The graduate will be prepared to apply for certification as an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) through the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (HPNA). The online program will emphasize culturally competent evidence-based nursing expertise in clinical practice. Hospice and palliative nursing practice is defined as the provision of nursing care for the patient and family, with emphasis on their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs when experiencing a life-limiting illness and through bereavement. This model of care is accomplished in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team in a setting which provides pain and symptom management, family support and 24-hour nursing availability. Graduates will be prepared to provide and manage evidence-based palliative health care for individuals in a variety of settings. Graduates will also coordinate and develop health care programs for those living with or dying from chronic, progressive illnesses. The program was developed in an effort to increase the number of nurse practitioners with expertise in palliative care to meet the needs of our aging society.

The interactive online classroom provides opportunities for active learning, discussion, problem solving, debating, critical thinking, research, networking, and community building.

Attention ALL Palliative Care NP students entering the Palliative Care Track Clinical Course (AHN 533) Fall Semester 2012: The mandatory PC Clinical Orientation date is Wednesday, August 15th. If you have any questions contact Dr. Joyce Varner at jvarner@usouthal.edu.

Curriculum

BSN-DNP ( students can add these 9 credits to Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP, Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP, Clinical Nurse Specialist-Adult Health and Family NP.)
• DNP Palliative Care Subspecialty - 5 Semester Schedule

Post-Master's DNP ( students can add these 9 credits to Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP, Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP, Clinical Nurse Specialist-Adult Health and Family NP.)

Fall Entry
• Post Master’s DNP- Palliative Care Subspecialty - Fall 7 Semesters
• Post Master’s DNP - Palliative Care Subspecialty - Fall 9 Semesters

• Post Master’s DNP - Palliative Care Subspecialty - Fall 12 Semesters

Spring Entry
• Post Master’s DNP - Palliative Care Subspecialty - Spring 6 Semesters
• Post Master’s DNP - Palliative Care Subspecialty - Spring 8 Semesters
• Post Master’s DNP - Palliative Care Subspecialty - Spring 11 Semesters

Course descriptions are available in the University of South Alabama Undergraduate/Graduate Bulletin.

Faculty

For additional information related to the specialty, please contact:

Dr. Joyce Varner
Phone: 251-445-9455 (office) or 205-410-1399 (cell)
Email: jvarner@usouthal.edu

If you have any further questions about the application process, contact the college of nursing at condnp@usouthal.edu or 251-445-9412.

Office of Graduate Studies
USA College of Nursing - HAHN 3086
5721 USA Drive N.
Mobile AL 36688-0002
(251) 445-9400
Email: condnp@usouthal.edu
Fax 251-445-9416

The DNP program is accredited by the

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 887-6791.