Graduate Learning Outcome Statement
Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program (FNP)
Mission
The School of Nursing (SON) mission is "To educate nursing students at beginning and advanced levels through excellence and innovation in teaching, scholarship and service." Beginning level professional nurses are educated at the baccalaureate level (BSN) and advanced practice nurses at the master's level (MSN). Graduates of the master's program possess knowledge to design and implement comprehensive programs to meet identified needs of individuals, families, and communities.
The mission of the University states "The University of North Florida's primary focus is on instruction, informed by scholarly activity and a commitment to community involvement." Four principles guide the University in fulfilling this mission: 1) a commitment to excellence, 2) a commitment to focus, 3) a commitment to relevance, and 4) a commitment to accountability. The SON demonstrates commitment to excellence and accountability through seeking and successfully obtaining national accreditation for all tracks within the MSN program. All tracks are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the newest track, the Nurse Anesthesia track, is further accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA). A commitment to focus and relevancy is demonstrated through the careful use of resources available to the SON, while at the same time preparing graduates to work within the current as well as the future health care environment. To illustrate, all tracks within the MSN program require the same group of core courses, in addition to the courses specific to the individual tracks.
Learning Objectives
A graduate of the FNP Certificate program will be able to:
1. Synthesize theory and research to develop a conceptual framework for advanced nursing practice.
2. Demonstrate competency in the advanced practice role in delivering comprehensive care to individuals and families in a variety of community settings.
3. Incorporate theory and research findings into advanced clinical practice.
4. Collaborate and consult with family members and other professionals.
5. Assume responsibility and accountability for independent nursing practice and improvement of health care.
6. Analyze nursing practice, health policy, and legal, social and ethical issues as they impact health care.
7. Contribute to professional leadership in nursing through education, research, and collaborative practice.
8. Demonstrate a commitment for continued professional growth through self-directed learning.
The SON uses a variety of assessment strategies to evaluate achievement of outcomes for the students enrolled in the PCNP Certificate program. The following are examples of these assessment strategies. They are identified as either direct or indirect measures and the outcome for such is identified. Clinical Areas : Students. (Direct measure) All students are assigned to a preceptor who works one-on-one with them in the clinical setting. (See Clinical Areas for MSN Student Outcomes) Clinical performance is graded on a pass/fail basis. Courses : Students . (Direct Measure) Students are expected to achieve an average of 75% on all tests in every course. Comprehensive Examination : (Direct Measure) During the last semester of the primary care nurse practitioner certificate program, all students are expected to pass a comprehensive examination at the 75% level. Certification Examination : (Indirect Measure) All graduates of the MSN program are expected to sit for the national certification examination in their respective areas of concentration.