Spring 2021 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1227- Section: 1H
Essentials of Medication Administration 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Devin Guidry
E-mailguidrydt@lamarpa.edu
Phone4099846356
Office
Location:
Hours:Office Hours: As posted and by appointment Building: Allied Health Room # : D. Guidry, AH 107, K. Guidry- AH-114, Hare-AH-127, Holmes-AH-107, M. Smith-AH-107
Department
Allied Health
Chair:Shirley MacNeill
E-mail:macneisb@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6365

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.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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.
Prerequisites BIO 2301/2101 & BIO 2302/2102 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 In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1227 Essentials of Medication Administration 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 accurate dosage calculation. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)
2.    Discuss safe medication administration. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)    
3.    Correctly interpret provider’s orders and medication administration records (MAR). (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)     
4.     Accurately document medication administration. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3)
5.    Explain procedure for obtaining medications from pharmacy. (PSLO Alpha; PSLO 1; PSLO 3; PSLO 4)
Core Objectives 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.
Program Student Learning Outcomes PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material.
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:

1.    Function within the legal, ethical and regulatory standards of the nursing profession.
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.
3.    Adopt an approach to nursing practice that promotes safety for patients, significant others, self, and members of the healthcare team.
4.    Cooperate with members of the interdisciplinary health care team to provide optimum, evidence-based, safe, care to patients.
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.

Ogden, S.J. & Fluharty, L.K. (2020). Dosage Calculations (11th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier
Mosby ISBN: 9780323551281
Lecture Topics
Outline		 Week 1: Syllabus, Pre-test, Pre-Test & Orientation
Week 2: Systems of Measurement, Conversions (Metric System)
Week 3: Exam I
Week 4: Equipment Used in Dosage Measurement, Interpreting Drug Orders, Understanding Drug Labels
Week 5: Exam II
Week 6: Preventing Medication Errors, Begin Oral Dosage Of Drugs, Reading MAR
Week 7: Exam III
Week 8: Parenteral Dosage of Drugs, Unit Measurements, Reconstitution of Solutions
Week 9: Review Parenteral Dosage and Reconstitution
Week 10: Exam IV
Week 11: Intravenous Calculations
Week 12: Pediatric Dosages
Week 13: Review of Intravenous and Pediatric Calculations
Week 14: Exam V
Week 15: Post-test and Comprehensive Review
Week 16: Final Exam
Major Assignments
Schedule
Date: 02/03/2021 Exam I Time: 0800
Date: 02/17/2021 Exam II Time: 0800
Date: 03/03/2021 Exam III Time: 0800
Date: 03/31/2021 Exam IV Time: 0800
Date: 04/28/2021 Exam V Time: 0800
Final Exam Date May 11, 2020 - 8:00 AM   Through  May 11, 2020 - 10:00 AM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 60-74 = D Below 60 = F
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.    This course consists of a lab section where students are able to apply principles of medication safety learned in theory. Students are highly encouraged to participate in lab sessions, ask questions and perform practice exercises to ensure comprehension of content and readiness for exams.
4.    No hat or hoodies may be worn during exams. No hats/caps/hoodies/smart watches/personal possessions other than keys, earbuds, and a pencil may be brought in to the exam.
5.    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.
6.    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”.
7.    Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours post test.
8.    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.
9.    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 day before 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. Failure to review will result in a 5 point deduction of the next exam.
10.    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.
11. A Comprehensive Final Exam must be taken and is weighted equivalent to two (2) unit exams.
12.    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:
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
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. Class is scheduled to begin at 0800 AM unless otherwise stated.
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
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  2. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  3. 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.
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA 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 MyLSCPA.
Other Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the Student Handbook for consequences of academic dishonesty. These policies will be strictly enforced. Additional policies for this course are listed below:
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of scholastic dishonesty are prohibited and are grounds for disciplinary action according to the LSC-PA Student Handbook. Anyone who copies more than six consecutive words from a source and does not document the source has committed plagiarism. Students guilty of academic misconduct either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition, to other possible disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed through the regular LSC-PA procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an F or a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an F in the course. Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations or upon review of exams unless the Special populations’ coordinator has determined that such a device is a reasonable accommodation for a disability. Under any other circumstances, the use of an electronic device during an examination shall be considered academic dishonesty, and will result in appropriate sanctions as outlined in the Course Syllabus, in the Faculty Handbook (Section IX-1) and in the Student Handbook (“Academic Dishonesty”)

TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING CHAPTER 213 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
RULE 213.27 Good Professional Character:
(a) Good professional character is the integrated pattern of personal, academic and occupational behaviors which, in the judgment of the Board, indicates that an individual is able to consistently conform his or her conduct to the requirements of the Nursing Practice Act, the Board's rules and regulations, and generally accepted standards of nursing practice including, but not limited to, behaviors indicating honesty, accountability, trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity.

•    Lamar State College – Port Arthur (LSCPA) is a no smoking campus. Use of tobacco products is prohibited on all LSCPA properties at any time. This includes all clinical facilities.
•    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 should be visible during class.

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.
Lamar State College-Port Arthur is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, handicap, or ethnic origin.
Some material in this course may be copyrighted. They may be used only for instructional purposes this semester, by students enrolled in this course. These materials are being used fairly and legally. No one may distribute or share these copyrighted materials in any medium or format with anyone outside this class, including publishing essays with copyrighted material, uploading copyrighted material to Facebook or YouTube, or painting or performing copyrighted material for public display.
Copyright violation is not the same thing as plagiarism. Plagiarism is intellectual dishonesty. Offenses of plagiarism result in lower grades or failing scores, and professors and the college strictly enforce plagiarism rules. There is never any acceptable use of plagiarism. Copyright violation is a legal offense, punishable by large fines and penalties.
Copyrighted material can be used if permission from the material’s creator is obtained, or if its use meets the standards of fair use in an educational setting. For example, a student can quote a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet in a report without violating copyright but still be guilty of plagiarism if the quotation is not properly documented.
If you are in doubt about what material can be freely used, ask your professor or contact the Dean of Library Services, at (409) 984-6216.
Federal privacy laws apply to college students. This means that college employees, including instructors, cannot divulge information to third parties, including parents and legal guardians of students. Even if the students are minors, information about their college work cannot be shared with anyone except in very limited circumstances.
Anyone requesting information about a student should be referred to the Registrar. Instructors will be notified in writing by that Office about what information may be released and to whom.
Please remember that releasing private information about a student, however innocuous it may seem, can be a violation of federal law, with very serious consequences.
Circumstances under which information may be released
An adult student may submit, to the Registrar, a handwritten, signed note granting permission for release of information. The note must specify what information may be divulged, and it must specify the name of the person to whom the information may be given.
A parent or guardian may be given access to information about a student by providing a copy of a filed tax return that shows that the student was listed as a dependent of that parent or guardian. The tax return must be for last complete tax year. Again, this documentation must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.
A parent or guardian may be given access to information about a student if the student logs on to My.LamarPA.edu and sends an email to the Registrar granting permission. The email must specify what information may be given and the name of the person to whom it may be given.
Co-enrollment students are protected by the same privacy laws as adult students.
The Registrar’s office is in Student Center 303B, and the phone number is (409) 984-6165.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.