Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles in today’s fast-evolving healthcare environment. Ideal for current nurses looking to advance their careers, this program equips professionals with the skills needed to take on leadership and management responsibilities within healthcare organizations. Students will learn to integrate elements of caring, advocacy, and a deep understanding of ethical, social, legal, political, and historical contexts into the nurse-patient relationship. This program emphasizes the empowerment of clients, ensuring all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
Focus Areas of Leadership in Health Care Systems Emphasis:
- Analyzing organizational behavior among individuals, teams, and departments
- Developing strategies for leading diverse teams, implementing changes, and fostering collaboration
- Applying financial management principles in healthcare settings
- Creating data-driven, cost-effective solutions to improve healthcare outcomes
- Leading initiatives to enhance care processes, patient experiences, and overall outcomes
- Demonstrating leadership behaviors that inspire and motivate healthcare teams
The MSN in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems at GCU aligns with the standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and the leadership components are consistent with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Advance Your Skills as a Nurse Leader
This leadership-focused MSN program incorporates advanced roles such as clinician, researcher, educator, coach, leader, community advocate, and consultant. Students will develop clinical and organizational decision-making skills through critical thinking, evidence-based research, and diagnostic reasoning. The curriculum covers graduate nursing core and leadership courses, some of which are shared with Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) students, enhancing interdisciplinary learning.
Key Courses and Practicum
- Evidence-Based Practice Project: Students address real-world problems in their professional practice, propose innovative solutions, and design evaluations.
- Leadership in Health Care Systems Practicum: This experience allows students to apply advanced nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills in a practical, real-world setting. Topics may include quality improvement, staff development, or interdisciplinary collaboration.
Career Opportunities with an MSN in Leadership
Graduates of this program can pursue roles such as advanced registered nurse, charge nurse, director of nursing, or staff nurse. Additionally, they may choose to continue their education by entering a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, further elevating their expertise and career trajectory.
Program Core Courses
- NUR-513: Introduction to Advanced Registered Nursing Total Credits: 4 credits
- NUR-514: Organizational Leadership and Informatics Total Credits: 4 credits
- NUR-550: Translational Research and Population Health Management Total Credits: 4 credits
- NUR-590: Evidence-Based Practice Project Total Credits: 4 credits
- LDR-615: Organizational Development and Change Total Credits: 4 credits
- NUR-621: Principles of Health Care Financial Management Total Credits: 4 credits
- NUR-630: Performance Improvement and Quality in Health Care Total Credits: 4 credits
- HRM-635: Acquiring, Developing, and Leveraging Human Capital Total Credits: 4 credits
- NUR-674: Leadership in Health Care Systems Practicum Total Credits: 4 credits
- Masters in Nursing – Leadership in Health Care Systems
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