DAPN 800-830: Advanced Practice Nursing Courses

This course focuses on concepts foundational to an understanding of human physiology and general principles across the lifespan. Functional systems of the cell, cell metabolism, cell membrane transport, membrane potentials, action potentials, cell receptors, cell markers, the cardiovascular system, respiratory physiology, the renal system, muscle physiology, and the hematopoietic system will be covered. Understanding these concepts is prerequisite to a comprehension of all cell, tissue, organ, and systems physiology and pathophysiology.

Course Objectives:

1. Synthesize the structure-function relationships of cells and cellular components to evaluate their impact on organ system physiology and pathophysiology.
2. Critically appraise mechanisms of cell membrane transport, membrane potentials, and action potentials to explain normal and altered cellular communication across major body systems.
3. Integrate advanced knowledge of major body systems to predict and manage complex alterations in organ system function.
4. Analyze the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying oxygen and carbon dioxide transport and evaluate their clinical implications in health and disease.
5. Formulate evidence-based strategies for evaluating pathophysiological changes at the cellular and organ system level.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, & pharmacodynamics specifically designed for advanced practice nurses.  The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of drug therapy principles and their clinical applications. Students will understand the therapeutic uses of various drug classes and develop skills to manage and optimize patient care through effective pharmacotherapy. This course will focus on preparing students with the advanced pharmacological knowledge needed to be a safe, effective provider.

Course Objectives:

1. Analyze and evaluate the complexities of prescriptive authority and professional responsibility for advanced practice nurses within diverse healthcare, legal, and ethical frameworks.
2. Synthesize advanced principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to optimize therapeutic decision-making and individualized patient care.
3. Critically appraise and integrate evidence on the pharmacologic profiles of major drug classes to incorporate effective pharmacotherapy regimens for diverse patient populations.
4. Evaluate pharmacotherapeutic strategies for patients across the lifespan—including pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, bariatric, and lactating populations—incorporating physiologic and developmental considerations.
5. Integrate comprehensive pharmacologic management plans for complex chronic conditions, with current guidelines and patient-specific variables to optimize outcomes.

This course includes assessment of all human systems, advanced assessment techniques, diagnosis, concepts, and approaches to determine patient health status and needs. Students will explore and develop a comprehensive understanding of physiological, pathophysiological, and psychosocial concepts across the lifespan and in diverse populations. At the end of this course, students will be able to incorporate knowledge of advanced health assessment with implications for advanced practice nursing.

Course Objectives:

1. Synthesize advanced clinical knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to perform and evaluate comprehensive health assessments for diverse populations across the lifespan.
2. Design and conduct thorough physical, psychosocial, developmental, and culturally sensitive assessments, adapting strategies to the unique needs of special populations.
3. Integrate advanced diagnostic reasoning and critical analysis to interpret complex assessment findings, formulate differential diagnoses, and prioritize patient-centered care.
4. Appraise and implement evidence-based assessment techniques and guidelines, including specialized examinations and interpretation of diagnostic data, to optimize diagnostic accuracy and outcomes.
5. Demonstrate effective interprofessional communication and documentation of assessment findings, adhering to professional, ethical, and legal standards.
6. Engage in reflective practice and continuous professional development to advance clinical competence and promote lifelong learning.