By Vanessa Orr
When Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing first created its MSN programs, the goal was to focus on concentrations that would meet industry needs. This not only meant graduating more nurses and nurse practitioners, but students excelling in administration, leadership and education, as well as holistic care.
“Our programs are highly rated and are based on sound curriculum and sound instructional methods, taught by a wonderful faculty that is very involved at all levels of student education,” explained Katherine Chadwell, DNP, MBMSc, APRN, GNP-BC, CPHQ, associate professor, Assistant Dean for Graduate Practice Programs, co-coordinator Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University.
“One of the things that sets us apart is our Caring Curriculum and Caring Focus, which translates into how our students practice,” she continued. “We not only teach nursing science, but person-centered care. Our students are compassionate and empathetic, and these principles are integrated into our courses, making us a desirable component to students’ educations.”
The MSN program offers a variety of NP concentrations including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, as well as non-NP concentrations including Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership, and Advanced Holistic Nursing. Students, many of whom continue their professional careers while they attend classes, can take part in full or part-time curriculums, with core courses offered face-to-face or through online learning.
Nurse Practitioners
One of the most sought-after concentrations within the College of Nursing is the family nurse practitioner program, which focuses on providing primary care in the community, including to rural and underserved populations. “There is a huge need for nurse practitioners who can provide primary care, especially in our state,” said Dr. Chadwell.
The nurse practitioner concentration includes a number of core courses, which all MSN students are required to take, focused on the college’s caring philosophy, nursing research, leadership, policy and finance. NPs then take a number of direct care courses, as well as specific concentration courses geared to their particular areas of study.
“Each semester builds on the expertise of the prior semester, and by the end of the third term, students have had an array of experiences within the clinical setting,” said Dr. Chadwell. “We provide placements for students working with preceptors in the community in various settings including primary care offices, community health clinics, and assisted living and long-term care facilities.”
She added that students can also engage in a number of specialty practice hours, for example, working with cardiology and respiratory specialists.
Non-NP Concentrations
As healthcare continues to evolve, so do the needs of the industry, and FAU’s College of Nursing has made it a priority to change with the times.
“As there’s been a move toward holistic therapies and providing complementary care, we’ve focused on building an advanced holistic nursing program that allows students to create practices around nurse health coaching and holistic practice,” said Dr. Chadwell, adding that students can sit for both the advanced holistic nursing certification and the health and wellness coaching certification after graduating.
“We’ve also seen a big need for new leadership as we’ve lost a number of leaders at retirement age and others have left the field over the past several years,” she said of the Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership concentration. “It’s not only important to have strong administrators in the hospital setting, but also in the community as healthcare expands beyond the hospital.”
Dr. Chadwell adds that the College of Nursing is also looking at adding and enhancing educational opportunities in administration and leadership and is currently collaborating with the College of Business to develop a combined Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) with an MBA or a Master’s in Health Services Administration.
No matter what the MSN program, Dr. Chadwell encourages prospective students to see what FAU’s College of Nursing has to offer.
“The value that we bring as a state school and our per-credit-hour cost are very competitive, especially compared to private schools that are much more costly in terms of tuition,” she said. “Our faculty’s involvement in the administration of the curriculum adds even more value, ensuring that it aligns with current practice.”
To learn more, visit www.nursing.fau.edu or call (561) 297-3000.
