| Master
of Science in Nursing Program Description Post Master's Programs Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Course Descriptions Faculty |
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Nursing has been one of the professional
disciplines of the University of Virginia since 1901, when a three-year
diploma program was first offered to high school students under the
aegis of the University of Virginia Hospital and the Department of Medicine.
Today, as one of the 10 independent schools of the University with a
full-time faculty of560 and an enrollment of 500 undergraduate and graduate
students, the school offers the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Nursing,
Master of Science in Nursing, and, as a department of the Graduate School
of Arts and Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing.
The first baccalaureate degree
in nursing, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education, was offered
in 1928 for the first time through the School of Nursing Education in
the Department of Education, made possible by an endowment of $50,000
from the Graduate Nurses' Association of Virginia in memory of Sadie
Heath Cabaniss, Virginia's outstanding pioneer nurse. The purpose of
this degree program was to train registered nurses for teaching, supervisory,
or administrative positions. The present baccalaureate program was established
in 1950 as a four-year course, with a curriculum consisting of a two-year
academic concentration followed by the two-year nursing major. In 1953,
a Department of Nursing was established to administer the diploma program
and the two baccalaureate programs: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education. Three years later,
in 1956, this department became the School of Nursing. The Master of
Science in Nursing Program, initiated in 1972, currently offers nurse
practitioner preparation in primary care, acute care, and psychiatric
mental health nursing as well as clinical specialist preparation in
several areas of concentration. The primary care nursing program prepares
family nurse practitioners and pediatric nurse practitioners. The acute
care program prepares clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners
to function in acute care settings. A post master's program (non-degree)
that prepares nurse practitioners in primary care, acute care, and psychiatric
mental health nursing is also available. Both clinical nurse specialist
and nurse practitioner preparation are offered in psychiatric-mental
health nursing.
A master's degree program
in health systems management began in 1996. The Master of Science in
Nursing Program also offers specialty preparation in Community/Public
Health Leadership.
The school offers two additional
joint degrees: an M.S.N.-M.B.A. program in collaboration with the Darden
Graduate School of Business Administration, and an M.S.N.-M.A. in Bioethics
in collaboration with the School of Medicine, the School of Law, and
the Department of Religious Studies.
The Ph.D. in Nursing Program,
begun in 1982, is designed to prepare scholars and researchers committed
to expanding the base of nursing knowledge. Major components of the
program include nursing, research, cognates, and electives.
The School of Nursing is a member
of the Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs of the National
League for Nursing, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing,
and the Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing of the
Southern Regional Education Board. The School of Nursing is accredited
by the National League for Nursing and by the Virginia State Board of
Nursing. The school was first accredited by the National League for
Nursing Education in 1941 and appeared on the first list of accredited
nursing schools issued by the League.
In addition to actively participating
in the leading national nursing organizations, the school has an active
chapter, Beta Kappa, of Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society
of nursing. Both graduate and undergraduate students are eligible for
membership.
Address
School of Nursing
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 800782
School of Nursing, McLeod Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0782
(434) 924-1431
McLeod Hall
Located in the eastern part of the University Grounds, near the University
of Virginia Medical Center, the school occupies McLeod Hall, a modern
five story building with classrooms, clinical learning laboratories,
seminar rooms, and a computer laboratory. The School of Nursing
draws upon the multiple resources of the University's 10 academic divisions
and the University of Virginia Health System in offering its graduate
programs in nursing. The programs are further strengthened by the facilities
and personnel of a wide variety of Virginia hospitals, community health
centers, health departments, and private physicians' offices.
Claude Moore Health Sciences Library This library primarily serves
the faculty, students, and staff of the University of Virginia Health
System, which includes the Schools of Medicine and Nursing and the hospital.
The library is a modern facility
with small group meeting rooms, audiovisual viewing rooms, typing rooms,
microcomputers, and photocopy machines. It maintains well-developed
collections of books, journals, reference materials, and audiovisual
materials in medicine, nursing, and related areas.
The Health Sciences Instructional
Resources Center, on the first floor of the library, maintains a substantial
collection of videocassettes and other media. A variety of players,
projectors, recorders, monitors, and a cluster of microcomputers are
available for use in the center, and a small collection of equipment
is available for use outside the center. The library also houses an
extensive historical collection.
The resources in the Health Sciences
Library are augmented by materials in Alderman and Clemons Libraries,
the Science/Technology Information Center, various departmental libraries
(e.g., biology, psychology, physics, chemistry, engineering, and law)
and libraries of the departments and clinics in the School of Medicine.
Computer Services
In addition to the computer resources available to all University students,
the School of Nursing provides computer resources for students and faculty
in McLeod Hall. A computer laboratory on the third floor of the building
includes terminals connecting to the University mainframe computers
and personal computers for data and word processing.
University of Virginia Health System The University Hospital, together
with the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, comprise a tertiary-care
teaching facility with over 673 beds. Approximately 27,000 patients,
from a wide geographic area, are cared for each year on the inpatient
units.
The hospital provides a stimulating,
challenging learning environment for graduate students. As a regional
medical center, the hospital serves a diverse group of patients whose
health care needs are often complex. In addition to general medicine,
all major subspecialty services are available, including cardiology,
endocrinology, hematology/ oncology, nephrology, neurology, pulmonary,
and rheumatology. Surgery departments include thoracic-cardiovascular
surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, gynecology,
otolaryngology, ophthalmology, and general surgery. In addition to medical
and surgical units, there are a number of critical care areas: a medical
intensive care unit, a surgical intensive care unit, a burn center,
and a coronary care unit.
As with adult services, all major
pediatric subspecialties are available to children and adolescent patients.
A pediatric intensive care unit and a neonatal intensive care unit with
an air-ground Emergency Transport System serve critically ill children
and neonates from central and western Virginia and surrounding areas.
Over 335,000 patients are seen
annually in the clinics at the Health Sciences Center. The Outpatient
Department houses medical and pediatric specialty clinics. The Primary
Care Center includes over 126 examining and consultant rooms, a patient
education center, playrooms for the children of adult clients, and short-term
beds for temporary observation. Medicine, family practice, dermatology,
pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and the oncology service see
patients in this facility.
An additional 58,000 patients
are seen annually in the Emergency Room. Patients range from the non-acute
to the severely injured or critically ill. Radio and telemetry communication
with all local rescue squads helps to provide pre-hospital care and
stabilization of patients.
The psychiatric facilities of
the University of Virginia Health System include inpatient, outpatient,
emergency, and consultation-liaison services. Clinics for children,
adolescents, families, and adults offer a range of diagnostic treatment,
consultation, and educational services, including individual, family,
and group therapy on an outpatient basis.
The Kluge Children's Rehabilitation
Center has both an intermediate care inpatient unit and multiple outpatient
clinics for children and adolescents with a variety of orthopedic and
chronic conditions. The center provides medical treatment, physiotherapy,
education, occupational therapy, training in the activities of daily
living, training in speech and hearing, and vocational guidance. Family
services are provided through psychological and genetic counseling and
medical social work.
The hospital is registered by
the American Medical Association as meeting hospital standards, is on
the approved list of the American College of Surgeons, and is approved
by the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical
Association as acceptable for the training of interns, as well as for
various residencies and fellowships. In addition, the hospital is fully
accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals.
The School of Nursing cooperates
with other institutions and agencies to provide research and clinical
learning opportunities for students. It utilizes health departments,
community hospitals, outpatient facilities, industries, schools, geriatric
care facilities, mental health care facilities, and tertiary and ambulatory
clinical services for patients of all ages. Students have the opportunity
to function in advanced practice roles under preceptor guidance.
Cooperation and personal attention
mark the relations between faculty members and students. Each graduate
student is assigned an academic faculty advisor by the associate dean
upon admission to the school, and students are encouraged to avail themselves
of this resource. The School of Nursing Office of Admissions and Student
Services provides assistance and serves as a source of information for
other support resources. The Department of Student Health and the University
Counseling Center are available to assist the student through individual
and group counseling sessions.
In addition to tuition, fees,
and expenses as outlined in chapter 2, graduate students in nursing
should anticipate the following additional expenses:
Field Trips
Students are responsible for expenses incurred while on field trips.
Travel to Clinical Facilities Many of the clinical facilities used in the master's
and post-master's programs are a distance from the medical center.
Transportation costs to and from these facilities must be borne by the
student.
Medical Instruments
A complete set of diagnostic instruments must be procured by students
admitted to the nurse practitioner program. The cost of these instruments
is assumed by the student.
Hospital Insurance
The Student Health Service does not provide for the expense of hospital
care. The University requires that all students carry hospitalization
insurance for year-round coverage. A preferred risk group insurance
program sponsored by the University is available; for an additional
premium, the dependents of married students are included. Students or
parents may substitute a plan comparable to that offered by the University.
CPR Certification Students
are required to obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
for adults children, and infants prior to entering clinical courses.
Certification must be maintained throughout the program, and validation
must be presented each year. Students must complete the American Heart
Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers course.
Immunization Titer Requirements: The School of Nursing requires documentation of a positive
antibody titer for Hepatitis B, rubella, and varicella for all students
who practice in a clinical setting. No student will be permitted to
enroll in clinical courses without providing this documentation. Information
regarding the vaccine and antibody titers can be obtained from the student's
local health care provider, district health department, or from Student
Health.
MMR, TD, and PPD Documentation
of current measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization and tetanus
booster (TD) is required for all students in clinical courses. Tuberculosis
testing (PPD) is required on an annual basis for all students enrolled
in clinical courses.
Dissertation Completion Doctoral students are responsible for all expenses incurred in completion
of the dissertation.
General information regarding
financial aid for all students is provided in chapter 3. In addition,
there are some sources of financial aid specifically designated for
students in the school of nursing. The School of Nursing Office of Admissions
and Student Services provides assistance to students needing financial
aid.
Fellowships
A number of small grants, including duPont and Virginia State Fellowships,
are available to full-time graduate students of outstanding merit in
the School of Nursing. To apply for these grants, a student must complete
the School of Nursing Financial Aid Form and be enrolled as a full-time
student.
Federal Nurse Traineeships
A limited number of federal nursing traineeships are available for full-time
(nine credits per semester) graduate nursing students. These awards
may include tuition, fees, and/or stipends. To apply, students must
complete a School of Nursing Financial Aid Form, which can be obtained
from the Office of Admissions and Student Services.
National Research Service Awards
(Predoctoral) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsors
a national program of individual predoctoral and postdoctoral nurse
fellowships. The intent of the awards program is "to prepare biomedical,
behavioral, and nurse scientists who will address continuing problems
in health-related research of importance to the public." The student's
qualifications, the advisor's credentials, and the merit of the proposed
area of research are the primary criteria upon which awards are based.
Interested doctoral students may obtain application forms from the School
of Nursing Grants Administrator or by contacting the National Research
Service Awards Program, Division of Nursing, BHPr, HRSA, Parklawn Building,
Room 5C-26, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, (301) 443-6333.
Employment
Opportunities for employment are available in the University of Virginia
Health System. Interested students should contact the Division of Nursing.
Graduate assistantships are available
for doctoral and master's students. These assistantships involve
working directly with faculty in teaching, research, or service activities.
Assignments involve 10 to 20 hours per week of work. To apply for graduate
assistant employment, students should contact the associate dean.
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The central purpose of the University
of Virginia is to enrich the mind by stimulating and sustaining the
spirit of free inquiry directed to understanding the nature of the universe
and human existence. The philosophy of the School of Nursing is consistent
with that of the University as it prepares leaders in health care.
Nursing is both a profession
and a discipline that is responsive to changing health needs. It is
concerned with human experiences and responses to birth, health, illness,
and death within the context of individuals, families, groups, and communities
(ANA, 1995). Nurses, often in collaboration with other health care professionals,
promote the optimal health care and comfort of individuals and groups
through the systematic application of nursing knowledge.
The faculty believes that education
is based on humanistic approaches that foster critical thinking and
promote awareness of social and cultural diversity among individuals.
The faculty views each student as a unique person with special talents,
abilities, needs, and goals. Cultural diversity, varying life experiences,
and changing socioeconomic factors effect each student differently.
To this end, faculty endeavor to provide an environment to assist students
in realizing their full potential. The acquisition of professional knowledge
and the development of clinical competence occur through active involvement
of the student in the learning process. Students assume primary responsibility
for learning, while faculty provide educational opportunities for knowledge
acquisition and professional role development. We believe that an atmosphere
of shared growth and inquiry offers the maximum potential for development.
Baccalaureate education in nursing
is the basic preparation necessary for the practice of professional
nursing. This education provides the foundation for the development
of professional knowledge, critical thinking, ethical decision-making,
leadership skills, and the independent and interdisciplinary pursuit
of high standards of health care. Master's education prepares
the nurse for advanced practice with an emphasis on health promotion,
disease prevention, primary care, and the management of acutely and
chronically ill persons, or for specialty practice in the areas of management
and public health leadership. Doctoral education prepares the nurse
scholar to influence health care through leadership in education, policy,
practice, research and knowledge development.
Implicit in the practice of professional
nursing is accountability for professional growth and practice, demonstration
of leadership, and commitment to the development and application of
nursing theory and research. Life-long learning leads to the optimal
development of both the individual practitioner and the discipline of
nursing.
The disciplinary and professional
domains of nursing give direction to current and evolving nursing practice.
Advanced practice nurses demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skills in
nursing and health care systems with diverse populations. Components
of their roles are expert clinical practice, assessment of outcomes,
research, teaching, collaboration, and consultation within health care
systems. Nurses prepared through graduate nursing programs with advanced
practice knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills can
function in a variety of nursing roles. Examples of such roles include
clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse
administrator. Nurses implementing these roles demonstrate specialized
knowledge and skills. For example, nurses engaged in advanced clinical
practice conduct in-depth assessments and demonstrate expertise in judgment
and decision-making for purposes of health promotion/disease prevention,
intervention, and follow-up in specified populations. Implementation
of a particular role may emphasize some role attributes more than others
and reflect the advanced practice nurse's area of expertise.
Graduates of the M.S.N. program
are expected to:
1. integrate theoretical and
research based knowledge in an advanced nursing practice specialty;
2. provide care and comfort
to individuals, families and groups experiencing complex health care
needs;
3. provide care that reflects
sensitivity to differences among culturally and ethnically diverse populations;
4. assume a leadership role
in establishing and monitoring standards of practice to improve patient
care in collaboration with other nursing experts;
5. use ethical principles to
guide decision-making in nursing practice;
6. evaluate clinical practice
in relation to professional practice standards and relevant statutes
and regulations;
7. apply the research process
to improve clinical practice and contribute to knowledge development;
8. engage in self-directed and
purposeful activities in seeking necessary knowledge and skills to enhance
career goals;
9. examine economic, political,
and social forces affecting nursing care delivery in complex health
care systems;
10. promote multidisciplinary
collaboration to ensure quality, cost effective care;
11. contribute to the development
of peers, colleagues, and others to improve patient care and foster
the growth of professional nursing;
12. act as change agents to
create environments that promote effective nursing practice and patient
outcomes.
These core characteristics are
in accordance with professional standards of advanced practice nursing
specialties.
Applicants are offered admission
to the Master of Science in Nursing Program on the basis of intellectual
capacity, clinical and academic performance, maturity, clarity of goals,
and other qualities appropriate to graduate study in nursing. Not all
of these qualities are measured in absolute terms, and the decision
to make an offer of admission is based on a balanced appraisal of the
total application record. Applicants with limited relevant clinical
experience may be admitted and gain that experience while enrolled in
Core/preclinical courses.
Admission Requirements The applicant must:
1. have completed a baccalaureate
degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school;
2. have a minimum cumulative
grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate study;
3. provide validation of health
assessment skills;
4. be licensed as a registered
nurse;
5. demonstrate satisfactory performance
on the Graduate Record Examination;
6. submit three satisfactory
academic and professional recommendations;
7. submit a clear statement of
educational and professional goals;
8. be available for a personal
interview with a member of the faculty if requested;
9. have completed an undergraduate
statistics course;
Note: Relevant
experience (determined by the track to which the applicant is applying)
is a prerequisite to enrolling in GNUR 550 and 551. Otherwise qualified
applicants who have not passed the NCLEX may be considered as special
students pending licensure.
Admission Procedures Applications
for admission are obtained from the Office of Admissions and Student
Services, Master's Program, School of Nursing. In addition to
submitting the completed application, the applicant must:
1. request that official transcripts
of all academic work and validation of health assessment skills be forwarded
by the institutions to the Office of Admissions and Student Services,
Master's Program, School of Nursing;
2. obtain three statements of
recommendation from persons who can speak directly to the applicant's
ability to pursue graduate study. The statements of recommendation are
to be sent by their authors to the Office of Admissions and Student
Services, Master's Program, School of Nursing. Forms to be used
are in the application packet;
3. take the Graduate Record Examination.
Applicants are urged to take this examination as early as possible.
Address inquiries to Graduate Record Examinations, Educational Testing
Service, Box 955, Princeton, N.J. 08540, or to Graduate Record Examinations,
Educational Testing Service, Box 1502, Berkeley, CA 94701.
Application Deadlines
The School utilizes a rolling admissions process. The completed application
and the $40 application fee must be received by April 1 for the summer
and fall admission or November 15 for spring admission. Applications
received after the deadlines will be considered if space is available.
All correspondence concerning
admission should be addressed to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Student
Services, Office of Admissions and Student Services, School of Nursing,
McLeod Hall, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0782.
Matriculation
Once a student has been admitted into the Master of Science in Nursing
Program he or she has one calendar year in which to matriculate. A student
who fails to begin classes within one year must re-apply for admission.
Special Student Status Under special circumstances, students with baccalaureate degrees
in nursing may complete a maximum of two graduate nursing courses without
formally seeking admission to the degree program. Special student status
is granted only when there are vacancies available in the courses requested.
An application for special student status, obtained from the Assistant
Dean for Graduate Student Services, must be submitted two weeks prior
to the registration period for the semester in which the student desires
to enroll. Admitted students receive enrollment priority. Completion
of coursework as a special student does not guarantee admission to the
program.
Students wishing to take University
of Virginia off-Grounds courses at a University of Virginia School of
Continuing and Professional Studies may take a maximum of six credits;
these are accepted towards the master's degree if the courses
meet program requirements. This is in lieu of taking two on-grounds
courses as a special student in the School of Nursing. Decisions about
the acceptability of a course are determined by the faculty advisor
or course professor, depending on whether the course is a required course
or an elective.
Degree Requirements
1. Satisfactory completion of
a minimum of 55 credits of approved graduate courses for students in
the clinical specialist tracks; 58 credits for students in the primary
care nurse practitioner tracks; 55 credits for course work for students
in the acute care nurse practitioner track; and up to 68 credits of
course work for students in the combined nurse practitioner/clinical
nurse specialist tracks. The Health Systems Management track requires
a minimum of 39 credits. The Community/Public Health Leadership track
requires a minimum of 38 credits. Course requirements are specified
under the Program Description section.
2. Satisfactory completion of
all course work as specified in the policy on grades, with a final cumulative
grade point average of at least 3.0 (B).
3. Completion of all requirements
for the degree within five calendar years after matriculation into the
program.
4. Enrollment and payment of
tuition and fees for no fewer than two regular semesters or the equivalent.
Grades The
standing of a master's student in each course is indicated by
one of the following symbols: A (very distinguished), A- (distinguished),
B+ (very good), B (satisfactory), B- (acceptable), C (unsatisfactory),
F (failure). A minimum grade of B- is required in all courses offered
for any graduate degree. If a student receives a C grade in any School
of Nursing course, the course must be repeated. A grade of C in any
other course requires repeating the course and earning a satisfactory
grade or earning a minimum grade of B- in an alternate course. Students
who receive more than one C grade are automatically dropped from the
program. Any F grade results in the student being dropped from the program.
Students in the School of Graduate Nursing are not permitted to take
courses on a CR/NC basis.
Incomplete Grades A
grade of incomplete is a non-grade designation given for a course. Incompletes
in graduate nursing courses must be removed by the end of the following
semester of enrollment or within one calendar year, whichever comes
first. Graduate students with two or more outstanding incomplete designations
(in the same semester or cumulatively) may not enroll in courses in
subsequent terms. An incomplete designation which is not removed by
the above deadline or prior to graduation is converted to a F.
Transfer of Credit Students
may receive a maximum of four graduate-level courses (up to 12 hours)
completed at other accredited institutions for transfer credit. In order
to be considered for transfer, the courses must have been completed
with a minimum grade of B.
Credit for transfer courses is
determined following an evaluation of each student's course work
and overall plan of study. Evaluation of credits for transfer does not
occur until after the student is admitted to the program. Information
on the procedure for transfer of credit is available from the Office
of the Associate Dean.
Application for Degrees Applications for degrees may be obtained from the Office of the Admissions
and Student Services. Students must submit a formal application for
conferral of the master's degree to the Office of Admissions and
Student Services no later than October 1 for fall, February 1 for spring,
and June 1 for summer. A student who has been listed as a degree candidate
and then fails to complete degree requirements must reapply. A student
who has been registered for a degree and then fails to meet the requirements
for the degree must pay a fee of $50 for the preparation of a new diploma.
Acceptance of Degrees Formal commencement exercises are held only once a year, in May.
All those who have completed the program in August or December are invited
to attend the exercises the following May.
Voluntary Withdrawal An official application to withdraw must be approved by the dean
of the School of Nursing or the dean's designate. Withdrawal
applications may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Student
Services. The application must then be endorsed by the associate dean.
Student identification cards are collected at the time of withdrawal.
A student is not permitted to
withdraw later than two weeks before the beginning of the examination
period in any semester except for providential reasons.
A student who withdraws from
the University for reasons of ill health must obtain permission from
the Department of Student Health. Subsequent medical clearance from
the Department of Student Health is required for readmission.
Readmission After Voluntary Withdrawal
Readmission to the School of Nursing master's program
is not automatic. After absence of a semester or longer, a former student
must apply for readmission to the School of Nursing associate dean by
December 1 for the spring semester or by April 1 for the fall semester.
Readmission following a withdrawal or leave of absence is granted only
if space is available.
Leaves of Absence The
associate dean may grant leaves of absence to students for either a
semester or a session, upon written application stating the reason for
temporarily leaving the University.
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The curriculum leading to the
degree of Master of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare nurses
for advanced practice roles with opportunities for specialization in
an area of clinical concentration. Students in the program complete
core courses in nursing theory, research, epidemiology/population-based
assessment, health promotion, APN roles, and health policy, specializing
in the clinical area of either acute and specialty care nursing, or
psychiatric-mental health nursing. Elective credits complement and enhance
the program. The program may be completed in two calendar years of full-time
study (four semesters and two six-week summer sessions). Full-time study
is recommended but part-time study is available.
Program Course Work The
ratio of clinical hours to credits is 4:1. Courses are taught only if
there is a sufficient number of students registering for them. Semester
schedules published by the Office of the Registrar must be consulted
for courses to be offered during a given semester.
Following are descriptions and
required courses for the specific areas of clinical concentration.
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Acute
and Specialty Care Track
(55 credits, 560 clinical hours)
This track prepares nurses for
advanced practices roles in the care of adults with acute and chronic
conditions and allows students to determine the focus of their specialization
(i.e.: cardiology, wound/ostomy/continence*, neurology or neurosurgery,
general surgery, ER/trauma, pulmonary, transplant, diabetes, geriatrics,
etc) and the areas of practice in which they would like to focus their
clinical experiences (critical care, acute care, chronic care). Emphasis
is placed on providing students with the advanced theoretical knowledge
and practice skills needed to care for patients with complex health
needs across the care continuum. The roles of clinician, educator and
researcher, as well as clinical consultant and leader are key aspects
of this track. Evidence based practice, outcomes management, clinical
research, and advanced clinical decision-making are emphasized. The
required 500 hours of preceptorship meets the recommendation of the
National Association of CNS's. At the completion of this program,
students are qualified to sit for the American Nursing Credentialing
Center certification examination for either the Adult Health CNS or
the Critical Care CNS, with the additional option of case management
certification.
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Health Assessment 3
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes for Healthcare 4
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for Individuals,
Families, and Communities 3
GNUR 756 Seminar I: Clinical
Decision Making in Acute and
Specialty Care 3
GNUR 757 Seminar II: Clinical
Decision Making in Acute and
Specialty Care 3
GNUR 758 Seminar III: Management
of Chronic Illness Across
Settings 3
GNUR 759 Practicum I: Acute
Care Nurse Practitioner and
Clinical Nurse Specialist 5
GNUR 765 Synthesis Practicum:
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and
Clinical Nurse Specialist 5
Elective 6
* The school offers wound/ostomy/continence
training with two seminars GNUR 744 and GNUR 745. Practicum experience
is obtained through GNUR 795 and GNUR 765.
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Psychiatric
Mental Health Nursing Track (52 credits, 500 clinical hours)
This area of concentration prepares
nurses for advanced practice in the field of psychiatric-mental health
nursing. Students complete core nursing courses, core advanced practice
courses, and specialty specific courses. Graduates would be able to
practice in CNS role, and would be qualified to sit for American Nursing
Credentialing Center CNS certification. A major emphasis is placed
on critical consideration, neurostructural, neurochemical, cognitive,
behavioral, social, and cultural correlates of psychiatric illness in
the context of the advanced practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Supervised clinical practice is directed toward applying this emerging
scientific knowledge to patient care through psychiatric-mental health
nursing interventions with the persistently mentally ill, geriatric,
and other specialty populations. Faculty work closely with students
to develop individualized clinical experiences in appropriate settings.
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Adv. Health Assessment
3
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes for Healthcare 4
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for Individuals,
Families and Communities 3
GNUR 770 Biological Basis of
Mental Health 3
GNUR 771 Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing Seminar 3
GNUR 773 Theoretical Foundations
of Psychiatric-Mental Health
Nursing 3
GNUR 774 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Practicum I: Clinical Nurse
Specialist and Nurse Practitioner 5
GNUR 776 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Practicum II Clinical Nurse
Specialist and Nurse Practitioner: 5
Elective 3
Acute
Care Nurse Practitioner Track (ACNP)
This track prepares nurses for
an advanced practice role providing direct patient care in medical/nursing
subspecialty areas in collaboration with other members of the health
care team. ACNPs deliver care along the continuum of critical, acute,
and chronic care. Students determine the focus of their specialization
(i.e.: cardiology, nephrology, wound/ostomy/continence, neurology or
neuro-surgery, digestive health, general surgery, ER/trauma, pulmonary,
transplant, etc). In this program, students gain the advanced theoretical
knowledge and practice skills needed to manage acutely and chronically
ill patients through all phases of their hospitalization and clinical
follow-up. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic and clinical decision-making,
preparation for prescriptive authority, collaboration with physicians,
and outcomes management, as well as evidence-based practice and clinical
research. Upon completion of this track, students are qualified to take
the American Nursing Credentialing Center certification examination
for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Track (ACNP) (55credits,560 clinical hours)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Adv. Health Assessment
3
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes for Health Care 4
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for Individuals,
Families, and Communities 3
GNUR 756 Seminar I: Clinical
Decision Making in Acute and
Specialty Care 3
GNUR 757 Seminar II: Clinical
Decision Making in Acute and
Specialty Care 3
GNUR 758 Seminar III: Management
of Chronic Illness Across
Settings 3
GNUR 759 Practicum I: Acute Care
Nurse Practitioner and
Clinical Nurse Specialist 5
GNUR 765 Synthesis Practicum:
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and
Clinical Nurse Specialist 5
Elective 6
The curriculum leading to the
degree of Master of Science in Nursing prepares nurses for advanced
practice as family nurse practitioners or pediatric nurse practitioners.
Students in the program complete core courses in nursing theory, research,
epidemiology/population-based assessment, and health policy. Courses
in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, family health promotion,
nutrition, and advanced health assessment are also required of all students
in the primary care nurse practitioner tracks. Clinical seminars and
672-hour clinical preceptorships are designed to provide students with
the necessary knowledge and skills to practice as nurse practitioners
in primary care settings. Due to the program's rural, underserved
focus, one of the two preceptorship rotations occurs outside of Albemarle
County.
Combined tracks are available
in community and public health leadership and in psychiatric-mental
health. Nearly all of the tracks may be completed in four semesters
and one summer of full-time study (the combined psychiatric-mental health
and family nurse practitioner track requires additional time. At the
completion of the track, students are qualified to write the American
Nursing Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
national certification examinations.
Following are required courses
for the specific areas of concentration in the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Tracks.
Primary Care: Family or Pediatric
Nurse Practitioner Track (58 credits)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Adv. Health Assessment
3
GNUR 564 Nutrition in Health
Promotion 2
GNUR 566 Primary Care Seminar
I 3
GNUR 567 Primary Care Seminar
II 3
GNUR 569 Primary Care
Preceptorship I 6
GNUR 570 Primary Care Seminar
III 3
GNUR 571 Primary Care
Preceptorship II 6
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes for Health Care 4
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for Individuals,
Families, and Communities 3
GNUR 707 Introduction to Health
Informatics 2
Elective 3
Primary Care: Combined Psychiatric-Mental
Health and Family Nurse Practitioner Track (70 credits, 1000 clinical
hours)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Adv. Health Assessment
3
GNUR 566 Primary Care Seminar
I 3
GNUR 567 Primary Care Seminar
II 3
GNUR 569 Primary Care
Preceptorship I 6
GNUR 570 Primary Care Seminar
III 3
GNUR 571 Primary Care
Preceptorship II 6
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes for Health Care 4
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for Individuals,
Families, and Communities 3
GNUR 770 Biological Basis of
Mental Health/Mental Illness 3
GNUR 771 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Nursing Seminar 3
GNUR 773 Theoretical Foundations
of Psychiatric-Mental Health
Nursing 3
GNUR 774 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Practicum I: Clinical Nurse
Specialist and Nurse Practitioner 5
GNUR 776 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Practicum II: Clinical Nurse
Specialist and Nurse Practitioner 5
Primary Care: Community &
Public Health/Family or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track (60 credits,
672 clinical hours)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Adv. Health Assessment
3
GNUR 566 Primary Care Seminar
I 3
GNUR 567 Primary Care Seminar
II 3
GNUR 569 Primary Care
Preceptorship I 6
GNUR 570 Primary Care Seminar
III 3
GNUR 571 Primary Care
Preceptorship II 6
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes for Health Care 4
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 700 Community Assessment
3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for Individuals,
Families, and Communities 3
GNUR 711 Managing Care in Systems
and Populations 3
GNUR 722 Health Care Systems
Planning and Evaluation 3
This area of concentration prepares
nurses for advanced practice in the field of psychiatric-mental health
nursing. Students complete core nursing courses, core advanced practice
courses, and specialty specific courses. Graduates are able to practice
in the PMHNP role, and would be qualified to sit for certification in
either area. Major emphasis include the neurostructural, neurochemical,
cognitive, behavioral, social, and cultural correlates of psychiatric
illness in the context of the advanced practice of psychiatric-mental
health nursing. Supervised clinical practice is directed toward applying
this emerging scientific knowledge to patient care through psychiatric-mental
health nursing interventions including prescriptive practice. Faculty
work closely with students to develop individualized clinical experiences
in appropriate settings.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Track (PMHNP) (52 credits, 500 clinical hours)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Advanced Health
Assessment 3
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes for Healthcare 4
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for individuals,
families and communities 3
GNUR 770 Biological Basis of
Mental Health 3
GNUR 771 Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing Seminar 3
GNUR 773 Theoretical Foundations
of Psychiatric-Mental Health
Nursing 3
GNUR 774 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Practicum I: Clinical Nurse
Specialist and Nurse Practitioner 5
GNUR 776 Psychiatric Mental Health
Practicum II: Clinical Nurse
Specialist and Nurse Practitioner 5
Elective 3
As health care shifts from hospital-based
to community-orientated systems, new opportunities for nursing leadership
are becoming abundant. The Community and Public Health Leadership concentration
prepares nurses for specialty practice in promoting the health of individuals,
families, groups and communities. Emphasis is placed on the development
of knowledge and expertise in assessing the health status and health
delivery systems of communities and designing nursing interventions
to better manage care in complex settings. Courses provide the required
knowledge and expertise to plan, implement, and evaluate care in community
settings, including public health departments, schools and occupational
health programs, home health agencies, and community nursing clinics.
Care management strategies to ensure continuity of health service delivery
for individuals and groups at the local and global levels are emphasized.
International learning experiences are available.
Community/Public Health Leadership
Nursing Track (38 Credits, 504 clinical hours)
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes for Health Care 4
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 700 Community Assessment
3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for Individuals,
Families, and Communities 3
GNUR 711 Managing Care in Systems
and Populations 3
GNUR 722 Health Care Systems
Planning and Evaluation 3
GNUR 723 Community/Public Health
Leadership Practicum I 3
GNUR 724 Community/Public Health
Leadership Practicum II 4
GNUR 792 Resource Management
3
Elective 3
The Health Systems Management
Track is designed to prepare nurses at the graduate level to manage
the delivery of nursing and health services across multiple settings
and specialty areas. This program provides a unique educational experience
to individuals capable of leadership and innovation in a dynamic health
care delivery system. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership positions
in a variety of health care settings, including public and private sector
hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, and long-term facilities.
The curriculum builds on the
theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of the bachelor's-prepared
nurse. The program emphasizes content fundamental to management, developing
competencies needed to analyze managerial problems, and providing resourceful
solutions. Students are given special opportunities to acquire the breadth
of management knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively at
the business and clinical interface of health care delivery organizations.
Management-related experience is recommended. Additional information
about this program can be obtained from the Office of Admissions and
Student Services at the School of Nursing.
Health Systems Management Track
(39 Credits)
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations
of Nursing 3
GNUR 585 Epidemiology in Health
Care 3
GNUR 586 Research and Biostatistical
Processes in Healthcare 4
GNUR 590 Health Policy: Local
to Global 3
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention for Individuals,
Families, and Communities 3
GNUR 707 Intro. to Health Informatics
2
GNUR 711 Managing Care in Systems
and Populations 3
GNUR 722 Health Care Systems
Planning and Evaluation 3
GNUR 782 Administrative Practicum
I 3
GNUR 784 Administrative Practicum
II 3
GNUR 792 Resource Management
3
HES 709 Health Care Economics
3
Elective 3
The School of Nursing and the
Darden Graduate School of Business Administration offer a joint degree
program designed to develop health care agency managers who possess
a unique blend of clinical and administrative skills. Graduates of the
program are prepared to contribute to health policy development and
to assume senior-level positions in hospitals, corporate offices, ambulatory
care, and long-term care agencies. The program can be completed in two
and one-half years of full-time study. Applicants must be registered
nurses holding at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing, and they
must meet all admission requirements for both the School of Nursing
and the Graduate School of Business Administration. Additional information
may be obtained by contacting the School of Nursing Office of Admissions
and Student Services.
The School of Nursing collaborates
with the School of Medicine, the School of Law, and the Department of
Religious Studies to offer a joint Master's Degree in Nursing
and Bioethics. Students follow the nursing option to which they are
admitted, take required foundational courses in bioethics, and select
from additional bioethics courses guided by their area of concentration
and discipline. Graduates are prepared as advanced practice nurses with
the scholarly basis for addressing bioethical health care practice and
policy issues.
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Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
and nurse practitioner (NP) post master's programs equip master's-prepared
nurses with additional knowledge and skills in a defined area. Students
who complete these programs are eligible to apply for national certification
examinations.
Applicants must:
1. have completed a master's
degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school of nursing;
2. be licensed as a registered
nurse;
3. submit three satisfactory
academic/professional recommendations;
4. submit a clear statement of
educational and professional goals;
5. submit validation of basic
health assessment skills;
6. be available for an interview
if requested.
The School utilizes a rolling
admissions process. The completed application and the $40 application
fee must be received by April 1 for summer and fall admission or November
15 for spring admission. Applications received after the deadlines will
be considered if space is available. All correspondence concerning admission
should be addressed to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services,
Office of Admissions and Student Services, School of Nursing, McLeod
Hall, P.O. Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0784.
The standing of a post-graduate
student in each course is indicated by one of the following symbols:
A (very distinguished), A- (distinguished), B+ (very good), B (satisfactory),
B- (acceptable), and C (unsatisfactory). A letter grade of C is considered
unsatisfactory and unacceptable for completion of the program.
A grade of incomplete is a non-grade
designation given for a course. Incompletes in graduate nursing courses
must be removed by the end of the following semester of enrollment or
within one calendar year, whichever comes first. Graduate students with
two or more outstanding incomplete designations (in the same semester
or cumulatively) may not enroll in courses in subsequent terms. An incomplete
designation which is not removed by the above deadline or prior to graduation
is converted to a F.
The Post Master's Psychiatric-Mental
Health Nursing Program offers two tracks for students who wish to complete
the requirements for PMHNP certification. One track is for those who
already possess a MSN degree with a focus in psychiatric-mental health
nursing; the other track is for students with a MSN in another clinical
area.
Master's prepared nurses
in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing desiring Psychiatric Mental Health
Nurse Practitioner preparation complete the following courses: (17 credits,
120 clinical hours)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Advanced Health
Assessment 3
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 770 Biological Basis in
Mental Health/Mental Illness 3
GNUR 776 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Practicum II: Clinical Nurse
Specialist and Nurse Practitioner 3
Master's prepared nurses
with a specialty in another clinical area complete the following courses:
(33 credits, 500 clinical hours)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Advanced Health
Assessment 3
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology 4
GNUR 702 Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention 3
GNUR 770 Biological Basis in
Mental Health/Mental Illness 3
GNUR 771 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Seminar 3
GNUR 773 Theoretical Foundations
of Mental Health Nursing 3
GNUR 774 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Practicum I: Clinical Nurse
Specialist or Nurse Practitioner 5
GNUR 776 Psychiatric-Mental Health
Practicum II: Clinical Nurse
Specialist or Nurse Practitioner 5
The Post Master's Primary
Care Nurse Practitioner Program is designed to provide the master's-prepared
nurse with the necessary skills and knowledge to assume the role of
a primary health care provider in various clinical facilities. These
skills include psychosocial and physical assessment; identification,
screening and triage of acute minor illness; nursing and medical management
of commonly encountered acute, minor, and chronic illnesses in collaboration
and consultation with a physician; knowledge of community needs and
resources available for health promotion; health teaching, guidance,
and counseling of clients and their families about illness and its prevention;
and health promotion, maintenance, and management.
Other areas explored in this
program include the changing health care delivery system; the expanded
role of the nurse; and nursing issues, particularly as they relate to
nurse practitioner practice, reimbursement, and prescriptive authority.
Offerings include family or pediatric nurse practitioner tracks.
An essential part of the nurse
practitioner program is the 672-hour clinical preceptorship. This preceptorship
is concurrent with the nurse practitioner seminar courses and is arranged
at a clinical site that reflects the focus of the Primary Care Nurse
Practitioner Program. Due to the program's focus on rural, underserved
populations, at least one of the preceptorships takes place outside
of Albemarle County.
The practitioner program is approved
by the Joint Committee of the Boards of Nursing and Medicine in Virginia.
Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for practitioner
certification by this joint committee and are also eligible to sit for
national certification examinations.
Nurse Practitioner Program Completion
Requirements The student must satisfactorily complete the specific
nurse practitioner program and the clinical preceptorship, and have
a minimum grade average of B. Students who complete the nurse practitioner
program are eligible for national certification exams.
Required Courses - 31 Credits
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Adv. Health Assessment
3
GNUR 566 Primary Care Seminar
I 3
GNUR 567 Primary Care Seminar
II 3
GNUR 569 Primary Care
Preceptorship I 6
GNUR 570 Primary Care Seminar
III 3
GNUR 571 Primary Care
Preceptorship II 6
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
This program reflects recent
developments in the field of health care delivery, creating the need
for a new role within advanced practice nursing. The ACNP has a scope
of practice beyond that of other acute care positions. ACNPs deliver
continuous and comprehensive care within a collaborative model involving
patients, families, significant others, nurses, physicians, and other
health care providers. The purpose of the ACNP is to provide advanced
practice care that meets patient needs across the full continuum of
acute, critical, and chronic care services. The short term goal for
the ACNP is restorative care, stabilization of the patient, minimizing
complications, providing physical and psychological care measures for
managing chronic conditions, and assurance of a peaceful death.
Students who complete the program
are eligible to take the ANCC examination for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
certification.
Required courses - 29 credits
GNUR 550 Pharmacology 4
GNUR 551 Adv. Health Assessment
3
GNUR 574 Role I: Acquisition
1-2
GNUR 575 Role II: Transition
2
GNUR 756 Seminar I: Clinical
Decision Making in Acute and
Specialty Care 3
GNUR 757 Seminar II: Clinical
Decision Making in Acute and
Specialty Care 3
GNUR 759 Practicum I Acute Care
Nurse Practitioner and Clinical
Nurse Specialist 5
GNUR 765 Synthesis Practicum:
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and
Clinical Nurse Specialist 5
Elective 3
Wound, Ostomy & Continence
nursing incorporates principles and practices that promote, maintain
and restore health for persons with wounds, ostomies and continence
problems throughout their lives. WOC nurses specialize in the
care of individuals with disorders of the gastrointestinal track, genitourinary
and integumentary systems. The post-masters WOC program includes two
didactic classes and one practicum.
GNUR 744 Wound, Ostomy &
Continence Nursing 3
GNUR 745 Advanced WOC
Nursing 3
GNUR 795 Practicum in WOC
Nursing 3
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The School of Nursing is a community
of scholars having as its central purpose the enrichment of the human
mind. Within this community, the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program
seeks to prepare scholars who will advance nursing knowledge. Scholarly
achievement in nursing is accomplished in a spirit of free inquiry directed
toward a better understanding of human existence, especially in relation
to health and illness. Nurse scholars must participate in the study
of particular phenomena and in the identification of central domains
related to these phenomena. This requires that students be well informed
about advanced practice in professional nursing.
Nursing knowledge is advanced
through association with other disciplines and is often enhanced by
the work of other university scholars. Central to the education of nurse
scholars is the opportunity to interact with other scholars throughout
the university community. Through dialogue and study with these professionals,
nurse scholars expand their understanding of health and illness, and
the biological, environmental, sociocultural, ethical, legal, philosophic,
and historic factors influencing nursing care.
Scholars must be inquisitive,
informed, and committed. This requires expertise in the principles and
methods of inquiry and an informed imagination for exploring substantive
areas in nursing. The ultimate goal of this inquiry is to enhance nursing's
contribution to the health of all persons.
The major purpose of the doctoral
program in nursing is to prepare scholars with expertise in selected
substantive areas who will contribute to nursing theory and practice
through systematic inquiry.
Aims of the doctoral program
in nursing are to prepare scholars who will:
1. demonstrate advanced knowledge
of nursing, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry;
2. expand the research base of
nursing theory and practice; and
3. serve the Commonwealth, the
nation, and the world by addressing major nursing and health care issues
in a scholarly manner.
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