Graduate Program Tracks
The Clinical Nurse Leader Track
The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is an advanced education nurse generalist role newly created by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in response to an urgent call for better patient outcomes and improved coordination in the delivery of healthcare services. CNLs will provide leadership in designing unit-level changes to move organizations toward evidence-based systems of care that will produce better outcomes for a specific patient population.
Graduates will also be prepared to address the predominant health care dilemmas of the future: needs of an aging population, chronic illness management, health disparities associated with socioeconomic dislocation, and health promotion and disease prevention CNL graduates will: (a) provide leadership in designing evidence-based systems that more effectively manage care for a specific patient population, (b) bring a high level of clinical competence and knowledge to the point of care, (c) design, implement, and evaluate the care needs of complex patients, and (d) serve as a resource for the clinical nursing team.
The Nurse Anesthesia Track
The Master of Science in Nursing anesthesia track focuses on preoperative evaluation, intraoperative management, and postoperative evaluation of patients in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered. Nurse anesthetists are primarily responsible for direct patient care and are prepared as expert clinicians. The Fairfield University & Bridgeport Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program is a full time, integrated, 29 month program offering a Master of Science in Nursing from Fairfield University and a Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia. The combined MSN and strong clinical track allows students the benefit of interacting with other advanced practice nursing students in an atmosphere which exemplifies the ideals of the Jesuit mission of Fairfield University. The Program starts in January of each year and operates continuously, independent of the University calendar.
After a spring and summer of academics, students begin their clinical practicum and continue to take required academic courses until the May graduation date. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. Successful completion of this exam allows the new graduate to practice as a nurse anesthetist.
The Program is self-contained and provides all clinical opportunities at one clinical site to meet the standards set by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Students gain hands on experience with a variety of regional (neuraxial & peripheral blocks) and general techniques under the supervision of CRNA and MD faculty. In addition to the routine surgical cases, nurse anesthesia students gain experience in trauma, major burn and high-risk obstetrical cases.
The Practitioner Track
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) practitioner track prepares advanced practice nurses to provide quality primary healthcare services to all members of the community, with an emphasis on meeting the unique healthcare needs of culturally diverse and underserved populations. Clinical experiences in a variety of agencies in surrounding communities allow for synthesis of clinical judgment, assessment, diagnostic skills, and theory.
The two concentrations - family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner fulfill the academic requirement for American Nurses Credentialing Center certification. In practica, students work with individuals, families, and groups to provide primary care. Initiated at a client's first point of contact with the healthcare system, primary care is the continuous and comprehensive promotion and maintenance of health, prevention of illness, diagnosis and treatment, and management or referral of mental and physical problems. Practica in a variety of agencies in surrounding communities provide opportunities to synthesize theory and apply critical thinking in the identification and clinical management of risks and health problems.
The Healthcare Management Track
The MSN healthcare management track is intended to provide an opportunity for non-practitioner graduate education for nursing professionals. This program of study is conducted in collaboration with the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. This track prepares the professional nurse to manage organized healthcare services and develop and implement strategies to improve compliance and quality outcomes in healthcare. Competency in basic office software (eg, Microsoft Office) is required.
This program meets the academic requirement for ANCC certification in nursing administration, advanced. However, students completing the program must contact ANCC regarding work experience requirements prior to applying for certification. Graduates have a broad depth of knowledge in a wide range of management, leadership, and quality issues affecting healthcare systems. Students gain experience through practica working in administration and management of healthcare organizations, performance improvement, and other positions requiring a nursing management education and experience. Potential employers include hospitals, nursing homes, and managed care organizations.
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Reference Guide for Graduate and Continuing Studies Students
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