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Critical & Acute Care NP/Clinical Nurse Specialist

Degree options include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) which prepares students for entry-level professional nursing roles, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) which prepares beginning advanced nurse practitioners for a variety of positions, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) which prepares expert clinicians for leadership positions in practice, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) which prepares graduates as research scientist. A MSN with a concentration in Critical and Acute Care/Clinical Nurse Specialist is one option.

-WHAT IS CRITICAL AND ACUTE/CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST-

This specialty preparation is a combined Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist program. The Critical and Acute Care option prepares the graduate for advanced practice in the adult hospital or high acuity setting. The focus is on diagnosis and treatment of complex acute illness in a collaborative team environment.

-CRITICAL & ACUTE CARE/CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST OPTION-

The Acute Care Advanced Practice Nurse (ACNP/CNS) uses a collaborative model to provide direct services to adult patients who are acutely or critically ill in a variety of settings. Diagnostic reasoning, advanced therapeutic interventions, and advanced education are key elements in the direct provision of care by the ACNP/CNS.

-CLINICAL SITES-

Will be jointly determined with you and faculty in the College of Nursing; efforts are made to provide clinical experiences in locations near you. All students are to have a clinical in a hospital setting, emergency department, and acute care setting.