Spring 2022 Course Syllabus
Course: VNSG-1462- Section: 11
Clinical-Licensed Practical-Vocational Nurse Training 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Andrea Reyes
E-mailreyesam1@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6382
Office
Location:Allied Health - Room: 111
Hours:Office Hours: As posted and by appointment Building: Allied Health Room #: Reyes-AH 111, Lawson AH-128, Smith-AH 107-IV, Perry-AH 107-III
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 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.
Prerequisites VNSG 1227 Essentials of Med Administration,
VNSG 1204 Foundations of Nursing
VNSG 1231 Pharmacology
VNSG 1400 Nursing Health/Wellness I
VNSG 1261 Clinical
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.
Core Objectives Reading: Demonstrates the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials.
Writing: Produces clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Speaking: Communicates orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Listening: Demonstrates the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken language.
Critical Thinking 1: Applies qualitative and/or quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter.
Critical Thinking 2: Demonstrates the ability to evaluate arguments and construct alternative strategies.
Computer Literacy 1: Uses computer-based technology to communicate, solve problems, and acquire information.
Computer Literacy 2: Demonstrates an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology.
Intercultural Competence 1: Demonstrates awareness of similarities and differences between cultural groups.
Intercultural Competence 2: Demonstrates the ability to recognize global interconnectedness.
Intercultural Competence 3: Demonstrates a general knowledge of cultural evolution.
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 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.

Williams, Linda, Hopper, Paula, (2019) Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing (6th ed.).
Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN # 9780803668980
Hopper, Paula, Williams, Linda, (2019) Study Guide for Understanding Medical-Surgical Nursing (6th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis ISBN #978080366900
Burton, M., Smith, D. Ludwig, L. (2019). Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections and Skills for Nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis
ISBN # 9780803669062
Burton, M., Smith, D. Ludwig, L. (2019). Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Concepts, Connections and Skills for Nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis
ISBN #9780803669079
Linnard-Palmer, Luanne. Coats, Gloria, (2021). Safe Maternity and Pediatric Nursing Care
(2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis ISBN # 978-0-8036-9734-8
Linnard-Palmer, Luanne. Coats, Gloria, (2021). Study Guide for Safe Maternity and
Pediatric Nursing Care (2nd ed.) Philadelphia: F. A. Davis ISBN # 978-0-8036-9736-2
Doenges, Marilyn E., Moorhouse, Mary Frances, Murr, Alice C., (2019). Nurse?s Pocket
Guide-Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales (15th ed.). Philadelphia:
F.A. Davis ISBN #9780803676442
Van Leeuwen, Anne M., Bladh, Mickey Lynn, (2019). Comprehensive Manual of Laboratory
and Diagnostic Tests (8thed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis
Vallerand, April Hazard, Sanoski, Cynthia A., (2019). Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses (16th
ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis
Online HESI Case Studies: Complete PN Collection (2 Year Version)
Swiftriver/ATI Online-Purchase Spring 2022 VNSG 1462 Clinical class: 33703-A8CD-1313
NCLEX PN Pass Point: 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.
Pass Point access code for this Spring 2022 VNSG 1462 class: 1DED1AD5

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, Evolve HESI, and SwiftRiver. Instructors will not allow submissions to be turned in from a previous course.
Lecture Topics
Outline		 Clinical days are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (0630-1430, 1200-2000) SIM schedule will be sent to students before rotations.
Schedules are subject to change
Assignments due according to individual students schedule
Clinical Evaluations by appointment
Week 1- Medication Administration Practice/Check-Off
Week 2- Math Test #1; IV/IVPB Practice/Check-Off
Week 3- Math Test #2; Injections Practice/Check-Off
Week 4- IVPB Check-Off cont.
Week 5- Math Test #3; Make-up Skills Lab; NP, Documentation, CS Review; VNSG 1462 Syllabus/Notebook;
Clinical site orientation
Week 6- Clinical Week 1
Week 7- Clinical Week 2
Week 8- Spring Break- No school
Week 9- Clinical Week 3
Week 10- Clinical Week 4- (Clinical Mid-term evaluation)
Week 11- Clinical Week 5
Week 12- Clinical Week 6 (Good Friday-no clinical day)
Week 13- Clinical Week 7
Week 14- Clinical Week 8 (Last week clinical)
Week 15- Clinical Final Evaluation
Week 16- Finals week
Major Assignments
Schedule		 Case Study packet and Objectives for specialty areas may be found in the clinical notebook. Do not use Clinical Notebooks from previous semesters as they may have been updated. Any assignments turned in from a clinical notebook other than the one provided for the current semester will not be accepted. This does not include previous objectives from a previous level (wound care etc from level 1). Case studies and written assignments are to be turned in on the next Wednesday by 0600 after the student was assigned to the unit in which the assignment is to be completed for. Assignments must be typed up and submitted via blackboard then graded by the instructor to whom the student is assigned. Rubrics must be attached to any assignment to be turned in.
Requirements for Level II clinical are: Two (2) Medical-Surgical case studies, ED and PACU objectives, Clinical portfolio grade, Simulations, Pedi HESI Online case study, Computer Assignments, and the medication competency test.
Grading criteria:
Rubrics will be utilized by the instructor for grading the case studies and objectives. Any case study/assignment considered “late” will be counted as a “0” (zero) or points will be deducted according to each rubric. Any section of the case study rubric that the student receives a ‘0’ (zero) in must be corrected for the student to receive the assigned grade. Corrections must be completed within one week of receiving the case study from the instructor. If the case study is not returned in one week with corrections, a ‘0’ (zero) may be given for the case study. If a student scores less than 75 on a case study, the student should meet with the faculty to determine strategies to improve performance on subsequent case studies.
The grade is determined as follows:

1.    Medication Competency     grade (average if more than one attempt)
2.    Medical-Surgical Case Study grade
3.    Medical-Surgical Case Study grade (will use different form)
4.    Pedi Online Case Study grade
5.    Emergency Room Objectives     grade
6.    PACU Objectives         grade
7.    Clinical Portfolio         grade
8.    Online/computer assignments grade (average)
9.    Objectives Not Met in Previous Level grade

Students must have a 75 average and a satisfactory rating on the clinical evaluation tool to pass the course.
All assignments must be turned in with the rubric attached.
Final Exam Date May 3, 2022 - 8:0 AM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A    80 - 89=B    70 - 79=C     60 - 69=D    Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade		 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 75% or greater on written work and an “S” on clinical performance to pass the course. The grade received on the written work will be the grade assigned for the course on the transcript provided the student has a satisfactory on clinical performance. Students with an unsatisfactory for clinical performance will receive a grade of “F” for the course regardless of the numerical grade on the written work. Failure to have completed written objectives for specialty areas by date of rotation will result in a grade of “0” and denial of specialty rotation. THIS CAN RESULT IN FAILURE OF CLINICALS
The student must pass a computer (1st two attempts) or a written (3rd attempt) medication administration competency evaluation with a minimum score of 84. The student will have three opportunities to achieve a minimum score of 84. Students who do not achieve a minimum score of 84 on the third medication administration evaluation will not be allowed to continue in the course and will be unable to complete required clinical objectives. Therefore, the student will be unable to successfully pass the course. The students’ grade will be averaged by the number of attempts taken to pass the test. i.e.: 1, 2 or 3
Clinical evaluations are completed twice each semester. Evaluations will include student's ability to apply theory in practice, demonstrate competent patient care, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times when in the clinical area. Evaluations are done by the clinical instructor with input from staff at affiliating agency, patients and others as appropriate. Students will sign the evaluation. Their signature attests to the fact that the evaluation conference occurred. It does not signify agreement with the evaluation. Students are given an opportunity to comment in writing on the evaluation. A student's unsatisfactory mid semester clinical evaluation while in the program permits continuation in the program with continued emphasis on upgrading deficiencies. The student's unsatisfactory clinical evaluation at the end of the semester results in a clinical course grade of "U" and prohibits further continuation in the program.
Students who fail a nursing course may repeat it once. Students must receive a satisfactory (S) in clinical and achieve a 75 course grade in the mandatory co-requisite course to progress in the program. Students who fail VNSG 1409 Nursing in Health and Illness II and/or VNSG 1234 Pediatric Nursing and repeat the Course(s) will also be required to repeat the clinical co-requisite course.
All courses listed in a given semester of the program must be completed prior to progressing to the next semester. Each didactic and co-requisite clinical course, as listed for each semester, is a prerequisite for the nursing courses listed in the subsequent semester(s), and must be satisfactorily completed prior to graduating from the nursing program.
Students are required to complete some written objectives prior to reporting to assigned specialty units. Failure to do so may result in the student being sent home and counted as clinically absent.
Case Study packet and Objectives for specialty areas may be found in the clinical notebook. Do not use Clinical Notebooks from previous semesters as they may have been updated. Any assignments turned in from a clinical notebook other than the one provided for the current semester will not be accepted. This does not include previous objectives from a previous level (wound care etc from level 1). Case studies and written assignments are to be turned in on the next Wednesday by 0600 after the student was assigned to the unit in which the assignment is to be completed for. Assignments must be typed up and submitted via blackboard then graded by the instructor to whom the student is assigned. Rubrics must be attached to any assignment to be turned in.
Requirements for Level II clinical are: Two (2) Medical-Surgical case studies, ED and PACU objectives, Clinical portfolio grade, Simulations, Pedi HESI Online case study, Computer Assignments, and the medication competency test.
Grading criteria:
Rubrics will be utilized by the instructor for grading the case studies and objectives. Any case study/assignment considered “late” will be counted as a “0” (zero) or points will be deducted according to each rubric. Any section of the case study rubric that the student receives a ‘0’ (zero) in must be corrected for the student to receive the assigned grade. Corrections must be completed within one week of receiving the case study from the instructor. If the case study is not returned in one week with corrections, a ‘0’ (zero) may be given for the case study. If a student scores less than 75 on a case study, the student should meet with the faculty to determine strategies to improve performance on subsequent case studies.
The grade is determined as follows:
1.    Medication Competency     grade (average if more than one attempt)
2.    Medical-Surgical Case Study grade
3.    Medical-Surgical Case Study grade
4.    Pedi Online Case Study grade
5.    Emergency Room Objectives     grade
6.    PACU Objectives         grade
7.    Clinical Portfolio         grade
8.    Online/computer assignments grade (average)
9.    Objectives Not Met in Previous Level grade

Students must have a 75 average and a satisfactory rating on the clinical evaluation tool to pass the course.
All assignments must be turned in with the rubric attached
Course Policies
Instructor Policies •    Tobacco products are not allowed on campus or at clinical site.
•    Only students enrolled in the course are allowed at the clinical site, except by special instructor permission.
•    Students should turn their phones to vibrate before they enter the clinical facility.
•    No cell phones should be visible while on a nursing unit or in a patient’s room.
Additional clinical policies include:
Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Vocational Nursing Program are expected to assist in maintaining a clinical 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 clinical, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in distracting clinical behavior:
1.    I understand that promptness is expected. I will be on time for the beginning of all clinical sessions 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 during clinical hours. In the event of an emergency, family may contact AH Secretary, VN Coordinator, or Department Chair.
5.    I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential.
6.    I will not repeat or discuss any patient information that was discussed during clinical.
7.    I agree that I will not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions.
8.    I agree to participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises.
9.    I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences.
10.    I agree to step outside of my comfort zone.
11.    I agree to maintain a positive attitude.
12.    I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone.
13.    I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions.
14.    I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience.
15.    I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors.
16.    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.
17.    I agree to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSC-PA Vocational Nursing Student Handbook.
18.    I agree to respect the instructor’s office hours of 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 I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.
The following behaviors may result in the student being asked to cease the action and/or leave clinical:
•    Unauthorized/disruptive use of cell phones or other electronic equipment
•    Talking while the instructor is giving instructions or during class discussions/presentations
•    Displaying a rude or negative attitude/behavior to the instructor or other students. These behaviors may result in the loss of 5 points on the next exam.
Students are also expected to follow LSCPA-VN policies at ALL times according to student handbook and course syllabi. Violation of policies could result in further disciplinary action and/or dismissal from program.
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 clinical 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 clinical 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.
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, s/he must notify the faculty that s/he is unable to attend clinical. 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.    Assignments for absence(s) are listed in blackboard course VNSG 1462 under the clinical assignments tab. The student must follow instructions very carefully when submitting their assignments or it may result in a 0.
5.    Students who arrive greater than 15 minutes (0646/1216 clinical sites or 0816 for sim sites) after assigned clinical time will:
a.    Be given a verbal warning on the first offence
b.    Be given a write-up on the second offense
c.    Be given a write-up on the third offense and the student may be sent home at the discretion of the clinical instructor. If the student is sent home s/he will be counted absent from clinical and must complete the assigned makeup work located in clinical blackboard.
6.    Students must be present the entire clinical day to get credit for their attendance.
7.    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 and is required for all make up work to be counted for missed clinical time. 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.
8.    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.
9.    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.
10.    The clinical instructor keeps an attendance record. Any student who is not sure about his/her status should meet with the instructor by appointment.
11.    Students are expected to attend clinical in FULL CLINICAL ATTIRE; including approved clinical dress (scrubs, with appropriate shoes, lab jacket) as well as required accessories. All students and faculty must wear an approved surgical face mask/N95 and must follow each facility’s screening process when entering the clinical facilities. Students and faculty must 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.
12.    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.
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 Lamar State College-Port Arthur
Vocational Nursing 1462 Clinical Course Objectives

The student in the Vocational Nursing Program is expected to demonstrate safe professional behavior that includes promoting the actual or potential wellbeing of patients, health care workers, and self in biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural realms and demonstrating accountability in preparation for, provision and documentation of, care according to course objectives.
The purpose of setting safe performance clinical standards is to identify expectations of the Vocational Nursing Program and the Allied Health Department; to comply with agency agreements, and to identify and help students who need assistance and support to succeed in the Vocational Nursing Program. Indicators to be used as guidelines for determining safe performance are:

1. Regulatory: Students practice within the boundaries of the Texas Nursing Practice Act, the ANA Code of Ethics, the guidelines, objectives and policies of the Vocational Nursing Program; and the rules and regulations of the health care agency where they are assigned for clinical learning experiences.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Fails to notify the agency and/or instructor of clinical absence.
b.    Fails to follow the Vocational Nursing Program and/or agency policies and procedures.
c.    Reports for clinical under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
d.    Fails to follow rules and regulations of the clinical facility.
(Differentiated Essential Competencies=DEC) I A, B, D II A, D, E III A-C, E, F

2. Ethical: The student performs according to the guidelines of the American Nurses' Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and the Texas Nursing Practice Act.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Refuses assignments based on patient's race, culture, religious preference, sex, national origin, age, handicapping condition or any other protected status category.
b.    Fails to consult instructor prior to refusing assignment based on medical diagnosis of the patient.
c.    Denies, covers-up or does not report own errors in clinical practice.
d.    Ignores and fails to report unethical behavior of other health care persons in the clinical setting which affects patient welfare
(DEC) I A, B, D II D, E III A, B, E, F

3. Biological, Psychological, Social, and Cultural Realms: The student's performance meets the needs of the human system from a biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural standpoint at the level of the course objectives.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Violates or threatens the physical safety of the patient, e.g.: neglects use of side rails, restraints; comes unprepared to clinical; leaves a bed in high position.
b.    Violates or threatens the psychological safety of the patient, e.g.: uses cliche's repeatedly.
c.    Does not encourage verbalization, is not aware of difference in ability to communicate
d.    Failure to document or act on changes in behavior.
e.    Violates or threatens the microbiological safety of the patient, self, or others e.g.: unrecognized violation of aseptic technique and universal precautions; comes sick to clinical experience; unrecognized violation of isolation procedure.
f.    Violates or threatens the chemical safety of the patient, e.g.: violates the "6" Rights of administering medications; fails to monitor IV infusions safely; fails to identify and follow through on significant nursing implications related to medications.
g.    Violates or threatens the safety of the patient, e.g.: fails to observe safety precautions during O2 therapy, heat/cold treatment; leaves unreliable patient alone while he/she smokes.
h.    Fails to follow through on suggested referrals or interventions to correct deficit areas which may result in harm to others.
i.    Interacts inappropriately with agency staff, co-workers, peers, patients/patients, families, faculty resulting in miscommunications, disruption of patient care and/or unit functioning.
j.    Lacks physical coordination essential to carrying out procedures.
k.    Lacks information processing ability necessary for making appropriate clinical judgments or decisions.
l.    Inadequately and/or inaccurately uses the nursing process, e.g.: fails to observe and/or report critical assessments related to patients.
m.    Violates previously mastered principles/learning/objectives in carrying out nursing care.
(DEC) I B II A-H III B, C, D, F IV A-E

4. Accountability: The student's performance demonstrates continuity in the responsible preparation, documentation, and promotion for the care of patients, according to course objectives.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Fails to provide inclusive written communication on appropriate documents or verbal communication to faculty and/or appropriate agency personnel.
b.    Fails to accurately record essential patient behaviors.
c.    Fails to report incompetent, unethical or illegal practice of any person.
d.    Attempts activities without adequate orientation, theoretical preparation or appropriate assistance.
e.    Fails to maintain honesty in clinical practice and/or written work.
f.    Is habitually tardy to clinical.
g.    Assumes inappropriate independence in actions or decisions, e.g.: fails to seek supervision when situation is questionable.
(DEC) I A-D II A-H III A-F IV A-E

5. Human Rights: The student's performance demonstrates respect for the individual, patient, health team member, faculty, and self-including but not limited to the legal, ethical, and cultural realms.
Examples of unsafe practice include but are not limited to the following:
a.    Fails to maintain confidentiality of interactions.
b.    Fails to maintain confidentiality of records.
c.    Exhibits dishonesty in relationships with peers, faculty, patients/patients and/or agency personnel.
d.    Fails to recognize and promote every patient's rights.
(DEC) I A, B, D II B, D, E, H III A-F

Unsafe behavior(s) related to the student's performance problem must be clearly described and documented. Confirmation, or supporting observation of clinical staff, should be included in the documentation of the performance problems, if possible. The student has the right to provide input and/or data regarding his/her clinical performance and to consult with the clinical instructor, Vocational Nursing Program Coordinator, and the Allied Health Department Chair. The clinical instructor will document unsafe behaviors.

Depending on the facts and circumstances, potential disciplinary action for violation of professional behavior standards may include but is not limited to immediate dismissal from the clinical area and/or a failing grade in the course. Nursing faculty has the responsibility to protect the public. Clinical agencies reserve the right to terminate use of facilities by a particular student where necessary to maintain its operation free from disruption and to ensure quality of patient care.

Code of Ethics:

The Vocational Nursing faculty subscribe to the American Nurses' Association Code of Ethics*. Students are expected to learn and perform in accordance with this code.
1.    The nurse provides services with respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
2.    Illness is a universal phenomenon; therefore the need for nursing is also universal.
Because nursing is required by the broad spectrum of people who make up society, the nurse should be free of value judgments about "good people and bad people"; it is necessary to accept each person as well as the person's attitudes, customs, and beliefs. In this way nurses can best provide support to people of varied backgrounds.
3.    The nurse safeguards the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.
It is clearly the nurse's responsibility to keep confidential any information received from the patient only conveying details about illness or physical, social, or personal situation of the patient to other persons who are also professionally concerned directly with the patient's care. In some instances, the nurse may be required to provide testimony in court. In these instances, the court will advise the nurse as to what is admissible and to what the nurse must testify. Because people can be seriously harmed and embarrassed by a breach of confidence of the nurse, all nurses must use good professional judgment in what they say, being sure that it is stated to the correct person and that what is conveyed could be of value in promoting the health of the patient.
4.    The nurse acts to safeguard the patient and the public when health care and safety are affected by the incompetent, unethical, or illegal practice of any person.
5.    The nurse has a responsibility to report to the appropriate authority or the professional association any conduct of other nurses or physicians that endangers patients.
The priority of the nurse is the patient, patient safety, and patient care.
6.    The nurse assumes responsibility and accountability for individual nursing judgments and actions.
7.    Nurses themselves are responsible for maintaining their own competence, updating their knowledge and skills as it are appropriate.
Not to do so would imply that a nurse could not provide as high a standard of practice as the profession considers necessary.
8.    The nurse maintains competency in nursing.
Maintaining competency in nursing practice is essential; nurses must keep abreast of new developments to ensure the best standards of patient care. An essential quality of the nurse is a zest for continued study, since knowledge and skills for nursing need to be continually updated. The nurse who pursues knowledge independently is undoubtedly more effective in practice than one who does not.
9.    The nurse exercises informed judgment and uses individual competence and qualifications as criteria in seeking consultation, accepting responsibilities, and delegating nursing activities to others.
Nurses need to recognize their own areas of competence and incompetence; they have a right to refuse to carry out responsibilities that they consider unethical. Policies of agencies and the law assist the nurse as to what practices are considered to be within the nurse's area of responsibility. In addition, if a nurse is not familiar with some nursing activity, it is the nurse's right to explain this and to refuse to carry it out.
10.    The nurse participates in activities that contribute to the ongoing development of the profession's body of knowledge.
Increasingly, nurses are becoming involved in research activities as individual practitioners and as employees of hospitals and community health agencies. Nurses themselves are conducting research into nursing practice as well as are a variety of health personnel such as physicians and biochemists. The nurse who plans to participate should first make sure that the patient understands and agrees to be part of the research; second, the nurse should make sure that the research proposal has the approval of the agency research committee or the appropriate approving authority of the agency.
11.    The nurse participates in the profession's efforts to implement and improve the standards of nursing.
Peer review and established nursing standards assist in improving nursing. The nurse has the responsibility to participate in these activities as well as to participate in educational programs. Standards for practice must always change as the health care system changes. The professional nurse has a responsibility to assist in making these changes and implementing them.
12.    The nurse participates in the profession's efforts to establish and maintain conditions of employment conducive to high quality nursing care.
Each nurse, acting through the professional organization, needs to be concerned with the economic and general welfare of the members of the profession. These are important factors in both recruiting nursing students and in retaining nurses in the work force. Through the nursing association, nurses assist in the establishment of employment practices and in bargaining for economic and general benefits.
13.    The nurse participates in the profession's effort to protect the public from misinformation and misrepresentation and to maintain the integrity of nursing.
Nurses are generally held in respect by members of the public, who have confidence in their knowledge and their advice. Often when a nurse speaks, it is assumed that the opinion given is the opinion of all nurses. For example, to advertise or recommend a product might be harmful or misleading to the public. The nurse appears to have knowledge that the particular product is better than other on the market; this may not be true because that knowledge is usually beyond the nurse's qualifications and authority.
14.    The nurse collaborates with members of the health professions and other citizens in promoting community and national efforts to meet the health needs of the public.
A professional nurse, with specialized knowledge and skills, has a responsibility to contribute in such a manner as to assist people to meet the health needs of the community. Citizens are increasingly concerned and becoming involved in planning health care. A nurse can offer this group information that would be pertinent and helpful. Nurses also have a responsibility to act on committees with other health members and other professionals such as teachers and social workers in meeting the health problems of the people in the community.

*American Nurses Association. 1985. Code for Nurses. Kansas City, Missouri: American Nurses Association.

Reviewed & Revised 01/2022
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
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.