Fall 2024 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1463 (Section: 11, CRN: 90384)
Clinical-Licensed Practical-Vocational Nurse Training 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Melissa Smith
Email smithm@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6339
Office Allied Health - Room: 107 IV
Office Hours Office Hours by Appointment
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.

Linnard-Palmer, Luanne. Coats, Gloria, (2021). Safe Maternity and Pediatric Nursing Care (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis ISBN # 9780803697348
Linnard-Palmer, Luanne. Coats, Gloria, (2021). Study Guide for Safe Maternity and Pediatric Nursing Care (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis ISBN #9780803697362
Williams, Linda, Hopper, Paula, (2023) Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing (7th ed.) Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN # 978-1-7196-4458-7
Williams, Linda, Hopper, Paula, (2023). Study Guide for) Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing (7th ed.) Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN # 978-1-7196-4459-4
Burton, M., Smith, D. Ludwig, L. (2023). Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections and Skills for Nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN #9781719644563
Burton, M., Smith, D. Ludwig, L. (2023). Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections and Skills for Nursing (4th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN # 978-1-7196-4455-6
Zerwekh, Jo Ann (2022) Study Guide for the NCLEX-PN EXAM (9th ed.) Elsevier ISBN 978-0-323-76002
Doenges, Marilyn E., Moorhouse, Mary Frances, Murr, Alice C., (2022). Nurse's Pocket Guide-Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales (16th ed.). Philadelphia:
F.A. Davis ISBN #978-1-7196-4307-8
Van Leeuwen, Anne M., Bladh, Mickey Lynn, (2021). Comprehensive Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests (9th.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN#9781719640589
Vallerand, April Hazard, Sanoski, Cynthia A., (2023). Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses (18th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN# 9781719646406
Myers, Ehren (2020) LPN Notes: Nurse's Clinical Pocket Guide (5th ed). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN# 9780803699748
Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary 21st ed (2021) Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN# 9781719642859
You can find your Seahawk Bundle Here: https://lamar-pa.bncollege.com/course-material/course-finder
We will be utilizing the access codes from the new books, purchasing an older version may result in the student being unsuccessful in edge/advantage assignments.
 
Additional Materials/Resources
Online HESI Case Studies: Complete PN Collection (1 Year Version)
•             Course ID: 10373_jgott12_1004
 
Swiftriver Online-Purchase information to follow
 
Davis Advantage
•             VNSG 1230 class ID code:  58081101258583YW3EU
•             VNSG 2410 class ID code: 58081101258583AAL6E
 
NCLEX® PN Pass Point:
Pass Point access code for
•             VNSG 1230 class: D2FAFFDA                                                     
•             VNSG 2410 class: BF175606                                                              
•             VNSG 1463 class: 66366403
 
Please note: No other NCLEX® PN Review will be accepted.
You must use the NCLEX® PN Pass Point access code provided to you for this class.
 
 
Please Note!Any Computer program must be accessed using your Lamar email unless otherwise instructed.   It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are enrolled in the proper courses for PassPoint, Davis Edge, Evolve HESI, Advantage and SwiftRiver. Instructors will not allow submissions to be turned in from a previous course. 
Corequisites/Prerequisites VNSG-1204 Foundations of Nursing
VNSG-1234 Pediatrics
VNSG-1261 Clinical (LPN Training)
VNSG-1261 Clinical - Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
VNSG-1400 Nursing in Health and Illness I
VNSG-1409 Nursing in Health and Illness II
VNSG-1462 Clinical-Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
Learning Outcomes
In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1463 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. Practice independent nursing actions with guidance from the Registered Nurse. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical rotation assignments and evaluation of delivery of patient care
  2. Demonstrate confidence in working as a member of the health care team. (PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: observed evaluations of student interaction with other healthcare team members
  3. Identify the legal aspects and accountability of a Graduate Vocational Nurse. (PSLO 1) Measured by: reading and application of nurse practice act; observations and evaluations of the provision of safe, ethical nursing care in the clinical setting
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the nurse’s role in quality improvement/assurance process.
     (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: exams based on understanding of the role in providing safe and effective patient care; observed delivery of care and team planning in clinical setting
  5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the code of ethics for the Licensed Vocational Nurse. (PSLO 1) Measured by: discussion based on readings of the code of ethics and standards of care for the vocational nurse
  6. Comply with established standards of Vocational Nursing Practice. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: observed clinical interactions with patients, families and other team members in the provision of safe, effective nursing care; standardized exams to evaluate comprehension
  7. Identify barriers to communication and adapt to changing needs of the patient. (PSLO 3) Measured by: classroom discussions and clinical evaluations of patient interactions based on development, cultural influences, personal preferences and current health condition
  8. Record information on the patient’s chart legibly and concisely using appropriate terminology and spelling. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: application of module exercises for medical terminology, documentation practice labs and clinical assignments with instructor feedback
  9. Use a systematic approach to provide individualized, safe, goal-directed nursing care. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: clinical observations and evaluation of nursing care; discussions of standards of nursing care
  10. Apply knowledge and skills to resolve patient problems in a goal-directed manner. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: evaluation of application of assigned readings; case study scenarios; clinical simulation
  11. Evaluate care provided and assist in revising the plan as needed to meet established goals. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: applied feedback from instructor regarding patient plans of care; clinical observation and collaboration with patients, families and interdisciplinary team members
  12. Relate pertinent information to colleagues and other members of the health care team, and discuss appropriate nursing actions. (PSLO 1; PSLO 4) Measured by: SBAR reporting in clinical simulation and lab setting; SBAR reporting among student peers, instructors and nursing staff
  13. Accurately and completely report and document:
  14. Patient’s status including signs, symptoms, and responses
  15. Nursing care rendered
  16. Administration of medications and treatments
  17. Patient’s response to medications and treatments
  18. Contacts with other health care team members concerning significant events regarding patient’s status.
(PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: clinical assignments; safe, ethical patient and healthcare team interactions during clinical simulation, lab scenarios and in the clinical setting

  1. Respect the patient’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
  2. Demonstrate effective communication skills. (PSLO 1; PSLO 4) Measured by: SBAR reporting in clinical simulation and lab setting; SBAR reporting among student peers, instructors and nursing staff
  3. Conform to the uniform policies outlined in the Vocational Nursing Program Handbook. (PSLO 1) Measured by: professional appearance at clinical each day with required uniform, materials and attitudes as stated in student handbook policies
  4. Act as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team working under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4) Measured by: adherence to the role of a vocational nursing student according to the Nurse Practice Act and healthcare facility policy; assisting other members of the healthcare team to provide safe and competent nursing care
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the nurse’s role in risk management. (PSLO 1; PSLO 4) Measured by: participation in implementation and evaluation of nursing care plan to provide optimum care to each individual patient
  6. Demonstrate the ability to teach self-care management and provide safe basic nursing care to multiple patients with a variety of predictable health outcomes. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: application of principles learned in theory; clinical evaluation; teaching project and day-to-day interactions with patients and their families
  7. Maintain cost effectiveness in the clinical setting. (PSLO 1) Measured by: precise usage of materials required for skill implementation and patient care
  8. Maintain professional boundaries of the nurse-patient relationship. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: comprehension and application of standards of professional practice and Good Professional Conduct statement from Board of Nursing; clinical evaluation of professional interactions
Provide without discrimination, nursing services regardless of age, disability, economic status, gender, national origin, race, religion, or health problems of the patient served. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: comprehension and application of standards of professional and ethical practice as determined by Board of nursing and Lamar State College – Port Arthur Vocational Nursing policies

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.  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.
Lecture Topics Outline
Medical-Surgical Case Study
OB Online Case Study
Specialty Objectives (LD, PP, NB)
Mental Health Assignment
Emergency Room Discussion Board (If not previously completed)
PACU Discussion Board (If not previously completed)
Clinical Portfolio (Notebook)
 
Simulation/Community/Computer & Virtual assignments
Major Assignments Schedule
Clinical days are Thursday and Friday 0630-1430. SIM & Community schedules will be sent to students before rotations.  See schedule/assignments for more details.  Schedules are subject to change
 
Most assignments will be due at 11:30 PM (at night) on the Sunday that the student rotated through each specific unit (Discussion Board posts/Floor units for Case Studies).
 
Objectives are due before rotating through specialty units (LD, PP, NB).
 
Virtual/Online Clinical assignments are pass/fail and scheduled but subject to change.
Failure to complete assignments will result in a zero.  Please see schedule.
 
Clinical Evaluations by appointment
 
Week 1- Central Line Practice & Math Review
Week 2- Math Exam #1/OB HESI Case Study/Passpoint (on campus)
Week 3- Math Exam #2
Week 4- Math Exam #3 (paper)
Week 5- Clinical/Simulation Orientation/Make-up Skill/Facility Orientation
Week 6- Clinical Week 1
Week 7- Clinical Week 2
Week 8- Clinical Week 3
Week 9- Clinical Week 4
Week 10- Clinical Week 5
Week 11- Clinical Week 6
Week 12- Clinical Week 7
Week 13- Thanksgiving Holiday
Week 14- Final Skills/Evaluations/HURST Review
Week 15- Professionalism Day/Final Evaluations
Week 16- Pinning/Graduation
 
Schedule subject to change at the discretion of the Program Coordinator
 
ALL REPEATING LEVEL 3 STUDENTS, must do all level 3 objectives again without copying the work from previous level. Please attach the objectives graded from previous semester for instructor review.
 
Final Exam Date December 6, 2024 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 6, 2024 - 12:00 PM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A        80-89 = B        75-79 = C        60-74 = D      Below 60 = F
Determination of
Final Grade
The grade is determined as follows:
1. Portfolio                                                          grade
2. Medical-Surgical Case Study                         grade
3. OB Online Hesi Case Study                           grade
4. Emergency Room Discussion Board             grade (if applicable)
5. PACU Discussion Board                                grade (if applicable)
6. L&D Objectives                                               grade
7. Postpartum Objectives                                   grade
8. Newborn Objectives                                       grade
9. Mental Health Assignment                             grade
10. Resume/Professionalism                             grade
11. Simulation assignments                               grade (pass/fail)
12. SwiftRiver                                                     grade (pass/fail)
13. Passpoint                                                      grade (pass/fail)
14. HESI Case Studies                                       grade (pass/fail)
15. Math Exam                                                    grade (average)
 
Students must have a 75 average, 90 on math exam, and a satisfactory rating on the clinical evaluation tool to pass the course.
All assignments must be turned in with the rubric attached.
 
See Addendum for more information.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
  • 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. Written work is expected to follow the most current American Psychological Association (APA) format.
  • Student should respect the instructor’s office hours of M-F 0800-1500 (unless an emergency arises) and understand that cell phones are used to contact the instructor during clinical hours only for clinical purposes. All other means of communication will be through the Lamar email system.
  • Should the student be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.
  • Simulation: As part of the clinical rotation, all students will participate in Simulation. Students will be expected to properly demonstrate skills included in the simulation that have been successfully checked off by faculty in the VNSG courses across all levels. Each simulation experience will include a pre and post simulation assignment. Students must have completed the pre-simulation assignment prior to arriving for assigned simulation clinical. If students have not completed the pre-simulation assignment, they will be sent home and an absence will be recorded and makeup assignment required. The student is responsible for setting up a time to practice and repeat any failed skill(s) that occur during simulation.

Attendance Policy
Schedules may be changed at the discretion of the faculty and VN nursing coordinator.  All attendance policies are in effect regardless of the setting.   Students should check their emails and blackboard daily to ensure changes have not been made. 
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/clinicals/simulations is expected.
2. Clinical Orientation is MANDATORY for all students.  Students who do not attend clinical orientation may not be allowed to attend clinical and may be dismissed from the program. 
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.   A student who is absent from clinical without notification to faculty, may be withdrawn from the program by the program director. 
NOTE:  It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor prior to any absence from class or clinical.  If the student is missing a clinical day, they must notify the faculty that they are unable to attend clinical. Each clinical instructor will provide contact information for the student to reach their clinical instructor; the student can call and leave a message if the instructor does not answer.  If the student is unable to contact the instructor, the student should call 409-984-6356 or 1-800-477-5872, ext. 6356 and leave a message.  Also, the student may email their clinical instructor.
4.  Any student who is “no call, no show” for clinical demonstrates a lack of accountability and unprofessional conduct.  Therefore, they 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.
5. 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.
6. The clinical instructor keeps an attendance record.  Any student who is not sure about his/her status should meet with the instructor by appointment.
7. Students are expected to attend clinical in FULL CLINICAL ATTIRE; including approved clinical dress (scrubs, scrub caps, appropriate shoes, lab jacket, name badge and photo, etc) as well as required accessories. This includes keeping the “Clinical Portfolio” on hand for all clinicals, simulations, evaluations, and check-offs.  Badge and photo must be worn on top right-hand side of uniform.  All students and faculty may be required to wear an approved surgical face mask/N95 and must follow each facility’s screening process when entering the clinical facilities.  Students and faculty may be required to wear a face shield while in patient care areas (including nursing stations etc.) and while providing direct patient care or according to facility/LSCPA’s current policy.  These policies are updated regularly and may change throughout clinical.  Students not adhering to dress codes; as described in Student Handbook, the syllabus, or the facility may be sent home by the instructor. This will count as a clinical absence.
8. 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. 

9. Assignments for absence(s) are listed in blackboard course VNSG 1463 under the clinical assignments tab.  The student must follow instructions very carefully when submitting their assignments or it may result in a 0. 
10.  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. An assignment will be required if the student is absent from clinical.  ALL assignments must be completed satisfactorily and are required for all make up work to be counted for missed clinical time.  The additional assignments for missed clinical days will not be counted towards the clinical grade average. 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 may be allowed to continue in clinical IF they:
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.
11. Students who arrive greater than 15 minutes after assigned clinical time will be given a verbal warning and may not be allowed to remain.  Students who arrive after assigned clinical time on two (2) occasions will receive a written counseling note and will not be allowed to remain.  If the student is sent home they will be counted absent from clinical and must complete the make-up assignment.
12. It is the student’s responsibility to submit a completed ‘student excuse’ form upon the first day of return to class/clinical following an absence, tardy, or leaving class early.  Failure to do so will result in a declaration of ‘no call, no show’ and may result in the student being dismissed from the program.
13. Students must be present the entire clinical day to receive credit for their attendance
14.  Lab jackets are to be worn at all times while in the skills lab.
15.  Simulation/Computer Lab Assignments are mandatory.  Failure to attend will result in a zero (0) for that assignment and the student being sent home with a clinical absence.      
 
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 makes it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program.             
Additional Information SEE ADDENDUM
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