Program overview
Kaiser Permanente Nurse Scholars Academy (NSA) is partnering with University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions (USF SONHP) for applicants interested in obtaining their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
The MSN program is designed for working registered nurse leaders. Kaiser Permanente candidates’ projects will demonstrate performance improvement and advance Kaiser Permanente’s mission for nursing leadership, evidence-informed practice, and research.
The MSN program curriculum emphasizes care of the whole person through leadership, quality, safety, and evidence-based practice. As an MSN graduate, you will be prepared to lead and succeed in today’s complex and dynamic health care environment.
Nurse Scholars are challenged to integrate evidence-informed leadership practices that mitigate risk, identify and assess broad outcomes, ensure stakeholder education, enhance health promotion, and deliver highly effective patient care services for diverse populations.
- Assistant Nurse Managers
- Clinical Nurses
- Nurse Directors
- Nurse Managers
Program details
- The MSN program emphasizes the clinical nurse leader competencies including leadership, quality, safety, and evidence-based practice, and prepares nurses to lead teams at the micro-system (unit) level, supporting innovation, transformation, and performance excellence in the delivery of compassionate care to patients.
- The program uses a blended learning approach and is designed for working registered nurse leaders. Typically, classes are conducted face to face one day per week for 3-4 hours. Additional work is completed online.
- The program consists of 6 consecutive semesters of coursework and practicums.
- Courses are held in fall, spring, and summer for two years or six semesters. Scholars typically attend classes one afternoon per week. In addition to weekly class attendance, students are also required to actively engage in online discussions and assignments.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Must be a Northern California KFH/HP non-represented, benefited (20+ hours) registered nurse leaders (e.g. assistant nurse managers, nurse managers, nursing shift supervisors, quality nurse consultants, directors and other non-union exempt or non-union non-exempt nurse leaders) in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California region.
- Nurses must be Kaiser Foundation Hospital employees and remain Kaiser Foundation Hospital employees during the program.
- Must have completed at least 90 days as a regular KP employee.
- Must meet the USF SONHP requirements for admission into the program.
Applicant must also meet the USF SONHP requirements for admission into the MSN program.
Note: The MSN Program is not open to The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) employees. TPMG offers other programs for their nurse leaders. Kaiser Permanente employees from TPMG and other regions may be eligible for Kaiser Permanente tuition discounts from USF, even if they do not qualify for this program.
How to apply
Note: Submitting information through the website contact form is not an application.
Interested candidates must first submit an application to the NSA to be considered sponsorship.
If accepted for sponsorship, applicants must follow specific NSA instructions before applying to the University of San Francisco.
Application process
Applicants should be prepared to provide the following:
- Résumé or CV.
- A personal statement video. The video should answer the following questions in 5 minutes or less:
- Please state your name and current role within KP, and tell us about yourself and your background in nursing.
- What is motivating you to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)?
- What are your long-term career aspirations, and how will obtaining an MSN help you achieve them?
- In what ways do you anticipate that your MSN education will impact the community or specific patient populations you aim to serve?
- How do you plan to manage the demands of the MSN program alongside your current responsibilities?
- Why do you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship, and how will it make a difference in your educational journey?
- Is there anything else you would like us to know that you haven’t covered in your application?
- Your direct supervisor’s name and KP email.
- Your Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) (or relevant Regional Executive or Senior Continuum Leader) name and KP email.
Upon submitting your NSA application, please notify your direct supervisor and Chief Nurse Executive (or relevant Regional Executive or Senior Continuum Leader) that the NSA will email a link to a reference form. The reference form must be completed by leaders in a timely manner to demonstrate support for the applicant.
Applicants selected for sponsorship by the NSA will receive instructions regarding the separate MSN program application process.
Waitlisted candidates must reapply to be considered for this program.
Financial assistance
- The NSA will provide tuition assistance to nurses who are approved for sponsorship.
- Those selected to participate in the MSN program are eligible to be sponsored for up to 75% of the tuition cost. Sponsored participants will be responsible for 25% of the tuition cost and any other applicable fees.
- Kaiser Permanente employees also may be eligible for tuition reimbursement through HRConnect.
- The USF SONHP may have additional information on other financial aid and scholarships.
- The application fee for applying to USF SONHP will be waived. Instructions will be provided on how to get this fee waived upon selection to participate by the NSA.