During the COVID-19 emergency, we will not always be able to help you in-person, but we can still help you virtually! Please use this contact list to stay in touch:
Dr. Denise Pope, Associate Dean and Chief Nursing Officer
PopeD@Trinitydc.edu; 202-884-9682
Dr. Denyse Barkley, Assistant Professor
BarkleyD@Trinitydc.edu; 202-884-9681
Dr. Carrie O’Reilly, Assistant Professor
OReillyC@Trinitydc.edu; 202-884-9680
Ms. Sarah R. Trippensee, Nursing Academic Advisor
TrippenseeR@Trinitydc.edu; 202-884-9684
Dean
Dr. Mary Romanello
RomanelloM@Trinitydc.edu; 202-884-9677
Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the RN-to- MSN program at Trinity Washington University. Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma or associate degree in nursing can choose the RN-to-MSN Program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree while working towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nine credits completed during the BSN program will apply to the MSN program. After completing the BSN degree students can continue on to a seamless transition to complete the MSN degree with a concentration in either the Nurse Educator track OR the Nurse Administration track. Students may delay MSN enrollment for no more than two years should a student need to stop-out between the BSN and MSN.
The BSN Program focuses on preparing Registered Nurses (RNs) to expand their clinical knowledge and patient management skills to serve as health care providers in a broad scope of clinical areas.
In the BSN curriculum students have an opportunity to:
Learn from expert faculty who share contemporary nursing knowledge, clinical expertise, healthcare management, and application of nursing leadership
Identify and apply skills and principles to provide advanced patient care
Obtain increased preparation to assume broader responsibilities in a wide range of healthcare organizations
AND have an excellent foundation to be successful in the MSN program
Three courses (9 credits) of the BSN curriculum will apply to required core courses for the MSN curriculum
The MSN Program prepares students in two tracks; the Nurse Administrator track prepares nurses to work in areas of leadership and management as unit managers and directors. The Nurse Educator track prepares nurses to teach the next generation of nurses in the academic area OR as a unit-based educator to meet the ongoing education needs of nurses and staff in health care organizations.
Develop areas of expertise from a curriculum that is based on National Nursing Professional Standards
Obtain the support needed for success and flexibility to meet family & work responsibilities through online course delivery
Select a full or part-time course path
Benefit from applying theoretical concepts to the application of practice during the Practicum Experience
Qualify to sit for the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator Examination (CNE) OR the American Organization of Nurse Executives Certified in Executive Nursing Practice Examination (CENP) or the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader Examination (CNML).
Program Format
Hybrid format: online courses with Friday face-to-face sessions
BSN component can completed in one year
9 credits completed in the BSN will apply to the MSN program
MSN component can be completed full or part-time within 6 semesters
Curriculum utilizes The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN), The Essentials of Baccalaureate and Masters Education for Professional Nursing Practice and The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics as foundations that guide the curriculums.
RN to MSN Program Goals
Provide client-centered care which represents the diversity of clients’ preferences, values, and needs within the context of their families, communities and the health care delivery system. (BSN Essential 7, 8, 9)
Demonstrate professional behaviors in the moral, ethical, and legal practice of nursing epitomized by altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, and social justice. (BSN Essential 3, 4, 5, 8)
Demonstrate integration of knowledge, skills and professional attitudes through the use of clinical evidence and reasoning based on integration from the liberal arts and sciences and application of evidence-based knowledge in the nursing discipline. (BSN Essential 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9)
Identify threats to safety and develop strategies to minimize risk of harm to individuals and populations. (BSN Essential 7, 8, 9)
Apply organizational, leadership, and management concepts including use of technology, teamwork, communication, finance, healthcare policy, and regulatory environments in the provision of high quality nursing care. (BSN Essential 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Provide competent nursing population focused care incorporating concepts of health promotion, disease and injury prevention at the local, national, and international levels to meet society’s needs and shape social policy. (BSN Essential 2, 5, 6, 7, 8)
RN to MSN Student Learning Outcomes
Practice autonomously and collaboratively within inter-professional teams to provide direct and indirect care services in various types of health care systems. (MSN Essential 2, 7, 9)
Apply research findings from nursing and other disciplines as a basis for ethical clinical decision-making to improve practice and to formulate health policy. (MSN Essential 2, 4, 6)
Utilize evidence-based practice recommendations and professional standards of care to promote health, prevent disease and improve the health status of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. (MSN Essential 4, 8)
Use effective communication skills and health information management resources to enhance the quality of care provided at individual and aggregate levels. (MSN Essential 5)
Demonstrate safe, effective assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation skills in caring for individuals and groups to promote health, prevent disease and improve the health status of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a dynamic health care arena. (MSN Essential 3, 4, 8, 9)
Demonstrate advanced competencies appropriate for the nursing administration or nursing educator roles (MSN Essentials 9)
Accreditation
The master’s degree program in nursing at Trinity is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Nurse Educator Courses
NURS 515 Advanced Pathophysiology & PharmacologyBuilding on a foundation of normal physiology, students are exposed to the major disturbances of normal function and the basic mechanisms involved in disease of the major organ systems. The course includes discussion of the general aspects of the common human pathophysiological conditions and syndromes. This course focuses on the integration of general physiological principles that apply across the lifespan. Content relative to each life state is integrated with each topical area. Physical manifestations are correlated with pathological inferences. Emphasis is given to recognizing changes in client status, interpreting physiological data, and using this information for primary care. This course also focuses on the study of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs prescribed across the lifespan. Classifications of pharmaceuticals are examined in relation to indication for use and evidence of efficacy. This course is designed to build on prior pharmacologic study of actions and effects of drugs on the human system across the life span. Students will study pharmacologic mechanisms of action, effects on organ systems, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, considerations related to age and physiologic state, adverse reactions, contraindications, and drop interactions. The legalities and regulations concerning prescription writing privileges are addressed so as to lay the foundation for the knowledge and skills to manage pharmacotherapeutics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneNURS 562 Advanced Health AssessmentThis course enables students to develop advanced clinical assessment skills and diagnostic skills appropriate for an advanced practice nursing graduate. Emphasis is placed on pathological disease-related findings and physical changes encountered throughout the life cycle. Students gain expertise in data collections, hypothesis formulation, and decision-making through practice in the laboratory setting. Participants develop, practice, and differentiate interviewing techniques and physical assessment of children, adults, and elderly patients. The process of developing evidence-based differential diagnosis using case studies is introduced. The course includes didactic presentations, technology-enhanced instruction, and laboratory practice. Students are expected to participate in laboratory sessions as examiners and examinees. Respect for privacy and cultural sensitivity is emphasized. This course is designed to introduce the experienced clinical nurse to diagnostic reasoning, advanced clinical history taking, and physical assessment for individuals/families across the life span. Course content focuses on the concepts, theory and practice related to obtaining comprehensive health histories for patients of all ages and states of health.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneNURS 650 Adv Clin Prac Spec for Nurse EducatorThis direct care clinical experience will strengthen patient care delivery skills at the master's level for the nurse educator student to prepare them for advanced nursing practice care in a health care specialty. The course provides specialized clinical experiences as students synthesize theory, knowledge and skills from previous courses to develop advanced nursing practice skills to provide evidenced-based, ethical care to individuals, groups, communities and systems. In collaboration with their faculty, students will select a direct care experience that is consistent with their area of practice. Students can select from a range of clinical settings which can include; acute and critical care, long-term care, home health, community-based settings and educational settings. This course requires 100 hours in an immersion, direct care clinical experience with an approved preceptor.
Prerequisites: SNHP 501, SNHP 530, SNHP 600, SNHP 620, SNHP 630, NURS 515, NURS 562SNHP 501 Theoretical FoundationsModels and theories as they relate to education and practice and theoretical and ethical foundational necessary for teaching in various settings: classroom, clinical and college laboratories, and health care agencies will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings. This course also examines the nature and function of educational theories basic to the design and implementation of curriculum, teaching, and learning experiences with a focus on models, strategies and skills that apply to teaching.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneSNHP 530 Quantitative Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores quantitative research methodologies utilized for observation and data collection, including analysis and interpretation of collected data. This course provides an exploration of research concepts, literature review, research methods, designs, data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in quantitative research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with quantitative analyses. This course is designed to provide graduate students with the skills necessary to evaluate the relationship between practice and published research. This course provides opportunities to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based research project. Each student will develop and evaluate a plan for the translation of the research into their practice. (3 credits)SNHP 600 Instructional Strategies for Effective TeachingResearch based pedagogical theory and practice strategies for instruction; technology and technological devices with a focus on the utilization of applications software and internet data sites for research, data analysis and reports; utilization of effective teaching models to improve student achievement. This course provides an overview of teaching methods utilized within nursing education to support student learning in clinical, didactic and online learning and simulation teaching environments. Students will examine various teaching/learning technologies, including simulation, and integrate these technologies with select teaching methods in the design of coursework to support learning. Academic policies, protocols, and legal aspects of education will be explored. Campus relationships, prospective and current student issues, as well as laws affecting students will be examined. Situational events that occur in the classroom and clinical settings will be highlighted for students to research, discuss and develop a format for applying case law to student faculty issues.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneSNHP 601 InformaticsThis course introduces theoretical and practice components of healthcare informatics for the graduate level student, designed to provide an in-depth introduction to information systems and technologies that support practice and improve patient care and outcomes. Development of information management and technology skills will be incorporated throughout the course. Content is directed toward assisting the student in understanding the relationship between patient care and complex information and data issues involved in clinical practice. Computer systems will be analyzed. The systems life cycle will be explored. Health care data standards, classification schemes, and the electronic health record (EHR) will be introduced. Students will evaluate informatics as it applies to patient safety, outcomes measurement, complex decision-making, consumer use, and legal and ethical issues.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneSNHP 620 Curriculum Development and EvaluationApplications in Nursing curriculum design, including the development of a teaching/learning philosophy, mission statement, programmatic goals, learning objectives, teaching plans, and individual courses. This course explores the theories, principles and practices that underpin the measurement and evaluation of educational settings. This course includes content on approaches to assessing and evaluating student outcomes, giving feedback, test construction and psychometrics evaluation, development and grading of written assignments, evaluation of clinical performance and self-evaluation for personal teaching effectiveness. This course provides an overview of nursing curriculum development in nursing education. Influential factors in curriculum design decisions are discussed. Students are introduced to program assessment, institutional philosophy, theory, and concepts of general education. Topics include an introduction to curricular design and the importance of considering the stakeholders. Program assessment and change theories are explored as they pertain to evaluating for the possibility of a curricular redesign.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneSNHP 630 Qualitative and Outcomes Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores qualitative and outcomes research methodologies. Students interpret findings and learn how to critically appraise the evidence and its impact on practice with a focus on evaluation methods, epidemiology, and economic theory. This course provides opportunities to integrate theory, evidence, clinical judgment, cultural preferences, and research to improve health care practice and outcomes. The student will conduct efficient literature reviews and evaluate the quality of that research through the appraisal of research design, methodology, and data analysis. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in qualitative and outcomes research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the analysis process of data gathered in qualitative and outcome research methodologies, the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with qualitative analyses. (3 credits)SNHP 651 EthicsThe American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics will be used as one example of a guide for ethical decision-making. Health-care related legal/ethical issues arising from selected theoretical/research appro aches ar e examined. A variety of ethical decision-making frameworks will be evaluated for the advanced nurse to use as tools in the decision-making process.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneSNHP 640 Teaching and Clinical PracticumThis course focuses the student on the role of the nurse educator in either academic or agency settings. Students will have the opportunity to apply all of the content from prior course work in a precepted situation and a required residency.
6 credits
Prerequisites: SNHP 600 and SNHP 501HADV 621 Health Advocacy: Access and NavigationIn this course students determine the appropriate roles a health practitioner might adopt to promote an individual or community's health care experience and to improve health outcomes. In an increasingly complex healthcare market and range of treatments it is important for the health care advocate to be able to assess a patient's diagnosis, risks, needs, and recommended treatment to direct individuals or communities to the best experiences and outcomes. This is critically important for minority, disadvantaged, or special populations who are often unaware of the severity of their conditions and potential health outcomes. Students demonstrate the ability to inform and educate individuals or communities of their health status, treatm ent plan s, access to quality care, community health services, and to advocate to insurance systems and health institutions in an ethical and caring manner to improve health outcomes and social inequalities.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: NoneNURS 650 Adv Clin Prac Spec for Nurse EducatorThis direct care clinical experience will strengthen patient care delivery skills at the master's level for the nurse educator student to prepare them for advanced nursing practice care in a health care specialty. The course provides specialized clinical experiences as students synthesize theory, knowledge and skills from previous courses to develop advanced nursing practice skills to provide evidenced-based, ethical care to individuals, groups, communities and systems. In collaboration with their faculty, students will select a direct care experience that is consistent with their area of practice. Students can select from a range of clinical settings which can include; acute and critical care, long-term care, home health, community-based settings and educational settings. This course requires 100 hours in an immersion, direct care clinical experience with an approved preceptor.
Prerequisites: SNHP 501, SNHP 530, SNHP 600, SNHP 620, SNHP 630, NURS 515, NURS 562
Nurse Administrator Courses
NURS 515 Advanced Pathophysiology & PharmacologyBuilding on a foundation of normal physiology, students are exposed to the major disturbances of normal function and the basic mechanisms involved in disease of the major organ systems. The course includes discussion of the general aspects of the common human pathophysiological conditions and syndromes. This course focuses on the integration of general physiological principles that apply across the lifespan. Content relative to each life state is integrated with each topical area. Physical manifestations are correlated with pathological inferences. Emphasis is given to recognizing changes in client status, interpreting physiological data, and using this information for primary care. This course also focuses on the study of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs prescribed across the lifespan. Classifications of pharmaceuticals are examined in relation to indication for use and evidence of efficacy. This course is designed to build on prior pharmacologic study of actions and effects of drugs on the human system across the life span. Students will study pharmacologic mechanisms of action, effects on organ systems, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, considerations related to age and physiologic state, adverse reactions, contraindications, and drop interactions. The legalities and regulations concerning prescription writing privileges are addressed so as to lay the foundation for the knowledge and skills to manage pharmacotherapeutics.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneNURS 562 Advanced Health AssessmentThis course enables students to develop advanced clinical assessment skills and diagnostic skills appropriate for an advanced practice nursing graduate. Emphasis is placed on pathological disease-related findings and physical changes encountered throughout the life cycle. Students gain expertise in data collections, hypothesis formulation, and decision-making through practice in the laboratory setting. Participants develop, practice, and differentiate interviewing techniques and physical assessment of children, adults, and elderly patients. The process of developing evidence-based differential diagnosis using case studies is introduced. The course includes didactic presentations, technology-enhanced instruction, and laboratory practice. Students are expected to participate in laboratory sessions as examiners and examinees. Respect for privacy and cultural sensitivity is emphasized. This course is designed to introduce the experienced clinical nurse to diagnostic reasoning, advanced clinical history taking, and physical assessment for individuals/families across the life span. Course content focuses on the concepts, theory and practice related to obtaining comprehensive health histories for patients of all ages and states of health.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneNURS 605 Administrative Theory in Nursing IUses administrative theory and management principles and processes as related to roles and functions of the nurse in management in health-related agencies.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneNURS 625 Administrative Theory in Nursing IIExplores roles and functions of the nurse in management as the nurse manager develops patterns of nursing care, articulating nursing education, and nursing service.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneNURS 645 Practicum in Nursing AdministrationThe practicum will integrate previous knowledge from MSN core and administration courses and provide a guided practicum experience for the student. This course is designed for application, demonstration, and synthesis of theory and competencies related to the role of nurse administrator. Learning experiences are planned and negotiated to meet individual learning goals in the context of preceptor supervised experiences. Students will complete a project in collaboration with their preceptor and approval of the course faculty. The practicum requires 100 hours with an approved preceptorship in the speciality role.
6 credits
Prerequisites: SNHP 501, SNHP 630, NURS 510, NURS 562, and NURS 625SNHP 501 Theoretical FoundationsModels and theories as they relate to education and practice and theoretical and ethical foundational necessary for teaching in various settings: classroom, clinical and college laboratories, and health care agencies will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings. This course also examines the nature and function of educational theories basic to the design and implementation of curriculum, teaching, and learning experiences with a focus on models, strategies and skills that apply to teaching.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneSNHP 530 Quantitative Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores quantitative research methodologies utilized for observation and data collection, including analysis and interpretation of collected data. This course provides an exploration of research concepts, literature review, research methods, designs, data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in quantitative research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with quantitative analyses. This course is designed to provide graduate students with the skills necessary to evaluate the relationship between practice and published research. This course provides opportunities to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based research project. Each student will develop and evaluate a plan for the translation of the research into their practice. (3 credits)SNHP 601 InformaticsThis course introduces theoretical and practice components of healthcare informatics for the graduate level student, designed to provide an in-depth introduction to information systems and technologies that support practice and improve patient care and outcomes. Development of information management and technology skills will be incorporated throughout the course. Content is directed toward assisting the student in understanding the relationship between patient care and complex information and data issues involved in clinical practice. Computer systems will be analyzed. The systems life cycle will be explored. Health care data standards, classification schemes, and the electronic health record (EHR) will be introduced. Students will evaluate informatics as it applies to patient safety, outcomes measurement, complex decision-making, consumer use, and legal and ethical issues.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NoneSNHP 630 Qualitative and Outcomes Research and BiostatisticsThis course explores qualitative and outcomes research methodologies. Students interpret findings and learn how to critically appraise the evidence and its impact on practice with a focus on evaluation methods, epidemiology, and economic theory. This course provides opportunities to integrate theory, evidence, clinical judgment, cultural preferences, and research to improve health care practice and outcomes. The student will conduct efficient literature reviews and evaluate the quality of that research through the appraisal of research design, methodology, and data analysis. This course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of collected data in qualitative and outcomes research approaches. Students will have the opportunity to explore the analysis process of data gathered in qualitative and outcome research methodologies, the selection of appropriate statistical tests, analyze an existing data set, and gain experience in the use of the computer for data analysis associated with qualitative analyses. (3 credits)ADMN 607 Accounting and Finance for Evaluation and ControlThe Accounting and Finance for Managerial Evaluation and Control course emphasizes the use of accounting and financial information to fa cilitate effective management decisions. Topics include the accounting process, the accounting cycle, accounting systems, inventories, investments, cost determination, cost control and analysis, budgeting, analysis of financial statements, and capital investment analysis. Students in this course will use spreadsheet software to develop and analyze data. This course requires computer literacy and access outside the classroom to a computer with spreadsheet software. Formerly ADMN 607 Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: NoneHADV 621 Health Advocacy: Access and NavigationIn this course students determine the appropriate roles a health practitioner might adopt to promote an individual or community's health care experience and to improve health outcomes. In an increasingly complex healthcare market and range of treatments it is important for the health care advocate to be able to assess a patient's diagnosis, risks, needs, and recommended treatment to direct individuals or communities to the best experiences and outcomes. This is critically important for minority, disadvantaged, or special populations who are often unaware of the severity of their conditions and potential health outcomes. Students demonstrate the ability to inform and educate individuals or communities of their health status, treatm ent plan s, access to quality care, community health services, and to advocate to insurance systems and health institutions in an ethical and caring manner to improve health outcomes and social inequalities.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
Nurse Educator Career Pathways: Academic Nurse Educator
Clinic/Unit-based Educator
Nurse Administration Career Pathways:
Nurse Administration/Management
Nurse Consultant
Health Services Manager
Nursing Supervisor
Director of Nursing
Chief Nursing Officer
PopeD@trinitydc.eduBarkleyD@trinitydc.eduOReillyC@trinitydc.edu
Kristie Davis, MSN, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. Intima Alrimawa, Assistant Professor of Nursing
