Spring 2023 Course Syllabus
Course: RNSG-1118 (Section: 11, CRN: 10108)
Transition to Professional Nursing Competencies
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Instructor Information
Instructor Cynthia Ford Arceneaux
Email arceneauxce@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6361
Office Allied Health - Room: 126
Office Hours As posted and by appointment As posted and by appointment
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description Transition to professional nursing competencies in the care of patients throughout the lifespan. Validates proficiency in psychomotor skills and clinical reasoning in the performance of nursing procedures related to the concepts of: clinical judgment, comfort, elimination, fluid and electrolytes, nutrition, gas exchange, safety, functional ability, immunity, metabolism, mobility, and tissue integrity. Includes health assessment and medication administration. This course lends itself to a concept
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.

Required:
Halter, M. (2022). Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (9th ed). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323697071
Harding, M. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing – Clinical Companion (12th ed). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323792431
HESI Next Gen Exams Testing Package
HESI Case Studies: Complete RN Collection. (2021). Elsevier.
HESI (2023). HESI comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination (7th Ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323831932
Lewis, S., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M. & Hardin, M. (2023). Medical-Surgical nursing, assessment and management of clinical problems (12th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323789615
Lilley, L., Collins, S. & Snyder, J. (2023). Pharmacology and the nursing process (10th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323827973
Lippincott NCLEX-RN PassPoint Powered by PrepU: Study software for NCLEX-RN® ISBN: 9781469809359
McKinney, E. (2022). Maternal-Child Nursing (6th ed). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323697880
Nugent, P. & Vitale, B. (2020). Test success: Test-taking techniques (9th ed.). F. A. Davis. ISBN: 9781719640022
Perry, A.G., Potter, P.A., Ostendorf, W., & Laplante, N. (2022) Clinical nursing skills & techniques (10th ed.). Mosby-Elsevier. ISBN 9780323758765
Silvestri, L. A. (2023). Saunders 2022-2023 Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking Strategies (7th ed). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323763882
Silvestri, L. A. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination (9th ed). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323795302
Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (24th ed). (2021). F.A. Davis Company. ISBN: 9781719642859
Zerwekh, J. (2023). Illustrated Study Guide for the NCLEX-RN (11th ed). Elsevier. ISBN 9780323777797
Swift River Online through ATI
Recommended:
Weber, J., and Kelly, J. (2022). Health assessment in nursing (7th ed). Lippincott Williams & Williams. ISBN: 9781975161156
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites
  • RNSG-1300 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Learning Outcomes In accordance with the mission of Lamar State College - Port Arthur, this course encourages the student to develop the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for success in the field of Associate Degree Nursing. Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:         
1.  Utilize a systematic process to analyze selected advanced health care concepts for diverse patients across the lifespan. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2) Measured by: reading-based discussions; case studies; exams; and labs. 
2.  Critique nursing management for selected advanced health care concepts. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2, PSLO 3, PSLO 4) Measured by: reading-based discussions; case studies; exams; and labs. 
3.  Relate the learned concepts to a variety of health care situations. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2, PSLO 3, PSLO 4) Measured by: reading-based discussions; case studies; exams; and labs. 
4.  Analyze the interrelatedness of health care concepts to make clinical judgements for optimum patient care outcomes. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2, PSLO 3) Measured by: reading-based discussions; case studies; exams; and labs.
Program Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Upward Mobility Nursing Program graduates will be able to:

PSLO 1:  Integrates professional caring into practice decisions within the scope of practice for a registered nurse.
PSLO 2:  Demonstrates safe, competent, holistic care for a diverse group of individuals who have complex health care needs
PSLO 3:  Accept responsibility and accountability for the effectiveness of one’s own nursing practice and professional growth. 
PSLO 4: Communicate effectively with clients, peers and other members of the interdisciplinary heath care team to provide evidence-based care.
Lecture Topics Outline
Skills:
  • PPE, Sterile Technique
  • Physical Assessment
  • IV initiation, Drip Calculation, IVPB
  • IM/SQ injections
  • Medication Administration
  • Catheterization
  • Central Line
  • Blood Administration/Phlebotomy
  • Wound Care, suture/staple removal
  • NGT insertion, tube feedings
  • Trach care/suctioning/oxygen administration
  • Colostomy/enema
  • Chest tubes; lung/heart sounds
Major Assignments Schedule Week 1(January 18, 2023): Syllabus; Skills: PPE, Sterile Technique

Week 2(January 23, 2023): Skills: Physical Assessment Practice by appt.
Week 2(January 25, 2023): Skills: Physical Assessment check off by appt

Week 3(January 30, 2023): Skills: IV initiation, Drip Calculation, IVPB
Week 3(February 1, 2023): Skills: IM/SQ Injections 
    
Week 4(February 6, 2023): Skills: Med administration
Week 4(February 8, 2023): Exam I

Week 5(February 15, 2023): Skills: Catheterization

Week 6(February 22, 2023): Skills: Central Line

Week 7(March 01, 2023): Skills: Blood Administration/Phlebotomy

Week 8(March 08, 2023): Skills: Wound Care, Suture/staple removal 

Week 9(March 15, 2023): Spring Break

Week 10(March 22, 2023): Skills: NGT Insertion/ Tube feedings

Week 11(March 29, 2023) Exam II

Week 12(April 05, 2023): Skills: Trach Care/Suctioning/Oxygen Administration

Week 13(April 12, 2023): Skills: Colostomy/Enema
         
Week 14(April 19, 2023): Skills: Chest Tubes; Lung and Heart Sounds

Week 15(April 26, 2023): RN Specialty: Fundamentals Exam/ Makeup Skills


Unit Exam I – Wednesday 02/08/2023 Time: 1000
Unit Exam II – Wednesday 03/29/2023 Time: 1000
Final Exam – Wednesday 05/03/2023 Time: 0800
Final Exam Date May 3, 2023 - 8:0 AM   Through  May 3, 2023 - 10:0 AM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A  80-89 = B  75-79 = C  74-60 = D  59 or Below = F
Determination of
Final Grade
Examinations are based on course objectives.
 
Course content from the biological and behavioral sciences as well as previous nursing knowledge is included on exams as appropriate.
 
Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled.   If a student must miss an exam, the student must contact the instructor prior to the exam or within twenty-four (24) hours of the exam.  No make-up unit exams are given.  The numerical grade attained on the Comprehensive Final exam is substituted for any missed unit exam(s). Any other exams missed will receive a zero.
 
A specified amount of time will be set for testing.   No questions may be asked during the exams.  No hats/caps/hoodies/smart watches/personal possessions other than keys, earbuds, and a pencil may be brought in to the exam.  Students who arrive after the exam starts, but before it ends, may take the exam without penalty. No additional time is provided for late arrivals and student should come in quietly taking the first available seat.  Once the exam period ends from the scheduled start time the student who arrived late must exit the exam.  Questions unanswered will be counted wrong.
 
Test times for exams will be set up for 80 seconds per question. At the end of the allotted time, the computer will not record any further answers.
 
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.
 
Test grades will not be available for a minimum of 24 hours post-test.
 
If a student scores less than 75% on a unit examination, the student MUST make an appointment within one week with one of the course faculty. During the conference the student and instructor will review the examination and, with the assistance of the instructor, identify factors that may have contributed to the student's poor performance and identify strategies to improve performance on future examinations.
 
Any challenge to exam questions must be presented on provided form prior to exiting the testing room and supporting evidence from approved resources of requested alternate answer must be emailed to course instructor within 24 hours of taking 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.  During the exam review there should be no discussions with faculty or other students.
 
The following method will be used to determine each student’s grade in the
course:
                   Activities (Swift River, Specialty Exams) 15%
                   Exam I 25%
                   Exam II 25%
                   Final 35%
                   Completion of all Pass/Fail Assignments S/U
 
The student is required to:
Demonstrate competency in performing all required nursing skills in a laboratory
setting and achieve an average of 75% or higher.
Have a final course grade of 75% and successfully complete all required skills to
pass this course.
Clinical uniforms are to be worn at all times while in the simulation/skills lab.
 
Daily Activity Grade will not be included in grade calculation until 75% weighted exam average is achieved. No grades will be rounded until the Final Course average; this includes the Weighted Exam Average. Grades will not be rounded when calculating the Weighted Exam average (74.5 – 74.9 is not rounded to 75).
 
Course assignment submissions must be submitted correctly within Blackboard.  A student will be allowed one submission per semester to be cleared by course instructor.  Any further incorrect submissions will result in a zero for the assignment submission.  Final exams are not available for review by the student after leaving the testing room and Final exam grades are not posted.
 
 
All Pass/Fail Assignments must be completed in a satisfactory manner or it will result in a course failure.
 
A final course grade of 75% and successful completion of ALL Pass/Fail assignments is necessary for a student to pass his course.
 
Late assignment submissions will incur a late point penalty. In most courses the late penalty will be a deduction of ten points if turned in within the first 24 hours after the assignment due date. If the assignment is turned in between 24 and 48 hours late a 25-point penalty will be deducted. Any assignment submitted after 48 hours without instructor permission will be assigned a zero for the assignment. Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty, but all late submissions will have a late penalty deducted. Refer to the individual course syllabus for any variations from the late penalty deductions
Course Policies
Instructor Policies Students attending classroom, lab or clinical sessions virtually should exhibit appropriate etiquette to include at a minimum: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life; Respect faculty and peers time by being on time to scheduled exams, sessions and activities; and Present yourself in a professional manner.

Required assignments and specific dates for work to be turned in must be met by the student. Unless turned in by the deadline there will be a drop in grade for lateness.  Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty. Grammar and sentence structure, spelling, legibility, neatness and following directions as to organization are related to acceptable quality in both written and oral assignments. Written work is expected to follow the most current American Psychological Association (APA) format.

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

No meals are allowed in the classroom without special permission.

Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, 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 without faculty permission.

Use of tobacco products is prohibited on all LSC-PA properties at any time.

Additional classroom policies include:

Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Upward Mobility 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.  

The following behaviors may result in the student being asked to cease the action, lose five (5) points on the next exam, and/or leave the classroom or labs:
  • Inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronics 
  • 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; disruptive behaviors in the classroom, skills/simulation lab, computer lab, testing environment, or clinical setting;
  • Counseling for repetitive tardiness (tardiness is defined as arriving greater than 10 minutes to class).
The following expectations apply to all courses:
  • Promptness is expected. Students should be on time for all classes and return from breaks promptly.
  • Students are expected to come to didactic, lab, and clinical experiences prepared and present as sincere, adult learners.
  • Phone calls and/or text messages will be returned only during scheduled breaks.
  • Cell phones must be on vibrate in the classroom and off and out of reach during testing and test reviews.  In the event of an emergency, family can contact students through the AH Secretary, Upward Mobility Program Coordinator, or Department Chair.
  • If students must leave the classroom during content presentations they must wait until the break to return to the classroom.
  • On-campus computers will only be used for classroom work.
  • All information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential and should not be shared with others outside of the classroom or lab environment.
  • Students should not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions during classroom, clinical, and lab.
  • Comments should be directed to the faculty in charge of the classroom, clinical, or lab time.
  • All students are expected to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises.
  • Students are expected to be open to new ideas and experiences and to step outside of their comfort zone.
  • A positive attitude is expected and comments should give supportive feedback.
  • The classroom, clinical, and lab environment is a judgment-free zone.
  • Students are responsible for their actions and are responsible for learning as much as possible from the experiences provided.
  • Students are encouraged to seek assistance from peers and faculty when needed to be successful.
  • Student support of each other in the learning environment is encouraged and expected.  Supportive relationships with each other will allow a more positive learning environment to enable all to work together as a team and develop professionally.
  • Homework assignments completed during classroom sessions will result in a grade of zero
  • Students are also expected to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSC-PA Upward Mobility Nursing Student Handbook.
  • If a student is unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.
Attendance Policy Attendance at all scheduled classes and clinical experiences is expected. Research has shown that consistent class and clinical attendance contributes to successful completion of not only the Upward Mobility Nursing Program, but also passing the NCLEX-RN. Regular attendance is an essential function of any job in nursing. Students who regularly miss class or clinical clearly demonstrate their refusal to be accountable to report to work regularly.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor prior to any absence. If the student is missing a clinical, classroom or lab day, s/he must notify the faculty.

Late arrival to class is disruptive. Students who consistently arrive after the scheduled starting time of class (2 or more times) will be counseled and a plan of action determined. Class will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Students who arrive ten (10) minutes after the beginning of class should not enter the classroom and should wait until break to enter. Repetitive tardiness will result in a 5-point deduction on next exam grade.

A student who is absent from course activities for three (3) days or more, without notification to faculty, may be withdrawn from the program by the program director.

Students on campus but not in class are considered absent.

It is the student’s responsibility to submit a completed ‘student excuse form’ upon return to class following an absence, tardy, or leaving class early. Failure to do so will result in a declaration of ‘no call, no show’ and may result in the student being dismissed from the program.
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.

Clinical uniforms are to be worn at all times while in the simulation/skills lab.

The program coordinator has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, scholastic abilities, attitude or lack of aptitude for registered nursing makes it inadvisable for that student to continue in the program.  
Additional Information
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