral project proposal. Activities may include (depending on project type): development of a data extraction matrix or evidence table, contextual implementation steps, and ongoing data collection related to baseline and post-implementation outcomes for translational research. Students will also continue to draft the doctoral manuscript.

NDNP 924 Implementation of the DNP Scholarly Project III (3 QH)

A continuation of NDNP 922, students will complete the implementation of their doctoral project and begin writing their final manuscript. Activities include finalizing implementation steps at the local level and synthesis of evidence into a polished draft of a manuscript, including the results, translation to practice, and conclusion sections. Students completing synthesis work will include a plan for project implementation and evaluation.

NDNP 933 Doctoral Project Manuscript Completion (2 QH)

The doctoral program culminates with the completion of a scholarly work that demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate research and translate findings into practice. This is an opportunity for the student to prepare a substantial final written work product that reflects the breadth of skills and knowledge the student has gained throughout the program of study. The Doctoral Project Guide for DNP students provides specific information regarding the outline and rubric, as well as key deadlines associated with each project item.

NDNP 934 Doctoral Project Dissemination (1 QH)

A continuation of NDNP 933, this course builds upon the final doctoral manuscript by guiding the student through dissemination of their findings. Dissemination of the results of the doctoral project will be accomplished by producing a professional slide presentation with voiceover narration and academic poster of the doctoral project. Students will apply to present their work at a university event, such as the All-School Research Consortium (ASRC) or similar outlet. All students will disseminate their work through publication on the College of Nursing Research site. The Doctoral Project Guide for DNP students provides information regarding the dissemination requirements, as well as key deadlines associated with each project item.

NPMH 774 Foundations in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (4 QH)

This course introduces foundational theoretical frameworks and competencies to provide scaffolding for the psychiatric assessment/interview process. Students will analyze the social determinants of health and risks for violence that impact mental health care and the legal and ethical guidelines that frame mental health nursing care. The culmination of these activities is designed to foster critical thinking and help students develop a broader view of mental health disorder formulation.

NPMH 775 Neuro Anatomy, Physiology and Behavior (4 QH)

This course will cover fundamental competencies of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry of brain systems, as well as an overview of basic brain-behavior principles as they apply to current models of risk, genetics, cognitive processes, and human behavior.

NPMH 776 Diagnosis and Management of Mental Health Disorders I (4 QH)

This course is the first of two courses that present an in-depth analysis of the DSM and ICD diagnostic criteria for major categories of psychopathology across the lifespan. The student will develop the competencies to analyze assessment data and create and differentiate DSM diagnoses critically.

NPMH 779 Diagnosis and Management of Mental Health Disorders II (5 QH)

This course is the second of two courses that present an in-depth analysis of the DSM and ICD diagnostic criteria for major categories of psychopathology across the lifespan. The student will develop the competencies to analyze assessment data and critically create and differentiate DSM diagnoses critically.

NPMH 783 Assessment, Diagnosis, Management of Addictive Disorders (3 QH)

This course will enhance the student’s understanding of addiction disorders. By weaving elements of basic science, assessment, and diagnosis, students will learn to manage addiction disorders using integrated knowledge to propose evidenced based approaches. Special attention will focus on co-occurring disease process and disorders across the lifespan.

NPMH 785 Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Disorders I (3 QH)

This course is the first of two courses that focus on the principles and practice of psychopharmacotherapy of the major psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Students will develop competencies in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and mechanisms of action of the commonly used drugs to treat psychiatric disorders across the lifespan.

NPMH 786 Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Disorders II (3 QH)

This course is the second of two courses that focus on the principles and practice of psychopharmacotherapy of the major psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Students will develop competencies in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and mechanisms of action of the commonly used drugs to treat psychiatric disorders across the lifespan.

NPMH 787 Psychotherapy for Mental Health Disorders (4 QH)

This course provides an overview of major concepts, theories, and research related to psychotherapeutic treatments for mental disorders across the lifespan. Integration of psychotherapeutic and treatment planning and applying evidence-based brief psychotherapies for treating particular disorders, symptoms, and issues will be examined. Upon completing this course, the student will develop competencies in two psychotherapeutic modalities, one of which will be a cognitive-based therapy approach.

NPMH 789 Special Populations for Mental Health Disorders (4 QH)

This course enables students to investigate the skills and competencies necessary for providing care to vulnerable and underserved populations in the United States throughout their lifespan. Special attention will focus on assessment strategies, examining social determinants of health, common barriers to access to adequate healthcare, and risk stratification. Considerable emphasis will also be placed on the constructions, meanings, and experiences of difference, preparing students to work as culturally responsive and ethical PMHNPs.

NPMH 811 Clinical Residency I (5 QH)

This clinical residency for advanced practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the lifespan, is the first of five applied professional experiences in the DNP:PMHNP program. In this course, the student will engage in activities to develop competency in the comprehensive assessment of acute and chronic mental health conditions, in various settings, at program- approved sites. Students will apply the knowledge and skills needed to perform and document a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, initiate and interpret relevant diagnostic tests and procedures, and evaluate the pharmacodynamic effects of psychopharmacology therapies. This course also includes a seminar component (20 classroom hours) during which time the student presents case material from their clinical experiences using a clinical case presentation model, and participates in board prep activities.

NPMH 821 Clinical Residency II (7 QH)

This clinical residency for advanced practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the lifespan, is the second of five applied professional experiences in the DNP:PMHNP program. In this course, the student will engage in activities to refine assessment skills and to develop competency in the diagnostic reasoning process, at program-approved sites. Students will demonstrate the clinical reasoning steps that underpin the development of differential diagnosis and apply DSM and IDC psychiatric and mental health conditions when developing diagnoses. In addition, students will continue to advance assessment and psychopharmacology knowledge and skills. This course also includes a seminar component (20 classroom hours) during which time the student presents case material from their clinical experiences using a clinical case presentation model, and participates in board prep activities.

NPMH 831 Clinical Residency III (7 QH)

This clinical residency for advanced practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the lifespan is the third of five applied professional experiences in the DNP:PMHNP program. In this course, the student will engage in activities to develop competency in the development and implementation of patient-centered treatment goals and plans, at approved clinical sites. Cognitive behavioral therapies, therapeutic relationships and counseling, and evidence-based therapy techniques receive particular emphasis. Management of common psychiatric disorders via clinical practice guidelines is a third treatment thread. In addition, students will continue to advance and demonstrate assessment and diagnostic reasoning knowledge and skills, and appropriate use and management of psychopharmacology treatment. This course also includes a seminar component (20 classroom hours) during which time the student presents case material from their clinical experiences using a clinical case presentation model, and participates in board prep activities.

NPMH 841 Clinical Residency IV (8 QH)

This clinical residency for advanced practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the lifespan, is the fourth of five applied professional experiences in the DNP:PMHNP program. In this course, the student will engage in activities that further develop competencies in all aspects of the standards of practice of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, at approved clinical sites. Additional emphasis will be placed on activities related to care coordination and collaboration, health teaching and group therapies, consultation, leadership, resource utilization, and evaluation of professional practice. This course also includes a simulation component (20 classroom hours) during which time students undergo evaluation of their progress toward demonstration of entry-level competency in assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, and the therapeutic planning and implementation of psychiatric mental health nursing practice.

NPMH 851 Clinical Fellowship V (7 QH)

This clinical fellowship is the final applied professional experience in the advanced practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the lifespan for the DNP:PMHNP program. In this course, the student will engage in activities that demonstrate achievement of the full spectrum of entry-level clinical practice outcomes, at approved clinical sites. The resident has the option of specializing during the fellowship. This course also includes a seminar component (20 classroom hours) during which time the student presents case material from their clinical experiences using a clinical case presentation model, and demonstrates readiness to sit for the board exam.