Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, M.S.N.

Major Code: (7144)

University of Rio Grande
Contact:
Dr. Folorunso (Temmy) Ladipo
Interim Director of Master of Science in Nursing
temmy@rio.edu
614-989-4571

Mission Statement

The MSN program strives to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities encountered in the advanced nursing practice. Recent emphasis on promotion of health, prevention of illness, as well as advances in caring for the ill, has opened new areas of employment and has created added responsibilities for advanced practicing nurses. The MSN Program introduces students to many opportunities in geriatric health care settings. Today’s advanced practice nurse may work in a hospital, a nursing home, a clinic, industry, the community, or physician’s office, as well as the Armed Forces. Within these settings, there is ample opportunity to care for persons with varied illnesses common with the geriatric population in various medical, surgical, and mental health needs. Nursing today offers a wide range of possibilities for the nurse to develop and progress. The MSN program provides a foundation for lifelong learning and professional development and offers degree programs leading to a Master of Science in Nursing in Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSNAGCNS) designed specifically for advanced practice in nursing. the curriculum is congruent with state requirements, national standards for graduate APRN programs, and nationally recognized graduate level clinical nurse specialist (CNS) competencies. Graduates of the MSN-AGCNS will be prepared to practice in the CNS role and pass a national certification exam and be able to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of healthcare services from wellness through acute care. Furthermore, graduates will be prepared to meet graduate-level CNS competencies and the CNS spheres of impact. The curriculum focuses on direct and indirect care roles, advanced practice nursing competencies, role-specific professional standards and competencies, and certification requirements. As adult learners, students are expected to bring a unique set of life and educational experiences, values, beliefs, attitudes, expectations, and goals to the learning environment. As a result, the faculty expects that the student will be an active partner with faculty in creating a learning atmosphere that stimulates individual creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

Accreditation

The University of Rio Grande is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The MSN Program is approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The application to apply for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) has been approved, and the application for accreditation will be filed after one year of starting the program.

Master of Science in Nursing Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Synthesize knowledge and evidence from nursing and related disciplines to inform clinical judgment and innovation in advanced practice nursing.
• Provide evidence-based, ethical, and equitable patient-centered care for diverse young to older adults at the individual and system levels.
• Communicate, consult, and collaborate with other professionals to solve complex healthcare problems and improve outcomes for adult populations
• Translate research and current evidence to transform care for young to older adults, advanced nursing practice, and organizations.
• Integrate principles of quality and safety to mitigate risks for patients, nurses, and organizations.
• Demonstrate leadership skills and advanced clinical expertise in designing cost-effective, evidence-based, and quality solutions and policies across the care continuum.
• Incorporate information and technology to manage and improve healthcare delivery in accordance with best practices and policies.
• Exhibit responsibility and accountability for one’s personal health and professional values and identity as an advanced practice nurse.
• Demonstrate role competencies as a clinical nurse specialist in the care of adult patients, families, and populations and advancement of nursing practice.

Admission to the MSN Program

All students seeking admission to the MSN program should contact the URG Admissions Office for details.

Please see the MSN Student Handbook for re-admission policies.

MSN Grading Scale

Academic Progression Requirements

• Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in theory and an “S” in clinical performance (where applicable) to progress to the next semester.
• Students must also obtain an Ohio RN License before the second year in the MSN program.

Academic Probation and Suspension

MSN students whose cumulative GPA falls below a 2.25 will be placed on “Academic Probation.” Students who earn a grade point average of less than 2.25 for two consecutive semesters will be placed on “Academic Suspension” and will be unable to enroll in additional graduate courses. Students on “Academic Suspension” may apply for readmission after one full semester of suspension.

Academic Integrity Policy

Please see the Statement of Academic Integrity section of this catalog or the MSN Student Handbook.

Graduation

Students must have successfully completed all MSN courses, Laboratory, Clinicals, and Projects and have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher to graduate. All MSN students must apply for graduation with the Office of the Registrar.