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MSN/MHP to DNP - Public Health Policy

Now is the time to influence change as the nation navigates healthcare policy and population health initiatives. Regional and national population-based healthcare reform starts in your community. Be the change agent to improve public health programs, develop new programs and coordinate care.

As a nurse with a terminal degree, at the height of your profession, you'll be uniquely qualified to translate your years of experience into transforming health policy at a systems level. 

A nurse in the DNP - Public Health Policy program is an expert in evidence-based practice — serving as a teacher, mentor, consultant and researcher — who influences management and systems improvement to affect public health policy at all levels of government.

The DNP - Public Health Policy program requires a nurse to complete a minimum of 50 credit hours and 960 clinical practice hours. Credit hours can be obtained via synchronous and asynchronous online learning including one on-campus intensive weekend. Clinical practice requirements are completed in a preceptor experience.

A full-time student can graduate in 24 months; a part-time student can finish in three to four years.

Want to learn more? Watch our most recent Virtual Information Session.

Program Perks
  • Curriculum integrates scientific knowledge and real-world experience to influence project development outcomes locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Program concludes with the nurse completing a scholarly project centered on translational research to address a population or community issue. 
  • Our faculty bring broad experiences in advanced clinical practice, leadership and education.
  • Graduates will be well equipped to develop, implement, assess and advance new practice approaches for healthcare delivery.
  • A dedicated writing coach to assist doctoral students in the design, structure, language, and flow of their writing needs.
  • An on-staff statistician is available to assist students in planning and evaluation of their scholarly doctoral project.
  • The Director of Student Counseling who engages our online graduate students with resources to promote health, work-life-school balance, and provides individualized support.
CCNE

Accreditation & Licensure

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master's degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.

Graduates in clinical practice tracks must pass additional certification exams

Nebraska Methodist College is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for the BSN to DNP Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Family Nurse Practitioner programs and the MSN/MPH to DNP Public Health Policy program.

Admissions Information

Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

  • A BSN and/or MSN or BSN and MPH from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or other nationally recognized nursing program accreditation body.
  • A grade point average (GPA) ≥ 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in last nursing program.
  • Current unencumbered Registered Nurse licensure at time of application. Practice as a RN is encouraged but not required. 
  • Fulfillment of the technical standards
  • Non-Nebraska residents or students planning to practice outside the state of Nebraska meet State Authorization requirements.
  • No GRE required for admission 

Requirements

To be considered for admission the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the application date:

  • Online Application
  • Current unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse at the time of applying
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Application Essay
  • Official college transcripts from graduating institutions
  • Interview with two NMC nursing faculty members using a standardized interview process and scoring method

Deadlines

Qualified candidates with completed applications will be invited to interview at their earliest convenience.

Starting Term - Spring 2025

Standard Deadline - 12/6/2025

Starting Term - Fall 2025

Early Bird Deadline - 11/1/2024

Priority Deadline - 1/31/2025

Standard Deadline - 7/11/2025

Costs & Financial Aid

NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

Cost Per Credit Hour

$850

Nurse Faculty Loan Program

Aimed at increasing the number of qualified nurse faculty, NFLP loans cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for part-time or full-time enrollment.
 
Following completion of the advanced education program, up to 85% of the loan may be cancelled if the borrower works as a full-time nurse faculty for a prescribed period of time.

Student Grants or Loans

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

Employee Education Benefits

Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet.

External Scholarships

Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.

Calculate Your Net Price

Nebraska Methodist College Net Price Calculator.

Curriculum

All students are required to complete specific coursework. This list below should only be used as a curriculum guide. Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change. View course descriptions below.

Required

IDS 750
HEALTHCARE FINANCE
DETAILS
This course focuses on the fundamentals of healthcare finance and its relationship to financial and managerial accounting practices. Through examination of the basic foundations of health care finance, students gain practical knowledge and apply financial management theory and principles in facilitating decision-making that promotes the financial well-being of organizations.

IDS 754
HEALTHCARE POLICY
DETAILS
This course provides a foundation for analyzing the social and political forces that influence healthcare policy decisions. The relationship between health policy, social justice, and practice will be explored. Students will examine current healthcare policy and factors which influence policy development. The healthcare policy will be investigated. 

IDS 758
HEALTH SYSTEMS, INFORMATICS & LEADERSHIP
DETAILS
This course provides an overview of contemporary health care systems and organizations. Within this overview, research, health policy, regulation, and law are examined from the perspective of how these factors shape health care organizations. Available technology to interpret and organize health data is investigated in relation to health system productivity. This course synthesizes leadership and systems theory into understanding the health care industry and becoming a leader in patient-centered care.

IDS 760
Environmental Health Policy
DETAILS

This course examines the environment as a social determinant of health for individuals and populations. Students will gain understanding of the intersectionality of health disparities and environmental health. Students will examine environmental public health scientific and foundational concepts of importance to the health promotion practitioner. This course focuses on the skills, tools, and approaches needed to address environmental health problems through policy processes and practice of population health.

IDS 780
ADVANCED PUBLIC HEALTH
DETAILS

This course lays the framework for the advanced public health role with an emphasis on public health policy. This course explores conceptual models and frameworks to examine complex public health issues, systems, policies, and practice. Students evaluate community issues and integrate clinical health practices emphasizing a health promotion and prevention approach while addressing health disparities of vulnerable and diverse populations.

IDS 784
PUBLIC HEALTH ETHICS
DETAILS
This course provides a foundation for a systematic process to clarify, prioritize, and justify ethical principles and values that guide public health action. Students will compare and contrast public health ethics to bioethics and medical ethics that guide biology and clinical medicine which are individual or patient centered. Throughout this course students will distinguish public health ethics as a population-based approach to public health as a field of study.

IDS 788
CIVIC HEALTH
DETAILS
This course uses the Culture of Health framework to examine the role of civic health in the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Students will examine civic health indicators (i.e. volunteering and giving, group membership, trust in institutions, social interactions, neighbor connectedness, voting and registration, and political involvement) in relation to population-based care, health policy, ethics, and finance. Examination of social change leadership, analysis of civic-related research, and exploration of civic identity will further student civic and public purpose as a healthcare professional and educated citizen.

NRS 690
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM PLANNING
DETAILS
This course is designed to assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating health programs at the population or community level.  Using public health theory as a basis, content will focus on targeting diverse populations, problems related to social determinants of health and strategies to address these problems.
 

NRS 700
PROGRAM ORIENTATION
DETAILS
This course provides the doctoral program orientation for Nebraska Methodist College. Emphasis will be placed on program delivery modalities, resource utilization, and scholarly writing. Students must complete this course on campus.

Prerequisites: Admission to DNP program.

NRS 792
ADVANCED PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICUM
DETAILS
This course provides the foundation for clinical role development in advanced public health nursing. Students will experientially examine public health nursing from a systems perspective and involves no individual level patient care. The preceptor supervised practicum expectations include role exploration and evidence-based project development.

NRS 796
HEALTH POLICY PRACTICUM
DETAILS
This experiential course examines health policy from public, institutional, organizational, and legal domains. Students will explore the intersection of health policy and law using a social, political, and economic context. The preceptor supervised practicum expectations include health policy related interprofessional role exploration and identifying policy implications in project development.

NRS 832
POPULATION HEALTH
DETAILS
This course provides the theoretical foundation for role development and skills required to identify health needs at a population level and strategies to improve population outcomes. The course focus is on translational research and the application of evidence-based concepts essential to the advancement of population based health. Analysis of the impact of social, cultural, and ecological systems across various populations will be emphasized throughout the course. A portion of this course requires on-campus completion.

NRS 840
RESIDENCY
DETAILS
This is the final advanced nursing practicum that provides the culmination experience for developing clinical knowledge and skills that demonstrate essentials of doctoral education.  Students will select an area of clinical practice relevant to career aspirations.

Prerequisites: Completion of all practicum courses within the DNP track

NRS 880
DOCTORAL SCHOLARLY PROJECT I
DETAILS
This is the first of a four-course series that provides an opportunity for the doctoral student to participate in the completion of a scholarly project proposal.  The project will focus on a practice problem within a specific population and contribute to the advancement of practice.  Students examine the elements of a proposal and identify a practice problem of interest. Students will conduct a scholarly literature review related to a practice problem and critically appraise the evidence.  Students will apply a framework as a foundation for a doctoral scholarly project.

Prerequisites: SSC 730, SSC 734, IDS 742

NRS 894
CLINICAL INQUIRY FOR THE DNP
DETAILS
This course facilitates student’s synthesis, integration, and translation of knowledge and skills within the context of health care delivery and population-based health care.  Within a collaborative environment and under the direction of a faculty advisor, students will plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate a scholarly project.

Prerequisites: NRS 880

NRS 898
Directed Doctoral Practicum
DETAILS

This directed study allows the student the opportunity to complete additional practicum hours in program plan of study where there is a deficiency in Doctor of Nursing Practice practicum hour requirements. Students enrolled in this course work closely with members of doctoral faculty and may focus on extension or enhanced of other practicum coursework or serve as a teaching assistant for an online Doctor of Nursing Practice course. 

SSC 730
BIOSTATISTICS
DETAILS
This course is designed to prepare the graduate student to understand and apply bio-statistical methods needed in the design and analysis of biomedical and public health investigations. The major topics to be covered include descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling distributions, inferences (point estimates and confidence intervals), hypotheses testing (one-sample tests, two-sample tests), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), as well as simple linear regression and multiple regression analysis. The course emphasizes the application of statistical concepts to analyze research for best available evidence to support quality nursing practice. The course also provides students with hands-on experience in using statistical software (SPSS) to assist in making effective decisions.

SSC 734
EPIDEMIOLOGY
DETAILS
This course is designed to prepare the graduate student to understand the clinical and public health aspects of basic epidemiology. It provides a comprehensive study of epidemiology in relation to healthcare practice, public health and health policies. The major concepts of study will include health and health risks, disease causality and strategies to reduce the incidence and prevalence of health problems with specific populations.

Prerequisite OR Corequisite: SSC 730, or evidence of graduate-level statistics course

Meet the Faculty

Our nursing faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use.

Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do about the subject matter, and it shows.

Meet the Faculty

Additional information

DNP Program Outcomes

Graduates of the DNP program will:

  1. Integrate nursing science with multiple disciplines to positively influence health status of individuals, groups, and populations from a holistic perspective.
  2. Exemplify organizational leadership and systems thinking through quality improvement, political skills, legal/ethical practices, and business insight minimizing health disparities and promoting health equity to provide safe, patient-centered care to current and future patient populations.
  3. Improve clinical practice through translational research, clinical scholarship, and dissemination of evidence-based practice using information technology and systematic research methods.
  4. Build upon existing information systems and patient care technology to drive decision-making for the improvement and transformation of health care while applying ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
  5. Appraise health care policy through advocacy to promote social justice and equity in order to positively influence health care practice.
  6. Lead in the practice environment through effective communication skills, shared decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration to maximize patient and population health outcomes.
  7. Evaluate health care delivery models and community-based programs aimed at clinical prevention and population health to enhance equitable outcomes.
  8. Advance the identity of nursing through personal accountability, reflection, adaptability, life-long learning, and self-care to sustain health and the profession.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021). Essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Technical Standards for DNP Program

In preparation for advanced practice nursing roles, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to meet the demands of a professional nursing career. Certain functional abilities are essential for the delivery of safe, effective nursing care.

An applicant to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program must meet the following technical standards and maintain satisfactory demonstration of these standards for progression throughout the program. Students unable to meet these technical standards will not be able to complete the program. Students shall notify faculty of any change in their ability to meet technical standards. The technical standards include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

General Ability
The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, and smell so that data received by the senses is integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. The student is expected to possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement in order to effectively evaluate patients. A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations.

Observational Ability
The student must have the ability to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of clinical/laboratory activities and patient care experiences. The student must be able to document these observations accurately.

Communication Ability
The student must communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally to obtain information and explain that information to others. Each student must have the ability to read, write, comprehend and speak the English language to facilitate communication with patients, family members, and other members of the healthcare team. The student must be able to document and maintain accurate records, present information in a professional manner and provide patient instruction to effectively care for patients and their families.

Motor Ability
The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to provide complete physical assessments and provide safe effective care for patients. The student is expected to have psychomotor skills necessary to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medications, and emergency interventions including CPR if necessary. The student must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, and physical exertion required for safe patient care. Students must be able to bend, squat, reach, kneel or balance. Clinical settings may require that students have the ability to carry and lift loads from the floor, from 12 inches from the floor, to shoulder height and overhead. The student must be able to occasionally lift 50 pounds, frequently lift 25 pounds, and constantly lift 10 pounds. The student is expected to be able to maintain consciousness and equilibrium and have the physical strength and stamina to perform satisfactorily in clinical settings.

Intellectual -Conceptual Ability
The student must have the ability to develop problem-solving skills essential to professional nursing practice. Problem solving skills include the ability to measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize objective and subjective data, and to make decisions, in a timely manner that reflect thoughtful deliberation and sound clinical judgment. The student must demonstrate application of these skills and possess the ability to incorporate new information from peers, instructors, and the nursing and healthcare literature to formulate sound judgment to establish care plans and priorities in patient care activities.

Behavioral and Social Attributes
The student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, and complete assessment and intervention activities. Compassion, integrity, motivation, and concern for others are personal attributes required of those in the nursing program. The student must fully utilize intellectual capacities that facilitate prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom and clinical settings; the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and other members of the healthcare team. The ability to establish rapport and maintain interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds is critical for practice as a nurse. Each student must be able to adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the classroom and clinical settings; and effectively collaborate in the clinical setting with other members of the healthcare team.

Ability to Manage Stressful Situations
The student must be able to adapt to and function effectively in relation to stressful situations encountered in both the classroom and clinical settings, including emergency situations. Students will encounter multiple stressors while in the nursing program. These stressors may be (but are not limited to) personal, patient care/family, faculty/peer, and or program related.

Background Check/Drug Screening
Clinical facilities require that Nebraska Methodist College perform drug testing and background checks on all students before they are allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Therefore, students will be required to have a background check performed and submit to drug screening before being allowed into clinical practice.

DNP Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DNP?

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate for nurses.  It represents the highest level of academic preparation for nursing practice.

What is the difference between a PhD and a DNP?

The DNP curriculum emphasizes advanced nursing practice and building leaders in practice, education, and management whereas the PhD curriculum emphasizes the research process and dissemination of results.  Both DNP and PhD  graduates work together to shape nursing practice based on evidence based care.

Why is the DNP degree desired?

Nursing practice is influenced by the rapid expansion of knowledge, increased patient complexity, demands for quality of care and patient safety, and need for nursing personnel and faculty who have the highest level of educational preparation.  Graduates of DNP programs will function as nursing leaders that advance clinical practice to improve health systems and outcomes for diverse patients, patient groups, populations and communities.  DNP graduates will have the skills necessary to translate nursing research into practice.  The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) identifies the need for nursing education to meet the demands of an increasingly complex healthcare system and recommends the DNP as the terminal degree for advanced practice nurses.

What is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)?

According to the American Nurses Association:

"APRNs include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, and all play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare. APRNs are often primary care providers and are at the forefront of providing preventive care services to the public.

APRNs treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease, and engage in continuous education to remain ahead of any technological, methodological, or other developments in the field. APRNs hold at least a Master's degree, in addition to the initial nursing education and licensing required for all Registered Nurses (RNs)."

Will this program prepare me for any of the APRN roles?

The BSN to DNP program at Nebraska Methodist College graduates APRNs who are ready to function as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP), Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners or Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists (AG-CNS).   

The APRN to DNP curriculum allows practicing advanced practice nurses to attain a terminal degree in nursing. 

Why choose a DNP over master’s-level preparation?

Ongoing healthcare reform will increase the demand for quality and affordable care for all Americans.  This mandate will create a dramatic need for more primary care providers and the need for more APRNs is expected to escalate.  While many APRNs complete the requirements for advanced practice through a master's (MSN) program, the DNP program offers additional competencies related to organizational leadership, information systems, patient care technology, healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration and clinical prevention for individuals and populations.

These additional competencies will better prepare the graduate to assume a primary role in meeting the healthcare needs across populations and communities. The DNP provides equity with other discipline's professional doctorate programs (Institute of Medicine, 2011).  The AACN position statement (2004) advocated the transition from specialty nursing practice at the master's level to the DNP.  The target goal for this transition is 2015. See the 2006 report from the DNP Roadmap Task Force (PDF Download).  

Institute of Medicine. (2011). The future of nursing: leading change, advancing health. Washington DC: National Academies Press.  

Is a dissertation required?

No. A hallmark of the practice doctorate is the completion of a scholarly project that demonstrates the synthesis of the DNP role through translational research within a population.  As part of the scholarly project, the student will prepare a manuscript describing the scholarly project and present the project findings.

The program is online, what does that mean?

The DNP program at Nebraska Methodist College will be completed using an online environment that has synchronous and asynchronous components.  Students will complete a large portion of the classwork in an asynchronous environment completing and submitting work online.  Synchronous meeting via a conferencing platform that allows for audio and videochat will be used throughout the semester.  These synchronous meetings will be scheduled for late afternoon/evening hours.

Will I ever have to come to campus? If so how often?

BSN to DNP candidates will be expected to come to campus three times during the program, APRN to DNP and Public Health Policy candidates will be expected to come to campus twice.  These campus visits will be over a weekend during the summer semester.

If the program is online, how will I complete my clinical hours?
Students in the BSN to DNP program will complete 1,080 preceptor-guided clinical hours throughout this program. Students will be asked to secure their own preceptors as they complete the program so that clinical may be completed in or near where students live or work.
 
Students in the APRN to DNP program will complete 540 clinical hours through the doctoral scholarly project coursework. Students in this program are given credit for 500 clinical hours attained in their MSN-APRN program.
 
Students in the Public Health Policy track will complete 960 clinical hours through preceptor-guided experiences and through the doctoral scholarly project. Students in this program are given credit for 100 clinical hours attained in their Master’s program.
I already have a master’s degree in nursing? How will that affect my admission?

Students who already have a master's degree in nursing are eligible for admission.  Credit for previously completed courses will be examined on a case by case basis.  Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Nebraska Methodist College to graduate with a DNP.

Are there special computer requirements for this program?

See the computer requirements here for the asynchronous components of the DNP program.  Computer capability to audio and videochat will be required for the asynchronous components of the DNP program. 

Will I be able to work full time while I am in the DNP program?

Students who wish to work while attending the DNP program are encouraged to take classes on a part time basis.  The rigors and time requirements of full-time attendance would limit the student ability to work.

Is your DNP program accredited?

Yes, the doctor of nursing practice degree at Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

What is the class size for the DNP program?

Class sizes range from 6-20 students.

How do I apply?

All BSN to DNP Tracks

To be considered for admission the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the application date:

  • NursingCAS Application
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Written statement
  • Official college transcripts from graduating institutions and official transcripts confirming completion of the required undergraduate courses
  • Interview with two NMC nursing faculty members using a standardized interview process and scoring method

Post-APRN Track

To be considered for admission the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the application deadline:

  • Online Application
  • Current unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse at the time of applying
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Written statement
  • Official college transcripts from graduating institutions and official transcripts confirming completion of the required graduate courses
  • Interview with two NMC nursing faculty members using a standardized interview process and scoring method

Public Health Policy Track

To be considered for admission the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the application deadline:

  • Online Application
  • Current unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse at the time of applying
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Written statement
  • Official college transcripts from graduating institutions
  • Interview with two NMC nursing faculty members using a standardized interview process and scoring method

Student Handbook

The purpose of our student handbook is to give our students an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending and receiving an education at Nebraska Methodist College in the Doctor of Nurse Practice program.

DNP Student Handbook

Doctor of Nursing Practice Application Essay

Please develop a thoughtful and organized response to the two questions below. The admissions committee is looking for responses that are not only well supported but that also use appropriate style and grammar.

  1. 1. Describe your role aspirations and what you expect to derive from the doctoral program at Nebraska Methodist College.
  2. 2. What impact should graduates of a Doctor of Nursing Practice program have on the delivery and scope of healthcare in your community and in the United States?

Your essay should be approximately 250-400 words per prompt using APA format and citations where applicable and will be critiqued using the following criteria: purpose, organization, content, individuality and conventions. The application essay must be received by the application deadline.

Instances of plagiarism within an applicant's written statement will disqualify them for acceptance to Nebraska Methodist College due to the College's commitment to academic integrity and stringent plagiarism policies.

Be sure to include your name and program on the document itself.

Attach your statement to an email and send it to admissions@methodistcollege.edu. You can also mail your statement to:

Nebraska Methodist College
Attn: Enrollment Services
720 N 87th Street
Omaha, NE 68114

Technical Standards

In preparation for advanced practice nursing roles, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to meet the demands of a professional nursing career. Certain functional abilities are essential for the delivery of safe, effective nursing care.

An applicant to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program must meet the following technical standards and maintain satisfactory demonstration of these standards for progression throughout the program. Students unable to meet these technical standards will not be able to complete the program. Students shall notify faculty of any change in their ability to meet technical standards. The technical standards include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

General Ability
The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, and smell so that data received by the senses is integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. The student is expected to possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement in order to effectively evaluate patients. A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations.

Observational Ability
The student must have the ability to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of clinical/laboratory activities and patient care experiences. The student must be able to document these observations accurately.

Communication Ability
The student must communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally to obtain information and explain that information to others. Each student must have the ability to read, write, comprehend and speak the English language to facilitate communication with patients, family members, and other members of the healthcare team. The student must be able to document and maintain accurate records, present information in a professional manner and provide patient instruction to effectively care for patients and their families.

Motor Ability
The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to provide complete physical assessments and provide safe effective care for patients. The student is expected to have psychomotor skills necessary to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medications, and emergency interventions including CPR if necessary. The student must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, and physical exertion required for safe patient care. Students must be able to bend, squat, reach, kneel or balance. Clinical settings may require that students have the ability to carry and lift loads from the floor, from 12 inches from the floor, to shoulder height and overhead. The student must be able to occasionally lift 50 pounds, frequently lift 25 pounds, and constantly lift 10 pounds. The student is expected to be able to maintain consciousness and equilibrium and have the physical strength and stamina to perform satisfactorily in clinical settings.

Intellectual -Conceptual Ability
The student must have the ability to develop problem-solving skills essential to professional nursing practice. Problem solving skills include the ability to measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize objective and subjective data, and to make decisions, in a timely manner that reflect thoughtful deliberation and sound clinical judgment. The student must demonstrate application of these skills and possess the ability to incorporate new information from peers, instructors, and the nursing and healthcare literature to formulate sound judgment to establish care plans and priorities in patient care activities.

Behavioral and Social Attributes
The student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, and complete assessment and intervention activities. Compassion, integrity, motivation, and concern for others are personal attributes required of those in the nursing program. The student must fully utilize intellectual capacities that facilitate prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom and clinical settings; the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and other members of the healthcare team. The ability to establish rapport and maintain interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds is critical for practice as a nurse. Each student must be able to adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the classroom and clinical settings; and effectively collaborate in the clinical setting with other members of the healthcare team.

Ability to Manage Stressful Situations
The student must be able to adapt to and function effectively in relation to stressful situations encountered in both the classroom and clinical settings, including emergency situations. Students will encounter multiple stressors while in the nursing program. These stressors may be (but are not limited to) personal, patient care/family, faculty/peer, and or program related.

Background Check/Drug Screening
Clinical facilities require that Nebraska Methodist College perform drug testing and background checks on all students before they are allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Therefore, students will be required to have a background check performed and submit to drug screening before being allowed into clinical practice.