Fall 2024 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1231 (Section: 2, CRN: 93187)
Pharmacology 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Tracie Wolfford
Email wolffordth@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 382-1047
Office Allied Health - Room: Lobby
Office Hours Monday-Friday 8am-3pm by appointment only
Additional Contact Information Office 100G DETCCA Building Jasper Campus 409-382-1047
Course Information
Description Fundamentals of medications and their diagnostic, therapeutic, and curative effects. Includes nursing interventions utilizing the nursing process.
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.

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.

Ford, Susan M. (2022) Roach’s Introductory Clinical Pharmacology (12th ed.)   Lippincott: ISBN: 9781975163730

Ford, Susan M. (2022) Roach’s Introductory Clinical Pharmacology (12th ed.) Study Guide  Lippincott: ISBN: 9781975163761

Zerwech, JoAnn (2021) Mosby’s Pharmacology Memory Notecards: Visual, Pneumonic and Memory Aids for Nurses (6th ed.) Elsevier  ISBN: 9780323661911

Lippincott Coursepoint Learning Resource 9781975186883

Note: These books are part of the Barnes and Noble First Day Course Material
Additional Materials/Resources None
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes

In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1231 Pharmacology 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.   Identify properties, effects, and principles of pharmacotherapeutic agents; and list common nursing interventions
      associated with the various pharmacotherapeutic agents. (PSLO 3)

2.    Explain the roles and responsibilities of the nurse in administering pharmacological agents. (PSLO 1) 
                                                           
3.    Identify contraindicated medications or treatments. (PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

4.    Describe therapeutic and nontherapeutic reactions to medications. (PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

5.    Withhold medications to minimize potential complications (e.g., adverse reactions, toxicity, electrolyte imbalances, 
       etc.). (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

6.    Relate therapeutic blood levels to effectiveness of treatment. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2)

7.    Assist in evaluating extent to which drug therapy meets patient’s needs. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)

8.    Assist in evaluation and control of side effects of medications. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)
          
9.    Collect data related to the patient’s need for medications prescribed PRN (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

10.  Monitor for interactions between drugs, food, and fluids administered to the patient. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

11.  Review appropriate use of non-prescription/OTC medications. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)
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 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 Course Syllabus, Course Point Access and Resource Overview: Review and provide opportunities to discuss expectations of course as described in course syllabus. Review and provide opportunities to discuss expectations of Course Point Learning resource, including purchase/access information.

Unit 1, Nursing Foundation of Clinical Pharmacology: Review and learn to apply general principles of Pharmacology with various populations of clients; including medication administration and client teaching.

Unit 2, Drugs for Infection: Discuss uses, adverse reactions, lifespan considerations, nursing assessments and interventions associated with various anti-infective medications.

Unit 3, Drugs for Pain Management: Discuss uses, adverse reactions, lifespan considerations, nursing assessments and interventions associated with various medications for pain management.

Units 4, 5, and 6, Drugs of the Central, Peripheral and Neuromuscular NS: Discuss uses, adverse reactions, lifespan considerations, nursing assessments and interventions associated with medications affecting Central, Peripheral and Neuromuscular Nervous system. 

Units 7-8, Drugs of the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems: Discuss uses, adverse reactions, lifespan considerations, nursing assessments and interventions associated with medications affecting the Respiratory and Cardiovascular systems.

Units 9-10, Drugs of the Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Systems: Discuss uses, adverse reactions, lifespan considerations, nursing assessments and interventions associated with medications affecting the Gastrointestinal and Endocrine systems.


Units 11-12, Drugs for the Urinary and Immune Systems: Discuss uses, adverse reactions, lifespan considerations, nursing assessments and interventions associated with specific medications that are used in the treatment of urinary and immunological disorders.


Schedule subject to change at the discretion of the Program Coordinator
Major Assignments Schedule

Week 1: Orientation, Syllabus, Course Point Access and Resource Overview, Unit 1, Nursing Foundation of Clinical Pharmacology

·         Week 2: Begin Unit 2, Drugs for Infection

·         Week 3: Unit 3, Drugs for Infection continued

          Week 4: Unit 3 Drugs for Pain Management

·         Week 5: Exam I

·         Week 6:  Units 4 Drugs of the Central NS

·         Week 7: Unit 5 and 6 Drugs of the PNS and NMS

·         Week 8:Continue Units 5 and 6 Drug of the PNS and NMS

          Week 9: Spring Break
           
·         Week 10: Exam II

·         Week 11: Unit 7, Drugs of the Respiratory System

·         Week 12: Unit 8, Drugs of the Cardiovascular System
          
          Week: 13 Unit 9: Drugs of GI

·         Week 14: Exam III

·         Week 15:  Units 10, Drugs of the Endocrine System

·         Week 16: Final Exam prep

           Week 17: Final Exam

Schedule subject to change at the discretion of the Program Coordinator
Final Exam Date December 11, 2024 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 11, 2024 - 11:00 AM
Grading Scale 90 - 100 = A     80 - 89 = B     75 - 79 = C     60 - 74 = D     Below 60 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 Projects/Activities and Course Point Assignments                  Grade 30%
Professionalism points are 5% of your daily grades.    
Exam I                                                                                              Grade 17.5%
Exam II                                                                                             Grade 17.5%
Exam III                                                                                            Grade 17.5%
Final Exam                                                                                       Grade 17.5%
 
                                                                                                         Final Course Grade  
                                                                                                            = 100 %
Example grade determinations:
Average of Projects/Activities and CP assignments – 85- x 0.30 = 25.5
Exam I – 71                                                                                    x 0.175 = 12.42
                    Exam II – 80                                                                                  x 0.175 = 14
                    Exam III – 84                                                                                 x 0.175 = 14.7
                    Final Exam – 80                                                                             x 0.175= 14
 
                     Course Average             80.62  rounds to 81 = B for final grade
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 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.

Attendance Policy VNSG 1231 Pharmacology 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.  Infractions may result in loosing professionalism points. Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success.  Policies for this course are described below: 
 Because poor attendance is a leading reason for termination from a job in all areas of employment, attendance at all scheduled classes is expected.

 
1.     A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days
        without notification to the 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.
 
2.     Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the
        beginning of the class (3 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 three (3) times in one class will result in a 5-point deduction from the next
        exam grade. 
 
3.    It is the student’s responsibility to notify all Level 1 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.
 
4.     In addition to notifying instructors, 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.
 
5.      Lab jackets are to be worn at all times while in the skills lab.
 
6.      Simulation/Computer Lab Assignments are mandatory.  Failure to attend will result
         in a Zero for that assignment.
 
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 Gates Memorial Library located at 317 Stillwell: LSCPA - Gates MemorialLibrary (lamarpa.edu)
2.       Open computer Lab-Gates Memorial Library
3.       Excelencia Center in Ruby Fuller Building: LSCPA - Pathway to Excellence (lamarpa.edu)
4.       Board of Nursing (BON) School Code: US 27 1 00900, Web Site: http://www.bon.state.tx.us
5.       National Council of State Boards of Nursing Web Site: http://ncsbn.org/
6.       National Student Nurse Association (NSNA) http://www.nsna.org/
7.       International Center for Regulatory Scholarship (ICRS) https://www.icrsncsbn.org/index.htm
8.       Lamar State College Port Arthur, textbook locator: http://www.lamarpa.edu/General/Maps/Bookstore
9.  Lamar State College – Student Handbook
  Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalogs - SmartCatalog www.academiccatalog.com (smartcatalogiq.com)
10.  Lamar State College Faculty Handbook   
       Microsoft Word - Faculty Handbook (8-2023).docm (lamarpa.edu)
11.  Lamar State College 23-24 Catalog
Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalogs - SmartCatalog www.academiccatalog.com (smartcatalogiq.com)
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