Nursing (MSN) For RN Holders
Faculty
Patricia Rissmiller- Associate Professor and Graduate Chair
Charlene Berube- Associate Professor of Practice and Chair of Undergrad Nursing
Jean Christoffersen- Associate Professor of Practice
Margaret Costello- Assistant Professor
Sarah Desmond- Associate Professor of Practice
Susan Duty- Associate Professor
Donna Glynn- Assistant Professor
Rebecca Koeniger-Donohue- Professor of Practice
Karen Telley- Professor of Practice and Director of RN to BSN Program
Sarah Volkman- Professor
Patricia White- Professor of Practice and Director of DNP program
Description
Our accelerated program allows Registered Nurses (RNs) to earn their graduate degree in just 3 years. We prepare students to deliver primary health care to diverse populations across the lifespan. You’ll focus on health promotion and education, disease prevention and learn to assess and manage patients with acute and chronic illnesses.
Learning Outcomes
Outcome Objectives for the Master’s in Nursing Curriculum
- Critique, evaluate, synthesize and utilize theoretical, scientific and clinical knowledge as applied to the assessment and management of both primary and acute health and illness states.
- Demonstrate a personal, collegial, and collaborative approach as an advanced practice Nurse while emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention and identification of environmental factors that impact health status across the lifespan.
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of human diversity as an advanced practice professional to assure the delivery of appropriate and individualized health care across the curriculum.
- Demonstrate sound critical thinking and clinical decision making reflected in effective written and verbal communications skills, utilized by the advanced practice Nurse in a complex delivery system.
- Demonstrate personal qualities and professional behaviors which are assertive and engage in advanced practice activities that advocate for on-going change and leadership within Nursing and in the health care system.
- Apply critical thinking skills within a multidisciplinary approach to care which fosters strategies and assembles multifaceted resources to empower patients, families and communities to attain and maintain maximal functional wellness.
- Demonstrate Nursing judgments and interventions which provide culturally sensitive care for diverse populations.
- Demonstrate Nursing practices which address human differences.
- Design and implement evidence-based primary health care practices in varied health care systems
- Assume a leadership role in the management of patients, communities and larger systems.
- Initiate changes in patient care and in the health care system through negotiations with other health care professionals.
- Evaluate the efficacy of health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment interventions through the application of knowledge of health care systems, economics, policy, ethics and polities.
- Conduct clinical Nursing research designed to advance the science of Nursing.
- Advance professional growth through continued acquisition of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience, and through participation and/or leadership in professional and community
Requirements for entry into program
This RN-MSN program is for individuals who have diplomas or certificates from the former hospital system, or an associate's degree and a United States RN license. Candidates for this entryway must possess a current R.N. license and work experience in a health care setting. Applicants must have taken an undergraduate statistics course at a regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institution within 5 years prior to the application deadline. The course must be equal to a semester in length and a grade of B or better is required.
Costs
Including financing and fellowships / assistantships
$1,315 per credit hour
$105 Activity Fee per semester
Delivery Mode or Modes Available (full-time, part-time, locations, technologies, etc.)
The Family Nurse Practitioner MSN degree is offered at Simmons Boston campus in the following pathways: BN to MSN, RN to MSN, and Direct Entry for BA/BS holders. The Nursing@Simmons online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program is designed for RNs who have earned a bachelor’s degree.
Degree requirements
Credits
Full program requires 41 credits
Core, Pre-requisite, and elective course requirements and progression, etc.
Phase I Courses (27 Credits)
Phase I
| NURS 387 | Nursing Care of Individuals, Families, and Communities | 4 |
| NURS 404 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 4 |
| NURS 454 | Leadership and Management in Clinical Settings | 4 |
| NURS 292 | Health Assessment | 4 |
| SNHS 450 | Health Care Sys: Interdis Pers | 3 |
| MATH 118 | Introductory Statistics | 4 |
| NURS 345 | | |
Phase II (Phase II can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis)
Capstone, placement, internship, practicum, etc.
Advanced Practice Clinical Preparation
- Over four semesters you’ll complete 770 clinical hours.
- Before starting the first clinical experience in the community, students will have a chance to complete a full semester performing physicals and health assessment on paid patients. This experience takes place on campus, in nursing labs. Students are supervised by Nurse Practitioner faculty.
- Clinical focuses on the primacy care setting across the lifespan, including pediatrics, women’s health, adult and geriatric care.
- We provide students with personalized placements based on their professional goals and learning needs.
Concentrations, specializations, etc.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Licensure, certification, etc.
Upon completion of the FNP program, you will be eligible to sit for the national board-certifying exam.
Dual (and other) degree options (With what other degree programs may this program be combined?)
None
Other program information
Please consult the Nursing Student Handbook for additional information about Health Clearance, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Mandatory Clinical Orientation, Agency-Specific Requirements, Criminal Offender Record Inquiry, and other related policies.