Fall 2021 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1400- Section: 1
Nursing in Health and Illness I 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Melissa Smith
E-mailsmithm@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 Introduction to general principles of growth and development, primary health care needs of the patient across the life span, and therapeutic nursing interventions.
Prerequisites BIO 2401 & BIO 2402 Human Anatomy and Physiology
NURA 1301 Nurse Aide for Health Care Organizations I             
NURA 1160 Clinical (VN 1410)

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 VN Program Certificate plan to graduate.
Learning Outcomes In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1400 Nursing in Health and Illness I 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. Recognize the uniqueness of the gerontological patient related to physical, mental, and emotional changes associated with the aging process. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2) Measured by: exams, discussions based on readings; clinical rotations
2.    Describe the psychosocial, growth and development, and physiological needs of patients across the life span. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2) Measured by: case discussions and reading assignments; clinical case studies    
3.    Identify common, overt, actual and/or potential primary health care needs of the patient. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2) Measured by: exams; case studies; care plans
4.     Identify the basic interventions to support the patient and family during life stages including death and dying. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; clinical simulations; clinical rotation interactions    
5.    Identify nursing interventions related to the effects of pharmacological agents on patients. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; care plans; case scenarios; class and clinical discussions/interactions; simulations    
6. Demonstrate competency in dosage calculations. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; clinical medication administration evaluation
7. Describe the underlying theories of nursing skills using principles of safety and asepsis. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical simulations; lab skills check-offs; clinical skills evaluations; discussions based on readings
8. Demonstrate satisfactory performance of nursing skills using evidenced-based principles of safety and asepsis. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: lab skills check-offs; clinical skills evaluations; discussions of most-current practices    
9. Develop an understanding of the legal, ethical & professional responsibilities inherent in the role of vocational nurse. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams, discussions based on readings of nurse practice act and nurse literature
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 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.

Burton, M., Smith, D. Ludwig, L. (2019). Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections and Skills for Nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A Davis
ISBN # 978-0-8036-6906-2
Gorman, L. Anwar, R. (2019) Mental Health Nursing (5th Edition) Philadelphia: F. A. Davis ISBN # 978-0-8036-6913-0

Online HESI Case Studies: Complete PN Collection (2 Year Version)
Lecture Topics
Outline		 Week 1: Orientation, Infection Control, Safety, Sensory
Week 2: Physical Assessment, Vital signs
Week 3: Patient Education, Admission, Discharge, Transfer; Exam I; Bowel, NG tube
Week 4: Documentation/Delegation/Priority, Fluids, Electrolytes Foley
Week 5: Exam II; Skin, Wound Care
Week 6: Oxygen/Dx Testing/Specimen, Pain/Comfort/Sleep
Week 7: Exam III; Clinical Orientation
Week 8: Loss & Grief, Hospice, Transplant, Medication Administration
Week 9: Exam IV
Week 10: Assertiveness/Sexuality
Week 11: Pre-op/Post-op
Week 12: Activity/Immobility
Week 13: HESI Fundamental
Week 14: Thanksgiving Break 11/25-11/26/21
Week 15: Exam V, Clinical Evaluations, Final Exam
Week 16: Finals Week
Major Assignments
Schedule		 Date: 09/10/21 Exam I Time: 08:00
Date: 09/24/21 Exam II Time: 08:00
Date: 10/04/21 Exam III Time: 08:00
Date: 10/22/21 Exam IV Time: 08:00
Date: 11/19/21 HESI Time: 0800
Date: 11/30/21 Exam V Time: 0800
Date: 12/03/21 Final Exam Time: 08:00
Final Exam Date December 3, 2021 - 8:0 AM   Through  December 3, 2021 - 12:0 PM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 60-74 = D Below 60 = F
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. No hat or hoodies may be worn during exams. No hats/caps/hoodies/smart
watches/personal possessions other than keys, earbuds, scantron and a pencil
may be brought in to the exam.
4. No make-up unit exams are given. The numerical grade attained on the
Comprehensive Final exam is substituted for any missed unit exam(s);
providing the student has followed proper protocol in reporting absence.
5. Students who arrive after the exam starts, but before it ends may take the exam
without penalty, however, they will not be allowed additional time. If a student
must miss an exam, s/he must contact the instructor prior to the exam or within
twenty-four (24) hours of the exam. A “no-call/no-show” for an exam will result
in a grade of “0”.
6. Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours posttest.
7. 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.
8.     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 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 complete this review will result in 5 points off the next scheduled exam.
9. 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.
10. A Comprehensive Final Exam must be taken and is weighted equivalent to two
(2) unit exams.
11. 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        12.5%
Exam II        12.5%
Exam III        12.5%
Exam IV        12.5%
Exam V 12.5%
HESI 12.5%
Classroom/Computer Assignments 5%
FINAL 20%
12. Students must have a 70% average or greater on the first 3 exams in VNSG 1400 to be eligible to participate in VNSG 1261 clinical. Classroom/Computer Assignment Grades will not be averaged in to the grade until all tests have been taken.
13. A minimum average of 75% in VNSG 1400 independent of all other requirements is necessary to pass the course.
14. A mandatory comprehensive standardized examination (REACH) is administered at the end of the semester prior to the final exam and is weighted equivalent to one unit exam.
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
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 and/or smart watches allowed during class and/or exams.

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:
1. I understand that promptness is expected. I will be on time for the beginning of all classes and will return from breaks promptly.
2. I understand that I am expected to come to theory and lab experiences prepared and present myself as a sincere, adult learner.
3 I will return phone calls and/or text messages only during scheduled breaks.
4. 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.
5. I agree that on-campus computers will only be used for classroom work.
6. I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential.
7. I will not repeat or discuss what is shared with anyone.
8. I agree that I will not engage in side-bar discussions.
9. I agree that I will direct my comments to the front of the room.
10. I agree to participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises.
11. I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences.
12. I agree to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone.
13. I agree to maintain a positive attitude.
14. I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone.
15. I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions.
16. I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience.
17. I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors.
18. 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.
19. I agree to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSC-PA Vocational Nursing Student Handbook.

Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.
The following behaviors will result in the student being asked to cease the action and/or leave the classroom:
Inappropriate and or disruptive uses of cell phones and/or other electronic devices in classroom during testing or during test reviews.
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
If any of these behaviors result in the student being asked to leave the room, the student will receive a counseling note and may result in a loss of 5 points on the next exam.
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 classes is expected.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 must depart 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.
6. Lab jackets are required for attendance and participation in the skills lab.

*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 Vocational Nursing making 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 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.