In accordance with the mission of LSC-PA, VNSG 1231 Pharmacology assists the student to develop the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success as a vocational nurse.  Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:
              
1.   Identify properties, effects, and principles of pharmacotherapeutic agents; and list common nursing interventions
      associated with the various pharmacotherapeutic agents. (PSLO 3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11.  Review appropriate use of non-prescription/OTC medications. (PSLO 1; PSLO 2; PSLO 3)

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

·         Week 2: Begin Unit 2, Drugs for Infection

·         Week 3: Continue Unit 2 Drugs for Infection; Assignment and/or Project Due (TBA) 

·         Week 4: Unit 3, Drugs for Pain Management; Assignment and/or Project Due (TBA)

·         Week 5: Begin Units 4, 5, and 6, Drugs of the Central, Peripheral and Neuromuscular NS

·         Week 6:  Continue Units 4, 5, and 6

·         Week 7: Continue Units 4, 5, and 6; Assignment and/or Project Due (TBA)

·         Week 8: Mid-Term Examination

·         Week 9: Spring Break 

·         Week 10: Unit 7, Drugs of the Respiratory System

·         Week 11: Unit 8, Drugs of the Cardiovascular System

·         Week 12:  Cardiovascular System and Respiratory system Assignment and/or Project Due (TBA)

·         Week 13: Unit 9, Drugs of the Gastrointestinal System

·         Week 14: Units 10, Drugs of the Endocrine System

·         Week 15: Assignment and/or Project Due (TBA)

·         Week 16: Final Exam

Schedule subject to change at the discretion of the Program Coordinator

• 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 and/or smart watches allowed during class or exams.

  Additional classroom policies include: Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Vocational Nursing Program are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. To assure that faculty have the opportunity to teach and students have the opportunity to benefit from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in distracting classroom behavior: I understand that promptness is expected. I will be on time for all classes on campus or virtually and return from breaks promptly. I understand that I am expected to come to theory and lab experiences prepared and present myself as a sincere, adult learner. Pre-course assignments may be required for admission into class. I will return phone calls and/or text messages only during scheduled breaks. 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. I agree that on-campus computers will only be used for classroom work. I agree that all information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential. I will not repeat or discuss what is shared with anyone. I agree that I will not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions. I agree that I will direct my comments to faculty in charge of the classroom, clinical or lab time. I agree to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises. I agree to be open to new ideas and experiences. I agree to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone. I agree to maintain a positive attitude. I agree to give supportive feedback and make corrections without belittling anyone. I agree to suspend judgment and be responsible for my actions. I agree to be responsible for learning as much as I can from this experience. I agree to ask for what I need from my instructors. 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. I agree to follow the guidelines and policies in the LSC-PA Vocational Nursing Student Handbook.   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 session: Inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronic 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; disruptive behaviors in the classroom, skills/simulation lab, computer lab, testing environment, or clinical setting   If any of these behaviors result in the student being asked to leave the classroom or lab environment, the student will receive a counseling note and a loss of 5 points on the next exam.   Should I be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.