Fall 2020 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1463- Section: 12
Clinical-Licensed Practical-Vocational Nurse Training 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Deborah Lawson
E-maillawsondg@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6360
Office
Location:Allied Health - Room: 128
Hours:Office Hours: W-F clinical setting 0630-1430, Office by appointment Mon-Tue 0800-1500 Building: Allied Health Room #: Gott – AH 123, Lawson AH 128, Reyes – AH 111,
Department
Allied Health
Chair:Shirley MacNeill
E-mail:macneisb@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6365

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Course Information
Description A Health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional
Prerequisites
Course Prerequisites    VNSG 1204 Foundations of Nursing
VNSG 1234 Pediatrics
VNSG 1261 Clinical LVN Nursing
VNSG 1400 Nursing in Health in Health and Illness I
VNSG 1409 Nursing in Health and Illness II
VNSG 1462 Clinical LPN Nursing
To graduate from the VN Program, it is required that you must complete either Microcomputers (BCIS 1305) or Introduction to Computers (ITSC 1401) prior to graduation. Students must have a minimum grade of C or better in every course that applies to the Vocational Nursing Certificate plan to graduate.
Mandatory Co-Requisite: VNSG 2410
Learning Outcomes In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1463 Clinical assists the student to develop the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success as a vocational nurse. Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.    Practice independent nursing actions with guidance from the Registered Nurse. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments and evaluation of delivery of patient care
2.    Demonstrate confidence in working as a member of the health care team. (PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: observed evaluations of student interaction with other healthcare team members
3.    Identify the legal aspects and accountability of a Graduate Vocational Nurse. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1) Measured by: reading and application of nurse practice act; observations and evaluations of the provision of safe, ethical nursing care in the clinical setting
4.    Demonstrate knowledge of the nurse’s role in quality improvement/assurance process. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: exams based on understanding of the role in providing safe and effective patient care; observed delivery of care and team planning in clinical setting
5.    Demonstrate a working knowledge of the code of ethics for the Licensed Vocational Nurse. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1) Measured by: discussion based on readings of the code of ethics and standards of care for the vocational nurse
6.    Comply with established standards of Vocational Nursing Practice. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members in the provision of safe, effective nursing care; standardized exams to evaluate comprehension
7.    Identify barriers to communication and adapt to changing needs of the patient. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 3) Measured by: classroom discussions and clinical evaluations of patient interactions based on development, cultural influences, personal preferences and current health condition
8.    Record information on the patient’s chart legibly and concisely using appropriate terminology and spelling. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: application of module exercises for medical terminology, documentation practice labs and clinical assignments with instructor feedback
9.    Use a systematic approach to provide individualized, safe, goal-directed nursing care. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: clinical observations and evaluation of nursing care; discussions of standards of nursing care
10.    Apply knowledge and skills to resolve patient problems in a goal-directed manner. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: evaluation of application of assigned readings; case study scenarios; clinical simulation
11.    Evaluate care provided and assist in revising the plan as needed to meet established goals. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: applied feedback from instructor regarding patient plans of care; clinical observation and collaboration with patients, families and interdisciplinary team members
12.    Relate pertinent information to colleagues and other members of the health care team, and discuss appropriate nursing actions. (PSLO 1; PSLO 4) Measured by: SBAR reporting in clinical simulation and lab setting; SBAR reporting among student peers, instructors and nursing staff
13.    Accurately and completely report and document:
a.    Patient’s status including signs, symptoms, and responses
b.    Nursing care rendered
c.    Administration of medications and treatments
d.    Patient’s response to medications and treatments
e.    Contacts with other health care team members concerning significant events regarding patient’s status.
(PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical assignments; safe, ethical patient and healthcare team interactions during clinical simulation, lab scenarios and in the clinical setting
14.    Respect the patient’s right to privacy by protecting confidential information unless obligated or allowed by law to disclose the information. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical evaluation; case scenario discussions; exams
15.    Demonstrate effective communication skills. (PSLO 1; PSLO 4) Measured by: SBAR reporting in clinical simulation and lab setting; SBAR reporting among student peers, instructors and nursing staff
16.    Conform to the uniform policies outlined in the Vocational Nursing Program Handbook. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1) Measured by: professional appearance at clinical each day with required uniform, materials and attitudes as stated in student handbook policies
17.    Act as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team working under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: adherence to the role of a vocational nursing student according to the Nurse Practice Act and healthcare facility policy; assisting other members of the healthcare team to provide safe and competent nursing care
18.    Demonstrate knowledge of the nurse’s role in risk management. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 4) Measured by: participation in implementation and evaluation of nursing care plan to provide optimum care to each individual patient
19.    Demonstrate the ability to teach self-care management and provide safe basic nursing care to multiple patients with a variety of predictable health outcomes. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: application of principles learned in theory; clinical evaluation; teaching project and day-to-day interactions with patients and their families
20.    Maintain cost effectiveness in the clinical setting. (PSLO 1) Measured by: precise usage of materials required for skill implementation and patient care
21.    Maintain professional boundaries of the nurse-patient relationship. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: comprehension and application of standards of professional practice and Good Professional Conduct statement from Board of Nursing; clinical evaluation of professional interactions
22.    Provide without discrimination, nursing services regardless of age, disability, economic status, gender, national origin, race, religion, or health problems of the patient served. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: comprehension and application of standards of professional and ethical practice as determined by Board of nursing and Lamar State College – Port Arthur Vocational Nursing policies
Core Objectives Reading: Demonstrates the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials.
Writing: Produces clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Speaking: Communicates orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Listening: Demonstrates the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken language.
Critical Thinking 1: Applies qualitative and/or quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter.
Critical Thinking 2: Demonstrates the ability to evaluate arguments and construct alternative strategies.
Computer Literacy 1: Uses computer-based technology to communicate, solve problems, and acquire information.
Computer Literacy 2: Demonstrates an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology.
Intercultural Competence 1: Demonstrates awareness of similarities and differences between cultural groups.
Intercultural Competence 2: Demonstrates the ability to recognize global interconnectedness.
Intercultural Competence 3: Demonstrates a general knowledge of cultural evolution.
Program Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Vocational Nursing Program graduates will, under the supervision of a professional licensed nurse and/or licensed physician, function in non-complex settings and should be able to:
PSLO Alpha: Reading Skills – Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading materials.
PSLO 1. Functions within the Scope of Practice for a Vocational Nurse.
PSLO 2. Demonstrates safe, direct patient care with individuals who have predictable health care needs.
PSLO 3. Exhibits professional nursing behaviors.
PSLO 4. Cooperates with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to provide evidence-based care.
Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Williams, Linda, Hopper, Paula, (2019) Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing (6th ed.).
Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN # 9780803668980
Hopper, Paula, Williams, Linda, (2019) Study Guide for Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing (6th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN #978080366900
Burton, M., Smith, D. Ludwig, L. (2019). Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections and Skills for Nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis
ISBN # 9780803669062
Burton, M., Smith, D. Ludwig, L. (2019). Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections and Skills for Nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis
ISBN #9780803669079
Linnard-Palmer, Luanne. Coats, Gloria, (2017). Safe Maternity and Pediatric Nursing Care
(1st ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis ISBN #9780803624948
Linnard-Palmer, Luanne. Coats, Gloria, (2017). Study Guide for Safe Maternity and
Pediatric Nursing Care (1st ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis ISBN #9780803624955
Doenges, Marilyn E., Moorhouse, Mary Frances, Murr, Alice C., (2019).Nurse’s Pocket
Guide-Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales (15th ed.). Philadelphia:
F.A. Davis ISBN #9780803676442
Van Leeuwen, Anne M., Bladh, Mickey Lynn, (2019). Comprehensive Manual of Laboratory
and Diagnostic Tests (8thed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis
Vallerand, April Hazard, Sanoski, Cynthia A., (2019). Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses (16th
ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis
Cuellar, Tina, (2018) HESI Comprehensive review for the NCLEX-PN Exam (5th ed.). St.
Louis, Mo.: Elsevier
Online HESI Case Studies: Complete PN Collection (2 Year Version)
Swiftriver Online-Purchase information to follow
NCLEX® PN Pass Point: Please note: No other NCLEX® PN Review will be accepted. You must
use the NCLEX® PN Pass Point access code provided to you for this class.
Pass Point access code for this: VNSG 1409 class: TBA
VNSG 1234 class: TBA
Please Note! Any Computer program must be accessed using your Lamar email unless otherwise instructed
Lecture Topics
Outline		 Clinical days are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (0630-1430)
Assignments due according to individual students schedule
Mid-Term and Final Clinical Evaluations by appointment     
Schedule subject to change at the discretion of the Program Coordinator
Major Assignments
Schedule
Medication Competency (Average)
Computer Assignments
Medical-Surgical Case Study
Medical-Surgical Case Study
OB Case Study
L&D Objectives    
Post Partum Objectives
Nursery Objectives         
Mental Health Objectives
Resume/Professional Attire
Clinical Portfolio        
Teaching Projects
Objectives Not Met in Previous Level
OB Case Study
Community assignments
Study Guides
Final Exam Date December 8, 2020 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 8, 2020 - 3:00 AM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 60-74 = D Below 60 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 The grade for the clinical course consists of two components: (1) Written work/computer assignments which is given a numerical grade and (2) Clinical performance which is graded as S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).
A student must achieve a minimum average of 74.5% or greater on written work and an “S” on clinical performance and required lab assignments to pass the course. The grade received on the written work will be the grade assigned for the course on the transcript provided the student has a satisfactory on clinical performance.
Students with an unsatisfactory for clinical performance will receive a grade of “F” for the course regardless of the numerical grade on the written work.
Failure to have completed written objectives for specialty areas by date of rotation will result in a grade of “0” and denial of specialty rotation. THIS CAN RESULT IN FAILURE OF CLINICALS.
The student must pass a written medication administration competency evaluation with a minimum score of 90. The student will have three opportunities to achieve a minimum score of 90. Students who do not achieve a minimum score of 90 on the third medication administration evaluation will not be allowed to continue in courses: VNSG 1463 and will be unable to complete required clinical objectives. Therefore, the student will be unable to successfully pass the course. The students’ Medication Administration Exam grade for VNSG 1463 will be averaged by the number of attempts taken to pass the test. i.e.: 1, 2 or 3
Clinical evaluations are completed twice each semester. Evaluations will include student's ability to apply theory in practice, demonstrate competent patient care, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times when in the clinical area. Evaluations are done by the clinical instructor with input from staff at affiliating agency, patients and others as appropriate. Students will sign the evaluation. Their signature attests to the fact that the evaluation conference occurred. It does not signify agreement with the evaluation. Students are given an opportunity to comment in writing on the evaluation. A student's unsatisfactory mid semester clinical evaluation while in the program permits continuation in the program with continued emphasis on upgrading deficiencies. The student's unsatisfactory clinical evaluation at the end of the semester results in a clinical course grade of "U" and prohibits further continuation in the program.
Students who fail a nursing course may repeat it once. Students must receive a satisfactory (S) in clinical and achieve a 75 course grade in the mandatory co-requisite course to progress in the program. Students who fail VNSG 2410 Nursing in Health and Illness III and/or VNSG 1230 Maternal-Neonatal Nursing and repeat the Course(s) may also be required to repeat the clinical co-requisite course.
All courses listed in a given semester of the program must be completed prior to progressing to the next semester. Each didactic and co-requisite clinical course, as listed for each semester, is a prerequisite for the nursing courses listed in the subsequent semester(s), and must be satisfactorily completed prior to graduating from the nursing program.
Students are required to complete written objectives prior to reporting to nursery, post-partum and labor & delivery. Failure to do so may result in the student being sent home and counted as clinically absent.
Case Study packet and Objectives for specialty areas may be found in the Level III clinical notebook. Case studies and written assignments are to be turned in as determined by instructor. Assignments will be given to and graded by the instructor to whom the student is assigned on due date.
Requirements for Level III clinical are: Two (2) Medical-Surgical case studies, One (1) Post-Partum Case Study, Labor & Delivery, Post-Partum, Nursery and Mental Health objectives, and PassPoint/HESI/SwiftRiver Computer assignments. Other assignments include professional resume and attire day, clinical portfolio, community assignments and medication competency.
Case Study/Objectives Grading criteria:
Rubrics will be utilized by the instructor for grading the case studies and objectives. Any section of the case study rubric that the student receives a ‘0’ (zero) in must be corrected for the student to receive the assigned grade. Corrections must be completed within one week of receiving the case study from the instructor. If the case study is not returned in one week with corrections, a ‘0’ (zero) will be given for the case study. If a student scores less than 75 on a case study, the student must meet with the faculty to determine strategies to improve performance on subsequent case studies.
The course grade is determined as follows:
1.    Medication Competency (Average) grade
2.    Computer Assignments grade
3.    Medical-Surgical Case Study grade
4.    Medical-Surgical Case Study grade
5.    OB Case Study grade
6.    L&D Objectives     grade
7.    Post Partum Objectives grade
8.    Nursery Objectives          grade
9.    Mental Health Objectives grade
10.    Resume/Professional Attire grade
11.    Clinical Portfolio         grade
12.    Teaching Projects grade
13.    Objectives Not Met in Previous Level grade
(ex: radiology, physical therapy)
Students must have a 75 average and a satisfactory rating on the clinical evaluation tool to pass the course.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies I will not discuss your grades over the phone or by email. If you want to discuss your grades, you must come to my office, in person
Attendance Policy This class will be a hybrid class and will consist of online & in facility skills, labs, and assignments. Virtual Clinical Fridays will include virtual assignments and appointment times for those students in need of a Test Review for courses 2410 and 1230.

Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Policies for this course are described below:
1.    Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, attendance at all scheduled clinical is expected.
2.    Clinical Orientation is MANDATORY for all students. Students who do not attend clinical orientation may not be allowed to attend clinical and may be dismissed from the program.
3.    A student who is absent from clinical for more than three (3) days may be dropped from the program by the Program director. A student who is absent from clinical without notification to faculty, may be withdrawn from the program by the program director.
4.    It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor prior to any absence or delay from scheduled activities for class or clinical. If the student is missing a clinical day, s/he must notify the faculty and that s/he is unable to attend clinical. Each clinical instructor is supplied by the college with a cell phone; the student can call and leave a message if the instructor does not answer. If the student is unable to contact the instructor, the student should call 409-984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872, ext. 6356 and leave a message. Also, the student may email their clinical instructor.
Assignments for absence(s) are as follows and will be due on next clinical day:
a. 1st Care Plan & HESI Case Study
b. 2nd Nursing Journal ( rubric in level 1 clinical notebook)
c. 3rd Keith RN assignment & Pass Point assignment

5.    Students who arrive greater than 15 minutes after assigned clinical time will be given a verbal warning and may not be allowed to remain. Students who arrive after assigned clinical time on two (2) occasions will receive a written counseling and will not be allowed to remain. If the student is sent home s/he will be counted absent from clinical and must complete the assigned makeup work.
6.    Students must be present the entire clinical day, including pre and post conference to get credit for their attendance.
7.    Since clinical is such an important component of the VN Program, students are required to attend 100 percent of the scheduled clinical days in any given semester. An assignment will be required if the student is absent from clinical. These assignments will receive a satisfactory or unsatisfactory rating only. A satisfactory rating is required for all make up work for missed clinical time. The additional assignments for missed clinical days will not be counted towards the clinical grade average. Any student who misses any clinical days in a semester may receive an unsatisfactory (U) in the clinical course and be required to repeat both the didactic and clinical courses. Absence of the required clinical days necessitates the Standards Committee to review the student’s performance in the VN Program. Students may be allowed to continue in clinical IF they:
a.    Have a 75 test average in the didactic course
b.    Have satisfactory written work in the clinical course
c.    Are up-to-date on skills check-offs in clinical prior to the most recent absence.
Students will be required to do additional written work to continue in clinical. Students who do not meet the above criteria may be dismissed for the semester.
8.    Any student who is “no call, no show” for clinical demonstrates a lack of accountability and unprofessional conduct. Therefore, s/he may fail clinical that semester and must repeat both the clinical and didactic courses to progress in the program. The only possible exception is if a student is physically unable to call the faculty.
9.    Students may be required to attend seminars or workshops to meet clinical objectives. Students will be informed in advance of the requirements. They are expected to attend the entire workshop as scheduled even if it extends past the regularly scheduled clinical time.
10.    The clinical instructor keeps an attendance record. Any student who is not sure about his/her status should meet with the instructor by appointment.
11.    Students are expected to attend clinical in FULL CLINICAL ATTIRE; including approved clinical dress (scrubs, with appropriate shoes, lab jacket) as well as required accessories. Students not adhering to dress codes; as described in Student Handbook may be sent home by the Instructor. This will count as a clinical absence.
12.    The program director has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, scholastic abilities, attitude or lack of aptitude for vocational nursing makes it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  2. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  3. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLSCPA.
Other Lamar State College-Port Arthur
Vocational Nursing 1463 Clinical Course Objectives

The student in the Vocational Nursing Program is expected to demonstrate safe professional behavior that includes promoting the actual or potential wellbeing of patients, health care workers, and self in biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural realms and demonstrating accountability in preparation for, provision and documentation of, care according to course objectives.
The purpose of setting safe performance clinical standards is to identify expectations of the Vocational Nursing Program and the Allied Health Department; to comply with agency agreements, and to identify and help students who need assistance and support to succeed in the Vocational Nursing Program. Indicators to be used as guidelines for determining safe performance are:

1. Regulatory: Students practice within the boundaries of the Texas Nursing Practice Act, the ANA Code of Ethics, the guidelines, objectives and policies of the Vocational Nursing Program; and the rules and regulations of the health care agency where they are assigned for clinical learning experiences.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Fails to notify the agency and/or instructor of clinical absence.
b.    Fails to follow the Vocational Nursing Program and/or agency policies and procedures.
c.    Reports for clinical under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
d.    Fails to follow rules and regulations of the clinical facility.
(Differentiated Essential Competencies=DEC) I A, B, D II A, D, E III A-C, E, F

2. Ethical: The student performs according to the guidelines of the American Nurses’ Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and the Texas Nursing Practice Act.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Refuses assignments based on patient’s race, culture, religious preference, sex, national origin, age, handicapping condition or any other protected status category.
b.    Fails to consult instructor prior to refusing assignment based on medical diagnosis of the patient.
c.    Denies, covers-up or does not report own errors in clinical practice.
d.    Ignores and fails to report unethical behavior of other health care persons in the clinical setting which affects patient welfare
(DEC) I A, B, D II D, E III A, B, E, F

3. Biological, Psychological, Social, and Cultural Realms: The student’s performance meets the needs of the human system from a biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural standpoint at the level of the course objectives.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Violates or threatens the physical safety of the patient, e.g.: neglects use of side rails, restraints; comes unprepared to clinical; leaves a bed in high position.
b.    Violates or threatens the psychological safety of the patient, e.g.: uses clichés repeatedly.
c.    Does not encourage verbalization, is not aware of difference in ability to communicate
d.    Failure to document or act on changes in behavior.
e.    Violates or threatens the microbiological safety of the patient, self, or others e.g.: unrecognized violation of aseptic technique and universal precautions; comes sick to clinical experience; unrecognized violation of isolation procedure.
f.    Violates or threatens the chemical safety of the patient, e.g.’ violates the “6” Rights of administering medications; fails to monitor IV infusions safely; fails to identify and follow through on significant nursing implications related to medications.
g.    Violates or threatens the safety of the patient, e.g.: fails to observe safety precautions during O2 therapy, heat/cold treatment; leaves unreliable patient alone while he/she smokes.
h.    Fails to follow through on suggested referrals or interventions to correct deficit areas which may result in harm to others.
i.    Interacts inappropriately with agency staff, co-workers, peers, patients/patients, families, faculty resulting in miscommunications, disruption of patient care and/or unit functioning.
j.    Lacks physical coordination essential to carrying out procedures.
k.    Lacks information processing ability necessary for making appropriate clinical judgments or decisions.
l.    Inadequately and/or inaccurately uses the nursing process, e.g.: fails to observe and/or report critical assessments related to patients.
m.    Violates previously mastered principles/learning/objectives in carrying out nursing care.
(DEC) I B II A-H III B, C, D, F IV A-E

4. Accountability: The student’s performance demonstrates continuity in the responsible preparation, documentation, and promotion for the care of patients, according to course objectives.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Fails to provide inclusive written communication on appropriate documents or verbal communication to faculty and/or appropriate agency personnel.
b.    Fails to accurately record essential patient behaviors.
c.    Fails to report incompetent, unethical or illegal practice of any person.
d.    Attempts activities without adequate orientation, theoretical preparation or appropriate assistance.
e.    Fails to maintain honesty in clinical practice and/or written work.
f.    Is habitually tardy to clinical.
g.    Assumes inappropriate independence in actions or decisions, e.g.: fails to seek supervision when situation is questionable.
(DEC) I A-D II A-H III A-F IV A-E

5. Human Rights: The student’s performance demonstrates respect for the individual, patient, health team member, faculty, and self-including but not limited to the legal, ethical, and cultural realms.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Fails to maintain confidentiality of interactions.
b.    Fails to maintain confidentiality of records.
c.    Exhibits dishonesty in relationships with peers, faculty, patients/patients and/or agency personnel.
d.    Fails to recognize and promote every patient’s rights.
(DEC) I A, B, D II B, D, E, H III A-F

Unsafe behavior(s) related to the student’s performance problem must be clearly described and documented. Confirmation, or supporting observation of clinical staff, should be included in the documentation of the performance problems, if possible. The student has the right to provide input and/or data regarding his/her clinical performance and to consult with the clinical instructor, Vocational Nursing Program Coordinator, and the Allied Health Department Chair. The clinical instructor will document unsafe behaviors.

Depending on the facts and circumstances, potential disciplinary action for violation of professional behavior standards may include but is not limited to immediate dismissal from the clinical area and/or a failing grade in the course. Nursing faculty has the responsibility to protect the public. Clinical agencies reserve the right to terminate use of facilities by a particular student where necessary to maintain its operation free from disruption and to ensure quality of patient care.

Code of Ethics:

The Vocational Nursing faculty subscribe to the American Nurses’ Association Code of Ethics*. Students are expected to learn and perform in accordance with this code.
1.    The nurse provides services with respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
2.    Illness is a universal phenomenon; therefore the need for nursing is also universal.
Because nursing is required by the broad spectrum of people who make up society, the nurse should be free of value judgments about “good people and bad people”; it is necessary to accept each person as well as the person’s attitudes, customs, and beliefs. In this way nurses can best provide support to people of varied backgrounds.
3.    The nurse safeguards the patient’s right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.
It is clearly the nurse’s responsibility to keep confidential any information received from the patient only conveying details about illness or physical, social, or personal situation of the patient to other persons who are also professionally concerned directly with the patient’s care. In some instances, the nurse may be required to provide testimony in court. In these instances, the court will advise the nurse as to what is admissible and to what the nurse must testify. Because people can be seriously harmed and embarrassed by a breach of confidence of the nurse, all nurses must use good professional judgment in what they say, being sure that it is stated to the correct person and that what is conveyed could be of value in promoting the health of the patient.
4.    The nurse acts to safeguard the patient and the public when health care and safety are affected by the incompetent, unethical, or illegal practice of any person.
5.    The nurse has a responsibility to report to the appropriate authority or the professional association any conduct of other nurses or physicians that endangers patients.
The priority of the nurse is the patient, patient safety, and patient care.
6.    The nurse assumes responsibility and accountability for individual nursing judgments and actions.
7.    Nurses themselves are responsible for maintaining their own competence, updating their knowledge and skills as it are appropriate.
Not to do so would imply that a nurse could not provide as high a standard of practice as the profession considers necessary.
8.    The nurse maintains competency in nursing.
Maintaining competency in nursing practice is essential; nurses must keep abreast of new developments to ensure the best standards of patient care. An essential quality of the nurse is a zest for continued study, since knowledge and skills for nursing need to be continually updated. The nurse who pursues knowledge independently is undoubtedly more effective in practice than one who does not.
9.    The nurse exercises informed judgment and uses individual competence and qualifications as criteria in seeking consultation, accepting responsibilities, and delegating nursing activities to others.
Nurses need to recognize their own areas of competence and incompetence; they have a right to refuse to carry out responsibilities that they consider unethical. Policies of agencies and the law assist the nurse as to what practices are considered to be within the nurse’s area of responsibility. In addition, if a nurse is not familiar with some nursing activity, it is the nurse’s right to explain this and to refuse to carry it out.
10.    The nurse participates in activities that contribute to the ongoing development of the profession’s body of knowledge.
Increasingly, nurses are becoming involved in research activities as individual practitioners and as employees of hospitals and community health agencies. Nurses themselves are conducting research into nursing practice as well as are a variety of health personnel such as physicians and biochemists. The nurse who plans to participate should first make sure that the patient understands and agrees to be part of the research; second, the nurse should make sure that the research proposal has the approval of the agency research committee or the appropriate approving authority of the agency.
11.    The nurse participates in the profession’s efforts to implement and improve the standards of nursing.
Peer review and established nursing standards assist in improving nursing. The nurse has the responsibility to participate in these activities as well as to participate in educational programs. Standards for practice must always change as the health care system changes. The professional nurse has a responsibility to assist in making these changes and implementing them.
12.    The nurse participates in the profession’s efforts to establish and maintain conditions of employment conducive to high quality nursing care.
Each nurse, acting through the professional organization, needs to be concerned with the economic and general welfare of the members of the profession. These are important factors in both recruiting nursing students and in retaining nurses in the work force. Through the nursing association, nurses assist in the establishment of employment practices and in bargaining for economic and general benefits.
13.    The nurse participates in the profession’s effort to protect the public from misinformation and misrepresentation and to maintain the integrity of nursing.
Nurses are generally held in respect by members of the public, who have confidence in their knowledge and their advice. Often when a nurse speaks, it is assumed that the opinion given is the opinion of all nurses. For example, to advertise or recommend a product might be harmful or misleading to the public. The nurse appears to have knowledge that the particular product is better than other on the market; this may not be true because that knowledge is usually beyond the nurse’s qualifications and authority.
14.    The nurse collaborates with members of the health professions and other citizens in promoting community and national efforts to meet the health needs of the public.
A professional nurse, with specialized knowledge and skills, has a responsibility to contribute in such a manner as to assist people to meet the health needs of the community. Citizens are increasingly concerned and becoming involved in planning health care. A nurse can offer this group information that would be pertinent and helpful. Nurses also have a responsibility to act on committees with other health members and other professionals such as teachers and social workers in meeting the health problems of the people in the community.

*American Nurses’ Association. 1985. Code for Nurses. Kansas City, Missouri: American Nurses’ Association.

Reviewed & Revised 8/2020
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.