Fall 2021 Course Syllabus Course: VNSG-1231- Section: 60 Pharmacology

Instructor Information
Instructor	Melissa Smith
E-mail	smithm@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6339
Office	Location: Allied Health - Room: 107-IV Hours: As Posted and By Appointment
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	Fundamentals of medications and their diagnostic, therapeutic, and curative effects. Includes nursing interventions utilizing the nursing process.
Prerequisites	BIO 2301/2101 & BIO 2302/2102 Human Anatomy and Physiology NURA 1301 Nurse Aide for Health Care Organizations I              NURA 1160 Clinical To graduate from the VN program it is required that you must complete either, Business Computer Information Systems (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 Program Certificate plan to graduate.
Learning Outcomes	In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1231 Pharmacology 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. Identify properties, effects, and principles of pharmacotherapeutic agents; and list common nursing interventions associated with the various pharmacotherapeutic agents. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 3) 2.    Explain the roles and responsibilities of the nurse in administering pharmacological agents. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1)     3.    Identify contraindicated medications or treatments.(PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2; PSLO 3 4.     Describe therapeutic and nontherapeutic reactions to medications. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) 5.    Withhold medications to minimize potential complications (e.g., adverse reactions, toxicity, electrolyte imbalances, etc.). PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) 6. Relate therapeutic blood levels to effectiveness of treatment. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2) 7. Assist in evaluating extent to which drug therapy meets patient’s needs. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) 8. Assist in evaluation and control of side effects of medications. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)     9. Collect data related to the patient’s need for medications prescribed PRN (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) 10. Monitor for interactions between drugs, food, and fluids administered to the patient. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) 11. Review appropriate use of non-prescription/OTC medications. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)
Core Objectives	Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts. Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material. 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: 1.    Function within the scope of practice for a Vocational Nurse. 2.    Demonstrates safe, direct patient care with individuals who have predictable healthcare needs. 3.    Exhibits professional nursing behaviors. 4.    Cooperates with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare 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. 1 Ford, Susan M. (2018) Roach’s Introductory Clinical Pharmacology (11th ed.) Lippincott: Coursepoint Class Code: A2E5F5C5 (Instructions for Access located in Blackboard) 2 Zerwech, JoAnn (2019) Mosby’s Pharmacology Memory Notecards: Visual, Pneumonic and Memory Aids for Nurses (6th ed.) Elsevier Note: These books are part of the Barnes and Noble First Day Course Material
Lecture Topics Outline	Week 1: Orientation, Syllabus, Course Point Access and Resource Overview, Unit 1, Nursing Foundation of Clinical Pharmacology Week 2: Course Point Quiz Assignments, Begin Unit 2, Drugs for Infection Week 3: Continue Unit 2, Drugs for Pain Management Week 4: Exam I Week 5: Begin Units 3, 4, 5, and 6, Drugs for Pain Management and of the Central, Peripheral and Neuromuscular NS Week 6: Continue Units 3, 4, 5, and 6 Week 7: Continue Units 3, 4, 5, and 6 Week 8: Exam II Week 9: Begin Units 7-8, Drugs of the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems Week 10: Continue Units 7-8, Drugs of the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems Week 11: Exam III Week 12: Units 9-10, Drugs of the Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Systems Week 13: Continue Drugs of the Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Systems Week 14:Miscellaneous Drugs; Group Project Due Week 15: Standardized HESI Exam Week 16: Final Exam; including Miscellaneous Drugs, GI and Endocrine
Major Assignments Schedule	Date: 09/15/2021 Exam I Time: Noon Date: 10/13/2021 Exam II Time: 0800 Date: 11/03/2021 Exam III Time: Noon Date: 11/28/2021 Pharmacology Group Project Time: 11:59 p.m. Date: 11/30/2021 Standardized Exam (HESI) Time: Noon
Final Exam Date	December 9, 2021 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 9, 2021 - 12:00 PM
Grading Scale	90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 60-74 = D Below 60 = F
Determination of Final Grade	Determination of Final Grade    1.    Examinations are based on course objectives. 2.    Course content from pre-requisite courses will be included on exams, as appropriate. 3.    A specified amount of time will be set for testing. No questions may be asked during the exams. No hats/caps/hoodies/smart watches/personal possessions other than keys, earbuds, pencil and pencil may be brought in to the exam. 4.    Case studies, practice quizzes, group activities and discussions may be utilized in the classroom to enhance comprehension and application of material. Participation is highly recommended for clarification of concepts for self and for peers. 5.    No make-up unit exams are given. The numerical grade attained on the Comprehensive Final exam is substituted for any missed unit exam(s); excluding the Standardized Pharmacology exam, providing the student has followed proper protocol in reporting absence. 6.    Students who arrive after the exam starts, but before it ends, may take the exam without penalty. No additional time is provided for late arrivals into the exam. Once the exam period ends from the scheduled start time, the student’s time will end and questions unanswered will be counted wrong. 7.    Test times for exams will be set up for between 70-80 seconds per question, depending upon the complexity of the exam question. At the end of the allotted time, the computer will not record any further answers. 8.    Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours post test. 9.    Evaluation of Examinations: After each exam, the faculty uses psychometric principles to evaluate the examination. Items missed by 50% or more of the class are reviewed. If an item is found to be flawed, the faculty may give credit for more than one answer or nullify the item. When an item is nullified, the key is changed so that all answers are credited as correct. That is, if a student answered the item as originally keyed, the student will retain the credit for the item. If a student’s answer differs from the one originally keyed, the student is credited for the nullified item. In other words, everyone gets credit for the item and no one loses credit. 11. If a student scores less than a “75” on a unit examination, the student is required to make an appointment with an instructor prior to the day before the next examination. At that time, the student and instructor will review the examination and, with the assistance of the instructor, identify strategies to improve performance on subsequent examinations. Failure to review will result in a 5 point deduction of the next exam. 12.    Any challenge to exam questions must be presented in writing, with documentation, within one (1) week of the review of the exam. Disputed exam items must be submitted by the student along with proposed answer supported by documentation from the current textbook, handouts, and/or lecture reference material. 13. A Comprehensive Final Exam must be taken and is weighted equivalent to two (2) unit exams. 14.    Any assignment or exam submitted without a student’s name will not receive credit. The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course: Exam I        13.57 % Exam II        13.57 % Exam III        13.57 % Standardized Pharmacology Exam        13.57 % Pharmacology Group Project 13.57% Final        13.57% Final        13.57% Total/8 =Grade (95%) Assignments and Quiz Average Grade (5 %) =100% 14. A minimum average of 75% in VNSG 1231 independent of all other requirements is necessary to pass the course. 15. No grades will be rounded until the Final Course average; this includes the Weighted Exam Average. Grades will not be rounded when calculating the Weighted Exam average (74.5 – 74.9 is not rounded to 75). 16. Final exams are not available for review by the student and Final exam grades are not posted. A mandatory Comprehensive Standardized Examination (HESI) is administered at the end of the semester prior to the final exam and is weighted equivalent to one unit exam. The cost of the exam is included in the HESI Case Study Testing package (approx. $65.00) and it is the student’s responsibility to pay at the business office by the designated deadline.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	•    Lamar State College – Port Arthur (LSCPA) is a no smoking campus. Use of tobacco products is prohibited on all LSCPA properties at any time. This includes all clinical facilities. •    Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. •    Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, “smart” watches, MP3 players, and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor. •    Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions. •    Students should turn their phones to vibrate before they enter the classroom. •    No cell phones should be visible during class without faculty permission. Additional classroom policies include: Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Vocational Nursing Program are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. To assure that faculty have the opportunity to teach and students have the opportunity to benefit from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in distracting classroom behavior: •    I understand that promptness is expected. I will be on time for all classes on campus or virtually and return from breaks promptly. •    I understand that I am expected to come to theory and lab experiences prepared and present myself as a sincere, adult learner. Pre-course assignments may be required for admission into class. •    I am expected to attend all online course sessions that occur during scheduled course times. These sessions will be scheduled in advance and may have activities during the live session that result in a grade. •    I will return phone calls and/or text messages only during scheduled breaks. •    I will keep cell phones on vibrate in classroom and off and out of reach during testing and test reviews. In the event of an emergency, your family should contact you through AH Secretary, VN Coordinator, or Department Chair. •    I agree that on-campus computers will only be used for classroom work. •    I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential. •    I will not repeat or discuss what is shared with anyone. •    I agree that I will not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions. •    I agree that I will direct my comments to faculty in charge of the classroom, clinical or lab time. •    I agree to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises. •    I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences. •    I agree to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone. •    I agree to maintain a positive attitude. •    I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone. •    I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions. •    I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience. •    I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors. •    I agree to get better acquainted with my fellow students so we can all identify ways to support one another, work together as a team and develop professionally. •    I agree to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSC-PA Vocational Nursing Student Handbook. The following behaviors may result in the student being asked to cease the action, lose five (5) points on the next exam, and/or leave the classroom session: •    inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronic devices in classroom •    talking or sleeping while the instructor is giving instructions or during class discussions/presentations •    displaying a rude or negative attitude/behavior to the instructor or other students; disruptive behaviors in the classroom, skills/simulation lab, computer lab, testing environment, or clinical setting •    Counseling for repetitive tardiness. If any of these behaviors result in the student being asked to leave the classroom or lab environment, the student will receive a counseling note and a loss of 5 points on the next exam. Students attending classroom, lab, or clinical sessions virtually should exhibit appropriate netiquette to include at a minimum: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life; Respect faculty and peers time by being on time to scheduled exams, sessions and activities; and Present yourself in a professional manner. Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.
Attendance Policy	This class may consist of online & in class lectures, labs, and assignments. Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success. The schedule may be changed at the discretion of the Faculty and Vocational Nursing Coordinator. All attendance policies are in effect regardless of whether conducted online or in the classroom setting. 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 online class sessions is expected. 2.    Students are expected to attend all online course sessions that occur during scheduled course times. These sessions will be scheduled in advance and may have activities during the live session that result in a grade. Students who do not attend are counted as absent and will not have the opportunity to make up any missed assignment during the live class session. 3.    A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days without notification to faculty may be dropped from the program by the Program Director. 4.    Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the beginning of the class (2 or more times) will be counseled and a plan of corrective action determined. Class will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Students who arrive fifteen (15) minutes after the beginning of class should not enter the classroom and should wait until break to enter. Repetitive tardiness will result in a 5 point deduction on next exam grade. 5.    It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of any absence or delay from scheduled activities PRIOR TO scheduled class sessions. If the student is unable to contact the instructor(s), the student should call 409-984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872 ext. 6356. The student should also email the faculty or call the faculty office and leave a voicemail. 6.    In addition to notifying an instructor, students must submit a Student Excuse Form, upon the first day of return, each time the student is absent, delayed from attending or departs early from class, clinical or lab. Failure to complete the Student Excuse Form will result in a declaration of a ‘No Call, No Show’ for the number of days absent and may result in the student being dismissed from the program. 7. Class is scheduled to begin at Noon on Wednesdays unless otherwise stated. The Program Director or Department Chair has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, scholastic abilities, attitude or lack of aptitude for registered 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	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. 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	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
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
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.