Master of Science in Nursing
Department
School of Nursing
College
Office of Research and Graduate Studies and the 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 National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, New York 10006, Telephone (212) 363-5555 ext. 153.
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 tracks offered through the consortium are nursing administration, nursing education, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner.
Southeastern Louisiana University, McNeese State University, and the University of Louisiana, Lafayette offer specialty tracks in Adult Health Nursing NP or CNS, Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing NP or CNS, Nursing Education, and Nursing Leadership Administration in Health Care.
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 Adult Health Nursing and Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing.
- Provide for advanced role preparation as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, or nurse educator.
Concentrations
Students successfully completing the MSN curriculum at Southeastern Louisiana University meet educational requirements to take the following national certification examinations:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Medical Surgical Nursing or Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- Nurse Practitioner: Adult Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration: Nursing Administration Advanced
- Nursing Education
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 clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner speciality tracks 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) -
2003: Educator of the Year: Barbara Moffett
Researcher of the Year: Ann Carruth
2004: Hall of Fame: Donnie Booth
2004: Educator of the Year: Karen Hill 2007: Nursing School Administrator of the Year: Donnie Booth 2007: Advanced Nursing Practice: Lucie Agosta
2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Awardd from the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners: Lucie Agosta
2007 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners State Award for Excellence: Lucie Agosta
University Excellence in Research Award, 2003: Ann Carruth
University Excellence in Teaching Award: Jean Urick (2003); Karen Hill (2004)
Helen Johnson Cremeens Excellence In Teaching Award (Baton Rouge District Nurses Assn.):
1999: Peggy Harris
2001: Cynthia Prestholdt
2003: Georgia LaCour
2004: Melissa Wafer
2006: Susan Pryor
2007: Barbara Hyde
- School of Nursing designation as an Area of Excellence by the University of Louisiana System
- School of Nursing named as Nursing School of the Year, 2002 and 2007 - Nightingale Award by Louisiana State Nurses Association
- 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 NLNAC or CCNE accredited 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 Educators are prepared for positions in:
- Schools of nursing
- Staff development and education departments
- Continuing education departments
- Health departments
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 Clinical Nurse Specialists are prepared for positions in:
- Community clinics
- Hospitals/acute care
- Rehabilitation
- Extended care facilities
- Hospice
- Mental health facilities
- Military service
Students completing the MSN degree as Nurse Administrators 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:
- Clinical Nurse Specialists: $72-110,000; average $41,000 and above
- Nurse Educators: $45,000 - $47,000
- Nurse Administrators: 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
Office of Research and Graduate Studies
SLU Box 10809
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Mead Hall, Room 103
Telephone: 985-549-2103
Fax: 985-549-3605
E-mail: gradschool@selu.edu
Graduate Nursing Program, School of Nursing
SLU 10448
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: 112 Mims Hall
Telephone: 985-549- 5045
Fax: 985-549-5087
E-mail: gpickard@selu.edu
