Nursing (NURS) 530

Overview

Nursing 530 is the final course of the Nurse Practitioner program. In this course students will complete two written assignments and a comprehensive examination as well as participate in unit discussion forums and interactive, synchronous CLASS sessions.

Outline

NURS 530 consists of the following 4 units:

Unit 1: Virtual Care in a Virtual World

Virtual care has become an important and relevant change in the way health services are delivered. An innovation that was introduced several years ago in remote and rural communities has now taken mainstage as a primary option for patients to access care. This unit introduces the NP student to virtual care, new regulations, safety considerations and practice policies.  Students will participate in learning activities including a synchronous learning session and a written assignment applying the principles to a patient case.

Unit 2: Nurse Practitioner Comprehensive Examination

Upon completion of all courses of the NP program, students complete a comprehensive examination. The examination evaluates knowledge in all areas of study and is based on the CNPE blueprint  Students must pass the comprehensive examination in order to receive a final course grade for NURS 530. This unit provides information about the examination and suggestions to assist students in preparing for the examination.

Unit 3: Nurse Practitioner Current Trends in Role Implementation

Issues related to models of delivery, entrepreneurial opportunities and regulation of NP practice will be explored. Students will discuss opportunities related to implementation to the nurse practitioner role, including phases of role development, administrative support for the role, leadership of interdisciplinary teams and the evaluation of nurse practitioner practice.

Unit 4: Nurse Practitioner Role Transition
In this final unit of NURS 530, students will reflect upon their future as nurse practitioners. In this unit, students will examine concepts related to role transition and important factors supporting entry to practice.

Learning outcomes

In this course, students will consolidate the knowledge and skills gained from the theoretical and clinical practicum experiences completed throughout the program to demonstrate achievement of the NP competencies in their clinician role.  Students will also reflect on issues related to NP role transition, and currents trends in role implementation and evaluation through participation in unit discussion forums.

Objectives

NURS 530 is designed to help students achieve the following course goals. Describe strategies for the application of the competencies of nurse practitioners (NP) in practice, specifically,

1. Identify issues related to implementation and evaluation of NP roles in the context of the Canadian health care system.
2. Consider the professional identity of the NP and socialization into the role.
3. Examine concepts related to interdisciplinary practice in the health care system, including NP leadership in interdisciplinary teams.
4. Develop awareness of how NP practice incorporates various approaches to research in the clinical environment and create strategies for the future implementation of this core competency into practice.
5. Analyze current issues influencing NP practice, particularly in relation to continuing competence, quality assurance and improvement, and life-long learning.
6. Discuss the use of virtual care in the current context of Canada’s health system.
7. As part of leadership, identify and advocate for the process for changing health policy with particular attention to the influence of consumers, health care providers and the general public on policy decisions.
8. Identify strategies for quality improvement in health care delivery.
9. Understand how to respond to requests from providers for consultation and collaboration both verbally and in writing.

Evaluation

The assessment structure for NURS 530 is based on the following course activities, with the percentage weighting of each activity as indicated. The final grade for the course will be a composite mark based on performance on these course activities. Students must achieve a composite course grade of 70% in order to pass the course. Note that the composite course grade is calculated using the mark attained on the first writing of the comprehensive examination, regardless of the mark attained on a rewrite of the examination.

To be eligible to receive a passing grade for NURS 530, students must achieve a minimum mark of 70% on the discussion forums and CLASS session participation, a minimum combined mark of 70% on the two written assignments, and a minimum mark of 70% on the comprehensive exam.

If the minimum mark is not achieved on any element of the assessment structure (discussion forums and CLASS session participation, written assignments, or comprehensive exam), then a failing grade will be assigned for NURS 530. If the student re-registers in NURS 530, then all elements of the course must be repeated.

Learning Forums (Discussions) and CLASS participation (10%)

Learning Forums and attendance at CLASS sessions are a valuable way to create connection with classmates and course instructors as well as to share ideas and enhance critical thinking skills. Participation will happen through completion of Learning Activities that involve creating a response to questions and engaging with classmates in discussion of their posts as well as through participation in synchronous TEAMS sessions scheduled through the semester. Students are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible but are expected to attend a minimum of three. 

Virtual Care Case (20%)

A client scenario will be posted in the Course News Forum by the end of Week 2 of the semester. Students will develop a case study describing how they would provide care for this client virtually; specifically using a video platform.

Case Study Assignment (30%)

Students will choose a patient who they have cared for during their NP clinical practicum and develop a case study describing their approach to care with this patient. The patient chosen should enable the student to demonstrate their NP clinical expertise and critical thinking.

Comprehensive Examination (40%)

The comprehensive examination evaluates student knowledge in all clinical and population areas of the program

Materials

Important links

• Student services in FHD
• Support services at AU
• Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Faculty of Health Disciplines
• Graduate Calendar