Fall 2020
NURS 6320-001 Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice
All students are responsible for checking their UTHSCSA Livemail account regularly (i.e., daily or several times every week) to obtain Official University Communication regarding their courses, program and student status.
COVID-19
Students are expected to follow all policies related to COVID-19 found on the university webpage: https://wp.uthscsa.edu/coronavirus/.
NOTE: Our campus has enabled the CANVAS MOBILE LEARN application. CANVAS tools such as discussions, quizzes or videos May or May NOT function on all mobile devices. This is because mobile devices are available with rapidly changing and different configurations. Hence, students must not depend on only a mobile device to access course materials. Students must have access to a laptop or desktop device to access course materials and complete assignments.
This course is Web Enhanced with

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Current Computer RequirementsWelcome to the BSN to DNP Program and Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice. We will meet Thursday August 27 from 1300 to 1600 virtually through Canvas Conference. We are looking forward to getting to know all of you as you begin your doctoral education journey.
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
Susan M. McDonald, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC
Associate Professor-Clinical
E-Mail: mcdonaldsm@uthscsa.edu
OfficePhone: 210-567-0159
OfficeRoom: 2.518
OfficeHours: Listed in Starfish
Office of Faculty Excellence
Karen Walker Schwab, PhD,APRN, CPNP-PC
Assistant Professor-Clinical
E-Mail: schwabk@uthscsa.edu
OfficePhone: 210-450-8476
OfficeRoom: 2.338
OfficeHours: Listed in Starfish
Office of Faculty Excellence
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course students explore and consider theories from nursing and related disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the role of theory to guide practice and care improvement. This course is a foundation for the advanced practice nurse to choose and use theories.
CREDIT AND TIME ALLOCATION
Credit Hour Allocation: 3 semester credit hours
Clock Hour Allocation: 45 clock hours class
PREREQUISITES
Graduate Standing
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program students will:
- Integrate nursing science, ethics, biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sources to provide the highest level of specialty nursing practices.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate healthcare practices in healthcare systems that ensure quality improvement and patient safety.
- Use analytic methods and evidence based practices to improve practice outcomes and the practice environment.
- Implement and evaluate ethical healthcare information systems and patient care technology to improve the quality of patient health outcomes and care systems.
- Advocate for healthcare practices that advance social justice, equity, and ethical policies within all healthcare arenas.
- Employ interprofessional collaborative teams to improve patient and population health outcomes and healthcare delivery systems.
- Lead the integration and institutionalization of (evidence based) clinical prevention and population based health guidelines.
- Use clinical judgment, systems thinking, accountability, and specialized knowledge to design, deliver, and evaluate evidence based, culturally proficient care to improve patient, population, and health systems outcomes.
COURSE OUTCOMES
1. Appraise the role of belief/values (e.g., personal, organization, cultural) in identification and framing of clinical practice improvement. (DNP Essential I; NONPF Competency: Scientific Foundation 4)
2. Evaluate the utility of various theories as guides for clinical practice improvement. DNP Essential I; NONPF Competency: Scientific Foundation 4)
3. Select theory(ies) that address clinical practice improvement in a chosen area of interest. (DNP Essential I; NONPF Competency: Scientific Foundation 4)
4. Explain theoretical concepts in a chosen theory and their applicability to impact practice. (DNP Essential I; NONPF Competency: Scientific Foundation 4)
5. Appraise the merits of selected theories for usefulness in guiding systems changes and/or clinical practice. (DNP Essential I; NONPF Competency: Scientific Foundation 4)
CLINICAL OUTCOMES
clinical outcomes
GRADING SCALE FOR GRADUATE COURSES
A = 4 points (90-100)
B = 3 points (80-89)
C = 2 points (75-79)
D = 1 point (66-74)
F = 0 points (65 or below)
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION / GRADES
Assignments | Percentage of grade |
Worldview | 10% |
Conceptual Model | 10% |
Annotated Bibliography | 10% |
Group Presentation | 25% |
Final Paper | 40% |
Participation | 5% |
Total | 100% |
CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE
Attendance in class is an expectation of each student.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
- If written assignments are made in a course they are required.
- Students are expected to submit written work on the scheduled date and time.
- The student must notify the course coordinator prior to the scheduled due date and time if they are unable to submit the written work as scheduled. Failure to make this notification in advance will result in a "zero" for that written work.
- If the excuse is accepted as reasonable and necessary, arrangements will be made for an alternative due date and time.
- Each student is responsible for making sure that he or she has completed the written work prior to submission.
- Late work will be accepted with consequences as outlined per course syllabi.
APA GUIDELINES
The APA Publication Manual 7th edition is required for use in all nursing school programs.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
Students are expected to be above reproach in all scholastic activities. Students who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and dismissal from the university. "Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." Regents Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22.
PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT
Students who are nurses or are preparing to enter the profession of nursing are expected to treat others with respect and compassion. “The principle of respect for persons extends to all individuals with whom the nurse interacts. The nurse maintains compassionate and caring relationships with colleagues and others with a commitment to the fair treatment of individuals, to integrity-preserving compromise and to resolving conflict. This standard of conduct precludes any and all prejudicial actions, any form of harassment or threatening behavior, or disregard for the effects of one’s actions on others” (American Nurses Association Code for Nurses, Interpretive Statement 1.5).
The students, faculty, Department Chairs, Associate Deans, and the Dean of the School of Nursing of the University Texas Health Science Center San Antonio subscribe to the highest standards of conduct. Our aim is professional behavior beyond reproach. Failure to abide by the signed code of professional conduct may lead to suspension and/or permanent dismissal from the UTHSCSA SON. In particular, we subscribe to the provisions of the Code of Ethics for Nurses (http://bit.ly/1mtD5p2) and the following points of conduct.
http://catalog.uthscsa.edu/schoolofnursing/policiesandprocedures/
School of Nursing Netiquette Guidelines for Online Interaction
Netiquette guidelines provide information for behaving properly online, when using email, tweets or texts so that you may successfully communicate your thoughts in a manner that is respectful and avoids misunderstandings with others.
- Be courteous about what you say to or about others in any electronic format. In electronic communication the golden rule is "Remember the Human." Remember there is a real person with real feelings on the receiving end of your email or post.
- Be respectful and open to opinions and ideas that differ from yours. The exchange of diverse thoughts, ideas and opinions are an important part of the scholarly environment. Keep in mind that the people in your classes may come from different backgrounds and have views that may vary significantly from your own.
- Flaming (defined as posting of messages that are deliberately hostile and insulting in an online social context) is never appropriate. While everyone (learners and instructors alike) is encouraged to share ideas and opinions openly, you should never use insults or resort to name-calling even if you disagree strongly with what someone else has written.
- When responding to messages or posts made by others, address the ideas, not the person.
- It’s often best to avoid using sarcasm and humor online. Without social cues, such as facial expressions and body language, a remark meant as humorous could come across hurtful or offensive. Keep in mind that ‘emoticons’ (such as J) may not convey your tone or intent.
- Capitalizing whole words is generally seen as SHOUTING and is difficult for most people to read. Use all capital letters sparingly, such as to highlight an important word or point.
- Think and reread what you’ve written before you post! Make sure that what you’ve written makes sense (is clear and to the point).
- Remember you are responsible for the content you communicate on CANVAS. What you write represents you, so use appropriate language. Remember that all writing should be professional, consisting of complete sentences, and free of grammatical and spelling errors.
- Be aware that distributing copyrighted materials, such as articles and images, is illegal. Most of the materials on the Internet are copyrighted. The only time it’s ok to distribute materials from the Internet is when you are sure those materials are "fair use." To be safe, if you want to share materials with classmates and/or your instructor, share the web link or URL only.
- To avoid plagiarism, make sure you properly cite all source materials. All materials should be cited unless you are the author of the content.
- Protect your privileges in online communication (avoid posting spam or emailing chain letters).
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Any student seeking reasonable accommodations through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact either the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Services within the first week of the semester or schedule a meeting with the UTHSCSA ADA Compliance Office so that appropriate accommodations may be arranged. A request for accommodations (Form ADA-100: http://uthscsa.edu/eeo/form100-Faculty-student-resident.pdf) must be completed and submitted to the Executive Director of the ADA Compliance Office before accommodations can be provided. Additional information can be provided in the Student Success Center, Room 1.118 or through the ADA Compliance Office website: http://uthscsa.edu/eeo/request.asp.
REQUIRED TEXT / REFERENCE
Butts, J. B. & Rich, K. L. (Ed.), (2018). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice, (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Jones &Bartlett Learning. ISBN978-1-284-11224-5 (required)
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association,(7th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. ISBN 978-1-4338-3216-1(required)
RECOMMENDED (OPTIONAL) TEXT / REFERENCE
Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K.(Ed.), (2015). Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice, (5th ed.). SanFrancisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. ISBN 978-1-118-62898-0(recommended)
CONTENT OUTLINE
1. Foundations of Nursing Science
2. The Structure and Function of Theory
3. Interdisciplinary Philosophies and Theories
4. Select Nursing Models and Theories
5. Tools for Integrating and Disseminating Knowledge in Advanced Nursing Practice
CALENDAR - 1st Day Only
Please check the schedule for recent updates on Class Dates & Room.
We will meet synchronously on Canvas Conference from 1 to 4 PM. On this first day, we will do introductions, give a course overview, discuss your portfolio, review APA, and available resources within the SON. For the full calendar and details, please refer to information posted in Canvas.
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