Family Nurse Practitioner
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Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program at South University’s Columbia campus is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses and pursue a more advanced position in today’s challenging healthcare environment. The program blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that will prepare students to work within a health care organization or educational setting.
The South University Columbia nursing program focuses on advanced health sciences knowledge and skills to prepare advanced clinicians to deliver leading edge, community-based primary health care to individuals and families across the lifespan. The program places a strong emphasis on health promotion as well as the development of positive health behaviors for clients at different developmental and age stages. FNP students share course content with fellow students in the Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) programs where appropriate. This structure exposes students to a variety of expert specialty faculty and supports development of inter-specialty relationships in client management.
Admission Requirements
Please see the South University academic catalog for program specific admissions requirements.
Course Requirements
Offered at South University, Austin; South University, Columbia; South University, High Point Learning Site; South University, Montgomery; South University, Online Programs; South University, Orlando Learning Site;South University, Richmond; South University, Savannah; South University, Tampa; South University, Virginia Beach; and South University, West Palm Beach.
The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for the current and evolving primary healthcare system. The South University College of Nursing program focuses on advanced health sciences knowledge and skills to prepare advanced clinicians to deliver leading edge, community-based primary healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan. The program places a strong emphasis on health promotion as well as the development of positive health behaviors for clients at different developmental and age stages. FNP students share select course content with fellow students in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) programs where appropriate. This structure exposes students to a variety of expert specialty faculty and supports development of inter-specialty relationships in client management.
The South University program is designed to prepare graduates to provide the full range of primary care services to individuals during the ante- partum period, infancy, childhood and adolescence through the adult lifespan. Competencies include provision of preventive care to children and adults as well as the diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health problems. In addition to direct patient care, students also participate in clinical translational efforts, education, and policy activities relevant to advanced practice nursing and diverse population healthcare issues. National certification is available upon program completion through the national certifying bodies (ANCC; AANPCP).
The South University College of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program meets the Core Competencies for Family Nurse Practitioners outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). Upon graduation and entry into practice, family nurse practitioners are proficient in the following areas:
- Providing health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment.
- Assessing health status.
- Diagnosing health status.
- Creating a plan of care and implementation of treatment.
- Ensuring a professional, collegial, and collaborative approach to care.
- Serving as a teacher and coach to patients.
- Committing to advancing the profession.
- Assisting patients in managing and negotiating the healthcare delivery system.
- Monitoring and ensuring high quality healthcare practice.
- Demonstrating cultural competence
The plan of study and required courses for the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner degree program includes the Master's Core requirements (20 credits) with the addition of the following clinical course requirements (42 credits):
Specialization Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- Integrate specialty standards of advanced practice nursing to deliver culturally competent, quality healthcare services to individuals, families, populations and systems.
- Exercise effective leadership, critical thinking and communication skills in the development and implementation of advanced nursing practice services in primary care.
- Integrate professional nursing standards, values and accountability into role and self-development as an advanced practice nurse.
- Utilize information technology and an evidence-based research approach in the development of nursing knowledge and design of healthcare services for clients, populations and systems.
- Ensure advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in the implementation and evaluation of evidenced based care to diverse individuals and populations.
*
*If the student receives a failing grade in NSG6021, the student must enroll in and successfully pass the following four (4) credit course: NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 780 hours in the five supervised clinical practicum courses that are designed to provide the opportunity for skill development and practice in the Family Nurse Practitioner role.
South University, Online Programs may not be available to residents of all states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.
All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program. Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.
The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.
Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates should be able to:
- Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
- Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
- Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
- Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
- Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
- Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
- Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.
Clinical (NP and NE) APEA Policy
This policy establishes guidelines and grading criteria for the use of the Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA) products in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) programs. This policy provides a framework for consistent usage and application of APEA products.
- APEA Testing
The APEA assessments are used as a component of formative and summative academic assessment in the MSN/PGC/FNP, AGPCNP and for NE (the 3P exam only) programs. The APEA online testing center provides documentation of completion of assigned proctored/non-proctored APEA exams.
- The APEA 3P exam measures competency of the core criteria for advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology and advanced pharmacology. This exam evaluates clinical readiness prior to entering the practicum setting. A minimum score of ≥ 67 (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics) is the goal. This exam is administered during week eight/nine of NSG6020 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment, in NSG6021 Pre-Clinical Evaluation. Students who do not achieve the minimum score will be enrolled in NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement, a 4 credit, 10/11-week remediation course. A new 3P exam version will be administered in week 10/11. Students who are unsuccessful after two cumulative (2) attempts will be programmatically dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs. The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.1 below.
Table 1.1 APEA 3P Grading Rubric
| APEA 3P Exam Grading Criteria | Letter Grade | Points/Percent of Grade |
| Score on APEA 3P is ≥67% | P | 100 pts/100% |
| Score on APEA 3P of <67% | F | 0 pts/100% |
- The APEA Pre-Predictor exam measures competency in patient management: assessment, diagnosis, planning and intervention, pharmacotherapeutics, and evaluation The Pre-Predictor Exam identifies weaknesses in knowledge areas and testing domains for remediation in preparation for the APEA Post-Predictor exam. This exam is administered for MSN AGNP students in week two of NSG6340: Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care and for MSN FNP students in week two of NSG6440: Practicum IV: Family Health: Primary Care. A minimum score of ≥70% is the goal. The Pre-Predictor exam is 15% of the MSN FNP NSG6440 and MSN AGNP NSG6430 course grade. The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.2 below.
Table 1.2 APEA Pre-Predictor Grading Rubric
| APEA Pre-Predictor Exam Grading Criteria | Points/Percent of Grade |
| Score on APEA Pre-predictor Exam is > 70% | 100 pts/15% |
| Score on APEA Pre-predictor Exam of 65-69% | 75 pts/15% |
| Score on APEA Pre-predictor Exam of < 65% | 55 pts/15% |
Note: Score ranges may change based on exam psychometrics
- The APEA Post-Predictor exam measures competency in patient management by testing knowledge areas and testing domains that include: assessment, diagnosis, planning and intervention, pharmacotherapeutics, and evaluation. The APEA Post-Predictor exam identifies weaknesses in knowledge areas and testing domains for remediation in preparation for the certification exam The APEA Post-Predictor exam considered a national standardized exam or exit exam. This exam is administered for MSN AGNP students in week eight/nine of NSG6340: Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care and for MSN FNP students in week eight/nine of NSG6440: Practicum IV: Family Health: Primary Care. A minimum score of ≥70% is the goal. The Post-Predictor exam is worth 40% of the final grade in MSN FNP ( NSG6440) and AGNP ( NSG6340). The Grading Rubric is presented in Table 1.3 below.
Table 1.3 APEA Post-Predictor Grading Rubric
| APEA Post-Predictor Exam Grading Criteria | Points/Percent of Grade |
| Score on APEA Post-predictor Exam is > 70% | 100 pts/40% |
| Score on APEA Post-predictor Exam of 65-69% | 75 pts/40% |
| Score on APEA Post-predictor Exam of < 65% | 55 pts/40% |
Note: Score ranges may change based on exam psychometrics
- Remediation
- Individualized remediation provides an opportunity for students to review study and acquire additional knowledge. Remediation is intended to help students recover important information that was missed when taking the assessment.
- Remediation is required for all APEA assessments. Students must utilize their test results to complete remediation. Content areas with a score of ≤ 66 on the 3P exam and ≤ 69% on the pre and post predictor exams require remediation (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics).
- Failure to comply with the APEA testing policy may result in a course failure.
Retesting is required for any student not achieving a minimum grade of ≥ 67% (minimum score may change based on exam psychometrics) on the APEA 3P exam. Retesting of the APEA 3P exam will take place during the final week of NSG6023. A different test version will be utilized for retesting.Students who achieve a minimum grade of ≥ 67% on the retest of the 3P exam will receive an 80% for the APEA grade. Students who are unsuccessful after two (2) attempts on the 3P exam will be programmatically dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs. Any retakes/retesting of the APEA 3P or APEA pre and post-predictor exams must be approved by the College of Nursing and Public Health Dean or their designee.
- Comprehensive APEA Program
Students have access to and are assigned the APEA resources to be used. Courses are listed in Table 3.1 and identifies APEA resources to be used in the corresponding courses.
Table 3.1 Courses with Corresponding APEA Resources
| Course | Resource |
| NSG5003 - Advanced Pathophysiology (FNP and AGPCNP) | Require Students Purchase APEA Resource: Clinical Guidelines in Primary Care. Students are required to cite clinical guidelines resources in papers and presentations throughout the program as identified in the ACOs. |
| NSG6005 - Pharmacology (FNP and AGPCNP) | APEA Resource: Begin QBank Pharmacology 6 months' access. Students must complete 50 Pharmacology QBank questions per week in tutor mode. In week 10, students must complete a 75-question exam mode assessment with a required score of ≥ 80%. Students may repeat the exam to achieve the required 80%. Students must complete all questions. Course Percentage: 10%. Suggest Students Purchase APEA Resource: Pharm in Flash cards from APEA. |
| NSG6001 - Advanced Nursing Practice I (FNP & AGPCNP) and practicum courses. | Suggest Students Purchase APEA Resource: APEA Guide to Coding. Students are required to include ICD-10, E & M and CPT codes for all diagnoses, levels of care and procedures referenced in papers, presentations and clinical documentation (comprehensive and focused SOAP notes) throughout the program as identified in the ACOs. |
| NSG6020 - Advanced Health and Physical Assessment (FNP , AGNP & NE) | APEA Resource: Begin QBank Patient Assessment Questions with 6 months' access. Students must complete 50 Assessment Q bank questions per week in tutor mode. In week, 9 students will complete a 75 questions exam mode assessment with a required score of ≥ 80%. Students may repeat the exam one-time only, in an attempt to receive a higher score. The highest achieved score will be calculated in the final course grade. Students must complete all questions. Course Percentage: 10%. Suggest Students Purchase APEA Resource: Dermatology DDx Deck/ Pediatric Dermatology DDx Deck. |
| NSG6021 Pre-Clinical Evaluation | 3P Exam: Administer Week 8/9. Content areas with a score ≤66% require remediation. |
| NSG6420 (FNP) or NSG6320 (AGNP) - Practicum I: Family or Adult Health: Adults and Gerontology | APEA Resource: Continue QBank Patient Assessment. Students must complete 50 Assessment Q bank questions per week in tutor mode. In week 9, students will complete a 75-question exam mode assessment with a required score of ≥ 80%. Students may repeat the exam one-time only, in an attempt to receive a higher score. The highest achieved score will be calculated in the final course grade. Students must complete all questions. Course Percentage: 10%. APEA Resource: Begin FNP or AGNP Online Video Review Course 12 months; 2 views. Students must complete the appropriate sections for their track, sections 1 through 5 of the review course by the end week 9 or receive a zero "0" for the assignment. |
NSG6430 (FNP) Practicum II: Famly Health-Women's Health or NSG6330 (AGNP) - Practicum II Adult Gerontology-Reproductive Health | APEA Resource: Begin QBank Patient Management 12 months' access. Students must complete 50 Management Q bank questions per week in tutor mode. In week 9 students must complete a 75 question exam mode assessment with a required score of ≥ 80%. Students may repeat the exam one-time only, in an attempt to receive a higher score. The highest achieved score will be calculated in the final course grade. Students must complete all questions. Course Percentage: 10% APEA Resource: Continue FNP or AGNP Online Video Review Course 12 months; 2 views Students must complete the appropriate sections for their track, sections 6 through 10 of the review course by the end week 9 or receive a zero "0" for the assignment. |
| NSG6435 (FNP) - Practicum III: Family Health: Pediatrics | APEA Resource: Continue QBank Patient Management. Students will complete 50 Management Q bank questions per week in tutor mode. In week, 9 students will complete a 75-question exam mode assessment with a required score of ≥ 80%. Students may repeat the exam one-time only, in an attempt to receive a higher score. The highest achieved score will be calculated in the final course grade. Students must complete all questions. Course Percentage: 10%. APEA Resource: Continue FNP Online Video Review Course 12 months; 2 views. Students must complete sections 11 through 15 of the review course by the end week 9 or receive a zero "0" for the assignment. |
| NSG6340 (AGNP) - Practicum III: Adult Health: Primary Care | APEA Resource: Continue QBank Patient Management. Students will complete 50 Management Q bank questions per week in tutor mode. In week, 9 students will complete a 75-question exam mode assessment with a required score of ≥ 80%. Students may repeat the exam one-time only, in an attempt to receive a higher score. The highest achieved score will be calculated in the final course grade. Students must complete all questions. Pass/Fail APEA Resource: Continue AGNP Online Video Review Course 12 months; 2 views. Students must complete sections 11 through 16 of the review course by the end week 9. Complete all the practice questions and the evaluation. Then submit the certificate of completion from APEA or receive an incomplete for the course. Pre-Predictor Exam (AGNP): Administer Week 2. Post-Predictor Exam (AGNP): Administer Week 8/9. |
| NSG6440 (FNP) - Practicum IV (IV: Family Health: Primary Care | APEA Resource: Continue QBank Patient Management. Students must complete 50 Management Q bank questions per week in tutor mode. In week 9 students will complete a question exam mode assessment with a required score of ≥ 80%. Students may repeat the exam one-time only, in an attempt to receive a higher score. The highest achieved score will be calculated in the final course grade. Students must complete all questions or receive an incomplete for the course. Pass/Fail APEA Resource: Continue FNP Online Video Review Course Students must complete sections 16 through 19 of the review course by the end week 10. Complete all the practice questions and the evaluation. Then submit the certificate of completion from APEA or receive an incomplete for the course. Pre-Predictor Exam (FNP): Administer Week 2. Post-Predictor Exam (FNP): Administer Week 8/9. |
Outcomes
Graduates of the MSN in FNP will be able to:
- Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
- Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
- Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
- Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
- Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
- Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
- Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.
Graduates of MSN program will be able to:
- Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
- Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
- Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
- Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
- Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
- Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
- Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.
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