Nursing 804

NURS 804: Clinical Scholarship and Population-Based Outcomes for Advance Practice

Prerequisite: NURS 800, NURS 802; or Permission of Faculty

Credit Hours: (3)

Introduces a broad range of methods for scholarly inquiry to establish an evidence-based advanced nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on research methods useful in program evaluation, quality improvement projects, evaluation of new practice models, and clinical research pilot projects.  


Detailed Description of Content of the Course

1.    Creating a culture of inquiry
            a. Institutional readiness and barriers.
            b. Developing an ethic of innovation.
            c. Evidence-based processes, policies, and actions
2.    Evidence-based practice models
3.    Methods of inquiry:
            a.    Program evaluation
            b.    Quality/Process improvement
            c.    Pilot Studies
            d.    Developing a program of research

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

May include but not limited to: lecture, faculty/student directed discussions, class participation, reading assignments, computer exercises, and written work. Because the course is online, audio or video presentations/lectures, discussion boards, chat rooms and other instructional technology strategies may be used.

Goals and Objectives of this Course

Upon completion of this course, the student will have the knowledge and skills to:
1.    Identify the elements necessary for a practice culture that is committed to and supports evidence-based processes, policies, and actions.
2.    Describe facets of an evidence-based advanced nursing practice.
3.    Select appropriate methods of inquiry for a variety of practice-based problems.
            a.    Articulate the key elements for an effective program evaluation.
            b.    Identify the elements of a quality/process improvement.
            c.    Identify appropriate designs for pilot studies in clinical settings.
            d.    Articulate a program of research for an innovative career that builds bedside knowledge in nursing science.

Assessment Measures

May include but are not limited to: class participation, presentations, computer
exercises, written papers, quizzes, and tests.

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

Approved: April 2010