Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science

The Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program is focused on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver nursing care to persons of all ages across primary care settings, including those in rural and under-served areas. MSN-FNP graduates are prepared for advanced clinical practice that involves individuals and families throughout the lifespan and across the health continuum. The program is designed for nursing professionals seeking advanced skills in nursing who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing and have worked as an RN. Coursework is completed online, and clinical experiences are completed in local primary care settings.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate awareness of the current and historical impact of economic, political, legal, and ethical healthcare issues in society.

Utilize theories from nursing and other disciplines to improve health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Design and operationalize system changes to impact the delivery of health care in advanced practise roles and settings.

Demonstrate a value for personal integrity and personal and professional growth as an essential element in effective leadership within professional nursing organizations and health care systems.

Apply standards of practice within an ethical decision-making framework utilizing an identified process to make ethical decisions that meet clients’ health care needs.

Consider human diversity when planning and implementing healthcare actions.

Contribute as a leader to the restructuring of professional nursing roles as healthcare and education needs emerge in modern society.

Collaborate with other disciplines to provide holistic care to prevent illness, improve, promote and maintain optimum health for culturally diverse populations.

Critically appraise research and synthesize research and practice evidence.

Analyze the relevance of research outcomes for clinical and health systems and integrate them into advanced practice.

FNPs work in doctor’s offices, clinics, private homes, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. Family nurse practitioners place a strong emphasis on wellness and prevention and provide treatment for everything from mild ailments to serious conditions affecting any member of the family.

FNPs perform duties that include:

Prescribing medications

Conducting exams

Developing treatment plans for acute and chronic diseases

Educating and guiding patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits

Understanding the changes in health promotion throughout the ageing process

Performing diagnostic tests and screening evaluations

Managing overall patient care regarding lifestyle and development issues

Emphasizing preventative care and disease management