Based on research methodologies, this course provides the critical foundations of advanced research approaches to formulate procedures for inquiry (research designs) and detailed research methods of data collection, analysis, and interpretation (research methods). The implications of research decisions will be differentiated. Students obtain the in-depth knowledge and skills required to independently conduct research with an emphasis on the new and emerging approaches of nursing research.

Doctoral students will learn how to conceptualize nursing research methodology, with an emphasis on the foundations of nursing inquiry, the assumptions and claims underpinning the research enterprise, the philosophy of evidence, and justifications of how research questions and approaches articulate with socially and clinically relevant problems requiring investigation.

In this hybrid course, doctoral students will learn how various philosophic traditions inform nursing knowledge development, practice, and education. Nursing science, the disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledges that form the foundation of nursing, is examined. Emphasis is on the process of philosophic inquiry and the ability to analyze systematically and logically the contemporary issues facing health services, the nursing profession, and nursing education. Philosophic foundations are laid from which students develop as scholars in their contribution to the nursing profession

This seminar guides students in exploring topics related to nursing education leadership, development of advanced professional competencies, and their dissertation research. The online seminar will include presentations of ongoing and proposed research by students and faculty, the creation of a professional dossier, and preparation for the comprehensive exam. As students develop their dissertation proposal, they may use the doctoral seminar to test their emerging ideas and obtain feedback from peers and faculty.

Concepts of nursing care are applied to the provision of acute, rehabilitative, or palliative nursing care and health promotion in acute or community placements.

Key concepts and processes of leadership are explored as they apply to nursing and health care. Students have the opportunity to examine and develop leadership skills required in contemporary nursing practice. Exercises promote the development and application of values and philosophies of nursing leaders within a Christian worldview

Key elements of professional nursing practice are explored through reading and discussion and applied in the development of a personal professional practice model. These key elements include theoretical and theological foundations of nursing, application of relevant theory to practice, critical analysis of pertinent nursing issues, ethical thinking and decision making, therapeutic relational aspects of client care, and responsible communication with clients, colleagues, and the public.

This course focuses on experiential learning in the provision of nursing care for adults with complex acute and chronic illnesses who are recovering from surgical procedures. Emphasis is on the delivery of safe, client-centered and evidence-informed health care to adult clients. Clinical reasoning is emphasized in assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care.

This course focuses on nursing care of adults experiencing complex conditions with a focus on surgical care in hospital and community-based settings. Emphasis is placed on the nursing process considering factors that influence wellness in the midst of illness, pathophysiology of selected conditions, and sociocultural influences in health care.

Admission to a directed studies course is at the sole discretion of the Dean. These courses may be used for remediation or to develop a specific area of student interest..