Fall 2022 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1227 (Section: 1, CRN: 90380)
Essentials of Medication Administration
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Instructor Information
Instructor Eursula Davis
Email davise1@lamarpa.edu
Phone 4099846356
Office Allied Health - Room: 117
Office Hours M T 1-3 pm (by appointment only) W-R 3-4 pm F 2-3 pm
Additional Contact Information Allied Health Secretary, Donna Wolfe (409) 984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872
Course Information
Description General principles of medication administration including determination of dosage, preparation, safe administration, and documentation of multiple forms of drugs. Instruction includes various systems of measurement.
Required 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.

Ogden, S.J. & Fluharty, L.K. (2022). Calculations of Drug Dosages (12th ed.).  St. Louis: Elsevier
        Mosby       ISBN: 9780323826228
Additional Materials/Resources Basic Functioning Calculator
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1227 Essentials in Med Administration 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.    Demonstrate accurate dosage calculation. (PSLO 2; PSLO 3)
2.    Discuss safe medication administration. (PSLO 2; PSLO 3)    
3.    Correctly interpret provider’s orders and medication administration records (MAR). (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)     
4.    Accurately document medication administration. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3)
5.    Explain procedure for obtaining medications from pharmacy. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)
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:

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.
Lecture Topics Outline Syllabus, Orientation Systems of Measurement, Conversions (Metric System)

Equipment Used in Dosage Measurement, Interpreting Drug Orders, Understanding Drug Labels

Preventing Medication Errors, Reading MAR’s

Oral Dosage Of Drugs

Parenteral Dosage of Drugs, Unit Measurements, Reconstitution of Solutions

Review Parenteral Dosage and Reconstitution

Intravenous Calculations

Pediatric Dosages

Review of Intravenous and Pediatric Calculations



Major Assignments Schedule Date:  09/07/2022      Exam I                                                  Time: 0800
Date:  09/21/2022      Exam II                                                 Time: 0800
Date:  10//05/2022     Exam III                                               Time: 0800
Date:  10/26/2022      Exam IV                                                Time: 0800
Date:  11/30/2022      Exam V                                                 Time: 0800
Date:  12/07/2022      Final                                                      Time: 0800
Final Exam Date December 7, 2022 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 7, 2022 - 10:00 AM
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. ALL exams MUST be taken. Make-up exams will NOT be administered under any circumstances other than a College sponsored event or with permission of the Allied Health Department Chair. Students scheduled to miss an exam due to participation in a College sponsored event shall provide appropriate documentation to faculty in advance of the exam and are eligible to complete the missed exam. 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”. Students who miss an exam for any unvalidated reason shall receive a zero on the exam. Students may submit an appeal to this policy by presenting rationale to the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program no later than two (2) business days following the exam. The student is responsible for seeking the exception from the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program. Students who miss an exam due to an excused reason will be provided an exception to the policy and the student will be assigned the grade made on the final exam as the grade for the missed exam. If two exams are missed, the student will be given a zero for the second (2nd) missed exam. An alternative plan may be proposed at the discretion of the Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program and/or Chair of the Allied Health Department. The Director or Coordinator of appropriate nursing program will document all exceptions in the student’s file and notify the course leader if an exception is granted. 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”. 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.
  4. No exams will be given in advance of the scheduled date and time without approval of the Nursing Program Coordinator or Director.
  5. Tests will be administered in class on paper and pencil. Students will be provided with a scratch sheet of paper also to be used as a cover sheet.
  6.  Exams will be timed based on question format and course policy. Dosage exams are allotted 2 hours for 50 questions.  Students will only receive credit for answers provided during the allotted time.
  7. For students testing in the Computer Lab: a. Students will arrive 5 minutes prior at designated location to sign-in for the exam d. All students must wear student ID to access the testing computer lab e. Students will not test without Valid LSCPA Id.
  8. All belongings (e. g., backpacks, cell phones, electronic devices) will remain in an area outside of the classroom or computer lab for the duration of the exam. Students are encouraged to lock valuables in their vehicles during examinations. The Lamar State College Port Arthur Allied Health Department is not responsible for lost or stolen items left in classrooms or hallways. Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled. No questions may be asked during the exam. Students who arrive late for an exam will not be given additional testing time. Students are prohibited from writing any notes on their scratch sheet of paper until the exam begins.
  9. Exam Dress Code: a. Students will be subject to visual inspection by the exam proctor upon arrival to the registration and/or exam room. This includes but is not limited to inspection of the ears, hands/arms, clothing, pockets, etc. b. No head coverings of any kind are allowed, including hats, caps, beanies, or hoods. Exceptions are made for religious / cultural purposes. c. No cardigans, coats, jackets, or any other articles of clothing that may open are allowed in the exam room. Pullovers without pockets are acceptable. d. Scarves and gloves are not allowed in the exam room.
  10. During the exam: a. Drinking and eating are not permitted. Hard candies such as peppermints or cough drops are allowed but must be unwrapped prior to the start of the exam. b. Electronic devices (including but not limited to phones, smartwatches, and earbuds) are prohibited during examinations. With the exception of approved earbuds for standardized testing. c. If the exam is interrupted due to technical difficulties additional time will be allotted to the exam NOTE: DO NOT wait outside of the exam room if any testing is occurring in the computer labs Violation of the testing policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including possible dismissal from the nursing program. Appropriate adjustments are made for students who meet the criteria of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  11. Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours posttest.
  12. 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.
  13. 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. If a student, who scores less than “75” on a unit examination, fails to review with and instructor, 5 points maybe deducted from the next unit examination. Students are required to make an appointment prior to the day before the exam.
  14. 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.
  15. A Comprehensive Final Exam must be taken and is weighted equivalent to 20% of class average. Final exams may not be available for review by the student and final exam grades are not posted.
  16. Any assignment or exam submitted without a student’s name will not receive credit.
  17. Late assignment submissions will incur a late point penalty. In most courses the late penalty will be a deduction of 5 points if turned in 1 day after the assignment due date. Another 5 points will be deducted if the assignment is turned in 2 days after the assignment due date. If the assignment is turned in 3 days late a 10-point penalty will be deducted. Any assignment submitted after 3 days will be assigned a “0” for the assignment. Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty, but all late submissions will have a late penalty deducted. Refer to the individual course syllabus for any variations from the late penalty deductions.
The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course
Exam I                                                                            Grade
Exam II                                                                          Grade
Exam III                                                                         Grade
Exam IV                                                                         Grade
Exam V                                                                          Grade
Final                                                                               Grade
Final                                                                               Grade
Total/7=Grade
A minimum average of 75% in VNSG 1227 independent of all other requirements is necessary to pass the course.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies 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 use of cell phones or other electronics 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 
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.
Calculator Usage:
 
  1. Use of a BASIC FUNCTION CALCULATOR is allowed with the following exceptions
a.    Calculator/cell phone combinations (cell phones are prohibited)
b.    Programmable calculators.

Calculators not specifically covered by this section shall not be allowed without express consent of the instructor.
Attendance Policy Essentials of Medication Administration, VNSG 1227 may consist of online & in class lectures, labs and assignments. Schedules may be changed at the discretion of the faculty and vocational nursing coordinator. All attendance policies are in effect whether conducted online or in the classroom setting. Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Policies for this course are described below:   
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 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.Students on campus but not in class are considered absent. Students who do not attend scheduled live virtual activities will be counted absent.
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. A student who is tardy two (2) times in one class will result in a 5-point deduction from the next exam grade.
4.    It is the student’s responsibility to notify all Level 1 instructors of any absence. If the student is unable to contact the instructors, 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 Formupon 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.   Class is scheduled to begin at 0800 AM 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 Vocational Nursing making it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program.
Additional Information

TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING CHAPTER 213 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
RULE 213.27 Good Professional Character:

(a) Good professional character is the integrated pattern of personal, academic and occupational behaviors which, in the judgment of the Board, indicates that an individual is able to consistently conform his or her conduct to the requirements of the Nursing Practice Act, the Board's rules and regulations, and generally accepted standards of nursing practice including, but not limited to, behaviors indicating honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity.


Available Support Services:
 
 
1.   Gates Memorial Library located at 317 Stillwell
2.   Open computer Lab-Gates Memorial Library
3.   Student Success Center Building
4.   Evolve Website (HESI) School Code : 195024, Web Site: https://evolve.elsevier.com
5.   Board of Nursing (BON) School Code: US 27 1 00900, Web Site:
      http://www.bon.state.tx.us
6.   Pearson Vue Web Site: http://www.vue.com/
7.   National Council of State Boards of Nursing Web Site: http://ncsbn.org/
8.   National Student Nurse Association (NSNA) http://www.nsna.org/
9.   International Center for Regulatory Scholarship (ICRS)
      https://www.icrsncsbn.org/index.htm 
10. Lamar State College – Student Handbook  
      https://www.lamarpa.edu/Current-Students/Student-Activities/Student-Handbook
 
11. Lamar State College Faculty Handbook   
      https://www.lamarpa.edu/Lamar/media/Lamar/Files/Policies/Faculty-Handbook.pdf 
12. Lamar State College 22-23 Catalog
      https://lamarpa.smartcatalogiq.com/
13. Lamar State College Port Arthur, textbook locator: 
      http://www.lamarpa.edu/General/Maps/Bookstore
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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.
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.
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.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern 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.
Department Information
Allied Health
Chair:Shirley MacNeill
Email:macneisb@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6365