Catalog 2019-20

Doctor in Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Doctor in Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

253.535.7672 www.plu.edu/msn/ nurs@plu.edu

The School of Nursing offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner specialty.

Accreditation

The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. The D.N.P. program has received initial approval by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) curriculum meets requirements for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner curriculum meets eligibility requirements for national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

D.N.P. Application Priority Deadlines

D.N.P. candidates may apply for admission at any time during the year. However, application by the priority deadline will enhance the applicant’s potential for admission and for arranging financial assistance.

    • B.S.N. to D.N.P.: November 15/Rolling admissions for the following Summer (June)
    • Post-master’s to D.N.P.: February 15/Rolling admissions for the following Summer (June)
    • Post-master’s to D.N.P.: March 1/Rolling admission for the following Fall (September)
    • Post-master’s to D.N.P.: December 1/Rolling admissions for the following J-term or Spring
Admission Criteria
    • B.S.N. to D.N.P.: Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school of nursing.
    • M.S.N. to D.N.P. post-master’s: Completion of a master’s degree in nursing from a nationally-accredited school of nursing.
    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B) on a 4.00 scale for all college work.
    • Submission of PLU Graduate Application forms and $55 non-refundable fee.
    • Official transcripts from each college and university attended.
    • Professional résumé.
    • Statement of professional goals.
    • Two letters of recommendation.
    • Submission of School of Nursing Addenda packet, which includes:
      • Questions Relative to Licensure;
      • Policy/Procedures for students who are transferring from another School of Nursing graduate program;
      • Policy/Procedures Regarding English Proficiency; and
      • Physical/Psychological Expectations of Nurses preparing for Professional Practice.
    • Civil, administrative and criminal history clearance in all states as well as any other applicable territory or country.
    • Fluency in speaking, reading, writing and comprehending graduate-level English (see policy and procedures in the Graduate Application Addendum).
    • Direct care RN experience preferred, but not required.
Advance Deposit

There are limitations on the number of students accepted into the D.N.P. program each year. Applicants accepted into the program are required to make a non-refundable $300 advance tuition payment to confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission within three weeks of their acceptance date.

Program Requirements

All admitted D.N.P. students must provide valid documentation of the following by designated dates and before enrollment in any practicum/clinical course:

    • Unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Washington
    • Immunization and health status;
    • CPR certification;
    • Comprehensive personal health insurance; and
    • Civil, administrative, and criminal history clearance in all states, as well as any other applicable territory or country.
Drug Testing Policy

All nursing students will be required to submit to a drug, marijuana and alcohol screening at least once yearly as part of their continuing School of Nursing health requirements. Students may be required to submit to additional drug screenings as required by the clinical agencies and School of Nursing. The screenings may be scheduled or they may occur at random and unannounced. Students will be expected to adhere to any deadline set by the agencies and/or the School of Nursing.

Advising

The associate dean for graduate nursing programs for the School of Nursing typically completes initial advising and program planning with applicants and admitted students. Post-master’s students will meet with the Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing Programs to conduct a Gap Analysis of previous master’s coursework and develop a plan of study to meet the D.N.P. degree requirements. D.N.P. applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the regularly scheduled information sessions and review the website. Upon matriculation, all students are assigned a graduate faculty advisor.

Non-Matriculated Students

B.S.N. or M.S.N.-prepared registered nurses may, with permission of the Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing Programs, enroll in up to nine semester hours of D.N.P. courses on a non-matriculated basis with School of Nursing approval. Non-matriculated students are, by definition, non-degree seeking individuals, and there is no guarantee that non-matriculated students will eventually be admitted. Non-matriculated students must formally apply to, and be accepted to, the D.N.P. program if they want to seek a D.N.P. degree. For more information on non-matriculated status, see the Graduate School policies.

D.N.P. Program for B.S.N. (Prepared Registered Nurses)

D.N.P. Program for B.S.N. (Prepared Registered Nurses)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree at the highest level of nursing practice. The sequence of study recognizes the academic and professional success of the baccalaureate degree as the groundwork for graduate study. A limited number of candidates are admitted each year and admission is competitive.

The PLU Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares graduates in the advanced practice specialty area of Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduates are able to develop and evaluate quality within a health system, collaborate with inter-professional teams to improve health outcomes, and be leaders in the nursing profession. The D.N.P curriculum consists of the M.S.N core coursework (theory, advanced practice roles, evaluation and outcomes research, leadership and management, and advanced health promotion), D.N.P core coursework (information systems and patient care technology, epidemiology, analytical methods, translating research into practice, and health policy), a D.N.P. Scholarly Project and the specialty track coursework for either the Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty.

  • The Family Nurse Practitioner specialty core coursework focuses on client-centered clinical practice, and prepares nurses to respond to the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s health care consumers, to manage direct care based on advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning, to incorporate health promotion and disease prevention interventions into health care delivery, and to recognize their potential for professional growth, responsibility, and autonomy. Successful completion of the D.N.P. Family Nurse Practitioner program qualifies students to sit for national certification examinations for Family Nurse Practitioner, making them eligible under Washington State law for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) licensure.
  • The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty coursework prepares nurses to provide comprehensive mental health, psychiatric and addictions care at the advanced practice level in hospitals, outpatient, and community settings. Scope of practice includes advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing assessment, psychopharmacology, group, individual and family therapy and advanced nursing interventions across the lifespan. Successful completion of the D.N.P. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track qualifies students to sit for national certification examinations for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, making them eligible under Washington State law for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) licensure.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Requirements

80 semester hours

Prerequisite Course: Introductory Statistics (including inferential and descriptive) with a minimum grade of 3.0 (B).

    • Core DNP Courses – 42 semester hours

        • NURS 700 Advanced Practice Roles (3)
        • NURS 701: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence Based Practice (2)
        • NURS 702: Information Systems and Patient Care Technology (3)
        • NURS 703: Organizational and Systems Leadership (3)
        • NURS 704: Policy and Politics: Implications for Health Care (3)
        • NURS 705: Clinical Resource Management (3)
        • NURS 720: Analytical Methods (Research I) (3)
        • NURS 721: Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3)
        • NURS 730: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
        • NURS 731: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3)
        • NURS 732: Advanced Physical Assessment (4)
        • NURS 733: Advanced Health Promotion (2)
        • NURS 734: Evaluation and Outcomes (Research II) (3)
        • NURS 790: Translating Research (3)
        • NURS 795: Transition to DNP Practice (1)
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project Courses – 10 semester hours
      The D.N.P. Scholarly Project courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence.
        • NURS 791: Proposal Seminar (1)
        • NURS 792: DNP Scholarly Project I (2)
        • NURS 793: DNP Scholarly Project II (2) (0.5-0-1.5)
        • NURS 794: DNP Scholarly Project III (2) (0.5-0-1.5)
        • NURS 799: DNP Scholarly Project IV (3)
    • Family Nurse Practitioner Core Courses – 28 semester hours
      The F.N.P. core courses may have required clinical hours and must be taken in a prescribed sequence.
          • NURS 770: Primary Care Procedures and Diagnostics (3) (1-2-0)
          • NURS 771: Psych for Primary Care (2)
          • NURS 772: FNP I: Diagnosis and management of Common Episodic and/or Stable Chronic Illnesses (5)
          • NURS 773: FNP II: Diagnosis and Management of Acute and Complex Health Problems (5)
          • NURS 774: Women and Children in Primary Care (4)
          • NURS 775: FNP III: Diagnosis and Management of Chronic and Complex Health Problems (5)
          • NURS 776: FNP IV: Diagnosis and Management of Complex Comorbid Patients (4)
    • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Core Courses — 38 semester hours
      The P.M.H.N.P core courses may have required clinical hours and must be taken in a prescribed sequence.
            • NURS 651: Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan (3)
            • NURS 652: Management of Substance-related and Addictive Disorders (2)
            • NURS 653: PMHNP I: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan (7)
            • NURS 654: PMHNP II: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan (7) (3-1-3)
            • NURS 655: PMHNP III: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan (5) (2-1-2)
            • NURS 656: PMHNP IV: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan (5) (2-1-2)
            • NURS 657: PMHNP Capstone (4)
            • NURS 712: Trauma Informed Care (3)
            • NURS 750: Primary Care Essentials for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (2)

    • Doctor of Nursing Practice Core Courses
          • NURS 623: Information Systems and Patient Care Technology (3)
          • NURS 625: Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Nursing Practice (3)
          • NURS 630: Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (3)
          • NURS 631: Translating Research: Improving Practice and Outcomes (3)
          • NURS 627: Policy and Politics: Implications for Health Care (3)
          • NURS 695: Transition to D.N.P. Practice (1)
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project Courses
      The D.N.P. Scholarly Project courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence.
        • NURS 681: D.N.P. Scholarly Proposal Seminar: Planning (2)
        • NURS 682: D.N.P. Scholarly Project: Implementation I (3)
        • NURS 683: D.N.P. Scholarly Project: Implementation II (2)
        • NURS 684: D.N.P. Scholarly Project: Evaluation and Dissemination (4)
        • NURS 699: D.N.P. Scholarly Project: Capstone (2)
Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree for Advanced Practice Nurses

The post-master’s D.N.P. degree builds on the master’s degree in advanced practice nursing (Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). Students complete the D.N.P. Core and D.N.P. Scholarly Project coursework. A Gap Analysis is conducted to determine what previous coursework meets the D.N.P. competencies and which additional courses will be required for the PLU D.N.P. degree.

Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree for Those Seeking a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty

The post-master’s D.N.P. for master’s-prepared nurses who wish to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty builds on master’s level coursework, with the student completing the FNP or PMHNP specialty core, the D.N.P. Core and the D.N.P. Scholarly Project coursework at PLU. A Gap Analysis is conducted to determine what previous coursework meets the D.N.P. competencies and which additional courses will be required for the PLU D.N.P. degree.

D.N.P. Family Nurse Practitioner Sample Curriculum (Full-Time)

36 months
80 semester hours

    • First Year: Summer
      • NURS 700: Advanced Practice Roles (3)
      • NURS 701: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence Based Practice (2)
      • NURS 702: Information Systems and Patient Care Technology (3)
    • First Year: Fall
      • NURS 703: Organizational and Systems Leadership (3)
      • NURS 720: Analytical Methods (Research I) (3)
      • NURS 721: Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3)
    • First Year: J-term
      • NURS 704: Policy and Politics: Implications for Health Care (3)
    • First Year: Spring
      • NURS 730: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
      • NURS 731: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3)
      • NURS 734: Evaluation and Outcomes (Research II) (3)
    • Second Year: Summer
      • NURS 732: Advanced Physical Assessment (4)
      • NURS 733: Advanced Health Promotion (2)
    • Second Year: Fall
      • NURS 770: Primary Care Procedures and Diagnostics (3) (1-2-0)
      • NURS 771: Psych for Primary Care (2)
      • NURS 772: FNP I: Diagnosis and Management of Common Episodic and/or Stable Chronic Illnesses (5)
    • Second Year: J-term
      • NURS 705: Clinical Resource Management (3)
    • Second Year: Spring
      • NURS 773: FNP II: Diagnosis and Management of Acute and Complex Health Problems (5)
      • NURS 790: Translating Research (3)
      • NURS 791: Proposal Seminar (1)
    • Third Year: Summer
      • NURS 774: Women and Children in Primary Care (4)
      • NURS 792: DNP Scholarly Project I (2)
    • Third Year: Fall
      • NURS 775: FNP III: Diagnosis and Management of Chronic and Complex Health Problems (5)
      • NURS 793: DNP Scholarly Project II (2) (0.5-0-1.5)
    • Third Year: J-term
      • NURS 794: DNP Scholarly Project III (2) (0.5-0-1.5)
    • Third Year: Spring
      • NURS 776: FNP IV: Diagnosis and Management of Complex Comorbid Patients (4)
      • NURS 795: Transition to DNP Practice (1)
      • NURS 799: DNP Scholarly Project IV (3)

*An Individual Gap Analysis will be conducted to determine what courses the student will need to meet the AACN D.N.P. Essentials competencies if enrolled in an option other than BSN to DNP.

D.N.P. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Sample Curriculum

36 months
90 semester hours

    • First Year: Summer
      • NURS 700: Advanced Practice Roles (3)
      • NURS 701: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence Based Practice (2)
      • NURS 702: Information Systems and Patient Care Technology (3)
    • First Year: Fall
      • NURS 703: Organizational and Systems Leadership (3)
      • NURS 720: Analytical Methods (Research I) (3)
      • NURS 721: Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3)
    • First Year: J-Term
      • NURS 704: Policy and Politics: Implications for Heatlh Care (3)
    • First Year: Spring
      • NURS 730: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
      • NURS 731: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3)
      • NURS 734: Evaluation and Outcomes (Research II) (3)
    • Second Year: Summer
      • NURS 732: Advanced Physical Assessment (4)
      • NURS 733: Advanced Health Promotion (2)
    • Second Year: Fall
      • NURS 653 PMHNP I: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan (7)
      • NURS 651: Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan (3)
      • NURS 652: Management of Substance-related and Addictive Disorders (2)
    • Second Year: J-Term
      • NURS 705: Clinical Resource Management (3)
    • Second Year: Spring
      • NURS 654: PMHNP II: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan (7)
      • NURS 790: Translating Research (3)
      • NURS 791: Proposal Seminar (1)
    • Third Year: Summer
      • NURS 655: PMHNP III: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan (5)
      • NURS 792: DNP Scholarly Project I (2)
    • Third Year: Fall
      • NURS 656: PMHNP IV: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan (4)
      • NURS 712: Trauma Informed Care (3)
      • NURS 750: Primary Care Essentials for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (2)
      • NURS 793: DNP Scholarly Project II (2) (0.5-0-1.5)
    • Third Year: J-Term
      • NURS 794: DNP Scholarly Project III (2) (0.5-0-1.5)
    • Third Year: Spring
      • NURS 657: PMHNP Capstone (4)
      • NURS 795: Transition to DNP Practice (1)
      • NURS 799: DNP Scholarly Project IV (3)

*An Individual Gap Analysis will be conducted to determine what courses the student will need to meet the AACN D.N.P. Essentials competencies if enrolled in an option other than BSN to DNP.

 

Students enrolled in any DNP or specialty program of study are able to take the following courses as needed to augment or enrich their program experience. Students must have coordinated with their Program Director and Advisor prior to enrollment.

      • NURS 796: DNP Clinical Practicum (1-4)
      • NURS 691: Independent Study (1-4)

Post-Graduate Certificate


The School of Nursing offers a Post-Graduate Certificate for the Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner specialty.

Program Approval

The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) curriculum meets requirements for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner curriculum meets eligibility requirements for national certification as a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner.

Post-Graduate Certificate Application Priority Deadlines

Post-Graduate Certificate candidates may apply for admission at any time during the year. However, application by the priority deadline will enhance the applicant’s potential for admission and for arranging financial assistance.

  • February 15/Rolling admission for the following Summer (June)
  • March 1/Rolling admission for the following Fall (September)
Admission Criteria
  • Completion of a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing from a nationally-accredited school of nursing.
  • A minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA (B) on a 4.00 scale for all college work.
  • Submission of PLU Graduate Application via Nursing CAS.
  • Official transcripts from each college and university attended.
  • Professional résumé.
  • Statement of professional goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Civil, administrative, and criminal history clearance in all states as well as any other applicable territory or country.
  • Fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending graduate-level English.
Advance Deposit

There are limitations on the number of students accepted into the Post-Graduate Certificate program each year. Applicants accepted into the program are required to make a non-refundable $300 advance tuition payment to confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission within three weeks of their acceptance date.

Program Requirements

All admitted Post-Graduate Certificate students must provide valid documentation of the following by designated dates and before enrollment in any practicum/clinical course:

  • Unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Washington;
  • Verification of graduation from an accredited nursing masters or doctoral program;
  • Immunization and health status;
  • CPR certification;
  • Comprehensive personal health insurance; and
  • Civil, administrative, and criminal history clearance in all states, as well as any other applicable territory or country.
Drug Testing Policy

All nursing students will be required to submit to a drug, marijuana and alcohol screening at least once yearly as part of their continuing School of Nursing health requirements. Students may be required to submit to additional drug screenings as required by the clinical agencies and School of Nursing. The screenings may be scheduled or they may occur at random and unannounced. Students will be expected to adhere to any deadline set by the agencies and/or School of Nursing.

Advising

The associate dean for graduate nursing programs for the School of Nursing typically completes initial advising and program planning with applicants and admitted students. Post-graduate students will meet with the associate dean for graduate nursing programs to conduct a Gap Analysis of previous master’s coursework and develop a plan of study to meet the Post-Masters Certificate requirements. Upon matriculation, all students are assigned a graduate faculty advisor.

Post-Graduate Certificate

The Post-Graduate Certificate prepares graduates in the advanced practice specialty areas of Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum consists of the specialty track coursework for the Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health nurse practitioner specialty. A Gap Analysis of previous graduate coursework will be conducted for all applicants.

The Family Nurse Practitioner specialty core coursework focuses on client-centered clinical practice, and prepares nurses to respond to the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s health care consumers, to manage direct care based on advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning, to incorporate health promotion and disease prevention interventions into health care delivery, and to recognize their potential for professional growth, responsibility, and autonomy. Successful completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate program qualifies students to sit for national certification examinations for Family Nurse Practitioner, making them eligible under Washington State law for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) licensure.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty coursework prepared nurses to provide comprehensive mental health, psychiatric and addictions care at the advanced practice level in hospitals, outpatient, and community settings. Scope of practice includes advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing assessment, psychopharmacology, group, individual and family therapy and advanced nursing interventions across the lifespan. Successful completion of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate qualifies students to sit for national certification examinations for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, making them eligible under Washington State law for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) licensure.

Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

40 semester hours

The F.N.P. core courses may have required clinical hours and must be taken in a prescribed sequence.

  • NURS 730: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
  • NURS 731: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3)
  • NURS 732: Advanced Physical Assessment (4)
  • NURS 733: Advanced Health Promotion (2)
  • NURS 770: Primary Care Procedures and Diagnostics (3) (1-2-0)
  • NURS 771: Psych for Primary Care (2)
  • NURS 772: FNP I: Diagnosis and Management of Common Episodic and/or stable Chronic Illnesses (5)
  • NURS 773: FNP II: Diagnosis and Management of Acute and Complex Health Problems (5)
  • NURS 774: Women and Children in Primary Care (4)
  • NURS 775: FNP III: Diagnosis and Management of Chronic and Complex Health Problems (5)
  • NURS 776: FNP IV: Diagnosis and Management of Complex Comorbid Patients (4)

Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Sample Curriculum (Spring Start if student does not already have the 3 P's)

24-28 months
40 semester hours

  • First Year: Summer
    • NURS 730: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
    • NURS 731: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3)
  • First Year: Summer
    • NURS 732: Advanced Physical Assessment (4)
    • NURS 733: Advanced Health Promotion (2)
  • First Year: Fall
    • NURS 770: Primary Care Procedures and Diagnostics (3) (1-2-0)
    • NURS 771: Psych for Primary Care (2)
    • NURS 772: FNP I: Diagnosis and Management of Common Episodic and/or Stable Chronic Illnesses (5)
  • First Year: J-Term
    • Optional: An elective may be taken during this semester
  • Second Year: Spring
    • NURS 773: FNP II: Diagnosis and Management of Acute and Complex Health Problems (5)
  • Second Year: Summer
    • NURS 774: Women and Children in Primary Care (4)
  • Second Year: Fall
    • NURS 775: FNP III: Diagnosis and Management  of Chronic and Complex Health Problems (5)
  • Second Year: J-Term
    • Optional: An elective may be taken during this semester
  • Third Year: Spring
    • NURS 776: FNP IV: Diagnosis and Management of Complex Comorbid Patients (4)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (P.M.H.N.P.) Certificate (Spring Start if student does not already have the 3P's.)


50 semester hours

The P.M.H.N.P core courses may have required clinical hours and must be taken in a prescribed sequence.

  • NURS 730: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
  • NURS 731: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3)
  • NURS 732: Advanced Physical Assessment (4)
  • NURS 733: Advanced Health Promotion (2)
  • NURS 651: Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan (3)
  • NURS 652: Management of Substance-related and Addictive Disorders (2)
  • NURS 653: PMHNP. I: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management Across the Lifespan (7)
  • NURS 654: PMHNP III: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management Across the Lifespan (7) (3-1-3)
  • NURS 655: PMHNP III: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan (5) (2-1-2)
  • NURS 656: PMHNP IV: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan (5) (2-1-2)
  • NURS 657: PMHNP Capstone (4) (0-1-3)
  • NURS 712: Trauma Informed Care (3)
  • NURS 750: Primary Care Essentials for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (2)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Sample Curriculum

24-28 months
50 semester hours

  • First Year: Spring
    • NURS 730: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
    • NURS 731: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3)
  • First Year: Summer
    • NURS 732: Advanced Physical Assessment (4)
    • NURS 733: Advanced Health Promotion (2)
  • First Year: Fall
    • NURS 651: Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan (3)
    • NURS 652: Management of Substance-related and Addictive Disorders (2)
    • NURS 653: PMHNP I: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management Across the Lifespan (7)
  • First Year: J-Term
    • Optional: An elective may be taken during this semester
  • Second Year: Spring
    • NURS 654: PMHNP II: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management Across the Lifespan (7) (3-1-3)
  • Second Year: Summer
    • NURS 655: PMHNP III: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan (5) (2-1-2)
  • Second Year: Fall
    • NURS 656: PMHNP IV: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan (5) (2-1-2)
    • NURS 712: Trauma Informed Care (3)
    • NURS 750: Primary Care Essentials for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (2)
  • Second Year: J-Term
    • Optional: An elective may be taken during this semester
  • Third Year: Spring
    • NURS 657: PMHNP Capstone (4) (0-1-3)

Doctor in Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - Graduate Courses

NURS 651 : Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan

Focuses on the principles of psychiatric pharmacotherapy across the lifespan, biological mechanisms of action of psychotropic drugs and the role of the advanced practice psych iatric nurse prescriber. The neurobiological underpinnings of symptom etiology and treatment will form the basis of clinical decision-making in all phases of psychopharmacological treatment, for child/adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Prerequisite: NURS 731. (3)

NURS 652 : Management of Substance-related and Addictive Disorders

Provides an integrated approach to the neurobiology, assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management of substance-related and addictive disorders across the lifespan. Prerequisite: approval of course faculty. (2)

NURS 653 : PMHNP I: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan

Provides an integrated approach to the assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management of psychopathology across the lifespan. An in-depth exploration of the neurobiological underpinnings of mental health problems and psychiatric disorders will serve as the framework of the course. Students will apply principles of neurodevelopment to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals across the lifespan with anxiety disorders; depressive disorders; obsessive-compulsive and related disorders; bipolar and related disorders; sleep-wake disorders; feeding and eating disorders; elimination disorders; and trauma - and stressor-related disorders. The role and scope of advanced psychiatric nursing practice including foundational legal and ethical issues are incorporated throughout the course. Prerequisites: NURS 730, 732. Corequisite: NURS 651 (7) (Didactic 3.5 credits, lab/seminar 0.5 credits, clinical 3 credits) (180 hours clinical)

NURS 654 : PMHNP II: Psychopathology, Assessment, Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan

Provides an integrated approach to the assessment, diagnosis, and clinical management of complex psychopathology across the lifespan. Students will apply concepts covered in PMHNP I to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals across the lifespan with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders; neurocognitive disorders; disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders; personality disorders; dissociative disorders; somatic symptoms and related disorders; and sexual, gender, and paraphilic disorders. The role and scope of advanced psychiatric nursing practice is expanded from what is covered in PMHNP I to include forensic mental health care. Prerequisite: NURS 653. (7) (Didactic 3 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 3 credits) (180 hours clinical)

NURS 655 : PMHNP III: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan

Examines methods and major conceptual frameworks of group and family psychotherapy. Group dynamics, systems theory and group therapy models will be applied to the treatment of psychiatric disorders in a variety of settings. An overview and critical analysis of family theories and conceptual models will inform psychotherapy with children, adolescents, adults, elders, and their families. Prerequisite: NURS 654. (5) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 2 credits) (120 hours clinical)

NURS 656 : PMHNP IV: Psychotherapies Across the Lifespan

An overview of the major schools of personality theory, psychological development, and derived individual psychotherapy treatment modalities, to better understand the dynamics of the patient and the therapeutic 1:1 relationship. Students will engage in the therapy process with individuals across the lifespan by implementing selected psychotherapeutic techniques. Prerequisite: NURS 655. (5) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 2 credits) (120 hours clinical)

NURS 657 : PMHNP Capstone

In this culminating clinical course students will demonstrate increased competency and accountability in the provision of comprehensive psychiatric-mental health care. Students will gain expertise by working with an identified population of choice and implementing selected psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions. Students will develop an individual learning plan to address any gaps in the attainment of required Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner competencies. Professional practice issues including contract negotiation and requirements for certification and licensure are included. Prerequisite: NURS 656. (4) (Seminar 1 credit, clinical 3 credits ) (180 hours clinical)

NURS 691 : Independent Study

Opportunities for advanced study in selected topic related to student's area of interest. Consent of the Dean required. (1-4)

NURS 700 : Advanced Practice Roles

This course is designed to provide the student a foundational understanding of the roles of the DNP prepared Advanced Practice Nurse and educator within healthcare. The student will explore advanced practice nursing roles through the analysis of ethical, professional, social and practice perspectives. (3)

NURS 701 : Theoretical Foundations and Evidence Based Practice

This course is designed to advance student understanding of the foundational nursing, scientific and theoretical underpinnings of advanced practice. Students in this course will explore, critique, integrate, and apply relevant theories from nursing and other disciplines. These theories provide guiding perspectives for the provision of evidence based, patient-centered, clinically measurable healthcare outcomes. (2)

NURS 702 : Information Systems and Patient Care Technology

This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills regarding the uses of information technology to support evidence-based nursing practice. The course focuses on the development of knowledge and technical skills to use data management systems and technological resources for decision-making, implementation of quality improvement initiatives, and evaluation of patient care technologies. The course includes use of systems analysis, decision theory, consumer use of informatics for health care information, and consideration of ethical, regulatory, and legal issues. (3)

NURS 703 : Organizational and Systems Leadership

This course is designed to provide the student with organizational and systems leadership knowledge. This course explores leadership and organizational structure, models, and principles within the context of healthcare delivery models and organizational, political, cultural, and economic policies and sustainability. Designed to prepare the student for provision of quality cost-effective care, participation in the design and implementation of care, assumption of the leadership role, and managing resources within a healthcare organizational setting. (3)

NURS 704 : Policy and Politics: Implications for Health Care

This course focuses on the principles of policy and the influence of the political process as a systematic approach to health care in the United States and internationally. The interdependence of policy and practice will be evaluated, with a focus on the challenges of engaging and influencing health policy locally, nationally and globally. Students will analyze the ethical, legal, economic, and sociocultural factors influencing policy development. Health policy frameworks are analyzed from governmental, organizational, and clinical practice perspectives. (3)

NURS 705 : Clinical Resource Management

This course builds upon the resource management concepts first explored in Leadership and develops foundational financial cost and budgeting concepts necessary to enact an advance clinical practice role, including awareness of reimbursement and population health initiatives. (3)

NURS 712 : Trauma Informed Care

This course is designed to provide care providers an understanding of trauma informed care. (3)

NURS 720 : Analytical Methods (Research I)

Students will develop and demonstrate skills in the use of analytical methods required to distinguish research design and analytical methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed) and quality improvement, and critique and evaluate validity and applicability or research to guide evidence based practice. Student locate, critically evaluate and synthesize evidence from research studies that support the improvement of outcomes in diverse populations. Students will identify practice questions and determine the appropriate method(s) to design and evaluate outcomes. Pre- or corequisite: NURS 721. (3)

NURS 721 : Epidemiology and Biostatistics

This course develops the student's ability to analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, occupational, and environmental data in the development, implementation and evaluation of clinical prevention and population health. Students will analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and other appropriate data related to infectious diseases, emergency/disaster, and individual, aggregate, and population health as it relates to local, regional, national, and international goals of improving global health. (3)

NURS 730 : Advanced Pathophysiology

This course is designed for the advanced practice student and focuses on normal physiologic and pathologic mechanisms of disease. It provides primary components of the foundation for clinical assessment, decision-making and management of patients across the lifespan. (3)

NURS 731 : Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics

This course prepares the advanced practice student for prescriptive authority and focuses on the pharmacokinetic basis for and pharmacotherapeutic management of simple and complex disease processes. Includes ethical, legal, and procedural aspects of prescriptive authority. Pre- or Corequisite: NURS 730. (3)

NURS 732 : Advanced Physical Assessment

Development and performance of the skills needed for advanced health assessment of individuals, families, or communities throughout the lifespan. Prerequisite: Basic health assessment skills. (4) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 2 credits)

NURS 733 : Advanced Health Promotion

This course is designed to focus on identification of health risks and protective strategies for diverse populations as an advanced practice nurse and clinician. (2)

NURS 734 : Evaluation and Outcomes (Research II)

This course prepares the student with the knowledge and skills to measure and assess the impact of interventions on healthcare. Students explore the development and use of relevant outcome measures to evaluate research, quality improvement, and programs in order to inform and use new knowledge to provide, change, and evaluate delivery of healthcare initiatives focused on client-centered, clinically demonstrable care. Prerequisite: NURS 720. (3)

NURS 750 : Primary Care Essentials for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners

Provides the PMHNP DNP student knowledge and skills to assist in the primary care management of co-morbid medical conditions commonly occurring in patients with psychiatric-mental health disorders. This course builds on the foundations of advanced pathophysiology, advanced clinical pharmacotherapeutics, and advanced health assessment and focuses on the attainment of positive clinical outcomes for the major chronic illnesses of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, hypothyroidism, and congestive heart failure. (2)

NURS 770 : Primary Care Procedures and Diagnostics

Provide the family nurse practitioner student with a range of office-based skills including the ability to understand, manage and perform common primary care procedures. (3) (Didactic 1 credit, lab/seminar 2 credits)

NURS 771 : Psych for Primary Care

This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills to facilitate recognition and management of mental health conditions in the primary care setting. Focuses on the evaluation and management of common mental health issues in primary care including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, substance use/abuse, suicidal intent, self-injurious behavior, etc. Assessment tools, primary care management and criteria for referral to be included. (2)

NURS 772 : FNP I: Diagnosis and Management of Common Episodic and/or Stable Chronic Illnesses

This course is the first of four courses designed to teach the application of theory and research, diagnostic reasoning related to health care conditions, and the management of health problems across the lifespan. (5) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 2 credits)

NURS 773 : FNP II: Diagnosis and Management of Acute and Complex Health Problems

This course is the second of four designed to teach the application of theory and research, diagnostic reasoning related to health care conditions, and the management of health problems across the lifespan. Prerequisite: NURS 772 (5) (Didactic 2 credits, lab/seminar 1 credit, clinical 2 credits)

NURS 774 : Women and Children in Primary Care

This course covers common problems unique to women and children (pregnancy, postpartum care, gynecological conditions, perimenopausal, menopausal care, well-child, adolescent care, preventive care), common behavioral and developmental problems in children & adolescents (developmental delay, learning disabilities, autism, school issues, etc.), and cultural variations in parenting. Family and role transitions across the lifespan are explored. Prerequisite: NURS 772, 773. (4) (Didactic 2 credits, clinical 2 credits)

NURS 775 : FNP III: Diagnosis and Management of Chronic and Complex Health Problems

This course is the third of four courses designed to teach the application of theory and research, diagnostic reasoning related to health care conditions, and the management of health problems across the lifespan. Prerequisite: NURS 773. (5) (Didactic 3 credits, clinical 2 credits)

NURS 776 : FNP IV: Diagnosis and Management of Complex Comorbid Patients

This course is the fourth of four courses designed to teach the application of theory and research, diagnostic reasoning related to health care conditions, and the management of health problems across the lifespan. It is designed as the culminating clinical course in the Family Nurse Practitioner program. Students will demonstrate the ability to provide novice-level primary care to chronic, complex patients with multiple co-morbidities. Prerequisite: NURS 774, 775. (4) (Didactic 2 credits, clinical 2 credits)

NURS 790 : Translating Research (Research III)

This course is designed to build upon previous courses and provide students a structured environment to begin the DNP project proposal. Students will develop strategies for translating research findings into sustainable improvements in patient and clinical outcomes for a diverse population. The use of information technology and interprofessional collaboration will be emphasized. Models used to guide the process of implementing and evaluating evidence based practice change will be examined. This course runs concurrently with DNP Scholarly Project I which serves to inform the translational research project proposal developed within this course. (3)

NURS 791 : Proposal Seminar

This is the proposal planning course for the DNP Scholarly Project series. This course is taken in conjunction with Translating Research (790). Students will identify their practice area and location. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. (1) (Didactic 0.5 credits, clinical 0.5 credits)

NURS 792 : DNP Scholarly Project I

This is the first course in the DNP Scholarly Project series. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. Prerequisite: NURS 791. (2) (Didactic 0.5 credits, clinical 1.5 credits)

NURS 793 : DNP Scholarly Project II

This is the second course in the DNP Scholarly Project series. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. Prerequisite: NURS 792. (2) (Didactic 0.5 credits, clinical 1.5 credits)

NURS 794 : DNP Scholarly Project III

This is the third course in the DNP Scholarly Project series. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. Prerequisite: NURS 793. (2) (Didactic 0.5 credits, clinical 1.5 credits)

NURS 795 : Transition to DNP Practice

Transition and socialization into the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) role is explored. Role transition includes the DNP's professional responsibility and accountability for advancing professional nursing practice. The DNP scholarship portfolio will be completed and evaluated. The portfolio will include reflection on evidence that demonstrates the student is a clinical scholar and documents competency in all domains of DNP practice as outlined in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral education for Advanced Nurse Practice, the DNP Core Competencies by the National Association of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and PLU School of Nursing Doctoral Program Outcomes. Prerequisite: All other DNP coursework. Taken concurrently with NURS 775 and 799 for FNP students. Taken concurrently with NURS 657 and 799 for PMHNP students. (1)

NURS 796 : DNP Clinical Practicum

The DNP student will develop further practice or DNP competencies through clinical practicum experience. May be repeated up to 3 times. Pass/Fail grading. Consent of the dean and associate dean of graduate nursing programs. (1-4)

NURS 799 : DNP Scholarly Project IV

This is the final course in the DNP Scholarly Project series. Throughout this sequence the DNP Student will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate the results of a DNP Scholarly Project. A primary focus of this class will be dissemination of results including final scholarly paper, presentation of results to community organization, and creation of a manuscript for submission for publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal. Prerequisite: NURS 794. (3) (Didactic 1 credit, clinical 2 credits)