Walden’s MSN Tempo Learning®
Walden University offers a unique learning modality known as Tempo Learning®. In this approach, students don’t follow traditional courses but instead focus on mastering specific competencies through rigorous assessments. To graduate from the program, students must successfully pass all competency assessments. It’s important to note that regardless of whether students choose the course-based or competency-based modality, they will earn the same Walden degree.
Nurse Loan Forgiveness by State
Degree Requirements
- BSN-Entry Track: 53 quarter credits
- Foundation competencies (3 credits)
- Core competencies (20 credits)
- Specialization competencies (30 credits)
- RN-Entry Track: 78 quarter credits
- Foundation Competencies (25 credits)
- Core Competencies (23credits)
- Specialization Competencies (25 credits)
- Capstone Competencies (5 credits)
Curriculum
The MSN (Competency Based) program has two admission tracks for registered nurses:
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- BSN-Entry Track: This track is for students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- BSN graduates enter the MSN program at the core course level.
- RN-Entry Track: This track is for registered nurses who hold a diploma in nursing, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN).
- This track requires that students fulfill general education requirements. Once students meet these requirements, they can begin the foundation and core courses for the MSN.
BSN-Entry Track
BSN-Entry Track Only: Foundation Competencies (3 credits)
NURS 6003TL – Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (3 credits)
3 credits
This course provides an introduction to Walden University and the online learning environment. Students will learn strategies for successfully participating in an online curriculum. The course also lays the foundation for academic and professional success, focusing on becoming scholar-practitioners and agents of social change. Students will be introduced to various resources that support their success, develop graduate-level writing skills in APA Style, understand the importance of academic integrity, and create a professional development plan based on their chosen specialization.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): RN Track
Prerequisites
- NURS 4221
All Other Programs
Prerequisites
- None
Note: This version of NURS 6003 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
BSN-Entry Track Only: Specialization Competencies (30 credits)
These competencies are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page. Changing specializations may increase a student’s expected time-to-degree completion and cost.
BSN-Entry Track Only: Core Competencies (20 credits)
NURS 6050TL – Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (5 credits)
5 credits
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, decisions made within the realm of politics have a profound impact on the future of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare professionals, and the communities they serve. This course delves into the policy-making process and how it influences healthcare delivery, costs, quality, and accessibility. Students will explore the significance of bringing healthcare issues to the attention of federal and state authorities, examine how the government responds through legislation and regulation, and identify opportunities for advocating positive changes in program and policy development, implementation, and assessment. The course also addresses global health issues and their relevance in shaping the role of nurse advocates. Through various activities such as discussions, reflection, case studies, and the use of professional communication techniques as political tools to influence policy outcomes, students will demonstrate their ability to integrate policy decision-making into their professional nursing practice for the betterment of individuals and communities.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
Note: This version of NURS 6050 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- PA001 Agenda Setting
Evaluate federal agendas to promote healthcare issues within the policymaking system/process. - PA002 Legislation
Advocate a position on a population health-related bill. - PA003 Regulation
Analyze how regulations influence the nurse’s role and the delivery, costs, and access to healthcare. - PA004 Design and Implementation
Analyze advocacy and the role of the nurse in healthcare program design and implementation. - PA005 Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation
Assess outcomes of population health program/policy evaluations. - PA006 Global Healthcare Issues
Analyze the impact of nurse advocacy on addressing global health issues.
NURS 6051TL – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (5 credits)
5 credits
Nursing informatics plays a crucial role in delivering care that is both effective and efficient. This course focuses on nursing informatics as both a key competency and a specialized field within nursing. It explores the responsibilities of nurse informaticists in the context of collecting, accessing, and utilizing health information and knowledge, along with the implementation of clinical systems. By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how informatics is employed to enhance advanced nursing practice and healthcare outcomes across a spectrum of settings, including organizations, public health, and consumer health.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
Note: This version of NURS 6051 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- TN001 What is Informatics?
Analyze frameworks and tools for the role of the nurse as an informaticist and knowledge worker. - TN002 The Role of Nurse Informatics in Healthcare
Analyze the role of the nurse informaticist in nursing informatics projects to improve outcomes or efficiencies in healthcare organizations. - TN003 Data to Information to Knowledge to Wisdom
Analyze how standardized terminologies impact the practice of healthcare and nursing informatics. - TN004 Technologies Supporting Applied Practice and Optimal Patient Outcomes
Analyze nursing informatics research on the application of clinical systems to improve outcomes and efficiencies. - TN005 The Nurse Leader and the Systems Development Life Cycle
Define the role of the nurse for participation on an implementation team as a component of the systems development life cycle. - TN006 Policy and Regulation Supporting Informatics and Technology
Evaluate legislative policies and regulations for health and nursing informatics and their impact on improvement for outcomes and efficiencies in nursing practice.
NURS 6052TL – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (5 credits)
5 credits
Nurses rely on well-established and tested evidence to ensure that patient care is safe, of high quality, and cost-effective. This course offers students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) and its relationship with research and quality improvement. Students learn how to use databases to access evidence and how to apply their knowledge of research methods to critically assess literature. They also explore ways to enhance their skills in synthesizing and integrating information to determine if changes in practice are warranted based on a body of evidence. Through the examination of strategies for implementation, evaluation, and dissemination, students gain insight into the complexities of leading and mentoring change within an organization to improve nursing practice.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
Note: This version of NURS 6052 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- EB001 Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and the Quadruple Aim
Analyze the relationship between evidence-based practice and the Quadruple Aim in healthcare organizations. - EB002 Research Methodology
Analyze research methodologies described in peer-reviewed articles. - EB003 Clinical Inquiry, Problem-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Time (PICOT), and Searching Databases
Analyze relevant, peer-reviewed articles in support of PICOT questions. - EB004 Critical Appraisal, Evaluation/Summary, and Synthesis of Evidence
Recommend best practices based on critical appraisal of evidence-based research. - EB005 Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Recommend evidence-based organizational changes using an evidence-based practice approach to decision-making. - EB006 Disseminating Evidenced-Based Practice Changes
Analyze dissemination strategies for evidence-based practice changes in healthcare.
NURS 6053TL – Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (5 credits)
5 credits
In this course, students focus on honing their leadership skills to drive change in nursing and help organizations adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. They learn to apply leadership competencies based on solid theories to cultivate the organizational cultures necessary for achieving high-quality patient outcomes. Additionally, students delve into evidence-based approaches to foster healthy work environments that empower nurses and foster collaboration among interprofessional teams.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
Note: This version of NURS 6053 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- IO001 Healthcare Environment
Analyze the impact of national healthcare trends on organizational leadership practice. - IO002 Professionalism
Assess organizational policies and the promotion of ethical practice in addressing healthcare issues/stressors. - IO003 Leadership
Create a leadership philosophy to promote transformational leadership in nursing practice. - IO004 Promoting Organizational Health
Recommend evidence-based strategies to create healthy work environments and promote positive organizational health. - IO005 Organizational Change
Create comprehensive plans for meaningful organizational change.
RN-Entry Track
RN-Entry Track Only: Foundation Competencies (25 credits)
NURS 3100 – Issues and Trends in Nursing* (6 credits)
In this course, students embark on a journey to understand the evolution of nursing as a profession and embrace their role as scholar-practitioners. They explore transformations in the U.S. healthcare system, the significance of information technology, and the measures that enhance the quality, safety, and overall health outcomes in patient care. Major issues and trends in contemporary nursing and healthcare practice, encompassing socioeconomic, ethical, legal, and political factors, are also examined alongside professional values. Through discussions and assignments, students share their personal experiences and insights into these nursing issues, including the nursing shortage, workforce challenges, healthcare financing, professional organizations, and diversity. They are encouraged to scrutinize these challenges and propose solutions, both within their workplace and beyond. Students also reflect on how Walden’s mission of social change will influence their future nursing practice as scholar-practitioners. As this is the first nursing course in the RN/BSN program, students also develop their writing skills and familiarize themselves with the essential tools for success at Walden University.
(Note: NURS 3100 is worth 5 credits, not 6, in the competency-based program.)
- IN3001 The Power of Nursing
Recognize the role of the nurse as a leader in the dynamic field of healthcare. - IN3002 Nurses at the Forefront of Issues and Trends
Analyze factors, issues, and trends impacting the nursing profession. - IN3003 Quality and Safety Practices for Healthcare Solutions
Explain how evidence-based nursing solutions promote patient quality and safety. - IN3004 Interprofessional Teamwork: Civil Collaboration for the Common Good
Recommend appropriate strategies to promote civility and interprofessional communication in the workforce. - IN3005 Powerful Caring Leads to Social Change
Analyze the responsibility of nursing professionals to advocate for social change. - IN3006 Creating Your Personal Nursing Legacy
Evaluate areas of strength and areas of professional growth for improving the health and healthcare delivery of populations. - Students may take this as a non-degree course.
NURS 3150 – Foundations of Nursing Research (5 credits)
Nurses must have a solid grasp of research to play an active role in delivering evidence-based nursing care. In this course, students delve into the fundamental components of the research process, fine-tune their information literacy abilities, and cultivate an appreciation for ethical research. Each stage of the research process is explored, and students conduct a comprehensive evaluation of both quantitative and qualitative research that pertains to their nursing practice. Additionally, students acquire the skills to analyze nurse-sensitive indicators and clinical practice guidelines.
RN-BSN Track Students Prerequisites
- NURS 3100
- STAT 3001 or PSYC 3002
RN-BSN-AIM Track Students Prerequisites
- NURS 3100
- STAT 3001 or PSYC 3002; cannot be taken with NURS 5052
- NR3001 Research Process
Recognize the elements of the research process. - NR3002 Research Methodology
Analyze research methodologies. - NR3003 Interpreting Data
Analyze and interpret research data. - NR3004 Research Recommendations
Generate reasonable conclusions and recommendations based on published research findings.
NURS 4210 – Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health (5 credits)
5 credits
In this course, students put their focus on applying nursing and public health theories and concepts to assess health status, prevent and control diseases, and enhance the well-being of communities and populations. Students utilize a systems thinking approach, employing epidemiological and community assessment techniques to study at-risk populations, health promotion, and various levels of prevention. Special attention is given to ethnically diverse and vulnerable populations. The course covers significant health concerns at the local, state, and national levels, including communicable diseases, chronic illnesses, environmental and occupational health, bioterrorism, emergency preparedness, and disaster response. Through practice experiences, students gain hands-on knowledge in population-based health promotion while collaborating with interdisciplinary public health partners in a local community. (1 credit of practicum equals 72 clock hours of student practice experience hours.)
Prerequisites
- NURS 3100
- NURS 3150
- NURS 4100 or NURS 5052
- STAT 3001 or PSYC 3002
Note: RN-BSN Track and RN-BSN-AIM Track students must complete NURS 4210 before NURS 4220.
- PH4001 The Role of the Nurse Leader in Population Health
Analyze the role of the nurse leader in population health. - PH4002 Identifying Health Problems Within Your Community
Justify a public health problem within your community using multiple sources of data. - PH4003 Community Assessment (Practicum)
Analyze a population health problem based on a community assessment. - PH4004 Evidence-Based Practice in Public Health Nursing (Practicum)
Synthesize sources of information to inform public health nursing interventions. - PH4005 Evidence-Based Intervention Plan (Practicum)
Create an evidence-based primary intervention plan at the system level in collaboration with health leaders to improve the health of a population in your community.
NURS 4005 – Topics in Clinical Nursing* (5 credits)
Nurses play a pivotal role in caring for patients facing significant acute and chronic health issues. They bear the responsibility for both clinical outcomes and ensuring the delivery of high-quality and safe patient care, utilizing information technology. In this course, students delve into their responsibilities in assessing nurse-sensitive indicators, standards, and core measures to establish an evidence-based approach to healthcare. The course also covers the interplay of genetics and genomics in health and illness, as well as issues related to infection control. Furthermore, it explores the nurse’s involvement in palliative and end-of-life care, along with complementary and alternative therapies. Throughout the course, students apply the key concepts and exhibit their grasp of nursing interventions and agency policies to enhance nursing practice.
Prerequisites
- NURS 3100
- NURS 3150
- NURS 4100 or NURS 5052
- STAT 3001 or PSYC 3002
- CN4001 Nurse as Leader
Analyze the leadership role of the nurse in preventing and managing health problems across the lifespan in healthcare practice settings. - CN4002 Genetics and Genomics
Develop a patient education fact sheet for a genetic-based healthcare issue. - CN4003 Staffing Plan
Analyze the process of creating a staffing plan that meets both patient care needs and budget constraints. - CN4004 Data-Driven Nursing Interventions
Create a data-driven nursing intervention based on quality indicators. - Students may take this as a non-degree course.
NURS 4220A – Leadership Competencies in Nursing and Healthcare (5 credits)
5 credits
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, contemporary nurses aiming to make an impact must arm themselves with the knowledge and competencies to lead in times of pressure, constant change, and innovation. Quality Improvement science offers a wealth of tools and techniques that have been embraced by most nursing leaders. Nurses are now expected to take the lead with a firm foundation in quality improvement knowledge and competencies.
This course is designed to help students acquire these skills. It focuses on tackling real-world practice issues and crafting evidence-based solutions. Students also learn essential skills and techniques in team building, enhancing interpersonal and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging the meaningful use of data for measuring improvements and problem-solving, translating day-to-day practice challenges into long-term organizational growth strategies, and identifying methods for managing organizational change. To apply these concepts, students engage with case studies. Through this practical experience, they gain valuable insights from nursing leaders in the field and put into practice the application of quality improvement science. (1 credit of practicum equates to 72 clock hours of student practice experience hours.)
Prerequisites
- NURS 3100
- NURS 3150
- NURS 4100 or NURS 5052
- STAT 3001 or PSYC 3002
- NURS 4210
- NURS 4005
Note: RN-BSN Track and RN-BSN-AIM Track students must complete NURS 4210 before NURS 4220.
- LC4001A Leadership for Organizational Culture and Growth
Analyze leadership for organizational culture and growth to promote positive social change through patient quality and safety. - LC4002A Healthcare Quality
Analyze healthcare quality for nursing practice. - LC4003A Quality Improvement Processes
Analyze quality improvement processes. - LC4004A Quality Improvement Tools
Analyze information from quality improvement tools. - LC4005A Improving Patient Quality and Safety
- Apply quality improvement processes and tools as a scholar-practitioner to improve quality and safety.
RN-Entry Track Only: Core Competencies (23 credits)
NURS 6003TL – Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (3 credits)
3 credits
In this course, students embark on their journey at Walden University and delve into the realm of online learning. They’ll explore strategies that pave the way for successful engagement with the online curriculum. Moreover, this course lays the foundation for academic and professional excellence as scholar-practitioners and advocates of social change.
Throughout the course, students will complete assignments that familiarize them with resources essential for success. They’ll sharpen their skills in graduate-level writing and become adept in the use of APA Style. Moreover, they’ll delve into the principles of academic integrity. Additionally, students will create a professional development plan tailored to their chosen specialization. This course equips students with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in their academic and professional journey at Walden University.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): RN Track
Prerequisites
- NURS 4221
All Other Programs
Prerequisites
- None
Note: This version of NURS 6003 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- FG001 Networking for Academic and Professional Success
Develop an academic and professional network. - FG002 Academic and Professional Strategies and Resources
Identify academic resources and strategies for success. - FG003 Academic and Professional Integrity
Apply strategies to promote academic integrity and professional ethics. - FG004 Scholarship and Nursing Practice
Analyze peer-reviewed research related to issues in nursing practice. - FG005 Professional Development Plan
Create professional development plans for academic success and professional practice. - FG006 Standards of Practice
Justify selection of the MSN specialization using standards and scope of practice.
NURS 6050TL – Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (5 credits)
5 credits
In this course, students dive into the intricate world of healthcare policy and its profound influence on the rapidly evolving healthcare delivery system. They explore the policy-making process and its far-reaching consequences on healthcare access, cost, quality, and delivery. Students analyze the significance of advocating for healthcare issues on both federal and state agendas and scrutinize how government responses manifest through legislation and regulation.
Furthermore, students investigate the multifaceted realm of global health issues and how they intersect with and impact the role of the nurse advocate. Through engaging in discussions, self-reflection, case studies, and the adept use of professional communication techniques as political strategies, students learn how to influence policy outcomes. This course empowers students to integrate policy decision-making into their professional nursing practice, working towards improving the well-being of individuals and populations.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
Note: This version of NURS 6050 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- PA001 Agenda Setting
Evaluate federal agendas to promote healthcare issues within the policymaking system/process. - PA002 Legislation
Advocate a position on a population health-related bill. - PA003 Regulation
Analyze how regulations influence the nurse’s role and the delivery, costs, and access to healthcare. - PA004 Design and Implementation
Analyze advocacy and the role of the nurse in healthcare program design and implementation. - PA005 Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation
Assess outcomes of population health program/policy evaluations. - PA006 Global Healthcare Issues
Analyze the impact of nurse advocacy on addressing global health issues.
NURS 6051TL – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (5 credits)
5 credits
In this course, students explore the critical field of nursing informatics, recognizing it as both a nursing competency and a distinct nursing specialty. They delve into the multifaceted role of the nurse informaticist within contemporary healthcare practices, focusing on the collection, accessibility, and utilization of health information and knowledge. The course delves into the implementation of clinical systems and how they are integrated into healthcare settings.
Throughout this educational journey, students acquire a comprehensive understanding of how informatics serves as a catalyst for enhancing advanced nursing practice and improving healthcare outcomes across various domains, including healthcare organizations, public health initiatives, and consumer health settings. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic and crucial field of nursing informatics.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
Note: This version of NURS 6051 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- TN001 What is Informatics?
Analyze frameworks and tools for the role of the nurse as an informaticist and knowledge worker. - TN002 The Role of Nurse Informatics in Healthcare
Analyze the role of the nurse informaticist in nursing informatics projects to improve outcomes or efficiencies in healthcare organizations. - TN003 Data to Information to Knowledge to Wisdom
Analyze how standardized terminologies impact the practice of healthcare and nursing informatics. - TN004 Technologies Supporting Applied Practice and Optimal Patient Outcomes
Analyze nursing informatics research on the application of clinical systems to improve outcomes and efficiencies. - TN005 The Nurse Leader and the Systems Development Life Cycle
Define the role of the nurse for participation on an implementation team as a component of the systems development life cycle. - TN006 Policy and Regulation Supporting Informatics and Technology
Evaluate legislative policies and regulations for health and nursing informatics and their impact on improvement for outcomes and efficiencies in nursing practice.
NURS 6052TL – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (5 credits)
5 credits
In this course, students dive into the world of evidence-based practice (EBP), which is the cornerstone of nursing care. EBP ensures that patient care is not only safe and high-quality but also cost-effective. Students explore how EBP intertwines with research and quality improvement efforts to provide the best possible care to patients.
Throughout the course, students learn how to effectively navigate databases to uncover evidence that informs nursing practice. They develop a strong grasp of research methodologies and how to critically appraise scientific literature. Additionally, students sharpen their skills in synthesizing and integrating evidence to determine if changes in practice are warranted based on a body of scientific knowledge.
This course also delves into the strategies for implementing, evaluating, and disseminating evidence-based practices, enabling students to understand the complex process of leading and mentoring change within healthcare organizations. As a result, students are better prepared to enhance nursing practice and improve patient care through the application of evidence-based approaches.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
Note: This version of NURS 6052 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- EB001 Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and the Quadruple Aim
Analyze the relationship between evidence-based practice and the Quadruple Aim in healthcare organizations. - EB002 Research Methodology
Analyze research methodologies described in peer-reviewed articles. - EB003 Clinical Inquiry, Problem-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Time (PICOT), and Searching Databases
Analyze relevant, peer-reviewed articles in support of PICOT questions. - EB004 Critical Appraisal, Evaluation/Summary, and Synthesis of Evidence
Recommend best practices based on critical appraisal of evidence-based research. - EB005 Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Recommend evidence-based organizational changes using an evidence-based practice approach to decision-making. - EB006 Disseminating Evidenced-Based Practice Changes
Analyze dissemination strategies for evidence-based practice changes in healthcare
NURS 6053TL – Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership [Tempo Learning®-Specific Course] (5 credits)
In this course, students focus on developing their leadership skills within the context of nursing. They understand that the healthcare environment is constantly changing and must be adapted to meet new challenges. To do this, students delve into theory-based leadership competencies, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to create organizational cultures that promote high-quality patient outcomes.
Moreover, students explore evidence-based strategies that facilitate the establishment of healthy work environments. Such environments empower nurses and encourage collaborative efforts among interprofessional teams. By the end of this course, students are well-prepared to lead and transform healthcare organizations in response to the dynamic and ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
Note: This version of NURS 6053 is only available as part of specific competency-based Tempo Learning® programs.
- IO001 Healthcare Environment
Analyze the impact of national healthcare trends on organizational leadership practice. - IO002 Professionalism
Assess organizational policies and the promotion of ethical practice in addressing healthcare issues/stressors. - IO003 Leadership
Create a leadership philosophy to promote transformational leadership in nursing practice. - IO004 Promoting Organizational Health
Recommend evidence-based strategies to create healthy work environments and promote positive organizational health. - IO005 Organizational Change
Create comprehensive plans for meaningful organizational change.
RN-Entry Track Only: Specialization Competencies (25 credits)
These competencies are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page. Changing specializations may increase a student’s expected time-to-degree completion and cost.
RN-Entry Track Only: Capstone Competencies (5 credits)
These competencies are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page. Changing specializations may increase a student’s expected time-to-degree completion and cost.
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