5 credits
In this course, students focus on the integration of scientific, philosophical, and theoretical concepts as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice. They examine the scientific underpinnings for nursing knowledge development, including major theoretical frameworks and the interrelated concepts that inform nursing knowledge, research, and practice. Students explore scientific inquiry and ethical issues related to research. Considering various philosophical worldviews, students describe their own philosophy of nursing and research. They apply course concepts to a variety of assignments designed to prepare for their dissertation research.