Course Descriptions

Foundation Course
NURS 6000 Success Strategies in the Master of Science Program in Nursing Online Environment (1 sem. cr.)*
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. The course will also provide a foundation for the student’s academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. Course assignments focus on the practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and the integration of professional practice with professional and academic excellence as they relate to practice in nursing.

*Note: Students who are graduates of Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are not required to repeat NURS 6000 as part of a certificate program.

Specialization Curriculum

Nursing Leadership and Management Certificate (16 sem. cr.)
NURS 6200 The Nurse Administrator: Leading and Managing for Excellence (4 sem. cr.)
This course focuses on the theory and practice of administration. Standards of practice for nursing administration serve as a foundation for discussion. Major topics include roles and responsibilities, quality improvements, strategic planning and management, regulations, and information systems. The goal of nurse leaders to achieve excellence in the delivery of patient services is emphasized. A field experience is included to allow for application to practice settings. Course assignments focus on nursing practice applications.

NURS 6210 Healthcare Finance and Budgeting (4 sem. cr.)
This course applies financial principles to developing, budgeting, and managing resources. Budgeting processes used in healthcare settings and the nurse administrator’s responsibilities are covered. The impact of private and public policies and budgeting models and information systems is included. Budget and resource decisions that contribute to the achievement of organizational and nursing service outcomes are examined. A field experience is included to allow for application to practice settings. Course assignments focus on nursing practice applications.

NURS 6220 Human Resource Management (4 sem. cr.)
This course addresses the roles and responsibilities of nurse administrators in human resource management. Current legal, ethical, professional, and practice policies and standards are explored. The applications of technology to human resource functions are presented. Strategies that support positive organizational and nursing service goals are examined. A field experience is included to allow for application to practice settings. Course assignments focus on nursing practice applications.

NURS 6400 Informatics in Nursing and Healthcare (4 sem. cr.)
This course establishes the foundational knowledge for understanding and practicing nursing informatics in healthcare settings. Core and supporting models and theories for nursing informatics and the sciences that support nursing informatics are studied. Consideration is given to the use of information technology to support decisions that promote safety and quality in patient-centered care, and concerns about protecting information and system integrity are addressed. Course assignments focus on nursing practice/healthcare applications.