Fall 2023 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1261 (Section: 11, CRN: 90376)
Clinical - Licensed Practical-Vocational Nurse Training
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Lois Holmes
Email holmesll@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6359
Office Allied Health - Room: 112
Office Hours M-T 2-3 PM By appointment; W 8 AM-11 AM & 12 PM-3PM By appointment; F 1 PM-3PM
Additional Contact Information
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.
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.

DAVIS’S DRUG GUIDE FOR NURSES
EDITION: 18TH .  PUBLISHER: FA Davis
ISBN:   9781719646406
DAVIS’S COMPREHENSIVE MANUAL FOR LABS AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
EDITION: 9TH .  PUBLISHER: FA Davis
ISBN:   9781719640589
NURSES POCKET GUIDE: Diagnoses, Prioritized, Interventions and Rationales
EDITION: 16TH .  PUBLISHER: FA Davis
ISBN:   9781719643078
TABER’S CYCLOPEDIC MEDICAL DICTIONARY   
EDITION: 24TH  PUBLISHER: FA Davis 
ISBN:  9781719642859
LPN NOTES: NURSE’S CLINICAL POCKET GUIDE By MOSBY.
EDITION: 5TH   PUBLISHER: FA Davis 
ISBN: 9780803699748
HESI Case study testing packet must be purchased and paid for each semester. The product is good for 2 years. This package includes HESI case Studies as well as the HESI exams that must be taken each level of the VN program
SwiftRiver Online Learning must be purchased and paid for each semester.
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites   NURA-1160 Clinical-Nurse Assist/Aide 
  • NURA-1301 Nurse Aide Hlth Care Org I 
  • NURA-1301 Nurse Aide for Health Care 
  • Mandatory Co-requisite:  VNSG 1400



  • Learning Outcomes

    In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1261 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.       Demonstrate the role of the beginning vocational nurse. ( PSLO 1) Measured by: reading and application of nurse practice act;                                      clinical simulations and rotation evaluations
    2.       Perform nursing assessments regarding the health status of the patient. (PSLO 1: PSLO 2)Measured by: clinical simulation activities and clinical
              rotations
    3.       Participate in the communication process with clients, staff, and instructors. (PSLO 3: PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical simulation/lab activities,                clinical rotations
    4.       Record information legibly, using appropriate terminology and spelling with assistance. (PSLO 1) Measured by: application of module exercises            for medical terminology, documentation practice labs and clinical assignments
    5.       Respect the client’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
    6.       Accept responsibility for personal/professional development.(PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: discussion of reading assignments and research              of current nursing literature on evidence-based practices
    7.       Implement nursing care according to the care plan.(PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: classroom, lab and clinical exercises on            implementation of care plans based on readings and discussions
    8.       Evaluate the client’s responses to nursing interventions.(PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: Measured by: lab, clinical activities involving plan of                care
    9.       State the rationale and the effects of medications and treatments. (PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical assignments based on readings and                          discussions
    10.   Accurately and completely report and document:
              a.                   Client’s status including signs, symptoms, and responses
              b.                   Nursing care rendered
              c.                   Administration of treatments
              d.                   Client’s response to medications and treatments
              e.                   Contacts with other health care team members concerning significant events regarding client’s status
           (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical assignments; safe and ethical patient and healthcare team interactions in clinical
    11.   Implement measures to promote a safe environment for clients and others.(PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: use of standards of safe              and effective care in interactions with patients, their families and healthcare team
    12.   Promote and participate in client education and counseling based on health needs. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: exams based on readings;            observations of the  implementation of plan of care in clinical setting
    13.   Obtain instruction and supervision as necessary when implementing nursing procedures or practices.(PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by:            evaluation tool criteria in clinical setting of nursing care and skill implementation
    14.   Notify the appropriate individual(s) when leaving a nursing assignment. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: observations in clinical setting          of safe and effective student interactions with healthcare team
    15.   Maintain professional boundaries of the nurse-client relationship. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: observations of implementation of nursing                standard of care and professionalism with clients during clinical rotations
    16.   Provide without discrimination, nursing services regardless of age, disability, economic status, gender, national origin, race, religion, or health                problems of the client served. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: clinical observations of provision of care to all clients served while adhering to              nursing standard of care
    17.   Implement measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical                    observations of the use of standard precautions during the provision of patient care
    18.   Conform to the uniform policies outlined in the Vocational Nursing Program Handbook.(PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: adherence to policies
           set forth in handbook regarding dress; behaviors and attitudes of VN students, 

    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 1.Function within the legal, ethical and regulatory standards of the nursing profession.
    PSLO 2.Use a systematic problem-solving process in the care of multiple patients who have predictable health care needs to provide safe, individualized, goal-directed nursing care.
    PSLO 3.Adopt an approach to nursing practice that promotes safety for patients, significant others, self, and members of the healthcare team.
    PSLO 4.Cooperate with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to provide optimum, evidence-based, safe, care to patients.

    Lecture Topics Outline Vital sign Lab
    Asepsis Lab
    Physical Assessment Lab
    MAR/Drug Guide Lab
    Medication Administration Lab
    Foley Lab
    Wound Care Lab
    Clinical Orientation
    Facility Orientation
    Intake & Output, Client Care, Etiology
    Intake & Output, Client Care, Etiology, Labs
    Client Care, Lab values, Medication
    Client Care, Lab Values, Meds, Plan Of Care
    Client Care, Lab Values, Meds, Plan Of Care
    Thanksgiving (Campus Closed)
    Client Care, Lab Values, Meds, Plan Of Care     
    Clinical Evaluations
    Major Assignments Schedule Med-Surg. Case Study I               TBD by clinical instructor
    Wound Care objectives                TBD by clinical instructor
    Physical Therapy Objectives        TBD by clinical instructor
    Teaching Project                           TBD by clinical instructor
    Computer Assignment                  TBD by clinical instructor
    Swift River Assignment                 TBD by clinical instructor
    Portfolio                                        TBD by clinical instructor
     
    ** Elderly Objectives / computer assignments, additional objectives (or any other assignment deemed necessary by the VN staff and/or director
    Final Exam Date December 8, 2023 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 8, 2023 - 11:00 AM
    Grading Scale                90 - 100 = A     80 - 89 = B     75 - 79 = C     60 - 74 = D     Below  59 = F

    (S) Satisfactory                                        (U) Unsatisfactory
    *** If clinical performance is “U” an F is given no matter the grade on assigned clinical paper work***
    Determination of
    Final Grade
    1.       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 to pass the course.  Rubrics will be utilized by the instructor for grading case studies and objectives.  All clinical work is required to be turned in on the due date.  Clinical work wil be accepted late with a 5 point penalty for each day through day three.  On day four and after, the assignment will receive a (0) zero.  If a student scores less than a 75 on a case study, the student should meet with the faculty to determine strategies to improve on subsequent case studies.

    2.    Students who fail a nursing course may repeat it once.  Students must receive a satisfactory (S) and score 74.5% on written work/assignments in clinical and achieve a 75 course grade in the mandatory co-requisite course to progress in the program.

    3.    The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course:

    Med-Surg. Case Study I                                                                  Grade
    Wound Care objectives                                                                   Grade
    Physical Therapy Objectives                                                           Grade
    Teaching Project                                                                              Grade
    Computer Assignment                                                                     Grade
    Swift River Assignment                                                                    Grade
    Portfolio                                                                                            Grade

        Total/7=Grade
      ** Elderly Objectives / computer assignments, additional objectives (or any other 
    Course Policies
    Instructor Policies Students attending classroom clinical, lab, or clinical must wear surgical or N95 mask and face shield according to facility policy.
    Students attending classroom, lab or clinical sessions virtually should exhibit appropriate etiquette 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.
    Required assignments and specific dates for work to be turned in must be met by the student. Unless turned in by the deadline there will be a drop in grade for lateness. Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty. Grammar and sentence structure, spelling, legibility, neatness and following directions as to organization are related to acceptable quality in both written and oral assignments
    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.
    20. Appearance and Hygiene: Any makeup should be utilized becomingly and sparingly. False eyelashes should not be worn while in uniform. All visible tattoos must be completely covered. Perfume, cologne, or aftershave should NOT be worn, as patients may be allergic to, or offended by, the scent. In addition, other potentially offensive odors are to be avoided, such as but not limited to cigarette smoke or perspiration. 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 or clinical setting: · inappropriate and or disruptive uses of cell phones and/or other electronic devices in classroom or clinical setting · talking or sleeping while the instructor is giving instructions or during class or clinical conference discussions/presentations · displaying a rude or negative attitude/behavior to the instructor, employees or other students.
    If any of these behaviors result in the student being asked to leave the clinical facility, the student will receive a counseling note and may result in a loss of 5 points on the next exam.
    Attendance Policy
    This is the clinical component of your Fundamentals of Nursing course and is an important factor to enhance your didactic learning.  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: 
     
    1.    Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, attendance at all scheduled clinicals is expected.
    2.    A student who is absent from clinicals 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.
    3.    It is the student’s responsibility to notify their clinical instructor PRIOR TO any absence from clinical.  Each clinical instructor will provide a cell phone number to their clinical students; the student can call and leave a message, if the instructor does not answer. 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.
           Assignments for absence will be posted in Blackboard with instructions:
                 a. 1st Care Plan, Keith RN, Swift River, HESI Case Study
                 b. 2nd Care Plan, Nursing Journal, Swift River, HESI Case Study
                 c. 3rd Care Plan, Swift River, HESI Case Study, Elderly Care Objectives
            A doctor’s excuse may be required along with the assignment to return.
    Note: Make-up work will NOT count towards the student’s Clinical average.
    4.    Students who arrive after assigned clinical time will be counseled and may not be allowed to remain.  If the student is sent home s/he will be counted absent from clinical.
    5.     Students must be present the entire clinical day, including post/pre-conference to get credit for their attendance.
    6.    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. Additional written work will be required if the student is absent from clinical.  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 who:
                                    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 may be allowed to continue in clinical.  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.
    6.     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.
    7.     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.
    8.    The clinical instructor keeps an attendance record.  Any student who is not sure about his/her status should meet with the instructor by appointment.
    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.

    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