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Masters Specialty Area
| FYI/Facts: Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Nursing | |
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The Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Nurse
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S., taking a life every 33 seconds. In light of the staggering health and economic costs of this disease--as well as stunning advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment--the health care industry needs cardiovascular advanced practice nurses to be among those taking the lead in prevention and treatment.
Advanced practice cardiovascular nurses assume a variety of positions.
Clinical Nurse Specialists work in hospitals and medical centers, often combining expert clinical practice with education, research, consultation and clinical leadership.
In addition, cardiovascular advanced practice nurses find work as case managers, educators in hospitals or colleges, and middle managers or administrators in clinical or health plan settings.
| Quick-Links: Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Nursing | ||||||||||||
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| "I found the varied curriculum stimulating and cutting-edge, and that the exceptional School of Nursing faculty challenged and inspired me." Christine Thompson, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Cardiology at UCSF Medical Center |
The cardiovascular nursing program prepares graduates for the full range of advanced practice nursing roles. We stress flexibility so students can focus on anything from health promotion and prevention to cardiac rehabilitation and the management of medical, surgical, and critically ill cardiac patients.
Nationally prominent faculty members advise and guide students in customizing their areas of focus and in choosing clinical placements. Clinical residencies and practica are available at some of the nation's most prestigious hospitals and medical centers, including UCSF and Stanford. Students do their clinical work in acute care and critical care settings, outpatient clinics, academic settings, physician's offices, and biomedical companies. Ongoing faculty research activities provide exceptional opportunities for students interested in a research role.
The curriculum includes courses in:
In addition, a new dual option--Cardiovascular/Genomics Advanced Practice Nursing--enables students to become experts in how the study of genes is revolutionizing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and leading to advances in risk factor identification and early diagnosis, new genetic therapies, and more accurate prognoses. Students who choose this option will take additional coursework in basic genomic science, medical genetics, and ethical and policy issues in genomics; they will also complete associated clinical experiences.
To support working nurses and family life, classes are consolidated to two days a week for most of the program.
| "Taking the genomic classes has helped me in understanding the importance of family and the medical history of each family member.
I am also excited about the future of tailoring medications to specific patients due to their genetic markers." Celia Rifkin, RN, Second year student in the Cardiovascular/Genomics specialty |
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Mary B. Engler, RN, PhD, directs the program in cardiovascular advanced practice nursing, where she teaches courses in human pathophysiology and aging, and in management of cardiovascular disease. Her research focuses on nutritional interventions in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and on genetic determinants of cardiovascular disease.
"I am very proud that our advanced practice nursing program trains nurses to attain excellence in clinical practice, administration, education and research and that our graduates contribute significantly towards reducing the death and disease associated with cardiovascular disease."
"It is also gratifying to see our program making a difference and empowering nurses with new knowledge and training in genetics."
"As genetics becomes part of day-to-day healthcare in terms of risk assessment, diagnosis, and interventions, our genomics graduates will provide the leadership and expertise in genomics advanced practice nursing."
Marguerite Engler, RN, PhD, teaches courses that cover cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, nutritional interventions for cardiovascular health, and risk factors for coronary heart disease. Her research also focuses on the role of nutrients in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
"This is really an exciting time to come to graduate school at UCSF. What could be better than attending one of the highest ranked Schools of Nursing in the country in beautiful San Francisco."
"We have an incredible Cardiovacular Nursing Graduate Program that allows you the flexibility to pursue all of your interests. We also have an outstanding cadre of faculty who really care and foster development of your future career in Cardiovascular Nursing."
"Don't miss a great opportunity to obtain your master's or doctorate degree in Cardiovascular Nursing at UCSF!"
The research program of Erika Froelicher, RN, PhD, has focused on employing nursing interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors (exercise, blood pressure, lipid, obesity, smoking cessation and relapse prevention) as well as depression and social isolation.
"Nurses consistently identify patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. An advanced practice education can help them take the next step to make sure that patients are receiving proper treatments and interventions for those risk factors. "
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Christine Thompson, RN, MS, CNS
Class of 1997-Cardiovascular Specialty
"I'm the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Cardiology at UCSF Medical Center. My position truly encompasses the five domains of Advanced Practice Nursing: clinical expertise, leadership, consultation, teaching and research. Currently, I'm also co-principal investigator of a clinical study. In addition, I contribute as an author regularly to a CV nursing journal and am a peer-reviewer for others. Clinical and didactic teaching at the medical center are part of my duties, and I have been fortunate to be able to "give back" to UCSF as clinical faculty.
The Master's Program in Cardiovascular Nursing was wonderful preparation for these roles, and has helped to foster personal and professional growth. I found the varied curriculum stimulating and cutting-edge, and that the exceptional School of Nursing faculty challenged and inspired me. A research elective course evolved into a research goal in my residency quarter, culminating in a poster presentation at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions."
Celia Rifkin, RN,
Second year student in the Cardiovascular/Genomics specialty
"I am currently a heart and lung transplant coordinator at UCSF Medical Center. I follow patients from the initial transplant referral, through the transplant surgical procedure, and then to long-term follow-up. The master's program has helped me to incorporate evidenced-based practice into our patient care. My hope is to bring more research into our group. This would include my own research projects relating to transplant and end-stage heart failure patients.
I value the friendships and professional relationships I have made with both students and professors. Also, taking the genomic classes has helped me in understanding the importance of family and the medical history of each family member. I am also excited about the future of tailoring medications to specific patients due to their genetic markers."
Details on the required courses for each of the options within the Cardiovascular program are available by selecting the link below.
Q: My background is not in cardiac care. Can I still apply for this program?
A: We have admitted students whose background is in areas separate from cardiovascular care. Clinical RN experience in any area that requires high levels of decision-making is definitely an asset, but it is not a necessity.
Q: I'm unsure if I'd want to be a clinical nurse specialist or a clinical research associate. Can you help?
A: This is very common. Program faculty members are happy to meet with you to discus your career goals as well as clarify the difference between the roles. Feel free to contact the program director to arrange an appointment. You are also welcome to visit the campus, sit in on a class session and meet with students in the program. Just call the program director to make arrangements.
Q: What can I do to make my application "glowing"?
A: Each applicant is reviewed as a whole. Goal statement, letters of reference, extracurricular activities, language skills, activities on-the-job, research activities, work experience, professional organization activities, and GPA are ALL considered when the application is reviewed. List all of these aspects. Be sure to ask colleagues to review your goal statement. Include examples of on-the job activities. Describe any volunteer and professional activities. Make sure to ask your colleagues for "excellent" references and have them give specific reasons why they believe in your success.
Q: What does my GPA need to be for admission into the program?
A: A GPA of 3.0 is expected for admission into the School of Nursing although special circumstances can be discussed.
Q: What should I write in my goal statement?
A: You should be very clear about why you selected the specific specialty you are applying to. Your statement should reflect how you have made this decision and your future goals.
Q: How much can I work during the program?
A: The majority of our students hold part-time jobs while enrolled (typically working 50-60% time). Working full time while in school is highly discouraged. Consult with the specialty coordinator for more information about program specifics.
Q: What if I want to study part-time?
A: Over 95% of our students study full-time and complete their program in two years. The majority of specialties hold classes two days a week (Tuesday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Thursday) to allow for part-time work and family obligations. "Official" part-time status is highly restricted and is available only by special arrangement. In certain circumstances, also by special arrangement, faculty will allow a student to extend a two-year program over three years.
Q: Am I responsible for finding my own preceptors?
A: The faculty will work with you to find the preceptors who are best suited for your area of specialization. Our experience is that students often provide input in selecting and planning their clinical experiences and participate in this process of selecting preceptors.
Q: How do I find housing in the area? Is it expensive?
A: Many of our students find that sharing housing is a good approach to solving both the availability and cost issues. Housing in the Bay Area may be expensive, but help can be found with the campus Housing Office, the Student Affairs Office, and previous graduates can often give advice.
Q: What will help me prepare for school?
A: Rest and relaxation before school starts is helpful! Also computer proficiency with word processing and internet/web/email functions is essential.
| Quick-Links: Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Nursing | ||||||||||||
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| Definition | |
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Questions | |
Applying |
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| Revised: Nov. 2007 | Contact: info@nursing.ucsf.edu · © Copyright 2007 University of California Regents, All Rights Reserved. | |||||||||||||
