University General Course Catalog 2023-2024

Dec 22, 2024

University General Course Catalog 2023-2024 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Clinical Nurse Leader Specialization, M.S.N.

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The MSN program at the University of Nevada, Reno is designed to prepare graduates in the emerging role of the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). In response to healthcare and consumer needs, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing proposed the advanced nursing practice role of the CNL in order to prepare effective leaders to work within all healthcare settings. A beginning CNL graduate would encompass the roles of clinician, outcomes manager, client advocate, educator, information manager, systems analyst, risk anticipator, team manager, member of a profession, and life-long learner (AACN, 2007). After successful completion of the Orvis School of Nursing MSN degree requirements (including a total of 420 clinical hrs; a minimum of 300 hrs in a supervised CNL role immersion practicum with an academic/practice partner), the CNL track graduate would meet the educational requirement to sit for the AACN CNL Certification Examination.

Contact Information

Stephanie S. DeBoor, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, CCRN
Associate Dean 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

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
Provide advanced, ethical, evidence-based nursing services for multi-cultural and ethnic individuals, families, aggregates, and select p
Apply patient-care and communication technologies to deliver, enhance, integrate, and coordinate care.
Collaborate with other professionals and members of the community to provide optimal coordinated health care to individuals, families, special populations, and communities with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
Respect diversity to address complex health care needs of persons, including the un-served and under-served, populations and communities, in the role of nurse leader, educator, and/or advanced practice nurse.
Participate in the organization, management, and policy negotiations of health care delivery systems to use ethical principles and advocacy strategies to influence health and healthcare.
Participate in the application of safe patient care and quality health care practices.
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.

Admission Requirements

The applicant must meet the university’s Graduate School requirements as well as the Orvis School of Nursing MSN requirements. Admission for the Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Leader occurs twice a year (Fall & Spring). Deadlines for Fall admission is March 1st and October 1st for Spring admission. Both schools must receive all application materials before or on the deadline dates.

Have an overall undergraduate grade-point average of at least a 3.0
Complete a baccalaureate degree with an upper-division major in nursing from and NLNAC-or CCNE accredited nursing school.
Have verification of current, unencumbered licensure to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. Students must be eligible to practice as a registered nurse in Nevada.
Successful completion of a three credit graduate level applied statistics course (at UNR - EDRS 640).
A resume that includes educational, professional and community service experience.
A letter of intent should be single spaced, 12 point font, and no longer than 1,000 words.
Three letters of reference.

An interview may be required.

The total of required units for completing the degree varies according to the option the student selects. The minimum number of required units for completion of the MSN is 35. With graduate advisor approval, MSN students may apply more than 3 S/U units to the 35 units required.

Applicants who plan to apply graduate-level credit earned at another university to the University of Nevada, Reno may be able to satisfy specific course requirements in the nursing program. Applicants must provide specific course information for review to determine if the transferred courses are equivalent to university requirements. If approved, such courses may be included in the official program of study.