Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Graduate Certificate

I. Contact Information

Stephanie S. DeBoor, PhD, RN, CCRN
Associate Director of Graduate Programs
Assistant Professor
University of Nevada, Reno
Orvis School of Nursing
1664 N. Virginia Street MS 0134
Reno, NV 89557
775-682-7156
deboors2@unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program prepares nurses to provide advanced practice in acute care settings through a program of study focused on the care of acutely ill patients and their families. An AGACNP can diagnose and treat medical conditions. In collaboration with the physician and other members of the healthcare team, AGACNPs provide direct care to patients from hospital admission through discharge.

Note: Students who are enrolled in this program solely are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Program Objectives

American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Master’s Education

1. Integrates scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
2. Provide advanced, ethical, evidence-based nursing services for multi-cultural and ethnic individuals, families, aggregates, and select populations.
3. Apply patient-care and communication technologies to deliver, enhance, integrate, and coordinate care.
4. Collaborate with other professionals and members of the community to provide optimal coordinated healthcare to individuals, families, special populations, and communities with and emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
5. Respect diversity to address complex healthcare needs of persons, including the un-served and under-served, populations, and communities, in the role of nurse leader, education, and/or advanced practice nurse.
6. Participate in the ethical organization, management, and policy negotiations of healthcare delivery systems to use advocacy strategies to influence health and healthcare.
7. Participate in the application of safe patient care and quality healthcare practices.
8. Participate in the development of nursing as a science, through the use of theory, research, and scientific processes, while acquiring a foundation for doctoral study.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the AGACNP certificate, the graduate is able to:

1. Synthesize theoretical, scientific, and contemporary clinical knowledge for the assessment and management of both health and illness states.
2. Implements clinical reasoning and builds collaborative intra- and interprofessional relationships to provide optimal care to patients.
3. Provide patient-centered, quality care to the adult and older adult population within the acute and critical care settings through incorporation of health promotion, health protections, disease prevention and treatment.
4. Impart knowledge and individualize therapies through the activities of advocacy, modeling and teaching.
5. Applies evidence based practice designed to improve quality of care and health outcomes by overseeing and directing the delivery of clinical services within an integrated system of health care.

IV. Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites for admission to the Orvis School of Nursing Master of Science Program:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a CCNE or NLN academic institution with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Current unrestricted licensure as an RN in Nevada.
• Successful completion of a three credit graduate level applied statistics course (at UNR - EDRS 640).
• For the AGACNP track; applicants are required to have a minimum of 3 years experience within acute care or 2 years experience within critical care.

Applicants are to submit to the Orvis School of Nursing:

• A resume that includes education, professional and community service experience.
• A letter of intent should be single spaced, 12 point font, and no longer than 1,000 words. It should include the following information:
  
  • Explain why you have chosen the University of Nevada, Reno, Orvis School of Nursing for your graduate studies.
  • Share which track (AGACNP, FNP, EDU, or CNL) you have chosen to pursue and describe how you envision functioning in this role as part of an inter-professional team.
  • Describe leadership experiences, both professional and persona that have prepared you for graduate studies.
  • Discuss ideas you have for your Master’s project, professional paper, or thesis.

V. Program Requirements

• NURS 705 - Diagnosis, Symptom, and Illness Management (3 units)
• NURS 706 - Introduction to Management of Acute Care Patients Lecture (2 units)
• NURS 707 - Introduction to Acute Care Practicum (2 units)
• NURS 709 - Advanced Prescribing Pharmacology for the Acutely Ill Patient (3 units)
• NURS 710 - Management of Chronic Illness in Acute Care Lecture (2 units)
• NURS 711 - Management of Chronic Illness in the Acute Care Patient Practicum (3 units)
• NURS 712 - Management of Comorbid Conditions in Acute Care Lecture (1 unit)
• NURS 713 - Management of Comorbid Conditions in Acute Care Setting Practicum (3 units)
• NURS 714 - Advanced Practice Introduction to Critical Care I Lecture (2 units)
• NURS 715 - Advanced Practice Introduction to Critical Care Practicum (5 units)

VI. Program Total Hours 26* units

*=Providing review of transcripts represents completion of core coursework (AGACNP) from full time plan of study.