A nursing student using a stethoscope

Play a Critical Role in Providing Health Care to High-Risk Infants

Neonatal specialists are in demand playing a critical role in providing care to the growing high-risk infant population. Our program provides unparalleled training for BSN prepared nurses with NICU experience. Continue to work while pursuing one of the professions most rewarding specializations.
Classroom Accelerated

M.S. in Nursing - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Degree Overview

For those who possess a BSN and have an interest in caring for high-risk newborn infants, Regis University offers the Master of Science in Nursing with a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) emphasis. This highly specialized field is increasingly in need of qualified professionals, ready to give their knowledge and care to families and their newest additions.

This campus-based program combines advanced knowledge in nursing theory, health care policy, ethics and leadership related to the role of the advanced practice nurse with intensive courses reflecting the unique learning needs of the NNP- including clinical management of the high-risk newborn as well as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The program is completed in two years and courses are taught one to two days a week to maximize your time and allow you to work. Clinical experiences are offered in a variety of Level III (high risk) neonatal intensive care units. Students complete a minimum of 630 hours of experience in addition to coursework while guided by experts in the field of high-risk newborns.

If your goals as a nurse don't stop with the basics, come and explore the rewards and challenges of a career as a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Degree:  Graduates are awarded the Master of Science in Nursing with a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialization and are eligible to take the National Certification Corporation (NCC) examination.

Length of Program: The program is completed in 2 years.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Loretto Heights School of Nursing was recognized by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) for "creating an environment that fosters superior leadership skills in neonatal nursing practice."

Carol Wallman, Regis University DNP student, and affiliate faculty in the NNP program, is being awarded the NANN 2013 Clinical Abstract of the Year award. She submitted an abstract to NANN for the upcoming fall meeting on the competency program, skills day, and simulation that she developed for the neonatal nurse practitioners at Children’s hospital. Linda McCarney and Wendy Barrett, both Regis NNP grads, are the second and third authors on the abstract.

Regis University NNP students have been selected to present case studies at the Neonatal Advanced Practice Forum in Washington DC in June 2013: Kathyrn Latzky, Erin Hauser-Roe, Amanda Mascio and Jennifer Oney. Congratulations!

Cathy Witt, coordinator of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program, received the NANN 2012 Leadership Award. This award recognizes superior leadership skills and consistent excellence in practice, and was presented to Cathy at the NANN National Meeting in Palm Springs in October 2012. She was honored for her work as editor of the NANN Journal and her leadership at Regis. Cathy is also a past board member, and past president of NANN.

Program Requirements

Listed below are the required courses for completion of this degree at Regis University. Please note that recent course requirement updates may not be reflected in the list below and you should contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126 for recent changes and updates.

This degree program requires 43.00 credit hours for completion. Please contact your advisor or the Office of Enrollment Services at 303.458.4126.

MS: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Core Courses

HCE 604 - Ethics for Nurse Leaders

Examines ethical and moral reasoning relevant to professional nursing practice and health care delivery in today's society. Explores philosophical and faith-based foundations, including Catholic moral tradition, socio-cultural influences, professional codes, organizational and personal ethical norms. Ethical issues are examined with emphasis on advanced practice nursing, leadership roles and models of health care delivery. Introduces skills in analyzing ethical dilemmas and evaluating ethical practice using ethical theory, moral argument, and case studies. NOTE: This course was previously titled Ethics and Society.

Cross listing(s): NR 690E NR 604.

NR 601 - Theoretical Frameworks

Examines the theoretical basis of nursing which guides advanced nursing practice. Critiques and evaluates theories from nursing and related fields such as the natural, social, organizational, and biological sciences. Analyzes the usefulness and applicability of theory in nursing practice, research, education, and administration. Regis University, Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions and the Loretto Heights School of Nursing mission and goals are discussed. Service Learning is introduced in this course in the campus-based MS program.

NR 602 - Adv Apps of Research for Evidenced-Based

Addresses best practices for evidence-based nursing practice. Quantitative and qualitative research designs and analytical procedures are compared. Methodologies for implementing evidence-based practice are examined and ethics associated with research are appraised.

Cross listing(s): NR 690F.

NR 608 - Health Care Policy

Focuses on health care policy formation and evaluation. Learning activities will facilitate students' opportunities to learn about change, as a result of public policy and politics. Examines public health care policy emphasizing it's relationship and application to advanced practice nursing, leadership roles in management, and education and models of health care delivery. Topics include history, trends, and issues in health care systems; legal issues; legislation and regulation; funding, planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care services to individuals and populations; and accessibility, quality and outcome issues. The policy and business practices developed by hospitals and other private institutions are not included in the course objectives. Service Learning is further explored in this course in the campus-based MS program. The graduate component extends foundational knowledge through additional readings, case analysis and/or applied project work. Prerequisite(s): Completion of NR 622 for online students. Admission to the Master of Science degree in Nursing or Permission of the Executive Director of the Graduate and Post-Licensure Department required.

Cross listing(s): HCA 408 HSA 608.

NR 699 - Comprehensive Eval/Master of Science

This course synthesizes the art and science of professional nursing to educate and prepare the student to transition to responsible membership in the profession of nursing as a lifelong learner in stewardship of the nursing societal contract. Emphasizes contemporary nursing issues, responsible involvement in nursing organizations, health policy, social justice, and advocacy for human diversity in a multicultural society. Assists the student in synthesis of health care policy and finance in relation to regulatory standards and nursing professional life. Dialogue is foundational to the critical examination societal issues in practice of nursing. Included are discussions of selected global and policy issues in nursing practice. A definitive professional portfolio (including career service and transferrable skills, job interviewing and attainment, and ongoing professional uses) is completed. The course also revisits Jesuit mission and values, service learning, selected art of nursing concepts, and professional and personal reflection as they currently relate to the student's professional life and learning at Regis LHSON. The course culminates in a reflective and evaluative capstone project that examines personal change and professional. Pass/No Pass grading only.

Neonatal Nurse Practioner Advanced Practice

NR 605N - Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice

Utilizes a comprehensive approach addressing the underlying principles of disease processes. Includes etiology, epidemiology and theories related to pathogenesis. Focuses on the differentiation of pathophysiological findings and identification of treatment modalities. *Note: NR 605F is designed for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students and NR 605N is designed for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) students.

NR 607N - Pharmacology for Advanced Practice

Provides the advanced practitioner student with an in-depth understanding of the clinical applications of drugs commonly used. Emphasizes the principles of drug action and drug therapy related to advanced practice nursing roles. Discusses selected prototypical agents from the major drug classifications as indications for use, efficacy, therapeutic and adverse effects, monitoring parameters, dosing principles and common drug interactions.*Note: NR 607F is designed for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students and NR 607N is designed for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) students.

NR 640 - Adv Practice Roles/Concepts

Addresses a variety of concepts essential to advanced nursing practice. History and role development within advanced nursing practice and primary care are examined. Family theory and dynamics integral to advanced nursing practice are explored. Standards of advanced practice nursing are defined and practiced.

NR 651 - Professional Integration

Integrates core concepts in nursing for the nurse practitioner. Builds on the skill set essential for independent practice.

Pre-requisite: NR*601 NR*602 NR*604 NR*608 NR*640

NR 652 - Health Assessment for NNP

Presents a framework for systematic collection of a comprehensive database that includes pertinent history and physical assessments of the pregnant woman, neonate, and healthy child through age two.

Neonatal Nurst Practitioner Emphasis Courses

NR 653 - Genetics and Embryology for the NNP

Provides a scientific foundation in embryology and genetics for practice. Analyzes the principles of human genetics, genetic testing and screening, genetic abnormalities and gene therapy for implications for the neonatal nurse practitioner.

NR 654 - Adv Practice Prcdrs for High Risk Infant

A theory, application, and skills course addressing the assessment and management of neonatal procedures commonly encountered in neonatal intensive care facilities. NOTE: Laboratory practicum includes procedural techniques.

Pre-requisite: NR*605 NR*607 NR*652

NR 656 - Management of the High Risk Newborn

Application of theory to practice in the development of a plan of care based on research evidence, pathophysiology, nursing and pharmacology principles, and protocols for the neonate. NOTE: Includes 105 hours of precepted clinical practice.

Pre-requisite: NR*605 NR*607 NR*652

NR 657 - Clinical Integration for the NNP

Focuses on the integration of advanced perinatal and neonatal theory, skill competency, critical thinking and clinical management of the low and high risk neonate and family. NOTE: Includes 415 hours of precepted clinical practice.

Pre-requisite: TAKE NR*605N NR*607N NR*652 NR*653 NR*654 NR*656;

Statistics

Statistics

The course descriptions for the above mentioned class could not be found. Please contact Academic Records & Registration at 303-458-4126 with questions. Some additional course information is available and shown here.

Statistics Prerequisite--Required prior to NR 602
(Regis courses that fulfill requirement include
MT 270 OR MT 274)

Accreditation

Regis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Commission URL: http://www.ncahlc.org
Commission Phone: 312-263-0456

The Loretto Heights School of Nursing is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (AACN-CCNE). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science (MS) programs are accredited through 2019. Additionally, effective October 2012, the DNP program is now fully accredited by AACN-CCNE.

If you would like more information on AACN-CCNE please go to: www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation.

May 2013 - April 2014

Tuition (per semester hour) $655
Application Fee $75
Health Insurance (waived with proof of other insurance)
Fall & Spring/Summer 2012/2013 (per semester)

$1,255
Lab Fee (one time only) $300
Background Check and Drug Screen (external agency fee) $95

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