All full-time nursing faculty are registered nurses (RNs).

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW #530, Washington, DC 20036, tel. (202) 887–6791.

Program Overview
The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing is to prepare nurses to improve nursing practice through the advancement of theories of nursing and research. The graduate of this program is prepared in education or administration. Consistent with Bellarmine’s goal to prepare leaders for our society, graduate students in nursing will be able to effect change within health care.

The graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing builds on the baccalaureate degree. The curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of students, while maintaining a sound academic program in nursing. Each student formulates his or her educational goals with a faculty advisor and maintains a close liaison with the advisor throughout the program of studies. The program is designed for part-time study. A plan is also available for full-time study.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the MSN program will be able to:

1. Synthesize advanced theoretical, empirical, and ethical knowledge to influence nursing
practice.
2. Demonstrate competence in a professional role in administration or education.
3. Use research skills to identify practice and system problems, initiate change, and improve
outcomes.
4. Assume leadership roles that contribute to social, cultural, economic, and political changes to improve health care delivery, health promotion and disease prevention, and to advance professional nursing.

Areas of Concentration

Nursing Administration
The nursing administration track prepares professional nurses to function in management positions in a variety of health care settings. Students focus on financial and economic aspects of health care, human and resource management, and organizational leadership. Selected clinical, administrative, and research experiences provide the student with the opportunity to function as a nurse administrator. Practica must be completed in nursing administration.

Nursing Education
The nursing education track prepares professional nurses to function as beginning nurse educators. This may be in the area of staff development, health education, or preparation of nursing students. Selected teaching and research experiences in clinical and classroom settings provide the student with the opportunity to function as a nurse educator. Practica must be completed in nursing education.

Family Nurse Practitioner
The family nurse practitioner track prepares professional nurses to provide a wide range of preventative and acute healthcare services to individuals of all ages.  NPs take health histories and provide complete physical examinations; diagnose and treat many common acute and chronic problems; interpret laboratory results and X-rays; prescribe and manage medications and other therapies; provide health teaching and supportive counseling with an emphasis on prevention of illness and health maintenance; and refer patients to other health professions as needed.  Students will complete selected practica as part of this curriculum.

FNP Course Layout

MSN/MBA Program
The MSN/MBA program offers professional nurses a unique opportunity to prepare for leadership, management, and health policy roles in health care organizations. Students complete requirements of both the MSN nursing administration track and the MBA program. Eight hours from the MBA are applied to the MSN requirements of Nurs. 625, Nurs. 640, and an elective.

Degree Requirements
1. 37–39 hours of graduate credits in nursing and/or related fields.
2. A minimum of 24 hours of graduate credits earned in residence at Bellarmine.
3. Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA out of 4.0 overall grade point average throughout the program.
4. Completion of degree work within six (6) years from the time of entry.

Admission to the MSN Program
Admission to the master’s program requires approval by the MSN Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. See the MSN Application Packet for Admission Requirements

MSN Student Handbook 2007-08 (MS-Word)