Master of Science in Nursing
Department
School of Nursing
College
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Overview of the program
The Graduate Nursing Program is a member of the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing Program (ICMSN), a cooperative venture among the nursing units at Southeastern Louisiana University, McNeese State University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The ICMSN is accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education, 1 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C., telephone (202) 887-6791.
The consortium structure allows students to enroll in courses at any one of the participating universities and receive credit toward a master’s degree. The advanced nursing specialty concentrations offered through the consortium are nursing administration and nurse practitioner.
Southeastern Louisiana University, McNeese State University, and the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette offer the following specialty concentrations: Family Nurse
Practitioner, Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Executive.
The purposes of the Master of Science in Nursing program are to:
- Provide a base in nursing theory, nursing research, and issues relative to advanced nursing practice.
- Provide for advanced clinical specialization in Family Health Nursing and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing.
- Provide for advanced role preparation as a, nurse practitioner, nurse executive, or nurse educator.
Concentrations
Students successfully completing the MSN curriculum at Southeastern Louisiana University meet educational requirements to take the following national certification examinations:
- Nurse Practitioner: Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration: Nurse Executive
Strengths of the program
The Graduate Nursing Program at Southeastern has undergone significant development of its academic programs, and subscribes to distance learning methodologies. The majority of courses offered in collaboration with McNeese State University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Southeastern are delivered with web-based and web-enhanced formats. Clinical practicum experiences are faculty facilitated. Ample opportunity exists for peer exchanges. All programs offered prepare students to write applicable national certification examinations. Southeastern's graduates consistently achieve highly successful pass rates. Students who successfully complete the nurse practitioner specialty concentrations can apply for an advanced practice license in nursing.
All graduate nursing faculty hold graduate faculty status in their respective universities. Faculty are recognized for their expertise within the university, as well as throughout the health care community at local, state, and national levels.
Faculty awards, honors, recognition include:
Nightingale Awards (Louisiana State Nurses Association)
2002: Nursing School of the Year
2003: Barbara Moffett, Educator of the Year
2003: Ann Carruth, Researcher of the Year
2004: Donnie Booth, Hall of Fame
2004: Karen Hill, Educator of the Year
2007: Donnie Booth, Nursing School Administrator of the year
2006: Lucie Agosta, Advanced Nursing Practice; SoutheasternLouisianaUniversity, 2008: Nursing School of the Year
2011: Barbara Moffett, Hall of Fame
University Excellence Awards
2003: Donnie Booth, Excellence in Service
2003: Ann Carruth, University Excellence in Research
2003: Jean Urick, Excellence in Teaching
2004: Karen Hill, Excellence in Teaching
Helen Johnson Cremeens Excellence In Teaching Award (Baton Rouge District Nurses Association.):
1999: Peggy Harris
2001: Cynthia Prestholdt
2003: Georgia LaCour
2004: Melissa Wafer
2006: Susan Pryor
2007: Barbara Hyde
2011: Lorinda Sealey
Other Awards:
2007: Lucie Agosta, Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners
2007: Lucie Agosta, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners State Award for Excellence:
2011: Ann Carruth Inducted Tangipahoa District Nurses Association, Tangi Top Nurses
2011: School of Nursing designation as an Area of Excellence by the University of Louisiana System
The Program also offers:
-
Research opportunities in conjunction with the Healthy Farm Families initiative
-
Clinical learning opportunities within a broad geographical area, including a modern clinical center located in Baton Rouge
-
Special computer and skills labs located on campus in Hammond and at the Baton Rouge Center, equipped with Smart Boards, Human Patient Simulators (SimMan), and other resources
-
Modern distance learning classrooms for videoconferencing
Preparing for a job in the program
Preparing for a career in advanced practice nursing requires:
- A baccalaureate degree in Nursing from an accredited undergraduate nursing program
- An active, unencumbered Louisiana Registered Nurse License
- Completion of the Graduate Record Exam appropriate score
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.7
- Clinical Practice/Experience requirement as a Registered Nurse
- Acquisition of computer skills
- Development of good communication, self-directed learning, and time-management skills
- Commitment to the advancement of professional nursing knowledge and practice
Careers in the program
Nursing is both an art and a science, and advanced practice nurses may function as independent practitioners or as an integral part of a health care team opportunities are boundless! Advanced nursing practice blends science, technology, research, and compassionate care to provide advanced expertise in teaching and caring for individuals, groups, and communities with diverse needs. Nurses today influence legislation, change health care delivery systems, write and publish, educate about disease prevention and health promotion, and participate on boards of directors.
Students completing the MSN degree as Nurse Practitioners are prepared for positions
in:
- Community clinics
- Hospitals
- Physician’s offices
- Health departments/public health units
- Mental health facilities
- Occupational health
- Military service
Students completing the MSN degree as Nurse Executive are prepared for leadership/management positions in:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Health care agencies
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
Starting salaries vary widely by experience, practice setting, region and state. Approximate salary ranges include the following, but are frequently changing:
- Nurse Administrators or Executives: Highly variable
- Nurse Practitioners: $54,000 - $113,000; Average = $60,000 to $75,000 (with benefits)
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
Graduate nursing students who meet eligibility requirements may be invited to membership in Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and also in Rho Zeta Chapter of The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
This degree program is for you if you wish to broaden your nursing expertise, extend your career opportunities, and contribute to enhancing the development of the professional nursing practice.
Helpful qualities for graduate nursing majors include:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Good interpersonal and written communication skills
- Motivation to improve one’s nursing practice
- Technological aptitude
- Appreciation for independent learning
- Self-discipline and time-management ability
Contact Information
Graduate Nursing Program, School of Nursing
SLU 10448
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Kinesiology and Health Studies, Room 110
Telephone: 985-549- 5045
Fax: 985-549-5087
