Spring 2019 Course Syllabus Course: VNSG-1400- Section: 01 Nursing in Health and Illness I

Instructor Information
Instructor	Lois Holmes
E-mail	holmesll@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6372
Office	Location: Allied Health - Room: 107-3 Hours: As posted and by appointment
Department	Allied Health Chair: Shirley MacNeill E-mail: macneisb@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6365
Course Information
Description	Introduction to general principles of growth and development, primary health care needs of the patient across the life span, and therapeutic nursing interventions.
Prerequisites	Course Prerequisites    BIO 2401 & BIO 2402 Human Anatomy and Physiology NURA 1301 Nurse Aide for Health Care Organizations I              NURA 1160 Clinical (VN 1410) To graduate from the VN program it is required that you must complete either, Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS 1305), or Introduction to Computers (ITSC 1401) prior to graduation.     Students must have a minimum grade of “C” or better in every course that applies to the VN Program Certificate plan to graduate.
Learning Outcomes	General Education/ Core Curriculum Student Learning Outcomes    Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts. Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities. Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Core Objectives	Course 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:     1. Recognize the uniqueness of the gerontological patient related to physical, mental, and emotional changes associated with the aging process. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2) Measured by: exams, discussions based on readings; clinical rotations 2.    Describe the psychosocial, growth and development, and physiological needs of patients across the life span. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2) Measured by: case discussions and reading assignments; clinical case studies     3.    Identify common, overt, actual and/or potential primary health care needs of the patient. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2) Measured by: exams; case studies; care plans 4.     Identify the basic interventions to support the patient and family during life stages including death and dying. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; clinical simulations; clinical rotation interactions     5.    Identify nursing interventions related to the effects of pharmacological agents on patients. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; care plans; case scenarios; class and clinical discussions/interactions; simulations     6. Demonstrate competency in dosage calculations. (PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams; clinical medication administration evaluation 7. Describe the underlying theories of nursing skills using principles of safety and asepsis. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: clinical simulations; lab skills check-offs; clinical skills evaluations; discussions based on readings 8. Demonstrate satisfactory performance of nursing skills using evidenced-based principles of safety and asepsis. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3) Measured by: lab skills check-offs; clinical skills evaluations; discussions of most-current practices     9. Develop an understanding of the legal, ethical & professional responsibilities inherent in the role of vocational nurse. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3) Measured by: exams, discussions based on readings of nurse practice act and nurse literature
Program Student Learning Outcomes	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 Alpha: Reading Skills – Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading materials 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.
Textbooks	Required Textbooks/ Resources     deWit, C. (2018). Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing (5th ed.). St Louis: Saunders Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323396219 NCLEX® PN Pass Point: Please note: No other NCLEX® PN Review will be accepted. You must use the NCLEX® PN Passpoint access code provided to you for this Pass Point access code for this VNSG 1400 class: B8DDA74B Online HESI Case Studies: Complete PN Collection (2 Year Version)
Lecture Topics Outline	Calendar of Lecture Topics and Major Assignment Due Dates Subject to change at the discretion of the Program Coordinator    Week 1: Orientation, Infection Control, Safety, Sensory Week 2: Physical Assessment, Vital signs Week 3: Patient Education, Admission, Discharge, Transfer; Exam I; Bowel, NG tube Week 4: Documentation/Delegation/Priority, Fluids, Electrolytes Foley Week 5: Exam II; Skin, Wound Care Week 6: Oxygen/Dx Testing/Specimen, Pain/Comfort/Sleep Week 7: Exam III; Clinical Orientation Week 8: Loss & Grief, Hospice, Transplant Week 9: Medication Administration Week 10: HESI Case Study Week 11: Exam IV Week 12: HESI Case Study; Pre-op/Post-op; Self Concept/Sexuality/Assertiveness Week 13: Activity/Immobility Week 14: Exam V Week 15: HESI Fundamentals, Clinical Evaluations, Final Exam Week 16: Finals Week
Major Assignments Schedule	Major Assignments    Date: 02/08/19 Exam I Time: 08:00 Date: 02/22/19 Exam II Time: 08:00 Date: 03/04/19 Exam III Time: 08:00 Date: 03/29/19 Exam IV Time: 08:00 Date: 05/03/19 HESI Time: 0800 Date: 05//06/19 Exam V Time: 12:00 Date: 05/10/19 Final Exam Time: 08:00
Final Exam Date	May 10, 2019 - 8:00 AM   Through  May 10, 2019 - 11:00 AM
Grading Scale	Course Grading Scale 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 60-74 = D Below 60 = F
Determination of Final Grade	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. No hat or hoodies may be worn during exams. No hats/caps/hoodies/smart watches/personal possessions other than keys, earbuds, scantron and a pencil may be brought in to the exam. 4. No make-up unit exams are given. The numerical grade attained on the Comprehensive Final exam is substituted for any missed unit exam(s); providing the student has followed proper protocol in reporting absence. 5. 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”. 6. Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours post test. 7. 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. 8.     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. . 9. 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. 10. A Comprehensive Final Exam must be taken and is weighted equivalent to two (2) unit exams. 11. Any assignment or exam submitted without a student’s name will not receive credit. The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the course: 90% unit Exams and Final Exam I        Grade Exam II        Grade Exam III        Grade Exam IV        Grade Exam V Grade HESI Grade Final        Grade Final        Grade Total/8=Grade +Standardized HESI exam 10% 12. Students must have a 70% average or greater on the first 3 exams in VNSG 1400 to be eligible to participate in VNSG 1261 clinical. 13. A minimum average of 75% in VNSG 1400 independent of all other requirements is necessary to pass the course. 14. A mandatory comprehensive standardized examination (REACH) is administered at the end of the semester prior to the final exam and is weighted equivalent to one unit exam.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	Additional Classroom 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.
Attendance Policy	Attendance Policy    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 student’s 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. Lab jackets are required for attendance and participation in the skills lab.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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.
Important Information
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.
MyLamarPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
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HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.