Fall 2023 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1227 (Section: 1, CRN: 90380)
Essentials of Medication Administration 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Electra Guidry
Email guidryek@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6369
Office Allied Health - Room: 114
Office Hours M-T clinical setting, office by appt, Wed-Fri available 8-3 via office, Teams, email, etc.">M-T clinical setting, office by appt, Wed-Fri available 8-3 via office, Teams, email, etc.">M-T clinical setting, office by appt, Wed-Fri available 8-3 via office, Teams, email, etc.">M-T clinical setting, office by appt, Wed-Fri available 8-3 via office, Teams, email, etc.
Additional Contact Information
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.

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. (2020). Dosage Calculations (12th ed.).  St. Louis: Elsevier
        Mosby       ISBN: 978032382622-8
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes Course 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.
End-of-Course Outcomes:
Demonstrate accurate dosage calculation;
Demonstrate safe medication administration
Accurately document medication administration.
Correctly interpret providers orders and medication administration records (MAR).
Explain procedure for obtaining medications from pharmacy.
Program Student 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:

PSLO 1. Function within the scope of practice for a Vocational Nurse.
PSLO 2. Demonstrates safe, direct patient care with individuals who have predictable healthcare needs.
PSLO 3. Exhibits professional nursing behaviors.
PSLO 4. Cooperates with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to provide evidence-based care.
Lecture Topics Outline 1.    Chapter 6-7     Systems of Measurement

a.    Interpret and properly express metric, apothecary, and household notation
b.    Recall metric, apothecary, and household equivalents
    
2.    Chapter 6-7     Conversions: Metric and Household Systems

a.    Convert between units of measurement within the same system
b.    Convert units of measurement from one system to another

3.    Handouts        Equipment Used In Dosage Measurement

a.    Recognize and select the appropriate equipment for the medication, dosage, and method of administration ordered
b.    Read and interpret the calibrations of each utensil presented

4.    Chapter 9        Interpreting Drug Orders

a.    Read and write proper medical notation
b.    Write the standard medical abbreviation from a list of common terminology
c.    Classify the notation that specifies the dosage, route, and frequency of the medication to be administered
d.    Interpret physician orders and medication administration records    

5.    Chapter 10        Understanding Drug Labels

a.    Find and differentiate the brand and generic names of drugs
b.    Determine the dosage strength
c.    Determine the form in which the drug is supplied
d.    Determine the supply dosage or concentration
e.    Identify the total volume of the drug container
f.    Differentiate the total volume of the container from the supply dosage
g.    Find the directions for mixing or preparing the supply dosage of drugs as needed
h.    Recognize and follow drug alerts
i.    Identify the administration route
j.    Check the expiration date
k.    Identify the lot number, National Drug Code, and bar code symbols
l.    Recognize the manufacturers name
m.    Differentiate labels for multi-dose containers from unit dose packets
n.    Identify combination drugs

6.    Chapter 8 & Handouts    Preventing Medication Errors

a.    Describe the cost and consequences of medication errors
b.    Name the steps involved in medication administration
c.    Identify causes of medication errors
d.    Identify the role of the nurse in preventing medication errors
e.    Provide rationale for medication administration and the importance of accurate and safe dosage calculations and medication administration

7. Chapter 11            Oral Dosage of Drugs

a.    Convert all units of measurement to the same system and same size units
b.    Estimate the reasonable amount of the drug to be administered
c.    Use the formula     D
    ---    X Q = X (amount to administer) to calculate drug dosage
    H    
d.    Calculate the number of tablets or capsules that are contained in prescribe dosages
e.    Calculate the volume of liquid per dose when the prescribed dosage is in solution form

8.    Chapter 12            Parenteral Dosage of Drugs

a.    Apply the three steps for dosage calculations: convert, think, and calculate
b.    Use the formula     D
    ---    X Q = X (amount to administer) to calculate drug dosage
    H        
c.    Reconstitute and label medications supplied in powder or dry form
d.    Differentiate between varying directions for reconstitution and select the correct set to prepare the dosage ordered
e.    Measure insulin in a matching insulin syringe

10.    Chapter 13            Unit Measurement
    a.    Solve problems involving drugs measured in unit dosages
    b.    Calculate and properly mark insulin syringe to indicate units desired
    c.    Calculate and properly mark heparin in syringe to indicate units desired

11.    Chapter 14            Reconstitution of Solutions
    a.    Define and apply the terms solvent, solute, and solution
    b.    Reconstitute and label medications supplied in powder or dry form
    c.    Differentiate between varying directions for reconstitution and select the correct set to prepare the dosage ordered
    d.    Calculate the amount of solute and solvent needed to prepare a desired strength and quantity of an irrigating solution or enteral feeding

12.     Chapters 15 & 16         Intravenous Solutions, Equipment, and Calculations

a.    Identify common IV solutions and equipment
b.    Calculate the amount of specific components in common IV fluids
c.    Define the following terms: IV, peripheral line, central line, primary IV, secondary IV, saline locks, IVPB, and IV push
d.    Calculate milliliters per hour: mL/h and units/hr
e.    Recognize the calibration or drop factor in gtt/mL as stated on the IV tubing package
f.    Apply the formula method to calculate IV flow rate in gtt/min

V (volume)                mL/h
---------------------- = mL/hr     ________ = gtt/min
Total hours                60

g.    Calculate small volume piggyback IVs (IVPB).

11.     Chapter 18             Pediatric Dosages

a.    Convert pounds to kilograms.
b.    Consult a reputable drug resource to calculate the recommended safe pediatric dosage per kilogram of body weight.
c.    Compare the ordered dosage with the recommended safe dosage.
d.    Determine whether the ordered dosage is safe to administer.
e.    Apply body weight dosage calculations to patients across the life span.
Major Assignments Schedule Date: 09/13/2023 Exam I Time: 0800
Date: 10/04/2023 Exam II Time: 0800
Date: 10/18/2023 Exam III Time: 0800
Date: 11/01/2023 Exam IV Time: 0800
Date: 12/06/2023 Exam V Time: 0800
Date: 12/14/2023 FINAL EXAM Time: 0800
Final Exam Date December 14, 2023 - 8:0 AM   Through  December 14, 2023 - 10:0 AM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 60-74 = D Below 60 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 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.
2.    Calculators not specifically covered by this section shall not be allowed without express consent of the instructor.
Attendance Policy VNSG 1227 Medication Administration component of this course will be conducted in class. 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 class room setting.
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.
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.
4. It is the students responsibility to notify the instructor of any absence. 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. Class is scheduled to begin at 0800 a.m. unless otherwise stated.
Additional Information
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 diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 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