Nov 02, 2024  
2023-2024 Nursing Student Handbook 
    
2023-2024 Nursing Student Handbook [FINAL EDITION]

MSN and Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Overview, Goals, and Outcomes


Preface

This Handbook will provide you with information about the programs of study and the policies and procedures specific to our School of Nursing. It should be used as a supplement to the Widener University Bulletin, Widener University Student Handbook, the School of Nursing Fact Books, and other University Publications. As such, the policies, procedures, regulations, requirements, standard of conduct and other information contained in such other publications are not reprinted herein, but are incorporated by reference herein as if all of the foregoing were set forth at length. All students are obliged to be familiar with and to comply with all of the policies, procedures, regulations, requirements, standards of conduct and other information set forth in such other publications. 

The contents of this Handbook provide for the continuing integrity of the programs of study in the School of Nursing, thereby preparing you, the student, for professional roles. The University and the School of Nursing reserve the right and authority at any time to alter any of all of the statements contained herein, to modify the requirements for admission and graduation, to change or discontinue programs of study, to amend any regulation or policy affecting the student body, to increase tuition and fees, to deny admission, to revoke an offer of admissions, and to dismiss from the University any student at any time, if it is deemed by the University or the School of Nursing to be in the best interest of the University, the School of Nursing, the university community, or the student to do so. The provisions of this publication are subject to change without notice, and nothing in this publication may be considered as setting forth terms of a contract between a student or prospective student and Widener University.  

Professional Nursing Law

The following statement is taken from the “The Professional Nursing Law” as enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Professional Nursing Law can be found at PA Code for Registered Nurse.  

 “The ‘Practice of Professional Nursing’ means diagnosing and treating human responses to actual or potential health problems through such services as case finding, health teaching, health counseling, and provision of care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being, and executing medical regimens as prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist. The foregoing shall not be deemed to include acts of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures, except as performed by a certified registered nurse practitioner acting in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Board”. For additional information, click on the PA Professional Code for Nurses.  

Professional Code for Nurses

The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA 2015) was developed as a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality in nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession. Students at Widener University are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Code of Ethics.  Additional information on the Code can be found at Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. 

Diversity Statement

Widener University School of Nursing is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity throughout our programs, our nursing practice, and in our workplace. The School of Nursing’s unique, powerhouse programs serve the needs of diverse students at all stages of their careers. We’re All Widener. That’s not just a saying here; it’s a way of life. It represents the culture of our university - a powerful call for respect, mutual understanding, and unity. Here you’ll be embraced and supported by a welcoming and inclusive community regardless of your race, ethnicity, national origin, gender and sexual identity, socioeconomic status, ability, religion, political affiliation, among other things. You’ll join a community of students and scholars who hail from across the country and around the world. Our community is woven together by diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives, and our classrooms, residence halls, and social spaces are enriched by this variety. You’ll interact with people and engage in the kinds of transformational moments that broaden your own worldview and prepare you for the world and workforce you’re about to enter. For more information about Diversity and Inclusivity, please click here.

Accreditation and Approval

Widener University’s School of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post Master’s Certificate programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and the MSN and Post Master’s Family (Individual across the Lifespan) CRNP and the MSN and Post Master’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs are approved by the State Board of Nurse Examiners of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Commission on Collegiate Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Nursing Education (CCNE) State Board of Nursing One DuPont Circle, NW P.O. Box 2649 Suite 530 Harrisburg, PA 17105 Washington, DC 20036 (717) 783-7142 (202) 887-6791

Master of Science In Nursing Program Goals and Learning Outcomes 

Master of Science in Nursing Program Goals

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates to function as advanced practice nurses who are leaders in providing care to individuals across the life span, families, and populations in varied health care and/or educational settings. The graduate uses advanced knowledge in nursing and in related sciences and humanities to improve health care. Graduates are prepared as evidence-based practitioners who utilize theory, skills, and leadership concepts to guide practice to impact health outcomes.

 

Master of Science in Nursing Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Master of Science in Nursing Program, the graduate will:

  • Apply nursing, science, humanities, and ethical theories and information in the analysis of clinical problems, illness prevention, and health promotion strategies across diverse populations.
  • Analyze systems and work to create a culture of quality improvement and safety.
  • Use leadership knowledge and skills in initiating and maintaining effective working relationships and analyzing the impact of systems on patient outcomes.
  • Disseminate evidence-based practice decisions to advance clinical practice.
  • Use current technologies to deliver and coordinate care.
  • Collaborate with other health professionals to manage and coordinate care across systems.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of clinical prevention interventions that affect individual and population-based health outcomes that are culturally appropriate.
  • Provide safe, quality care to diverse populations in a variety of settings and roles.