加州州立大学贝克斯菲尔德分校

The purpose of this master’s program is to prepare nurses with advanced nursing theory and clinical experiences in the advanced practice nursing role of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Students are prepared to assess the health needs and health risks of all family members, apply family theories, and analyze legal, ethical, economic, leadership, and professional issues pertinent to nurse practitioners. Graduates from this program will be qualified to practice in mid-level primary care practice settings within the changing patterns of health care; assume leadership roles in multidisciplinary health groups; and practice family nursing in primary and secondary health care settings. Graduates will be prepared to apply for doctoral programs in nursing.

The content of this program includes advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology; analysis, utilization, and evaluation of theories of nursing; research methodology; role development; care of vulnerable populations; health care policy and delivery systems; leadership; and application of advanced knowledge in providing nursing care for clients representing a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds in both urban and rural community settings. Students complete a culminating experience (comprehensive examination) which demonstrates their competence in the conduct of scientific inquiry related to clinical problem solving. Students must complete the requirements for the master’s degree before they can pursue FNP certification from the California State Board of Registered Nursing.

Master’s Degree Program Objectives

The program objectives are to prepare students for graduation who can:

Expand knowledge and evaluate nursing theories and theories from related disciplines as a basis for advanced roles and nursing practice.

Utilize nursing concepts, theories, and knowledge to support advanced practice roles and evidence-based nursing practice.

Demonstrate expertise in advanced roles in nursing.

Apply evidence-based research findings to advanced roles and nursing practice.

Utilize the steps of scientific inquiry to evaluate and integrate research, theory, and practice.

Family Nurse Practitioner Program Objectives

Upon graduation or entry to advanced practice, the Family Nurse Practitioner should demonstrate competence in the following:

Synthesize theoretical, scientific, and contemporary clinical knowledge for the assessment and management of both health and illness states for the purposes of health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment of the individual, the family, aggregate groups, and the community.

Demonstrate a personal, collegial, and collaborative approach which enhances the Family Nurse Practitioner’s effectiveness in patient care.

Function as a licensed independent practitioner by using best available evidence to continuously improve quality of clinical practice.